January 15 - 21, 2020

www.lansingcitypulse.com Locally owned A newspaper for the rest of us Blast from the present Lansing's David Cooper blows his way to the top See page 13 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

Bringing the best of Folk, Roots & Dance to the Greater Lansing Area $5 2020 concert season student tickets to all shows! All events begin at 7:30pm unless noted

Friday, Feb. 28 18th Annual Friday, Jan. 17 James Keeleghan JigJam Mid-Winter Canadian Invasion II From the Midlands of Ireland

Singing & Friday, March 6 Folk Festival Friday, Jan. 24 Kyshona Tim Grimm and JAN. 31-FEB. 1 Ben Bedford Hannah Community Center, Frday, March 13 East Lansing The Steel Wheels FRIDAY CONCERT Friday, Feb. 7 The Fabulous Heftones and Friends Friday, March 20 Lynn Miles Friday, Feb. 14 Canadian Invasion IV House of Hamill (7:30) Sweet Water Warblers Liz Carroll, world-renowned Irish fddler, Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Friday, March 27 with dancer extraordinaire, Nic Gareiss Lindsay Lou and harpist Maeve Gilchrist (8:45) Joshua Davis SATURDAY COMMUNITY SING Friday, Feb. 21 Dan Chouinard Cheryl Wheeler Friday, April 3 Song Leader Frank Youngman Come sing fabulous songs and Seth Bernard WITH a Minneapolis treasure (7:30) Sunday, Feb. 23 Friday, April 17 8 SINGING & MUSIC WORKSHOPS Molsky’s Mountain Drifters SATURDAY, NOON - 4PM Bruce Molsky, Allison de Groot, Low Lily, including fddler Stash Wyslouch Lissa Schneckenburger FREE CHILDREN’S CONCERT WITH MARK DVORAK Thurs., Feb. 27 Friday, April 24 SATURDAY, 11AM Scott Cook Emma’s Revolution Canadian Invasion III with Pat Humphries SINGINGFESTIVAL.COM and Sandy O.

For info on tickets, venues, performers, monthly contra dances, Fiddle Scouts & more, call 517-337-7744 or th visit www.tenpoundfiddle.org 45 season! City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.comLorem ipsum 3 Favorite Tings Britta Urness and her brass watering can

Thursday, January 23, 2020 • 7:30 PM Claude Bolling - Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Richard Sherman, Flute Bijan Taghavi, Pianist Rodney Whitaker, Bass Randy Gelispie, Drums Music, Myth and Mystery The Absolute Music Chamber Series offers its eleventh season at the acoustically-su- perior Urban Beat Event Center in Lansing’s old Town. In this highly welcoming space, everyone sits only a few feet away from the musicians to experience chamber music up close and personal. Concert guides introduce the artists and their programs and facilitate an after-concert discussion among the audience and the musicians. This talk-back provides a chance for the audience to connect with the musicians and understand the passionate process that creates a performance. Concert Guide: WKAR’s Jamie Paisley. In the Old World soirée tradition, light refreshments are served following every concert.

Buy tickets online: absolutemusiclansing.org or at the door Urban Beat Event Center, 1213 Turner Street Lansing, Michigan 48906 in Old Town

R Britta Urness, 38, is a familiar ing her plants. Using this can always face in the Lansing art world. She felt delicate and proper, as if I were redcedar spiritsirits is a former academic adviser in the pretending to act grown-up with a art department at Michigan State house of my own. That, and water- Distillery & Cocktail Bar University and, in November, started ing the plants was much easier than on a new career path as a studio edu- peeling potatoes. cator at the Broad Museum MSU Art At an interactive art exhibit once, Lab. Beyond that, her own artwork I was asked to draw what I’d grab will be on display in a show called from my house in a fire onto a post- “Sorry, I’m Not Leaving,” opens at 6 card. I immediately thought of my Oatlander p.m. Friday (Jan. 17) at the Lansing brass watering can and took pleasure Art Gallery & Education Center, 119. in drawing its shape. There’s some- S. Washington Square, Lansing. thing about the graceful curve of the My favorite thing is a 1970s Ethan spout and the fact that it’s sturdy and Allen brass watering can. Being brass. Today, I used it to water a good brass, it tarnishes easily, but I recent- collection of small plants that I keep ly shined it up by using ketchup, and in a set of McCoy pottery planters. it worked great. Very satisfying. While you can easily buy a cheap After my Great-grandma Emma plastic watering can at a dollar store, passed away, it was something spe- I take pride in having a special tool cial I chose from her house. While for the job. It’s not the only thing I other family members were attached have of my grandma’s, and it’s cer- to her paintings, candy dishes or tainly not the most valuable thing I quilts, I gravitated towards this prac- own, but after my cats, I’d scramble tical brass beauty. to rescue this funny can due to the During the summers as a kid, I gentle memories and rituals I asso- straight bourbon spent a lot of time at her house, hav- ciate with it. ing afternoon tea with her, learning (This interview was edited and aged 4 years to sew and reading pre-teen paper- condensed by Rich Tupica. If you back books sprawled out on the floor. have a suggestion for Favorite She had me do household chores for Things, please email rich@ 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing her and my favorite thing was water- lansingcitypulse.com.) 4 - 11 p.m Thurs & Fri; 2 - 11 p.m. Sat; 4 - 10 p.m. Tues, Wed & Sun 517-908-9950 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

VOL. 19 ISSUE 23

(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 or email [email protected] PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz 17 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley Women in jazz will celebrate MLK Day [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler PAGE [email protected] (517) 999-5066 22 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 Kyle Kaminski • [email protected] Guy Yehuda ignites the Lansing Symphony Orchestra (517) 999-6710

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29 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. He Ate She Ate: Amanecer Mexicano Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Cover Distribution manager: Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704 Art Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher, Dale Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith Photo by Dickie Hill Photoworks Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected]

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on FOR DESIGN

City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION

FOR True love’s kiss DESIGN In the children’s fairy tale of yore, Snow discrimination will continue to White took an ill-advised bite from the evil churn through the federal court queen’s poison apple. The deathlike sleep system. We are not lawyers and induced by the toxic fruit could only be won’t attempt to dissect the legal broken by the kiss of true love. arguments on both sides, except We offer the popular Disney para- to say that the case will likely turn ble as a metaphor for the City of East on whether the city’s regulatory Lansing’s ongoing legal skirmish with the actions exhibited hostility toward Country Mill, a local apple orchard that the family’s religious beliefs rather unapologetically discriminates against the than maintaining neutrality. LGBTQ+ community by prohibiting same We prefer to refect on the phi- sex marriages at its farm in Charlotte. As losphical principles involved in the a result, the city – the frst in the nation to city’s fght to protect its ordinance ban discrimination on the basis of sexual prohibiting discrimination on the orientation — contends that it can legally basis of sexual orientation, a bar Country Mill from selling at the munici- practice the Country Mill owners Coffee Bar at pal farmers market. freely admit, defending their ban Horrocks Farm Market As a new year unfolds, we hope and on same sex marriages as an 7420 W Saginaw Hwy., Lansing wish the Country Mill owners would set exercise in religious freedom. Only Bill Simpson correctly iden- aside their litigious pursuits and do the Yet, as others have observed, tified this month’s Eye for Design right thing: Living up to the biblical exhor- freedom is a two-way street. It as the coffee bar at Horrocks Farm tation to “love thy neighbor,” the orchard is ironic, not to mention anti- Market. Horrocks has grown expo- case, the right of the Country Mill owners owners could remedy the ill effects of their thetical to common sense, that nentially since its opening in 1959. The to participate in a city-sponsored event, poisonous fruit by allowing the kiss of true the Country Mill owners demand the city store, which encompasses 70,000 in violation of the city’s anti-discrimination love between same sex couples at their accommodate its discriminatory religious square feet, has satellite locations in facility, just as they do for heterosexual beliefs, while attempting to deny the city ordinance, can be viewed as injuring the Grand Rapids and Battle Creek. The couples. the right to enact and enforce its secular rights of East Lansing residents to live original store has become a destina- While we are anything but biblical schol- beliefs in the form of policies that prohibit in a community free from discrimination. tion in Delta Township where custom- ars, the Christian tome’s familiar injunction discrimination. Which, we ask, is the greater harm? That ers can enjoy complimentary coffee “judge not, lest ye be judged” also comes a single small business is denied the while shopping. And, it’s constantly to mind. It is here that the best nature of opportunity to sell a few apples at a public making improvements, like adding our secular and theistic spirits align, urging The CP Edit market? Or that a local government is the café seating area that opened in us to love one another without judgment. denied the opportunity to protect its many 2018. Would that the owners of the Country Mill Opinion residents from the toxic (and illegal) fruit of This month’s Eye for Design (above) embrace this truest expression of God’s overt discrimination? The answer, to us, is can be found at an indoor location in will with a simple gesture of tolerance for obvious. East Lansing, and it may not be what their fellow humans. Astute libertarians would likely invoke Just as there is no legal mandate that it first appears to be. (Look closely.) As practicing Catholics, they could draw the “harm principle,” as espoused by John couples seeking to tie the knot must The first person to correctly identify inspiration from Pope Francis himself, who Stuart Mill in his classic work “On Liberty.” patronize the Country Mill, neither does this detail will receive a City Pulse Eye regularly calls upon his fock to show love “The only purpose for which power can the Country Mill deserve a legal man- for Design mug. Send your answer to toward the LGBTQ+ community. “Tell me,” be rightfully exercised over any member date to sell products at the East Lansing [email protected]. he once wrote, “when God looks at a gay of a civilized community, against his will,” farmers market. In the end, we suggest the — KYLE KAMINSKI person, does he endorse the existence of Mill argued, “is to prevent harm to others.” Country Mill owners keep their bigotry and this person with love, or reject and con- France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man intolerance to themselves and sell their demn this person? We have to fnd a new and of the Citizen of 1789 takes a similar poison apples elsewhere. balance; otherwise even the moral edifce tack, proclaiming that “liberty consists in of the church is likely to fall like a house of the freedom to do everything which injures Send letters to the editor cards, losing the freshness and fragrance no one else; hence the exercise of the of the Gospel.” natural rights of each man has no limits on this editorial or It seems unlikely that the Country except those which assure to the other any other topic to Mill owners will take heed of the pope’s members of the society the enjoyment of [email protected]. admonition, so its lawsuit against the the same rights.” Please limit them “Eye for Design” is our look at some of City of East Lansing alleging religious Applying this precept to the present the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each to 250 words. with Eye candy of the Week and Eyesore of the Week. 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 Jackson Johnson’s suspension rekindles diversity concerns Public outcry and unanswered ques- Kevin Brown, pastor at Shiloh Mis- tions surround Lansing’s Department sionary Baptist Church. “There’s a of Human Relations and Community Bernero questions diversity in Schor’s City Hall hole in the values of appreciation and Services after its director, Joan Jackson Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has made a point of doing some- respect that we claim, in the lens of Johnson, was abruptly placed on paid thing not easy for him: keeping his mouth shut, at least when it comes to love that allows us to see the difference leave last week. his views on the performance of his successor, Andy between what is illegal and impracti- New ques- Schor. cal. Sometimes the way you do things tions are also But Bernero broke the silence Tuesday in an inter- speaks louder than the words you say.” being raised re- view with City Pulse when he was asked to comment Details on the scope and nature of garding diver- on the suspension of Joan Jackson Jackson, whom the financial audit at Jackson John- sity at City Hall he hired in 2006 to be the city’s director of human son’s department remain under wraps. as yet another resources. Schor declined to comment on the al- African Amer- “I have concerns about this mayor’s commitment leged contract “issues” pending a for- ican depart- to diversity,” Bernero said. mal investigation. Decisions to place ment head is “As mayor, I was very sensitive about making employees on leave depend wholly on out of a job — sure there was inclusion from all parts of the city. I the circumstances, but Schor said it at least tempo- thought it was very important for any city — espe- Bernero was “necessary” in this instance. rarily — since Jackson Johnson cially Lansing — to put down the welcome mat and City officials also have yet to produce Lansing May- set an example for the entire state. We are stronger any financial records tied to Jackson or Andy Schor together. It doesn’t just happen. The talent is there, but you have to nur- Johnson’s office or respond to an open took office in 2018. Some local com- ture, uplift and embrace it.” records request for more information. munity leaders are expressing frustra- — KYLE KAMINSKI It’s also unclear what steps need to be tion with Schor’s track record amid the taken before Jackson Johnson can re- ongoing exodus. turn to her job. “A number of African Americans But Schor sharply denied that racial have been released from their duties office. Fire Chief Randy Talifarro and surrounding yourself with a represen- motivations are involved in the situa- under Mayor Schor,” said educator Information Technology Director Col- tative number of diverse people, that’s tion. Maxine Hankins Cain, who is black. lin Boyce left the city. Former Housing a problem. I think those voices need “My administration has a very di- “Why? Why have so many left? I think Commission Director Martell Arm- to be heard and no mayor should ever verse cabinet and senior staff that I am the job of mayor is to make sure the strong, who did not report to Schor, be comfortable being surrounded by proud of and represents all of Lansing,” people who surround him are of a di- resigned. only people who look like him and who Schor said in a statement. “We have verse population. These were compe- All of them are African American. think like him.” seen people leave and brought in new tent and knowledgeable people.” And a majority have been replaced by Jackson Johnson — another black people. And we have maintained a very Planning Director Bob Johnson and white men under Schor’s leadership. woman — remains on paid adminis- diverse and highly qualified senior staff Human Resources Director Mary Ri- “I am concerned,” Cain added. “If trative leave after a recent forensic au- that I am proud of. I am concerned ley weren’t rehired after Schor took you’re a white male and you have not dit uncovered “issues with contracts” about all residents of Lansing.” stemming from her department. Those After Schor was elected, Riley was findings have since been referred to the offered another job with the city but Michigan Attorney General’s Office. In declined. Schor previously said he in- the meantime, prominent members of tended to offer Johnson another po- the African American community have sition but didn’t have an opportunity. rallied behind Jackson Johnson and Talifarro and Boyce each resigned on criticized the handling of her recent their own accord, Schor said. And he suspension. Dozens voiced complaints said he placed no pressure on Arm- Monday to the City Council. strong to call it quits back in 2018. “She didn’t care if you were black, Schor also touted the recent hiring of white. It didn’t make any difference,” City Treasurer Judy Kehler, Chief Ad- said the Rev. Clyde Carnegie. “Male, ministrative Officer Nicholas Tate and female, it didn’t bother her. She got her Lansing Police Department Chief Dar- hands dirty. She rolled up her sleeves yl Green — all African Americans — and she worked to help make Lansing under his administration. Others, like great. We stand on her shoulders. And HR Director Linda Sanchez Gazella, a I say tonight, Joan, we love you. We’re Latina, and Brian McGrain, who is gay, not going to leave you.” help fill out his diverse cabinet, he said. “If we’re not supporting the people “Since I announced I am running, that are disenfranchised and at the I have always said that I will listen to bottom of our socioeconomic scale, our all opinions and do what is best for the entire community is impacted,” added city of Lansing,” Schor added. “That retired Lansing teacher Cheryl Dudley. has not changed. I am very apprecia- “What’s being done to Jackson John- tive of the people who work for me.” son,” she said, “is horrible. A price is al- But others — particularly those in Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse ways paid when we touch God’s people Lansing’s African American communi- The Rev. Clyde Carnegie speaks to Lansing City Council in support of doing God’s work. Joan Jackson Johnson on Monday night. “There’s a hole in this process,” said See Diversity, Page 7 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

want to “feel the Bern.” George Stephanopoulos. Her eyes Volunteer Amanda Dolinski was teared up. Sanders movement taking amazed by the enthusiasm of an Upper “These were thoughts that I literally Peninsula couple she called during the had forever, as long as I can remem- 2016 campaign. ber,” she said. “And to have a politician off in Michigan “I said, ‘Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m — a politician! — speak exactly what with the Bernie 2016 campaign,’” I’ve been thinking, it was like destiny.”

This weekend’s road POLITICS National outlets like The New York Dolinski recalled. Collison needed the kiwi, as it turned trip to Iowa started Times are feeling the surge. They’re The person I was trying to reach out. She didn’t recognize about a third with local Bernie beginning to frame the race for the was a woman’s name and her husband of the people who trickled in through- Sanders organizer nomination in terms of a two-horse answered the phone. As soon as I said I out the meeting. As far as she’s con- Kelly Collison and a race between the U.S. senator from was with the Bernie campaign he said, cerned if they’re for Bernie, they can’t few friends. Vermont and former Vice President ‘Whoa! My wife has been waiting for- be all bad. Bernie backers are people Now, the door Joe Biden. ever for this phone call! Let me get her.’ who “care about people” and about knocking/canvassing Volunteers like Marshall Clabeaux “You could hear him hustling “coming together.” team from Lansing is of Lansing are committed to the through the house to get her,” Dolinski When she and her partner had trou- up to 10 people, three unabashed liberal four-square. Sanders continued. “When she got on the ble with their house and they thought cars and two Airbnbs. It’s kinda like won Michigan four years ago. They phone she was so excited to hear from they’d lose it, she posted a Facebook this whole Sanders movement in early firmly believe it will happen again. the campaign. She wanted to know message. Within a half hour, she raised 2020. “Back in 2016,” he said, referring to how she could volunteer. As we were $1,500. Random people she didn’t Organizational events like the Jan. the presidential primary, when Sanders hanging up the phone, she yelled, even know gave. All they knew was 9 gathering at the Sanctuary that beat Hillary Clinton, “I walked 500 ‘YAAAHOOOOO!’” that she gave her time for Bernie and gathered a handful of diehards back miles in the month leading up to the Yup, Bernie people are passionate that’s all that mattered. in 2016 are turning into gatherings election. I got pneumonia knocking on birds. Speaking of birds, remember the So, at about the same time the of 30-some people. All of them want tens of thousands of doors,” Clabeaux bird that landed on Sanders’ podium Sanders team hires its first Michigan to knock doors, make phone calls said. “I’m willing to do it again.” in Portland, Oregon, in 2016? Collison staff person, Collison is seeing the or do whatever they can to help the The diverse collection of Sanders kicked off last Thursday’s meeting by gradual increase in volunteers pick up. Democratic presidential hopeful, who supporters doesn’t need a lot of tossing around a stuffed pink New “Bernie people are the best people,” is surging in the weeks leading to the inspiration to run through a wall for Zealand kiwi-like thing. You catch the she said. “I hate to say that because Iowa Caucuses. Sanders. They certainly know what kiwi, you say your name and why you there are others who are awesome, too, The drive to elect Sanders, which they’re getting into. support Bernie. but Bernie people are the nicest people seemed to stagnate for a while, is back “How many people here have the Volunteer Nikki Phan said she sup- because we’re fighting for people we and is growing. Bernie app?” Collison asked Thursday’s ports Sanders because of his antiwar, don’t even know. It’s the most beautiful “This is what I’ve been waiting for,” group. Medicare for All and erasing student thing I’ve seen. said Collison. “I’ve been telling myself, Nearly every hand went up. Yes, debt positions. “It’s the people that make this move- ‘Bernie, please don’t peak, yet. Then his Bernie Sanders’ campaign has an Clabeaux said he liked where Bernie ment a huge inspiration to me.” heart attack happened. He recovered app. It has news, videos, volunteer- was on the Green New Deal. (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol newslet- and he didn’t peak. Now he’s peaking. ing opportunities, and other ways to Dolinski said she first saw Sanders ter MIRS is at [email protected].) Right before Iowa. This is perfect.” connect with like-minded people who on an ABC morning program with

added. “I can’t say that he supports the uments to the Michigan Attorney “I was told I couldn’t be involved in Diversity African American community. People General’s Office for a review that may both entities, but there was no finan- act on the basis of what they perceive determine whether a state criminal cial impropriety going on,” Jackson is important. And for some reason, he investigation ensues. No timeline has Johnson added. “I needed to divorce from page 6 saw fit to let some of these people go been established. myself from that organization given its and the only real common denomina- Jackson Johnson couldn’t be reached ties to the city, and I was working on ty — remain skeptical. tor at play here is their ethnicity.” for comment this week, but previously that. I didn’t want to dissolve the or- Former school administrator Eu- Barbara Roberts Mason was the first denied any financial wrongdoing. ganization. We’ve been trying to find gene Cain, who is married to Maxine African-American woman in Michi- “There is nothing financial going other people to take on these roles.” Hankins Cain, isn’t convinced that gan elected to statewide office, serving on,” Jackson Johnson declared in an Records show One Church One Schor has the best interests of the Af- a record 24 years on Michigan’s State interview late last week. “I’ve been told Family received at least $500,000 in rican American community in mind. Board of Education as a powerful voice there’s a conflict of interest with my federal grant funding in recent years, He labeled the revolving door of black for equality and justice. She also ques- position in different organizations. I in addition to at least one $10,000 leaders at City Hall as “questionable.” tioned the circumstances that led to was working on that. After a while, you grant from the city of Lansing. Jackson “The number of people of the same the departure of so many black voices have to think they’re on a witch hunt Johnson insisted that she never de- race being shown the door is trou- under Schor’s leadership. against me. I’m not sure I really under- rived any personal financial gain from bling,” Cain added. “This is where the “It’s one thing to have a diverse staff stand anything.” its operation, according to an affidavit mayor needs to come forward with but another to have them in man- Jackson Johnson suspects her de- filed with the City Clerk’s office. answers, particularly for the African agement positions. I don’t know why parture was triggered by her long-time Jackson Johnson, a carryover from Americans in this community. I’ve they’re leaving. Apparently they’re not involvement with the nonprofit One former Mayor Virg Bernero’s adminis- come to the conclusion that people satisfied with what’s been happening in Church One Family, a local charity that tration, will still collect her $129,289 need to be judged by their answers, not the environment,” Roberts Mason said. acquires grants and provides housing annual salary while on leave. Mean- their words. We need to see some ac- “Joan believes this is a witch hunt, and to those in need. She initially registered while, Tate has been named interim tion.” it sounds like it is. It sounds like some- it with the state in 2008 and served as director in order to maintain services. “If it walks like a duck and quacks one is digging at it.” its chairwoman before she resigned in — KYLE KAMINSKI like a duck, it’s probably a duck,” he Meanwhile, the city has sent doc- December 2019. [email protected] 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 CBD craze fuels market for Michigan hemp Industry insiders prep for their crops last year. State officials said up to 603 grow- lucrative growing season ers worked alongside 483 processors and handlers to harvest a total of about As the market for medical and rec- 18,000 square acres of indoor- and out- reational marijuana blossoms across door-grown hemp across Michigan last Michigan in the wake of its newfound year. A report with additional statistics legal status, a lesser known (but argu- — including a total harvest weight — is ably just as lucrative) side of the indus- expected to be released sometime in the try is starting to make some inroads. spring, officials said. A sold-out crowd filled the Lansing Another 238 growing licenses have Center last weekend for the inaugural been issued as momentum builds for Midwest iHemp Expo. Organizers have this year’s growing season. And some since labeled it as one of the largest hemp insiders suggested the return on gatherings of industry insiders in the investment could exceed $19,000 per country following the first legal hemp acre amid a billion-dollar industry. harvest in Michigan since World War “Michigan is uniquely positioned II. And the economic forecast calls only to grow, process and manufacture for rapid growth in 2020. industrial hemp as one of the nation’s “Michigan has a strong manufactur- most agriculturally diverse states,” said ing base and a strong agricultural base. Agriculture Department spokeswoman We’re seeing some players coming to Jennifer Holten. “This emerging crop Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse this market with innovative ideas that not only creates new opportunities for A vendor displays hemp products at the first Midwest iHemp Expo last weekend will really help the hemp industry grow,” our farming community, but also offers at Lansing Center said Dave Crabill, a hemp grower and an avenue for new businesses to devel- the vice president of iHemp Michigan, op.” can be very capital intensive,” Crabill $1,350 for processors — in exchange an organization founded in 2018 to Under state law, harvested hemp can- explained. “These people aren’t going for Michigan’s regulatory greenlight to support the industry. not exceed 0.3% THC or else it may need to make money right away. We need harvest their crops. As a caveat of the “It’s going to take some time, energy to be destroyed. And while its industrial tens of thousands of acres of hemp to pilot program, those entrepreneurs are and creative thinking, but we’re con- uses can vary across the manufacturing satisfy even the most minor demands. technically producing state “research” fident that Michigan is going to be a marketplace, Michigan’s hemp industry It’ll happen, but it’s going to take a lit- in order to make it all legal. major player in the hemp industry. I has been booming for mostly one rea- tle more energy and arm-twisting in the Growers and processors also need to think we’re already starting to see that,” son: CBD. It might not produce a high, marketplace to see it through.” identify their growing locations to state Crabill added. “We certainly have the but studies point to a broad spectrum of And Michigan’s established and officials, but they’re exempt from pub- enthusiasm, and we seem to have the health benefits. aspiring hemp farmers and processors lic disclosure. And unlike the marijua- right mindset to learn and share from Recent clinical research suggests — many of whom crowded the Lansing na industry where cities and townships one another to make it happen.” CBD can help treat anxiety, cognition Center over the weekend — are ready to can opt out of the market, the right to Hemp — often labeled as the straight- and movement disorders and pain. And push the industry forward. Agricultural grow hemp is ingrained into state law laced cousin of the buzz-inducing mar- a little hemp oil goes a long way in its technology continues to evolve. and cannot be superseded by any pro- ijuana plant — is a species of cannabis production. CBD’s comparatively sim- Processing techniques are always being hibitive local ordinances. grown specifically for fiber and CBD plistic production process also helps to explored. A newfound entrepreneurial Still, a slowly dissipating stigma of rather than THC, the psychoactive explain why CBD gummies are lining spirit lingers in the air. “reefer madness” across the country has component in weed that gets people shelves at more local businesses like Fabio Rodi, founder of Vermont- affected the hemp industry as well. high. Its industrial uses are constantly Quality Dairy and Family Video. based Icon Processors, is among those Crabill said because hemp (and CBD) expanding to include paper, clothing, “CBD is the shiny object in the room hoping to cash in on Michigan’s hemp were not commercially available in biofuels, plastics and more. right now,” Crabill said. “It’s going to market. His out-of-state process- the U.S. during the last 80 years, it’ll Michiganders since 1938 have been remain that way for the next couple of ing facilities can handle about 2,000 take some extra time to educate both legally prohibited from growing hemp. years, at least until we have a rich uncle pounds of hemp daily, but his compa- entrepreneurs and consumers about its That changed last year when it was set up some processing options for ny already has plans to expand north of potential uses and demonstrable health removed from the list of federally con- the fiber. Companies like Patagonia or Detroit to process up to 10,000 pounds benefits. And the sooner people realize trolled substances following the passage LEGO would love to incorporate it in of hemp a day. you can’t get high off hemp, the better, of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, subsequent- their products, but we’re just not pre- “We expect that in Michigan and in he said. ly legalizing its production and distri- pared to process it.” the Midwest, there will be more farms “It’s not just about money, it’s about bution and giving states the authority Crabill said a shortage of processors growing hemp for CBD, but there’s also health benefits for the consumer too,” to regulate the market. to match an enthusiastic army of hemp going to be a lot of people producing Crabill said. “You hear these stories all Unlike the marijuana industry, farmers in Michigan has somewhat for the industrial side of the industry,” the time, and they’re coming out more Michigan oversees hemp through its stalled the rollout of the industry. State Rodi said. “Strategically, Michigan is in and more. People are using CBD as Department of Agriculture and Rural officials have long recognized the steep a unique position and we expect to see a way to deal with pain or anxiety or Development. Officials are still await- learning curve for everyone involved in some big production for all of these dif- sleeplessness. It’s about education. For ing a formalized ruleset from the federal the budding commodity, but remain ferent industries.” the last century, we’ve had this massive government, but a research-based pilot optimistic about the future of statewide Under state law, those growing, pro- campaign to vilify cannabis. That’s a lot program for farmers allowed growers hemp production. cessing and handling hemp are required and processors to get a jumpstart on “Processing hemp fiber at scale to pay annual licensing fees — up to See Hemp, Page 9 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Lansing City Council to target local slumlords the majority of our housing stock and conditions with every lease agree- Spadafore to create are causing the most problems,” Betz ment — Betz also wants landlords to tenants' rights panel said. “They don’t have that personal have some financial skin in the game. pride in what Lansing looks like. To “On the tenant side, we have some Deadbeat landlords be warned: us, they’re not even voters. They’re of the least protections among cit- The Lansing City Council is fed up giving other landlords a bad name.” ies across the country,” Betz said. “I with your neglected rental properties. U.S. Census data shows that about want to make sure there’s an easi- Lansing residents for years have half of Lansing residents between er legal recourse. Maybe tenants can voiced complaints to Council mem- 2014 and 2018 were renters, each be allowed to take the money they bers over shoddy living conditions paying a gross median rent of $807. would’ve paid in rent and fix these inside rental homes and apartments. Betz Spitzley And last year, about 38% of Lansing issues for themselves. Maybe code Reports of rats, bed bugs, dysfunc- rentals were found to be unsafe enforcement could do it for them and tional heaters, broken locks and more expects its members to meet with and lacked a certificate showing bill the landlord.” have made their way to City Hall. stakeholders, community members they passed inspection, according The city of Jackson passed an ordi- While code enforcement does its and city staff to ascertain strengths to records compiled last year by the nance last year that requires landlords best, landlord accountability remains and weaknesses in rental enforce- Lansing State Journal. to repay costs associated with rehous- a concern. ment. He’ll also charge the commit- And although last year’s budget ing tenants that were evicted over Council President Peter Spadafore tee with producing a recommenda- set aside some extra cash for code unsafe living conditions. Officials said is determined to put an end to tion on how to beef up local laws by enforcement, more work can always about a dozen residents have made Lansing’s pervasive slumlord reign. August. be done. use of the new law. The goal: put Spadafore said he will soon “There are some really bad land- “For me, we’ve got an issue,” said pressure on landlords to ensure their announce plans to form the city’s lords in this city who are not doing Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley. properties remain safe, or else they first Housing and Resident Safety good by their duties to take care of “We’ve got an issue with landlords pay a price. Committee. The goal: reach out their housing,” said Councilman who aren’t doing the right thing. “The city had to vacate these apart- to residents, gauge the strength of Brandon Betz. “It’s really an issue We’ve seen this play out recently at ments and was actually paying to put Lansing’s existing laws on housing with certain landlords, especially Autumn Ridge. Clearly, we’re doing families in motels until another hous- and code enforcement and, if some those who live out-of-state, but my everything we can do to help, but ing situation could be found,” said a landlords need to be held account- goal is to make sure there are safe, we’re getting some pretty horrible spokesman for the city of Jackson. “We able, ready and arm the Council to great housing conditions for every- pictures from residents about their weren’t under any obligation to do hold their feet closer to the fire. one living in Lansing.” living conditions.” that, but we didn’t want to make these The committee will also be tasked Betz’ election platform last year, Shoddy rental conditions in people homeless. This law ensured the with exploring additional protections when he defeated incumbent Jody Lansing were put on full display last taxpayers didn’t foot the bill.” for local homeowners as well. Washington in the First Ward, was month when dozens of residents of Deputy Lansing City Attorney Joe “Some landlords and tenants have partially built on plans to reform Autumn Ridge were pink-tagged Abood questioned the legality of said they believe the city could be housing laws and bolster protections after their apartments fell out of com- Jackson’s ordinance and recommend- doing more and think our laws could for both tenants and homeowners in pliance with city code. It was a clear ed that City Council hold off on pass- be changed to better protect folks in Lansing. He has since met with sev- warning to management: bring your ing any laws until the city of Jackson the community living in rental prop- eral dozen local residents and has properties up to snuff or else they’ll can be challenged on its ordinance erties,” Spadafore said. “Ultimately, been bouncing ideas off other Council need to be vacated. City officials said in court. A spokesman for Jackson, this is all about learning and finding members for the last few weeks. And the issue might develop into a lawsuit however, said the ordinance has been out what changes might be needed to the new committee is the launchpad against the apartment complex, but working without a hitch for several ensure greater resident safety in this for his plans. they don’t want to put tenants on the months. city.” “A lot of landlords are in compli- street. “We have a lot of tenants’ rights The ad-hoc committee hasn’t yet ance, but it appears that there are “I can’t tell you how many calls within our ordinances,” added Lansing been formed, but Spadafore said he about 15 who live out of state, own I’ve had from people who are scared, Mayor Andy Schor. “I will certainly thinking they’re going to be evicted,” look at what is being proposed and go Spitzley added. “They don’t know from there, but they do have rights. In the meantime, the Agriculture their rights as tenants, and I think we We alert them of their rights. We Hemp Department will continue its pilot need to do a better job reaching out alert them when the building isn’t up program into 2020 until formal to our residents. This rental problem to code. We’re already working with from page 8 changes can be made to state law. needs some solutions, and it might landlords to bring properties up to Once statutory changes are passed take an ordi- code.”

by the legislature, the Agriculture STATE OF MICHIGAN nance to get Betz said he plans to gather more PROBATE COURT Department will then submit COUNTY OF INGHAM things mov- community input before moving for- of momentum to overcome and it’s NOTICE OF HEARING Michigan’s industrial hemp plan File # 19-1194-GA, 19-1195-CA ing.” ward with any proposed ordinances or not going to happen overnight, but I and — once that is approved — will In the matter of Carolyn Condell. In addition changes to how the city handles code think we can all get there.” provide added oversight of the state’s TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be to expanded enforcement, with a goal of adding While the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill held on 2/20/2020 at 2:30 p.m. at commercial hemp program. The 2019 313 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing MI education — additional tenant protections by 2021. 48933 before Judge Dunnings for authorized the commercial produc- and 2020 seasons, in the meantime, the following purpose: Contested like flyers that “I don’t want to punish people,” Hearing for Guardian and tion of hemp, state regulators are serve as a massive, state-wide learn- Conservator. describe ten- Betz added. “I just want to make sure still awaiting a finalized set of rules ing opportunities, state officials said. Date: 1/13/2020 ants’ rights in our tenants are safe.” Talaina Cummins from the USDA on the establish- — KYLE KAMINSKI c/o Ingham County DHHS the event of — 5303 S. Cedar Street KYLE KAMINSKI ment of a domestic hemp program. [email protected] Lansing, MI 48911 517-775-5450 CP#20-008 unsafe living [email protected] 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 Campaign eyes protections for LGBTQ community Gay leaders across Greater Lansing endorse petition drive As a massive voter petition circulates across Michigan to bolster civil rights protections for the LGBTQ communi- ty, local gay leaders in Greater Lansing are standing lockstep against contin- ued discrimination. And changes to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act might just be the only way to cement Crenshaw Schor Beier Spadafore Swope those safeguards into place. “If we leave it at the status quo, with es, the language would head to the Energy President Patti Pope. have long been stalled by Republicans the way things have been going, you’re November ballot for voters to decide. Herman Miller CEO Andi Owen, lawmakers — even with vocal support going to see more discrimination and Although attempts to amend the Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron from former Gov. Rick Snyder. more rights of these individuals being Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act have Bieber, Mark Bernstein of the Sam House Speaker Lee Chatfield, for suppressed,” said Bryan Crenshaw, a started and failed during nearly every Bernstein Law Firm and Whirlpool example, said last year that he didn’t gay man and chairman of the Ingham legislative session since the statute Corp. Vice President Jeff Noel — plan to hold a vote on civil rights leg- County Board of Commissioners. was passed in 1976, organizers think among dozens of others — have also islation, warning it would clash with “This will bring us all closer to total shifting social perspectives and grow- signed on to support the initiative. religious freedoms. inclusivity.” ing support from registered voters Lansing Mayor Andy Schor also serves “I don’t think religion should be in Last week, Fair and Equal Michigan, might be enough to finally level the on the leadership committee. the practice of discriminating against alongside dozens of prominent public playing field for the LGBTQ commu- “Solidarity is for all of us,” Bieber people based on who they are,” argued officials and businesspeople, submit- nity. said in a press release last week. “We Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope. “I ted petition language seeking to ini- “Each legislative cycle when the stand against any form of discrimina- wish the legislature would have acted tiate legislation to amend the state’s bills are introduced, they languish,” tion in the workplace or in the com- on something in the last 30 years, but civil rights law to clarify prohibitions said Erin Knott, executive director munity — no one should be fired or since that doesn’t seem to be happen- on discriminatory practices to include of Equality Michigan. “Enough is discriminated against because of who ing, it makes sense to take this to the sexual orientation, gender identity enough. It’s time to break the log jam they are or who they love. We are ded- voters. Discrimination still happens.” and gender expression. in Lansing and modernize our laws. icated to fighting for a Michigan that’s “The fact that it’s legal to discrimi- The existing law prohibits discrim- We know it makes sense economical- open and welcoming to all.” nate against someone based on their ination in employment, housing and ly. It’s good for tourism. It’s good for Alongside Crenshaw, Lansing City gender identity or sexual orienta- public accommodations on the basis Main Street. And it sends the message Council President Peter Spadafore tion — particularly in 2020 — is of religion, race, sex, height, weight loud and clear that Michigan residents and East Lansing Mayor Ruth Beier just totally unacceptable,” added gay and maritial status. The amendment — including the LGBTQ community — both members of the LGBTQ com- Ingham County Commissioner Ryan aims to broaden that criteria to spe- — are ready to be treated fairly.” munity — also voiced support for the Sebolt. “Michigan cannot continue to cifically prohibit discrimination based The honorary leadership committee amendments to the state law. be labeled as a state where discrimi- on sexual orientation and gender behind the recent initiative includes “Nobody should be denied public nation is legal but yet it continues to identity, including the transgender former Republican State Rep. Mel accommodations or be fired for who happen.” community. Larsen, who cosponsored the Civil they love or who they are,” Spadafore Fair and Equal Michigan is confi- Organizers need to collect about Rights Act back in 1973. Others said. “It’s long been my hope that leg- dent in its movement. Organizers, as 340,000 signatures by May 27 to send include DTE Energy President Jerry islators would follow Lansing’s lead part of the announcement, cited a sur- the proposal to the state legislature. If Norcia, Apple CEO Tim Cook, DOW and enshrine these rights into state vey of 600 registered voters that shows lawmakers ignore or reject the chang- CEO Jim Fitterling and Consumers law. That hasn’t happened. But we’re 77.5% were likely to support legisla- further along as a society, so hopefully tion to amend the civil rights law to hearts and minds have moved on this.” add protections for LGBTQ people — DON’T FORGET • WE’VE GOT “It’s necessary because right now, including 75% of leaning GOP voters Rates start at $24 people of different sexual orienta- and 66% of strong Republican voters. for 4 lines tions can be legally discriminated “History will remember this,” add- THE PULSIFIEDS against,” Beier added. “It’s amazing to ed Ryan Buck, a gay man and trustee BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS me how quickly things have changed for Lansing Community College. “At for the LGBTQ community within a certain point, people need to stand Sell Your Stuf! just the last 10 years. It’s clear we still up for what’s right. I truly believe Find a Advertise Your Service! have some room to grow, but I think that history will remember folks that House! Find a Job! we have the willpower to get there came out on the wrong side of this, together.” who stood against this inclusion and Submit your classified ad to Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or If the amendments pass through who came out in support of equality [email protected] the legislature or the ballot, Michigan for all.” Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified would become the 22nd state to spe- — KYLE KAMINSKI ads also appear online at no extra charge. Deadline cifically bolster protections for its [email protected] for classifieds is 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming Wednesday’s issue. LGBTQ residents. Movement on those civil rights amendments, however, City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11 THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING

Thanks to all who helped celebrate our excellent run of 30 years with an even crazier Holiday Season! On Saturday, January 25, from 10-5, we will be See you Jan. 25 for open to sell the last few items of inventory our fnal day of inventory and as well as all of our display units, display sale! shelving, acrylic display risers, plate stands, baskets, Christmas trees, decorations, some track lighting, all of our pedestal system, wall shelving, pegboards, etc.

[email protected] 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

against the Iraqi and Iranian govern- levy more sanctions, there was only so ments became protests against the much juice left in that squeeze. A fight everyone lost American government. The Iranians But then the world learned — and bailed on their commitments to the Iran admitted after three days of

For a couple of DISSENT INFORMED for being tougher than Barack Obama. Obama nuclear agreement. European denials — that a Ukranian 737 that hours last Tuesday He repeatedly lied about Obama’s allies grew increasingly frustrated. The crashed outside of Tehran shortly after night, I had the nuclear deal with Iran. He promised region is no closer to peace today than Iran’s missile strike wasn’t downed by sinking feeling that to slap more sanctions on Iran. He it was before Soleimani was killed, nor mechanical failure but by an Iranian the U.S. was about urged NATO — the allies he’s alienat- is the U.S. any closer to a resolution surface-to-air missile. On heightened to embark on yet ed — to get more involved. He urged with Iran. alert, the Iranians — who, ineptly, another generational JEFFREY C. BILLMAN Iran — the country he’s antagonized — America, it seemed, gained nothing hadn’t shut down commercial flights conflict. Iran had to negotiate a new nuclear deal, even except a dead adversary. — mistook the plane for an American responded to President Trump’s kill- though he withdrew from the last one. Trump, perhaps, gained a campaign counterattack and got trigger-happy. ing of its Quds commander, General It was an odd speech. The optics talking point. But a USA Today poll Iran tried to blame American Qassem Soleimani, by launching mis- were unsettling, too. Trump sound- found that, by a 2:1 margin, Americans aggression for the 176 lost lives, many siles and rockets at two American bases ed off, flat, heavy, exhausted. Maybe thought Trump’s decision had made of them Iranian, but by Saturday, in Iraq. Days earlier, Trump had vowed he hadn’t slept well —mhe’d just the country less safe, and a majority Iranians weren’t having it. In Tehran, on Twitter to “quickly & fully strike bumbled his way to the precipice of thought his behavior toward Iran was protesters were shouting, “Death to the back, & perhaps in a disproportionate a world crisis, after all. (To be fair, “reckless.” Maybe that’s why his polling dictator!” and “Death to liars!” accord- manner” if Iran did so. He said that the Senator Lindsey Graham thought it numbers remain low. In any event, ing to videos posted to social media. U.S. would target 52 sites — one for was Trump’s “Tear Down This Wall,” so Nancy Pelosi will transmit the articles Days before, the country’s anger was each of the 52 hostages Iran took four your mileage may vary.) of impeachment to the Senate this pointed at the U.S. No longer. decades ago — including some that Now that things have calmed down week, and this episode will fade into In the end, this seems like a fight are “a very high level & important to — for the time being, anyway — I’ve the background as Trump’s trial begins. everyone lost. Iran & the Iranian culture.” (Targeting been trying to figure out what exactly That leaves Iran, which initially (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of The cultural sites is a war crime, but never the Iran standoff accomplished. What, looked not too worse for wear. To INDY, in Durham, North Carolina.) mind that.) in other words, was the point of stok- much of the Case No. 19-1UDC-0863 Given the rhetoric — and Trump’s ing this fire? world, Trump Dept. No. 1 IN THE TENTH JUDICIAL was the bel- DISTRICT COURT OF THE pathological need to prove how much I don’t see how the affair bene- STATE OF NEVADA IN AND tougher he is than Barack Obama — it fited the U.S., unless you ascribe to ligerent; Iran FOR THE COUNTY OF — its atro- CHURCHILL was difficult to see how the U.S. could Soleimani god-like superpowers. PAMALA LYNN BENTON, Plaintiff, cious human SCOTT CHRISTOPHER BENTON, back down. Missiles would be in the air The Quds force has about 20,000 Defendant. rights record SUMMONS soon, headed toward Tehran. Perhaps members; its leader’s death won’t THE STATE OF NEVADA SENDS aside — had GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE Iran would make good on its threat affect operations. The idea that kill- NAMED DEFENDANT: You are hereby SUMMONED and required to level Dubai in response, or perhaps ing Suleimani disrupted an immi- played the to serve upon the plaintiff, PAMALA LYNN BENTON, whose address is it would attack Israel. Lots of people nent attack is far-fetched at best. grown-up. It 924 Brass Ring Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123, and ANSWER to the had stopped Complaint which is herewith served would die. The worst-case scenario was Instead, Trump felt pressured by the upon you, within 20 days after things from service of this Summons upon you, 40 about to play out on live television. Republican hawks who will judge exclusive of the date of service. spiraling out In addition, you must file with the But it didn’t. his impeachment trial and wanted to Clerk of this Court, whose address of control. is shown below, a formal written Iran hit the brakes. Its retaliation avenge a recent Iranian-backed mili- answer to the complaint, along with the appropriate filing fees, in was more for show than to cause harm. tia action against the U.S. embassy in And if Iraq accordance with the rules of the Court. If you fail to do so, judgement No one was killed. After the attack, Baghdad. did boot by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the coalition Complaint. This action is brought Iran said it didn’t intend any further In the process, the U.S. made itself to recover a judgement dissolving forces, that the contract of marriage existing action. It offered Trump an off-ramp. even more of a pariah. The Iraqi between you and the Plaintiff. would likely The filer certifies that this document The next morning, a slurring and parliament voted to expel American does not contain the social security snorting Trump took it. He said the troops, and then the U.S. threatened strengthen number of any person. Sue Sevon Iranians backed down. He insisted to cut off Iraq’s access to a New York Iran’s region- CLERK OF THE COURT Shellie Hooten (without evidence) that he had killed Fed account holding oil revenue (after al position. DEPUTY CLERK 73 Main St., Fallon, NV 89406 Soleimani to prevent an imminent Trump had threatened to impose And while CP#20-002 attack. He patted himself on the back sanctions on a supposed ally). Protests Trump could City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

David Cooper rides his horn from Lansing to Chicago

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO Anyone who loves what they do for a living is lucky, but David Cooper is in a league all his own. In the darkest time of year, you couldn’t find a brighter beam of energy. The man is just lit. In fall 2019, Cooper, a graduate of Grand Ledge High School and alumnus of the MSU Symphony, reached the very top of his profession at the tender age of 35. He was named princi- pal horn of the Chicago Symphony, celebrated for decades as home of the world’s greatest brass section. Athletic and intense, Cooper is not an arm- chair music lover, or an armchair anything. He first heard the Chicago brass as a teenager, while snowboarding down a hillside, his iPod cranked to Mahler’s planet-crushing Seventh Symphony. Jazz gets him worked up, too. “My first speeding ticket, I was listening to Charles Mingus,” he said. “I was just so wrapped up in the bebop I got pulled over. I don’t listen to Mingus and drive now.” He loves to tell skeptical Uber drivers why he loves classical music. He doesn’t mind when they ask him what his “real” job is. “Passion is contagious,” Cooper said. “Every time I play a piece of music I feel like I know that composer. I know their joys, their sorrows, their stories, their loves. I’m sharing these emotions that are still current today, in sound. When you share your love of something, they might love it too, for the same reasons.” Over Thanksgiving weekend, Cooper came back to Lansing to spend time with his mother, Joan, who lives in the same house on St. Joseph Street where David grew up, and his brother, John. He reconnected with former teachers and old friends, basked in the old Spartan spirit and celebrated a grand new phase in his life over a raspberry scone at Strange Matter Coffee.

Enchanted forest

Two suns burn in the sky when we first glimpse Luke Skywalker at the start of the “Star Wars” saga. A noble French horn plays the hero’s theme as he bounds into the frame, setting the tone for the epic to come. That did it for little 4-year-old David Cooper. His glowing face and golden horn were forever Courtesy photo paired, like the twin suns of Tatooine. Grand Ledge native and MSU Symphony alumnus David Cooper, seen here in 2016 at an the Link & Pin gallery in Austin, Texas was named principal horn of the Chicago Symphony last fall. See Cooper, Page 14 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

“More than anybody else.” Cooper Joan Cooper compared her son to a “wild horse.” “Sometimes you give him free rein, but you also have to pull him in,” she said. She has seen conductors from page 13 from Gregorian to Van Zweden to Chicago maestro Riccardo Muti take Cooper under their mighty wings. “Those John Williams horn solos — oh, God,” he “He was a kid you could teach,” Gregorian said. “He sighed. was not ashamed to say, ‘give me a little more time to Cooper has had some head-spinning experiences at prepare this’ and the next time he was perfect.” the top of the international music world. Before he Cooper got his work ethic from his dad, Kirby, a vio- came to Chicago last July, he was the first American linist who made his living as a landscaper and counted to play principal horn in the Berlin Philharmonic. Gregorian among his clients. He even played “Star Wars” with the Fort Worth “I saw my dad get up at 6 in the morning, go to work Symphony, conducted by Williams himself, in 2009. at 7 and get home at 7 every night,” Cooper said. “He Last month, The New York Times heralded his rarely took a vacation. That’s the Midwestern work arrival in Chicago as part of a new era in the world’s ethic. I knew that’s what you had to do just to make it.” most celebrated brass section. The horn component comes in part from Cooper’s It’s an intimidating resume, but the only important grandmother, Marie Grasius, who studied the horn thing to know about Cooper is that he would happily after seeing John Philip Sousa’s band in Brookings, play his horn in the vacuum of space. South Dakota, around 1910. “It was unusual for a He did something close to that in August 2016, on woman to take up the French horn,” Cooper said. a camping and canoeing trip with his mother in the When Cooper’s grandparents moved to East Lansing Boundary Waters between Canada and Minnesota. in 1953, Marie and her brother, Edward, both played His brother, John Cooper, a brass technician at in the Lansing Symphony. Marshall Music, salvaged a junk beater horn for David David Cooper played his first note on the horn at to take along. He took out the valves, reducing it to a the age of 4, in his grandmother’s attic. She dusted rustic “natural” horn. Courtesy photo the horn off, polished the mouthpiece and handed it With no valves to vary the notes, it’s almost impos- Cooper was inspired by John Williams' "Star Wars" to him. He still remembers making that first sound. sible to get more than a lovesick elk’s mating call out music as a kid, and got to play it for Williams in Fort After a brief flirtation with bass guitar, Cooper of a natural horn. Worth. became a star horn player under Michael Kaufman, Cooper piled into the car with his mom and drove director of Grand Ledge High School bands from 1981 chair at the MSU Symphony, surrounded by college through the Upper Peninsula, beyond Duluth to to 2008. students. “He beat everybody at the audition,” orches- points northwest. He strapped the battered horn to “We had all these farm kids in Grand Ledge,” Cooper tra director Leon Gregorian recalled. “He was so damn his canoe with bungee cords, took it into the woods said. “He would take the farm kids’ mentality and use good. He never made a mistake. I’m not exaggerating. and played to the deer and thrushes every day to keep that toward music. Mr. Kaufman made this amazing And he enjoyed every moment of a rehearsal, which is his chops in shape. program out of a farm school, a farm community.” unheard of. Just to see how much he enjoyed playing While portaging his canoe, Cooper ran into a wom- Cooper also took life-changing lessons with Dale was really quite a sight.” an who got excited when she spotted the horn. He gave Bartlett, an unorthodox Lansing Symphony musician But Gregorian terrified Cooper at first. her and her camping companions an impromptu con- and MSU musicologist. They are still close. “He has a very deep voice and this Armenian accent,” cert: the enchanted forest music from “A Midsummer Bartlett recalls Cooper bounding down the steps to Cooper said. “I’ve heard since that he really doesn’t Night’s Dream.” Cooper had no trouble coaxing his basement studio, eager for each new lesson. have the accent. He just put it on for rehearsals.” Mendelssohn’s trilling, gossamer melodies out of his “I’m not surprised he’s principal horn in Chicago,” There is a cruel vocabulary for screwing up on the old beater. Valves? Who needs them? Barlett said. “He has the same joy in playing he always horn. “You chip these notes,” Cooper said. “Horns are “You can do all that stuff on the natural horn with had.” notorious for it. It goes ‘skee-yaa.’ The British call your hands, changing pitches and stuff,” Cooper it splitting a note, the Europeans say ‘he kicked it.’” shrugged. Cruder musicians call it a “clam.” ‘I love it’ When he missed a note at MSU, the older players It’s hard to believe that Cooper ever had a dark peri- threw coins on the floor. od, but he did, after his father died in a work accident Eye of Sauron “Jeez, it was embarrassing,” he said. “It was like tri- in 2002. al by fire. They were initiating me into the group. I At 16, Cooper was already sitting in the first horn “I was not in a place to play the horn anymore,” he learned real quick.” said. “I was having trouble dealing with the grief and I But his experience at MSU steeled him for a lifetime needed to take a break from it. At 20, I stopped play- of playing a painfully exposed instrument under the ing and I never thought I’d get back into it.” exacting eyes of the world’s top maestros. He worked as a dishwasher and prep cook in the “The one that was really scary was Jaap van Zweden,” tiny town of Fort Townsend in Washington. He got a Cooper said. The intimidating Dutch-born conduc- job with the nonprofit Americorps, working on a land tor, who was named music director of the New York trust project that protects farmland and natural habi- Philharmonic last year, was the maestro of the Dallas tat by buying easements. Symphony during Cooper’s time there. A Jamaican forester lived on one of the easements, Even in still photographs, Van Zweden’s shaven taking care of the forest. head looms over the musicians like a glowering hunk “He reminded me so much of my dad,” he said. “We of granite. measured and classified all of these trees and I felt like “He’s super-intense. He’s got these eyes that look I was honoring my dad.” through the whole orchestra,” Cooper said. “We used Cooper was a hairsbreadth away from going into Courtesy photo to call it the eye of Sauron. But Leon Gregorian taught forestry, but a part of him was missing the horn. Cooper at 15, jamming with his brother John at their me how to deal with conductors, how not to be afraid.” house on St. Joseph Street. “I just expected so much from him,” Gregorian said. See Cooper, Page 15 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

“I thought my playing days were over,” he said. in Grand Ledge. Cooper He tells the story, not to go on about himself, but “Mr. Kaufman made sure I did sight-reading in high because he believes the lesson is important for anyone school band, but I confess it’s not my strongest suit,” pursuing a goal, musical or otherwise. he said. from page 14 “I had to have this setback to realize — this isn’t for To prepare for the last audition, he doubled down my mom, this isn’t for school, this isn’t for the conser- on sight-reading. At the final audition, they gave him “Imagine you’re missing an arm or a leg,” he said. “I vatory, this isn’t even because I’m good at it,” he said. another piece of Italian opera. He nailed it. had to get the horn back because it was the only way I “It’s because I love it. This is all I want to do.” Then the orchestra went on strike for seven weeks. could express myself.” He knew he was in the running, but there was no What he needed was a stack of music to learn and definitive word. an audition to shoot for. He started with the St. Paul Made man When the strike ended in late April, the first rehears- Chamber Orchestra and made it to the semi-final al was charged with a mix of celebration and lingering round. The near-miss gave him hope that the hiatus In 2018 and 2019, after successive stints at the tension. Chicago Symphony maestro Riccardo Muti wouldn’t be fatal to his career. Dallas Symphony and Berlin Philharmonic, Cooper gave a conciliatory speech to the musicians. The first He sent a resume to the Victoria Symphony in auditioned for the Chicago job four times and almost notes the orchestra played, after a seven-week hiatus, British Columbia, near Washington, not far from hit another wall. He had already devoted about nine would came out of Cooper’s horn, as he led the horn where many members of his family — his cousins, months of constant preparation to the Chicago audi- quartet that opens Georges Bizet’s “Roma.” aunt and grandmother — lived. tions. The relentless buildup was taking a toll. It wasn’t Cooper’s only trial by fire. That same week, He had a run of lucky breaks. The orchestra accepted “When you put pressure on yourself like that, and the orchestra played Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird,” a his application, even though it was late. When Cooper you get to the day, it’s really easy to choke,” he said. spectacular showpiece that sets up its orgasmic climax showed up to board the ferry to Vancouver, the boat “You just want it so bad.” with — you guessed it — a long horn solo. was full. There were 11 cars ahead of him, on standby. He soared through all of the music he prepared for Cooper longed to know how his trial-by-Firebird “Because I was driving a Honda Civic, they squeezed the audition. Then came the sight-reading part, when week was going, but he didn’t dare ask. He found out me in,” he said. players are handed a piece of music they’ve never at intermission the next night. At the next day’s audition, he played the best horn seen before. It was an obscure piece of Italian opera, A delegation of suits trundled backstage and of his life. Bellini’s “Montagues and Capulets,” with a big horn informed him he was in. “Maestro Muti kissed me “I couldn’t miss. I was in the zone. It was the weird- solo. on both cheeks, like I’m a made man, like in ‘The est thing.” The strange notes danced before his eyes like jump- Godfather,’” he said. “It was like, ‘You’re one of us.’ You Impressed by the audition, the Vancouver maestro ing beans. can’t make that stuff up.” decided to overlook Cooper’s career detours and take At first, “I just crashed and burned,” he said. “I lost Cooper grew up listening to recording of the Chicago a chance on a 22-year-old horn virtuoso. it.” It was his first job in a professional orchestra. Then his mind went back to lessons he first learned See Cooper, Page 16

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please play this note for me?’” Cooper choly came over him. Cooper said. “He was assisting me, holding my “For some reason, I felt notes so I could really play.’” like I needed to go out- from page 15 One of the musicians commented side and play the horn,” that seeing Cooper and Clevenger sit- he said. Symphony in one of its serial heydays, ting next to each other was like see- He was missing his with legendary maestro Sir Georg Solti. ing Captains Kirk and Picard sitting dad. He wandered into Cooper’s predecessor as principal together in the Enterprise. a thicket and played his horn, Dale Clevenger, was, and still is, Clevenger told Cooper he felt as if favorite piece of chamber his horn hero. he’d gained a son. music, the Brahms horn “The things he can do on the horn — “This orchestra, the horn section, is trio. the time he takes, the musical expres- the envy of the other sections,” Cooper Brahms wrote his sions, the risks. He’ll draw a listener said. “They are the nicest people, they unusual trio for his moth- into the phrase and you’re speechless.” get along great, work great together, er, Johanna, who had All of these traits, and more, are blos- and they are the best horn section I’ve recently died. Her favor- soming in Cooper’s own playing. He has ever heard.” ite instruments were the bound his electric energy into a dark Cooper quickly found that they horn, violin and piano, so magnetic field of control to devastating also eat constantly. Second horn Jim he wrote it for those three effect. Smelser, who joined the orchestra in instruments, even though Last summer, just after Cooper joined 2000, is another hero of Cooper’s. it’s a rare combination. the symphony, extra horns were needed Early in his tenure, Cooper courted “There’s this eerie to amp up the finale of Tchaikovsky’s disaster by skipping dinner before the moment where it seems Fourth Symphony. orchestra performed Verdi’s “Aida,” a like his mother’s spir- Clevenger, now in semi-retirement, long opera with two intermissions. it almost left the body,” Courtesy photo rejoined the section as a sub. In the first intermission, Smelser Cooper said. “The music Cooper's official Chicago Symphony portrait. “He sat next to me,” Cooper said. “I walked by with a cheeseburger from ends with a celebration remember thinking, ‘How is this going McDonald’s and observed Cooper’s pal- of his mother’s life, with which was not far away. to work? He’s a legend.’” lid condition. these horn calls: ba-duuum, ba-du- He knocked twice. No answer. He By the third day, Cooper got over it Smelser went to the dressing room, uum, ba-duuum. It’s joyous.” knocked one last time and realized that they both had a job to opened his locker, produced a second The music always brings Cooper “I heard the doorknob start to move do. cheeseburger and handed it to Cooper. close to his father. and this lady asked, “What can I do for “I’d say, ‘Mr. Clevenger, would you Principal horn or not, things like that “Every time I play it, that third move- you?” in German,” Cooper said. still put Cooper back in “gee whiz” ment reminds me of his spirit,” Cooper He told her he was a musician and mode. said. “The last movement, for me, is a hoped to see Brahms’ house. “I thought, ‘Holy smokes, Jim Smelser celebration of his life.” “You’re a musician?” she said. “Then just gave me his cheeseburger,’” he said. Cooper’s father tended many flow- you must come in.” $ erbeds, trees and bushes in greater The date happened to be March 27, Lansing, including Leon Gregorian’s. the anniversary of Kirby Cooper’s death. 10 OFF Another “David’s father was a very musical The woman showed him Brahms’ person, although what he wanted to do piano. He was stunned by the pictures any purchase of nudge and what he ended up doing are two lining the walls. A beardless Brahms? different things,” Gregorian said. “That “He was smiling, he was with friends, $ In spring 2017, David Cooper was happens sometimes. But what he could like a normal guy!” Cooper marveled. 100 or more in Baden-Baden, Germany, doing not accomplish — that came out in his Among the framed items on the an Easter festival with the Berlin son.” walls was a postcard from Brahms to Expires 2/14/2020 Philharmonic. Two weeks into Cooper’s stay at his music publisher, with a melody He stayed in an AirB&B in a fairly Baden-Baden, he decided to try a pil- scrawled on the back. Sign up for our remote village. A rare feeling of melan- grimage to Jonannes Brahms’ house, Cooper sight-read it to himself. It email specials! dawned on him that the haunting motif NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING was from the horn trio — the melody EAST LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION he played on his first day in the village. The woman pointed out the window Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing Historic District Commission on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, and showed him the hill where Brahms Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing. used to walk and come up with his mel- A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Nicholas odies. Tesseris, for the property located at 515 Division Street, to enclose the side entry of the “The exact place he came up with the house. melody for the horn trio,” he said. “It Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing was like a visit from my dad. Uncanny. City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will Full circle.” Liskey’s Auto & Truck Service be given an opportunity to be heard. Joan Cooper knows the feeling. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as “When David was in the MSU (517) 484-0100 interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered Symphony, Kirby and I used to sit in at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) www.liskeys.com calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services the audience, and I’d keep nudging him 119 S. Larch St, Lansing should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. in the ribs,” she said. “Now I’m nudging Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. him again.” Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Jennifer Shuster @Liskeys City Clerk CP#20-005 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC Half of the story MSU’s King concert celebrates women in jazz By LAWRENCE COSENTINO The tangled tree of jazz, from its bitter roots to its Tiffany heady blossoms, stands at the center of MSU’s Sunday Gridiron, one concerts celebrating the life of Martin Luther King. of the featured In recent years, culturewide winds of gender equal- performers at ity have given the tree a much-needed shake. Sunday’s MSU’s Sunday annual King tribute concert will roll out some of the concert fruit, as MSU trombone professor Michael Dease honoring leads Jazz Orchestra II in a set of arrangements by Martin Luther the leading women of jazz, past and present. King Jr., sings Among Sunday’s guest performers are two brilliant at Small’s in young female instrumentalists: Robyn Smith, an New York. award-wining Atlanta trombonist who plays every- thing from funk to jazz to classical music, and rising New York-based tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover. “If you have only male players playing jazz, you only have half of the story,” jazz studies director Rodney Whitaker said. “We wanted to Jazz: Spirituals, feature female composers this Prayer and year — Melba Liston, Mary Protest Lou Williams and some other MSU Jazz Orchestra II younger arrangers that are on and guest artists 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. the scene.” Sunday, Jan. 19 In Liston and Williams, MSU Auditorium Fairchild Theatre Whitaker named two of the Free event; tickets most underappreciated jazz required Photo by Eva Kapanadze (517) 353-5340, musicians who ever lived. Liston music.msu.edu was an incandescent trombon- ist and accomplished composer King even quoted it in his prophetic “I may not until this year to reach the point where 20 percent of and arranger. Williams rivaled Duke Ellington in her make it to the mountaintop” speech: “If I can help jazz students auditioning for the program are female. incisive piano artistry and innovative compositions somebody as I pass along, then my living will not (Five of the 11 students in Whitaker’s bass studio are like her “Zodiac” suite. have been in vain.” female.) The orchestra will also give voice to compositions “Life is too short no matter how you slice it,” “We have to fight harder to have more women play- by some of the foremost women in jazz today, includ- Gridiron said. “What is meaningful in life? It’s having ing the music,” Whitaker said. “No. 1 priority for our ing recent MSU graduate and bass trombonist Gina an impact on others in a positive way.” program is to get a female faculty member, or two Benalcazar, who is now tearing up the East Coast jazz Gridiron will also sing a song that King called the or three, so young female players will have someone scene. unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights movement: they see modeling what it is they want to be.” “She’s playing with all the groups in New York. Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready,” first recorded In recent years, the roster of distinguished artists She’s pretty busy,” Whitaker said. “It’s great that she’s in 1965 by The Impressions. in visiting MSU for concerts, classes and residencies taking the time to write for the band.” “I’ve sung that song at a wedding and a funeral,” have included clarinetist Anat Cohen, bassist Mimi The orchestra will also play music written by Gridiron said. “It has this sense of preparation and Jones, trumpeters Ingrid Jensen and Bria Skonberg bassist-composer Jordyn Davis, the first African- hopefulness for a better future that encapsulates so and other female role models. American woman to get a bachelor’s degree in com- much of black music.” “We’re taking the cue from our students,” Whitaker position from MSU. Gridiron said the inclusion of more women in jazz said. “We’re asking them who they want to see.” Vocalist Tiffany Gridiron, who studied at MSU is squarely in line with King’s idea of the “beloved In the meantime, MSU alumni like Davis and with Sunny Wilkinson and other jazz professors, will community.” Benalcazar are taking their place in the biggest perform as well. “How do we make space for each other to offer cohort of female jazz musicians ever to hit the scene. Sunday, Gridiron will sing “If I Can Help whatever talents and qualities we have to make us all MSU grad Endea Owens is playing with John Somebody,” one of her favorite gospel tunes, and one better?” she said. “That’s the spirit of it.” Batiste’s house band on the "Late Show with Stephen of King’s favorites as well. However, folding the theme of gender into the Colbert." Another recent MSU grad, Aneesa Strings, “Talk to most jazz musicians and often they have MLK concerts, while true to King’s civil rights has just been named to the all-star SF Jazz Collective. roots in the church, the spiritual world,” she said. vision, invites scrutiny of the jazz program itself, “A lot of the top young players I see now teaching at “That’s certainly the case for me.” The song is deeply and Whitaker knows it. All of the MSU Professors camps and young ensembles I see across the country,” personal for Gridiron yet universal in scope. of Jazz are men, and Whitaker said that it’s taken Whitaker said. “The females are taking over.” 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

517.999.9999 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19 Killing the boy band with She/Her/Hers By SKYLER ASHLEY The journey of Emma Grrl, 26, the multi-instrumentalist bookworm trou- badour behind the Lansing punk group She/Her/Hers, begins outside of San Diego. Even though she’s now in sever- al bands, such as Rent Strike and Grey Matter, that reside confidently on the cutting edge of underground sounds and politics, Grrl’s origins have the same late-’00s suburban DNA shared by many millennial musicians. However, the generic classic rock sta- ples of the Guitar Hero soundtracks, or secondhand tunes from her parents’ stereo, would not The Commons be the defining mu- sic that informed Fundraiser at the styles of She/ Mac’s Bar Her/Hers. A teen- W/ Mover Shaker, Rick Johnson Rock and age Grrl found the Roll Machine proper dosage of 8 p.m., Jan. 24, Friday 2700 E. Michigan Ave., inspiration from Lansing hearing folk punk (517) 484-6795, Facebook.com/ band Against Me! macslansing at an open mic night. “I said, ‘This is incredible! What is this?’ Over that summer I got really into Hailey Lamb Against Me! and Defiance, Ohio, and She/Her/Hers is Emma Grrl (center). Back row from left: Cody Kuutilla, Piper Bazard and Jake Matter. Nana Grizol — those were definitely the bands,” Grrl said. “I loved all of ‘Rein- crowd. don’t believe in; that I don’t adhere to. I plained. “It allowed me to talk openly venting Axl Rose.’ ‘Baby I’m an Anar- “I had very little formal training — say I’m a woman, what’s that supposed about living on the fringes — not just in chist’ is a song I played at open mics I would just cover bad Johnny Hobo to tell you?” Grrl used the project to an economic sense, but also in the sense hundreds of times.” songs. When I was 16, I started joining write clever ruminations on her escape of gender and sexual identity. Younger That spirit carries over into her in- bands in San Diego. I kind of forced from the bondage of oppressive gender trans folk are surrounded by people that volvement with Rent Strike, which is myself in with the 25- to 30-year-olds. I roles and sexual identity. Female-identi- don’t get it, being around people who preforming Jan. 24 at Mac’s Bar as part bought an accordion, and it’s really easy fying, but preferring her unkempt black got it opened up a whole new world.” of a fundraising effort for The Com- to join bands when you play the accor- shirts and jeans, songs like “Never Pass” After releasing “Grrl Angst,” Grrl mons — a planned east-side neighbor- dion ’cause nobody else plays that,” Grrl proudly eschew the idea that Grrl must found time to partake on yet another hood community resource center. laughs. “I didn’t start writing my own be complacent with society’s image of a odyssey with fellow anarchist travelers Perhaps more important than the ac- songs until I was 20.” how a woman is supposed to appear. Chatterbox — a band featuring mu- tual music of these bands to Grrl is their In proper punk kid fashion, Grrl “I remember vividly having a conver- sician John Warmb from the Lansing radical leftist politics overtly inspired by didn’t hang around her hometown for sation at around 3 a.m. I told my friend, folk group Rent Strike. Meeting Warmb anarchist literature, such as the works of much longer. She underwent several ‘I don’t know how I am supposed to formed an important connection that Emma Goldman. The aforementioned odysseys, driving her Mazda 3 back and feel about being trans. I feel like I am eventually drew Grrl to Michigan. ‘Baby I’m an Anarchist’ features lyrics forth from coast to coast performing buying into this toxic binary,” Grrl ex- “On that tour, there were two people about chucking bricks at Starbucks’ solo acoustic shows as She/Her/Hers. plained. “But I think I was missing the from Arizona, two people from Colora- windows. Defiance, Ohio’s debut LP, Through this chaotic period, Grrl lived point. Being trans doesn’t mean I am do, one from Texas and John was from “Share What Ya Got,” contains roman- in Portland, Oregon, briefly, before buying into antiquated gender norms. A Michigan. We we were all like, ‘Oh we ticized passages of anarcho-collectivists eventually finding a more permanent lot of it comes down to my enjoyment hate where we live! We wanna move! building their own free societies. home in Boulder, Colorado. of using she pronouns, while not being We should all move to one place togeth- “I didn’t start reading people like After gathering some bearings in super femme-presenting. I think it’s re- er,” Grrl said. “John was like, ‘I’m not Goldman until I was much older,” Grrl Boulder and meeting eventual partner ally cool and powerful to be trans and moving, I love Michigan.’ So we said, said. “I was a part of a crew of punk kids Piper Bazard, Grrl, joined by makeshift butch.” ‘All right! Guess we’re moving to Mich- from my shitty suburban hometown producer Jon Pizarro, recorded She/ She explained the majority of the lyr- igan!” who introduced me to really good pol- Her/Hers’ seminal project — the “Grrl ics from “Grrl Angst” were inspired by Taking She/Her/Hers to Lansing saw itics and called me out on my fuck-ups.” Angst” EP. The album found itself be- recontextualizing the myriad feelings the band evolve from just Grrl and her When listening to music that urg- coming a beautiful, retrospective ex- she experienced during the process of acoustic guitar, to a full-fledged electric es you to set the world afire, it’s hard pression of Grrl’s trans identity. With becoming comfortable with being out. punk band. After filling out the lineup, to keep yourself bottled up within the songs like “Gender is Boring” that fea- “I wasn’t working a normal job, so I which includes Piper Bazard on trum- confines of a bedroom. So Grrl injected ture lyrics such as, “’Cause if I use she didn’t have to fit into the normal trans pet, Cody Kuutilla on drums and Jake herself into the DIY music scene of San pronouns, well, what does that mean? narrative of passing and living with- Diego, hanging with an older punk rock Am I reinforcing a gender binary that I in heteronormative society,” Grrl ex- See Grrl, Page 15 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

a fierce indictment of a lack of diversi- Her/Hers will see the band move even much anymore. I think that perspec- Grrl ty in independent music scenes. On the further beyond the confines of punk tive is always going to color things, but track, Grrl is more than just jaded with rock, and address issues such as climate it’s no longer the primary driver. A lot male-dominated gigs and movements. change through its lyrics. of my songs have been about climate from page 19 “The narrative I see when I talk to “I see us moving away from punk. change. What does it mean to live in a people about diversity in their bands, There will be a lot more piano on future world that’s falling apart and it’s also Matter on Bass, Grrl met and formed an and the pushback I get is, ‘We’re all just records — more horns, more strings. somewhat your fault? How do you rec- important connection with Joe Stein- friends, it’s not like we specifically picked Probably a lot softer in general,” Grrl oncile with being part of the problem? hardt of the nationally renowned inde- out white guys for our band,’” Grrl said. said. “I don’t write about gender as But I don’t have many answers.” pendent music imprint Don Giovanni “Well, maybe it says more about the fact Records. Steinhardt, who briefly resided that you’re not friends with people that in Lansing while teaching at Michigan don’t look exactly like you. It’s a micro- State University, suggested that Grrl do cosm of a bigger problem. I don’t think Art by Nevin a release with the label, and that became it’s that hard to have a diverse scene.” As seen on the cover of CityPulse “Kill the Boy Band.” With two successful and uncompro- The three-song release, anchored mising releases under the name She/ around a rerecording from “Grrl Angst,” Her/Hers, Grrl is moving her musical is an important musical evolution for inspiration beyond the politics of gen- $PNNFSDJBM

She/Her/Hers that highlights Grrl’s im- der and sexual identity. Not wishing to 3FTJEFOUJBM provement as a songwriter and singer. be painted into a corner, Grrl said the The titular song, “Kill the Boy Band,” is “cautiously optimistic” future for She/ 'VMMZ
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Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer. City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 Broad Art Lab displays MLK student art contest winners By SKYLER ASHLEY silence is betrayal.” Edythe Broad Art Museum helped Lansing students in grades 6-12 Unveiled Tuesday night at the MSU sponsor the contest. were tasked by the Martin Luther Broad Art Lab, MSU Broad Art King Jr. Commission of Mid- the winning Michigan’s 2020 MLK Holiday Art Lab paintings will Tuesday-Sunday, Contest to create paintings that noon to 4 p.m. be on display took into consideration the theme, 565 E. Grand River Ave., until Jan. 21. East Lansing inspired by a famous quote from (517) 884-4800, Delta Dental of King, “There comes a time when broadmuseum.msu.edu/ Michigan and artlab MSU’s Eli & Eaman Ali's painting illustrates the struggles faced by women who wear hijabs. It is the winner of the high school submissions. "Violence Creates Silence Ali attends "Silence is Betrayal," by Brian Whitfield, (No Violence)," by Calvin Bosanic from East Lansing is the winner from the adult MacDonald Middle School in East Lan- High School. submissions. sing, is the winner of the middle school submissions. 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

many music lovers, but Jean Françaix cut an unusual figure in the rad- Fountains of Yehuda ical-minded 1960s — an urbane, warm-hearted showman in the vein of Symphony uncorks flame concerto by French composer Charlie Chaplin. Jean Françaix. The solo turn anchors In 1976, a famous British clarinet faceful of French fizz a night of bright and witty French (or player, Jack Brymer, declared Françaix’s almost French) music, culminating in 1968 concerto unplayable, but not By LAWRENCE COSENTINO George Gershwin’s splashy dance suite because the music was too cutting edge. Time seems to dangle like a droplet of from “An American in Paris.” In defiance of the times — and the water when the tumult of the Lansing The dazzling 1951 film version of mid-20th century diktats of his chilly Symphony dies down and the round “American in Paris,” with Gene Kelly modernist compatriot, Pierre Boulez — tones of Guy Yehuda’s clarinet hang in and Leslie Caron, put Gershwin’s music Françaix packed his music with riotous, the air for a fleeting minute or two. front and center in a daring 20-minute droll dynamism, like a luxury clown car. This Saturday, climactic dance sequence. In a lucky “His music is extremely beautiful, and Lansing Symphony Yehuda turns on convergence, the movie will return for witty and anything can happen,” Yehuda Orchestra the waterworks. several big screen showings at Lansing’s said. “He does a 180-degree turn and Yehuda Guy Yehuda, clarinet Yehuda will Celebration Cinema and Regal Lansing you find yourself in a different key. And 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Mall Jan. 19 and 22, courtesy of Turner Jan. 18 step out as fea- this concerto takes it up a notch.” Wharton Center tured soloist in Classic Movies. When Yehuda approached Lansing Benny Goodman. He quickly noticed Cobb Great Hall a devilishly dif- Gershwin’s opening act at the sym- $20-55 maestro Timothy Muffitt with the idea that when Goodman wasn’t reigning as ficult, fluid-as- phony Saturday isn’t well known to of performing the concerto, Muffitt the “king of swing,” he played classical instantly knew the flashy flair of music with such authority that compos- Françaix would set the table perfectly ers Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky and for a magnum of musical Champagne Bela Bartok all wrote works for him. the maestro longed to uncork, George Before long, Yehuda was hooked on Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” classical music as well as jazz. “The concerto was the stimulus for He still plays “a bit of jazz and a bit the whole program — the Frenchness, of klezmer” when he gets the chance, the vigor, the hustle and bustle, the taking advantage of the clarinet’s delight and surprise,” Muffitt said. wide range. “There’s a lot of crossover Defne yourself in fnance. When the maestro sat down to study between classical and jazz,” Yehuda “An American in Paris” alongside real said. “It’s fun to dance between the two Apply today. French music like the Françaix concer- worlds, but I don’t have any pretensions to and Ravel’s delicate “Mother Goose to playing real jazz.” Suite” (also Saturday’s concert) that The finicky reeds of the clarinet all he realized how authentically French too easily veer into horsey territory. — not Epcot Center French — “An Yehuda centers his own discipline, and American in Paris” really is. that of his students at MSU, on shaping “We’re so familiar with it that we a beautiful tone. lose touch with how Parisian it real- He tells them to play one note, over ly sounds,” he said. “This isn’t just and over, until their ears tune in on a American music with a French label.” sub-universe of overtones and intervals The affinity goes a lot deeper than the that are hidden to casual perception, French taxi horns famously heard in the like ultraviolet or infrared light. opening bars. “It’s easy to pick up the clarinet pret- “It trickles down to small choices of ty quickly, and that’s why a lot of young melodic delivery, rhythm and tempo people pick it up,” Yehuda said, “but that all add up to a musical character then you hit a plateau. In order to really that feels truly French,” Muffitt said. “It master the instrument, it takes a life- really surprised me. It was a discovery. time, if ever. It’s a constant journey.” It’s been fun to come at it from this per- Yehuda has had many plenty of mem- spective.” orable moments in Lansing. The Françaix concerto also gives “We’re blessed with many great parts Muffitt a chance to feature Yehuda, a in the symphonic literature,” he said. defining voice of the symphony since he “Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony joined the organization in 2016. was a blast, and Brahms is really close “This opportunity to be up front is to my heart. We’re going to play his sec- much deserved,” Muffitt said. “He brings ond symphony at the end of this season such a vibrancy and energy and a broad and that’s going to be a pleasure.” expressive palette to the orchestra. This When he symphony did a pops con- work plays beautifully into who he is as cert of music by John Williams, Yehuda a musician.” got one of his juiciest moments, play- Yehuda was born in Israel, a nation ing the “Victor’s Tale” from Steven with a vibrant musical culture, and Spielberg’s “The Terminal.” Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity took up the clarinet at his father’s sug- “It’s almost like a concerto for clar- educational institution/employer. gestion. He started out playing jazz, inet, in a pops concert,” Yehuda said. under the influence of swing legend “That was really fun.” City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 Jim MacLean remembers Lansing’s historic architects By BILL CASTANIER State University Library and Museum, ly associated with Lansing’s milling Early in his book “Lansing’s Young now Linton Hall, on the east end of entrepreneurs. His first work was the Architects,” author Jim MacLean Circle Drive on campus. Robert Smith Printing Co., followed points out that Eustace Hall at William Appleyard was also respon- by the Wentworth Hostelry on the Michigan State University is his favor- sible for the Kalamazoo Street School, corner of Michigan and Grand — both ite structure designed by Lansing the gothic Liederkranz Hall on Grand torn down. He also was responsible architect William Appleyard. The Avenue, buildings on the School for the small Delta Subdivision, where building was constructed in 1888 for the Blind campus, the original Michigan and Grand River Avenue and was later named for Harry J. Veterinary Building at MSU — all torn form a triangle. Only one of the homes Eustace, who chaired the Horticulture down — and several private homes stands today. One of his most nota- Department from 1908 to 1918. It and commercial structures, which can ble works was the Detroit Olds plant, was listed on both the Michigan and still be seen in downtown Lansing on which eventually burned down. National Register of Historic Places in Michigan and Washington avenues. MacLean has peppered the book with 1971. Rufus Arthur Bailey’s first work in interesting snippets like the quaint It is a remarkable amalgam of Queen Lansing was on the iron work of the Meteorological Station designed by Anne, Romanesque and Shingle Post Office and Federal Building, Appleyard, which once stood the west Style Architecture. It’s remarkable across from the Capitol. MacLean lawn of the Capitol grounds in 1884. that it still stands, since many of calls the building “an architectur- the structures designed by William al treasure,” which was torn down Appleyard, R. Arthur Bailey and for the modern City Hall. Bailey was Frederick Thoman, known collectively also responsible for a block of stores as “Lansing’s Young Architects,” have Wayne County survived. on North Washington Avenue, torn been torn down. The three worked in He does give kudos to the Stebbins down in 1967 during Lansing’s urban Lansing during the late-1800s and the family real estate records of Lansing, renewal days. He also was the archi- early part of the 20th century. which are on file at the Capital Area tect of record for a new foundry at the As you work your way through District Library, where MacLean is E. Bement & Sons stove plant located MacLean’s book, the frequency of the a librarian. MacLean has previous- on North Grand, also torn down. notation “was torn down” becomes ly written a book on architect Darius One unusual project Bailey worked apparent. You can sense the author’s Moon, who is also from Lansing. on was a row of eight still-standing SCHULER BOOK CLUB frustration when he looks at another In his book, he explores the nex- fieldstone flats on Eureka Street. In January 15 · 6pm Appleyard project, the magnificent us of the three young architects with the late-19th century, the flats were Join us monthly for the Schuler Book Charles J. Davis home. It once stood James Appleyard, William’s father, considered “classy and fashionable.” Club—a great way to create community, He also was responsible for the ele- and engage with new books. This month at 1326 E. Michigan Ave., just east of who mostly supervised construction we are reading City of Thieves by Sparrow Hospital, and was torn down of buildings. James Appleyard moved gant Capitol Avenue residence of John David Beniof, the critically acclaimed in 1949. Davis was a Lansing mayor, to Lansing to supervise construction Herrmann, a successful men’s clothier. author of The 25th Hour and When entrepreneur and railroad pioneer. of the Capitol. The last building he Today, the structure has been totally the Nines Roll Over and co-creator of MacLean writes, “When you consid- designed and supervised construc- restored for use as the president’s res- the HBO series Game of Thrones, a er the importance of the Davis home, tion of is the Lansing Women’s Club idence. captivating novel about war, courage, survival — and a remarkable friendship it is remarkable the site is now a park- at 118 W. Ottawa St., which is a tes- Bailey was also responsible for the that ripples across a lifetime. ing lot. Frankly, it is tiring to note that tament to his skills. He also super- legendary private Iser Clubhouse, an architecturally significant building vised the construction of two notable which was built on pylons on Lake MAGIC / KEYFORGE or home was torn down to create a libraries that also still stand: the Hoyt Lansing, Pine Lake and since torn GAME NIGHT parking lot or sterile office building. Library in Saginaw and the University down, and for numerous private resi- Tuesdays · 6pm Lansing offers few significant histor- of Michigan Library. dences in Detroit. ical architectural wonders aside from He and his son also worked on the The final architect Frederick J. Play Magic or KeyForge in a casual, the Capitol. People visit historic sites, completion of the original Michigan Thoman was a scion of the fami- friendly environment. All Magic products are 20% of for those who not parking lots.” attend the event. As you read through MacLean’s book, you realize that he is an accom- BOARD GAME NIGHT plished and tireless researcher. Those January 16 · 6pm skills were especially valuable in writ- 307 E. Grand River, E. Lansing ing this book, since no archives of the 3320112 ⬧ We validate parking Join us in the cafe for board games! Bring your some of your favorites or three architects survive, and blurry Mon. Sat. 107 pm, Sun. 125 pm choose from among those provided! newspaper photographs of the struc- www.curiousbooks.com tures were often all he could find to KID’S STORY TIME illustrate the book. We have books you always Saturdays · 11am MacLean resorts to mining news- wanted but never knew existed! papers, industry publications and sec- Jump into the pages of our favorite ondary sources. There is also no known books! We will sing songs, make a craft Quality Used Books at Great Prices! and go on a new adventure. comprehensive listing of the buildings and projects the architects worked on, 519 W. Grand River, E. Lansing so some could have easily been missed. 3328444 ⬧ Free Parking While researching Detroit projects, he Mon. Sat. 116 pm, Sun. 125 pm learned that no property tax roles for [email protected] 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

LITERATURE AND POETRY

Adventure Club Storytimes - 4-5 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us.

Community Night - Our Threads of Wisdom discussion series kicks off with Book of Shadows and Herstory. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. ON THE Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. . Family Storytime (Ages up to 6) - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., Webberville. cadl.org EVENTS TOWN Allen Farmers Market - 3-6:30 p.m. Events must be entered through the calendar with Mike Eyia performance 5 p.m. 1611 at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-999-3911. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. allenneighborhoodcenter.org. Charges may apply for paid events to appear Code Club! - No coding expertise Women’s March on Lansing 2020 in print. If you need assistance, please call necessary. 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area Suzi at (517) 999-6704. District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand The 2020 National Women’s March The “Mistress of Ceremonies” is Ledge. 517-627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us. touches down in Lansing Saturday, Shannon Garrett, local activist and CEO 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Capitol. of SMG Strategies — a political firm Dungeons & Dragons - The Wild Sheep Organizers state the mission of the that assists aspiring political leaders, Wednesday, January 15 Chase (Adults) - Join fellow adventurers march is to “harness the political power nonprofits and unions with grassroots on a quest full of danger, dice, and most of women, respect diversity and create organizing and campaign planning. CLASSES AND SEMINARS importantly, sheep. All levels of D&D transformative social change.” The event’s keynote speech will come experience welcome. 6-8 p.m. CADL Haslett, The gathering hopes to provide a posi- 3D Print Lab (Age 8 & up) - Learn how 1590 Franklin St., Haslett. cadl.org from Michigan Attorney General Dana to design and print a 3D object. Children Women’s March tive atmosphere Nessel. Other speakers include Gov. 8-11 need an adult helper. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lansing Area Mindfulness Community - Free, Saturday, Jan. 18 for inspiration, Whitmer, Elissa Slotkin, Gretchen Driskell, CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. 7-9 p.m. Chua Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S MLK 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. enter tainment Curtis Hertel Jr., Kara Hope, Julie Brixie, cadl.org Blvd., Lansing. 517-420-5820. lamc.info. Michigan State Capitol and commu- Maria Garcia Santana, Veronica Johnson, 110 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing nity connection. Michelle Rick, LaShawn Erby and Egypt Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Lansing Area National Ataxia Volunteers will Otis. Pending events in Washington, D.C., 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Foundation Support Group - 1-2 p.m. also be available for anybody that has U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Delta Twp.Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth not yet registered to vote. Gary Peters are also slated to appear. Rd., Room #302, Lansing. 517-993-7655. Business Model Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Gaynor Entrepreneurship Lab, 651 N. Shaw Line Dancing - Join line dancing for fun, The Rainmakers Come to The Peoples financial decisions, researching costs, and Ln, East Lansing. exercise, and staying involved in a social Church: 12-4 p.m.daily. 200 W. Grand planning. 6-7:30 p.m. CADL Mason, 145 W. Ash activity. No experience needed. 1-1:30 p.m. River Ave., East Lansing. 517-332-6073. St., Mason. Five Wishes - advance directives Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., thepeopleschurch.com. allows you to guide important medical East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Strength & Balance (Adults) - Improve care decisions. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Hannah Sorry, I’m Not Leaving Art Exhibit - 11 your posture, strength and balance. 2:30- Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Mariah Martinez at Senior Discovery a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Lansing Art Gallery, 119 N. 3:30 p.m. CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Lansing. 517-337-1113. Group - Join us for “pretty good coffee” Washington Square, Ste. 101, Lansing. Okemos. cadl.org and great conversation! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Allen 517-374-6400. Group Dance Class - Beginning Salsa - Neighborhood Center, 1611 E Kalamazoo St, Zumba - Want to lose weight and have fun 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, Lansing. 517-367-2468. Teen Wheel - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Art too? 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 1030 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. Prioritizing YOU in 2020 with Three 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Line Dance Lessons - All ages welcome. Happy Turtles -We will be talking self-care LITERATURE AND POETRY 7-9 p.m. Overdrive Lansing Mall, 5330 W and why it is so important. 6-8 p.m. The Tween Wheel - 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art Saginaw Hwy, Lansing. Hive, 2722 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Chipmunk Story Time - Story time comes 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. alive as children interact with puppets. 10-11 Math Seminar Series - Algebra ARTS a.m. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Speaker: Eli Matzri. 3-3:50 p.m. C304 Wells Watch + Make: Mel Chin - Are you Okemos. 517-349-3866. meridian.mi.us. Hall, East Lansing. events.msu.edu. Color & Creativity - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach interested in learning about contemporary Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, art, the processes behind the work and PJ Storytime (Sensory Friendly) - Writing a Business Plan: Your Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. the way artists help us see the world? 6-8 rhymes and a snack. PJ’s and stuffed toys Roadmap to Successl. 9-11:30 a.m. Lansing p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E. Grand are welcome! 6:30-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area Community College, 309 N. Washington Low-tech Screenprinting: Art, Craft, River Ave., East Lansing. 517-884-4800. Visit District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Square, Lansing. 517-483-1921. clients. Business. 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art broadmuseum.msu.edu. Ledge. 517-627-7014. sbdcmichigan.org. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. MUSIC EVENTS

Christopher Kaminski, composition - Free. Bath Township Farmers Market - 3-7 FRIDAY, JAN. 17 >> CULTURE CLASH 2020 KICKOFF AT THE AVENUE CAFE 6 p.m. Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East p.m. Bath Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Lansing. events.msu.edu. Rd, Bath. bathtownship.us.

Culture Clash is a monthly showcase Drop-in LEGO Club (Age 4 & up) - 3-4:30 hosted every third Friday or Saturday at p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., The Avenue Café that highlights diverse Thursday, January 16 Webberville. cadl.org trappings of art and entertainment. “The CLASSES AND SEMINARS The Future - Humans have always liked to 2020 Kick Off” includes music selections talk about the future. 10-11:30 a.m. Hannah from EssBe & Y’z Council. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Lansing. 517-337-1113. Free, 9 p.m. to midnight 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing Lansing Grassroots Philosophy - (517) 492-7403 Grow with Google - Plan & Budget discussion group. 6:30-8 p.m. Kelly’s (Adults). Learn about making good facebook.com/avenuecafe2021 See Out on the town, Page 27 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Jan. 15 - Jan. 21, 2020

"Free For the ARIES (March 21-April 19): Comedian John breakthroughs; you over-think and over-polish. Cleese has an insight I hope you'll consider. He But I have a good feeling about the coming weeks, Decade"-- says, "It’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent Virgo. I suspect you'll find the sweet spot, self- ringing it in! than it is to do important things that are not urgent. editing with just the right touch. by Matt Jones It’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Thomas Love Peacock about." I hope you'll make this advice a priority in was a Libran author whose specialty was writing Across the coming weeks. You'll be wise to prioritize satirical novels that featured people sitting around 1 Spill it important tasks, even those that aren't urgent, as tables arguing about opinions and ideas. He was you de-emphasize trivial matters that tempt you to not renowned for cheerful optimism. And yet he 5 Catchphrase think they're crucial. Focus on big things that are did appreciate sheer beauty. "There is nothing from Barbara challenging, rather than on little things that are a perfect in this world," he said, "except Mozart." Walters heard a lot snap. So much did Peacock love Mozart's music that recently during one several-month stretch he attended 15 Ceremonial TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Honoré six performances of the genius's opera *Don Balzac (1799–1850) was born with sun and Mercury Giovanni*. In this spirit, Libra, and in accordance observance in Taurus and in the tenth house. Astrologers with astrological indicators, I encourage you to 16 RZA's group might hypothesize from these placements that make a list of your own perfect things—and spend 17 During he was ambitious, productive, tenacious, diligent, extra time communing with them in the coming realistic, and willful. The evidence supporting this weeks. 18 Nearly done with theory is strong. Balzac wrote over 80 novels that the return trip displayed a profound and nuanced understanding SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Jean-Michel 19 Uninterrupted of the human comedy. I predict that 2020 will be Basquiat started his career as a graffiti artist. sequences a year when you could make dramatic progress When he evolved into being a full-time painter, he in cultivating a Balzac-like approach in your own incorporated words amidst his images. On many 21 Russian ruler of sphere. But here's a caveat: Balzac didn't take occasions, he'd draw lines through the words. the 1800s good care of his body. He drank far too much Why? "I cross out words so you will see them 22 Messy coffee and had a careless approach to eating and more," he said. "The fact that they are obscured Halloween prank sleeping. My hope is that as you hone your drive makes you want to read them." In the coming for success, you'll be impeccable in tending to your weeks, you might benefit from discreetly using 23 Former Rocket health. this strategy in your own life. In other words, draw Ming attention to the things you want to emphasize by 25 Paper promises GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Before he was 21 downplaying them or being mysterious about them years old, William Shakespeare and his wife had or suggesting they are secret. Reverse psychology 28 2014 drama 53 He presided over the 5 Nashville sound metal? birthed three kids. When he was 25, while the can be an asset for you. with David Oyelowo and O.J. trial brood was still young, he started churning out Common 6 "Pen15" streaming 35 Concluding with literary masterpieces. By the time Will became a SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Because of the 54 At the location service 37 2019 Max Porter novel grandfather at age 43, he had written many of the onslaught of the internet and social media, lots of 29 Company whose works that ultimately made him one of history's people no longer read books. But in 2020, I highly founder recently left its 55 "Open 24 hours" sign 7 "Possibly" about a whimsical boy material most illustrious authors. From this evidence, we recommend that you *not* be one of that crowd. In board 8 ___ Tome and Principe 38 Part of AMA might speculate that being a parent and husband my astrological opinion, you need more of the slow, 30 "Watch somewhere 57 Turns used materials (African island nation) 39 Johnson's heightened his creative flow. I bring this to your deep wisdom that comes from reading books. You else" letters into something better 9 Available for purchase predecessor attention because I want to ask you: What role will will also benefit from other acts of rebellion against 59 Missing comment? 10 Some P.D. officers 40 Menacing commitment and duty and devotion play in your the Short Attention Span Era. Crucial blessings will 31 "I feel ___" life during the coming months? (I suspect it'll be a flow in your direction as you honor the gradual, 32 Like mortals? 62 Garment edges 11 Rapper with the 41 Important interval in good one.) incremental approach to everything. 33 Go fast 63 Skincare company Grammy-nominated jazz music with a Hydro Boost line album "Based on a T.R.U. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian-born CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "I love to be 34 Protein for some 43 Old Faithful, e.g. 64 Affirmative votes Story" painter Stanley Spencer (1891–1959) didn't surprised by something I have never thought sushi rolls 45 Easter-related align himself with any artistic movement. Early of," declares Capricorn actor Ralph Fiennes. 12 Medium-dry Spanish 36 Communication where 65 First-person action- 46 Glare on, his work was an odd blend of French Post- According to my analysis of the astrological adventure game with a sherry Impressionism and 14th-century Italian painting. aspects, you'll be wise to make that one of your K and V differ only by a 47 Sentries at entries I appreciate his stylistic independence, and top mottoes in 2020. Why? First, life is likely to thumb "Death of the Outsider" 13 Bad hour for a car sequel alarm to go off 51 Not as much suggest you draw inspiration from it in 2020. bring to your attention a steady stream of things 38 "Silent All These Another unique aspect of Spencer's art was its you've never imagined. And second, your ability to Years" singer Tori 66 He worked with 14 "We Are Number 54 Pack of hot dog buns, mix of eroticism and religiosity. I think you'll enjoy make good use of surprises will be at an all-time Branford Marsalis ___" (song meme from often exploring that blend yourself in the coming months. high. Here's further advice to help ensure that the 42 Thomas who drew "LazyTown") Your spiritual and sexual longings could be quite vast majority of your surprises will be welcome, Santa Claus Down 56 Oaxacan "other" 20 Far from meaningful synergistic. There's one part of Spencer's quirky even fun: Set aside as many of your dogmas 44 Knock down ___ 1 Prepares (for impact) 58 Cone dropper nature I don't recommend you imitate, however. and expectations as possible, so that you can 24 Use a SodaStream He often wore pajamas beneath his clothes, even be abundantly receptive to things you've never 48 Unvaried 2 French city known for 59 AFC South team, on its porcelain on, say scoreboards to formal occasions. Doing that wouldn't serve thought of. 49 Sucker 26 Area 51 sighting your interests. (But it will be healthy for you to be 3 Feeling all excited 60 Opus ___ ("The Da *somewhat* indifferent to people's opinions.) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "I love fools’ 50 Kind of base or 27 Letters in some Vinci Code" group) experiments. I am always making them." So said reserve 4 Occasion for storytelling personal ads 61 I, to Claudius LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Johannes Gutenberg one of the most famous and influential scientists 52 Ukraine capital, locally 29 Mark often used for invented the printing press in the 1440s. In who ever lived, Aquarian-born naturalist Charles subsequent decades, millions of mass-produced Darwin. In accordance with upcoming astrological ©2019 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) Answers Page 27 books became available for the first time, making factors, I invite you to draw inspiration from his their contents available to a far wider audience approach. Allow yourself to explore playfully than ever before. The printing press caused other as you conduct fun research. Just assume that SUDOKU Intermediate changes, too—some not as positive. For instance, you have a mandate to drum up educational people who worked as scribes found it harder to experiences, and that a good way to do that is to get work. In our era, big culture-wide shifts are amuse yourself with improvisational adventures. TO PLAY impacting our personal lives. Climate change, the internet, smart phones, automation, and human- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "How do you get like robots are just a few examples. What are your main pleasure in life?" That question was Fill in the grid so that doing to adjust to the many innovations? And what posed to Scorpio author Evelyn Waugh and Piscean will you do in the future? Now is an excellent time social reformer William Beveridge. Waugh said, every row, column, and to meditate on these issues. "I get mine spreading alarm and despondency." Beveridge said, "I get mine trying to leave the outlined 3-by-3 box VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You're skilled at the world a better place than I found it." I hope you will art of self-editing. When bright new ideas well up favor Beveridge's approach over Waugh's in 2020, contains the numbers 1 in you, you understand they are not yet ready for Pisces—for two reasons. First, the world already prime time, but will need to be honed and finessed. has plenty of alarm and despondency; it doesn't through 9 exactly once. When your creativity overflows, tantalizing you need even a tiny bit more. Second, aspiring to be with fresh perspectives and novel approaches, like Beveridge will be the best possible strategy for No guessing is required. you know that you'll have to harness the raw surge. fostering your mental and physical health. However, it's also true that sometimes you go too The solution is unique. far in your efforts to refine your imagination's

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE Answers on page 27 HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

A survey of Lansing’s Musical LAndscape TURN IT D WNWN! By RICH TUPICA Big Sherm talks ‘Funk Night’ at Mac’s

Mike Sherman, aka Big Sherm, has been a vinyl-spinning DJ since 2009. Each Wednesday, When he’s not DJing or producing, Mike Sherman also releases his own hip-hop tracks. he spins at Funk Night, a weekly Mac’s Bar event. (courtesy photo) Sample his growing discography at bigsherm.net. (courtesy photo) Local DJ Mike Sherman looks back on a decade of sounds Wednesdays @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18+, 9 p.m. Mike Sherman, aka Big Sherm, is famil- finding music that relates to people of running sound at Mac’s Bar. But that’s great acts in Lansing, including One Be iar face in Lansing’s music scene. He’s all types, not just fans of techno or rap not all he was up to. He also recorded his Lo, Kool Keith, D12 and Crooked I.” known locally as not only a longtime music. I’m looking forward to the reggae own hip-hop tracks, operated a record- As for 2020, Sherman plans to keep sound guy at Mac’s Bar, but also as a night, because it gives me a reason to ing studio and submerged himself in the busy, like usual. He’s steadily dropping a musician in his own right. The 27-year-old try new things and experiment, while local music scene. flurry of tracks on his site, bigsherm.net. is a producer, rapper, engineer and vinyl- staying within the imaginary bounds of “Music means everything to me,” “I am constantly working on new spinning DJ. Among the many titles on his Funk Night.” Sherman said. “If it wasn’t for hip-hop, music, from making beats and instru- resume, Sherman is also a resident DJ The evening is always funky, but always I wouldn’t be who I am today. My music mentation, to recording and writing,” he at “Funk Night,” a weekly Mac’s Bar event serving unique takes on the genre. is very intertwined with myself as a per- said. “I spent the end of 2019 compiling specializing in an assortment of dance- “It took months to develop the sound,” son — and growth in one translates to and releasing tracks that nobody outside able live bands and DJs. Tonight, Funk Sherman explained. “But now it speaks growth in the other.” my inner circle has heard over the years. Night hosts not only booming beats, but for itself. We have many people regularly As a fourth-grader, Sherman attended This came out to about 16 different proj- an Odd Side Ales tap takeover. Then, on coming to check out the featured bands the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and ects around 10 tracks each, of varying Jan. 22, Holy Roots performs a powerful and hear me and DJ Muzik experiment it solidified his path at an early age. styles and angles. It was incredibly free- live set of progressive reggae. In short, and play funky jams everyone can dance “I was always into electronic music, ing to release this music and the new there’s no shortage of diverse, upbeat to. It’s been amazing.” but didn’t have the gear to start DJing,” year has given me so much energy to sounds. Of course, Sherman has been at it for he recalled. “So, when I was about 12, I create, having recorded a new art piece “Since Funk Night was started about a shade over a decade now. In 2009, he turned to hip-hop to let out frustrations every day this year.” a year ago, I’ve grown tremendously as started spinning funky and soulful house and record songs on a cheap micro- Follow Big Sherm at facebook.com/ a DJ,” Sherman said. “I have become music at Neon Tuesdays, Basement 414 phone. Years later, this love of the craft bigggsherm. even more open to genre-bending and and The Loft. A year later, he started had me opening as an emcee for some

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave.. Trivia Night: Arrested Dev, 10PM Open Mic 8PM AOTA Hip Hop DJs 9PM GTG Free Show 8PM Coach's Pub & Grill, 6201 Bishop Rd. Homespun 9PM Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River, East Lansing North of Five 8PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Old School - DJ Jalese 8:30PM Smooth Daddy 9PM Smooth Daddy 9PM LIVE Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Karaoke The Rewind 9PM Roux 8:30PM Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E. Shiawassee Live Music with DJ Skillz 9PM AND The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Of Virtue 6:30PM Homegrown Throwdown 2020 7PM Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Funk Night 9PM Phil Johnson 7PM AOTA: Fresh Class 8PM Power Moves Only 8PM Spiral, 1247 Center St. Turn Up Fridays 9PM DLP Presents Frost 9PM LOCAL Urban Beat, 1213 Turner St. Live Happy Hour 5PM Live Happy Hour w/Craig Hendershott 5PM Live Happy Hour 5PM Unicorn, 327 Cesar E. Chavez, Open Mic 9:30PM Live Music wtih Time 2 Play 9PM Live Music with Shelby & Jake 9PM Upcoming show? Contact VFW #701, 123 N. Rosemary The New Rule 8PM [email protected] Wildlife Pub, 6380 Drumeller Rd., Bath Open Mic 7:30PM City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27

From Page 24 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, grandledge.lib.mi.us. Downtown, 220 S Washington Square, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Saturday, January 18 Lansing. Indoor Snowball Fight (Age 5 & up) - 4-5 Ballroom Dancing Begins - Learn the p.m. CADL South Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., CLASSES AND SEMINARS Minecraft Game Night (Ages 8–15) - To basic steps and fundamentals. 6:30-7:30 Lansing. cadl.org register call 517-485-5185 or go to cadl.org/ p.m. Al!ve, 800 W Lawrence Ave., Charlotte. Birding Basics Workshop - Learn more events. 5-6:30 p.m. CADL Foster, 200 N. myalive.com. Lansing Personal Injury Attorneys about what feathered friends live in our area. Foster Ave., Lansing. cadl.org Meetup - have drinks and share personal 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, East Dr. Susie Linfield on “The Lion’s Den: injury case stories. 10-11 a.m. The Cadillac Lansing. events.msu.edu. ARTS Zionism and the Left from Hannah Room, 1115 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Arendt to Noam Chomsky” - 10-11:30 a.m. 798-6175. attorneykennugent.com. Cozy Cardboard Cottages - 10 a.m. Boy Gets Girl - 7-9:30 p.m. Riverwalk MSU Wells Hall, 619 Red Cedar Rd., Room Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- C-730, East Lansing. 517-432-3493. Refuge Recovery Lansing - 7:30-8:30 Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. impression5.org. 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. jsp.msu.edu. p.m. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Make It! Think Tank Workshops - Design, Community Art Projects - 3-6 LITERATURE AND POETRY The Stewardship Network Conference build, and take home your own creation p.m. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S 2020 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kellogg Center, 219 S. for makers ages 9-14! Impression 5 Science Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. Visit James Keeleghan - Poet laureate of the Harrison Rd., East Lansing. Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485- reachstudioart.org. folk and roots music world. 7:30-10 p.m. MSU 8116. impression5.org Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn, TGIF Dance Party - all welcome! 7 p.m.-12 Craft Night - Come out for crafting and East Lansing. a.m. Hawk Hollow, 15101 Chandler Rd., Bath. Snowshoe Class - Learn to snowshoe and fellowship. 7-9 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters 734-604-5095. tgifdance.com. nothing will stop you! 9:30-11:30 a.m. Harris Ministry, 5705 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Mitten Season Storytime (Ages up to Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos. 517-657-5800. 6) - 10:30-11 a.m. CADL Mason, 145 W. Ash St., ARTS 517-349-3866. meridian.mi.us. Mason. cadl.org Crafting with a Cause - support and Beginning Drawing - It’s never too late to Tun-Dra Dog Mushing (All ages) - serve our community through crafting. Sensory Friendly Storytime (Age 2 & learn to draw! 1-3 p.m. Hannah Community Meet some live sled dogs from Tun-Dra 4-5:30 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District up) - This interactive storytime features Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. Kennels when their staff visits to talk about Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. 517- sensory-friendly activities before we open to 517-337-1113. mushing and the Iditarod. 10-11 a.m. CADL 627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us. the public. 9:30-10:30 a.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, Webberville, 115 N. Main St., Webberville. 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., Holt. Boy Gets Girl - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk cadl.org Studio (in)Process - 6-9 p.m. MSU Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, East EVENTS 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. LITERATURE AND POETRY Lansing. 517-884-4800. Visit broadmuseum. msu.edu for more information. 40th Annual Memorial Observance of Middletown by Will Eno - Cold readings. Poets Roundtable - 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. East Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - 12-1 Roles available: 5 women/7 men - various Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd., East MUSIC p.m. Lansing City Council Chambers, 10th ages/any ethnicity. 6-8 p.m. LCC Theatre, LCC Lansing. Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing. Gannon Building - Room 1403, Lansing. Behind the Scenes - Get to know the lansingmi.gov. Reading to Dogs (All ages) - Practice Lansing Symphony Orchestra. 5:30-9:30 Mud & Mug - 7-10 p.m. Reach Studio Art reading with one of our dogs! 2-3 p.m. p.m. Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Assassin Game - $5/person, 18+. Gift Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing. 517-353-1982. basket awarded to the winner. 7-10 p.m. 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Williamston. cadl.org Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. Friday, January 17 Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. Not Far from Here: Broad Underground EVENTS Film Series - Recent Iranian Video Art. 7-9 Half Day Game Day (Robots and More) p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington CADL Adventurers Role Playing Game CLASSES AND SEMINARS - Games and robots - try a new challenge! 1-3 Ave, Lansing. Club (Ages 10–18) - Embark on a creative p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 adventure with other gamers! Register: Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Teen Studio: Portfolio -3-6 p.m. Reach 517-694-9351 x3 or go to cadl.org/events 4-6 Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, p.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> JANUARY ARTISAN MARKET Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Holt. cadl.org AT REO TOWN MARKETPLACE MUSIC Capital Pro Wrestling - 3-6:30 p.m. The Fledge, 1300 Eureka St., Lansing. The REO Town Marketplace, a combination Gallery Suite Jazz Series - 8-10 p.m. La consignment emporium located, hosts its Fille Gallery, 336 E Michigan Ave., Lansing. See Out on the town, Page 28 first pop-up market of 2020. Shoppers will be able to peruse a vast variety of SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> SCHOOL OF ROCK ’90s LIVE SHOW homemade goods from local artists and AT THE AVENUE CAFE craftsmen. Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. School of Rock, a rock music education 1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing program based in Lansing, is hosting a (517) 927-7576 student showcase at The Avenue Café. facebook.com/REOTownmarketplace Attendees will be able to check out the chops of School of Rock students as they CROSSWORD SOLUTION blaze through your favorite ’90s hits. From Pg. 25 Free, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. SUDOKU SOLUTION 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing From Pg. 25 (517) 927-7576 facebook.com/REOTownmarketplace

SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> CREATE YOUR OWN CRYSTAL GRID WORKSHOP AT WOKE STUDIO Everyone is invited to this cookout. Gravity Smokehouse & BBQ in Holt will touchdown in Lansing to feed those looking for a hot meal. Volunteers can show up at the event ready to serve. 2 to 4 p.m., Free 400 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing (517) 712-0008 cardboardprophets.org 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

From Page 27 Refuge Recovery Lansing - 6-7 p.m. The EVENTS Contra and Square Dance - 7-10 p.m. Sunday, January 19 Fledge, 1300 Eureka St., Lansing. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Bring Your Lunch Social Time! - Bring a Capitol Ave, Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. CLASSES AND SEMINARS ARTS sack lunch and enjoy a visit with friends. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Allen Neighborhood Center, 1611 Dinner Dance - Delicious roast pork Juggling - Learn how to juggle! 2-4 p.m. Auditions for Sylvia - 6:30-8:30 p.m. E Kalamazoo St, Lansing. dinner servered 5:30-7 p.m. with dance Orchard Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., Andromeda Community Theatre, Charlotte. from 6:30-10:30 pm. Lansing Liederkranz, East Lansing. Kiwanis Monthly Meeting - 6-8 p.m. 5828 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing. 517-882-6330. Let It Snow Glitter Paint Party - Paint Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. ARTS adorable Snowman with us! 6-9 p.m. Henry’s Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. DLP Presents Frost - Annual DLP Winter Place, 4926 Marsh Rd., Okemos. Fundraiser party, Frost! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Spiral Open Auditions for “Sylvia” - 6:30-8:30 Prime Time Crime Time - Featuring the Dance Bar, 1247 Center St, Lansing. p.m. Windwalker Underground Gallery, 125 S. Play Day: Movies, Games and more. 1-4 Movies of the 60s and 70s. This week: The 517-214-2149. Cochran Ave, Charlotte. 269-262-1943. p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 Late Show, 1977. 1-3 p.m. Hannah Community E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337- Frozen Party (Age 3 & up) - Let’s Boy Gets Girl - 2-4:30 p.m. Riverwalk grandledge.lib.mi.us. 1113. cityofeastlansing.com celebrate the new Frozen movie with Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- crafts, activities and wintry fun. Costumes 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. Robot-a-thon (Age 4 & up) - JTry robot welcome! 2-3 p.m. CADL Haslett, 1590 Tuesday, January 21 art, compete in an Ollie race, and have a Franklin St., Haslett. cadl.org MUSIC robot sumo match. 4-6 p.m. CADL Downtown CLASSES AND SEMINARS Lansing, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Lansing Record and CD Show - 11 a.m.- Bath Community Drum Circle - Come 4 p.m. University Quality Inn, 3121 E Grand jam with us! 2-4 p.m. Bath Community Center, Sierra Club’s Environmentalist of the 5959 Park Lake Road, Bath. bathtownship.us. 8-Hour ServSafe Manager Training - 9 River Ave, Lansing. 517-351-1440. a.m.-5 p.m. MSU Extension - Ingham County, Year Ceremony - 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing. Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest 121 E Maple Street Conference Room A, Scavenger Hunt Saturdays at the Mason. canr.msu.edu. Michigan History Museum - Self-guided Concert - MSU Jazz. 7 p.m. Fairchild Yawn Patrol Toastmasters - 7-8:30 a.m. scavenger hunts complete with prizes! 10 Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. Two Men and Truck, 3400 Belle Chase Way, 517-355-1855. music.msu.edu. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. a.m.-4 p.m. Michigan History Center, 702 W. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Lansing. 517-214-3327. yawnpatrol.com. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-420-1342. 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. ARTS The Stewardship Network Conference Monday, January 20 Group Dance Class - Beginning West Coast 2020 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kellogg Center, 219 S. Swing. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Mixed Media: Adult - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Harrison Rd., East Lansing. CLASSES AND SEMINARS Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Third Saturday Contra Dance - 7-10 Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Seminar - hosted by the Dept. of Mixed Media: Teen. 4:30-6 p.m. Reach N. Capitol Ave, Lansing. lgmaa.org. 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. 4:10 Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, p.m. MSU, 122 Wells Hall, East Lansing. Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Winter Farmers’ Market - Meridian Twp. Basic Principles of Photography - events.msu.edu. 10-2 p.m. JCPenney wing, Meridian Mall, Learn photography skills. 9-11 a.m. Hannah Papercrafting (Adults) - Learn new Okemos. Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Protect Your Online Identity and ways of using paper to artistically adorn Lansing. 517-337-1113. Reputation and Social Media Profile cards, gifts or even your walls. 1-3 p.m. ARTS Stalking Awareness - free class. 5-7 p.m. CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Business Model Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Rd, Williamston. cadl.org ARTspace Pop-up Art Market - 11 a.m.- Gaynor Entrepreneurship Lab, 651 N. Shaw East Lansing. 3 p.m. Allen Neighborhood Center, 1611 E Ln, East Lansing. MUSIC Kalamazoo St, Lansing. Zumba - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Group Dance Class - Beginning Hustle. 7:15- Home, 1030 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517- Seoul National University New Music Boy Gets Girl - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk 8:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East 882-2838. Ensemble - 7-8:30 p.m. RCAH Theater, Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- Lansing. 517-364-8888. MSU, 362 Bogue St., East Lansing. 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. LITERATURE AND POETRY Group Dance Class - Beginning Nightclub 2 Suren Bagratuni, cello, and Margarita Embroidery Workshop - Join artist Step. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Paws for Reading at GLADL - Come and Shevchenko, piano - 7:30 p.m. Fairchild and teacher Dayna Walton. 1-4 p.m. MSU Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. read to a library loving therapy dog! 6-7 p.m. Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, East Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E 517-355-1855. music.msu.edu. Lansing. Homeschool Study Group - 1-4 p.m. Grand Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson grandledge.lib.mi.us. Jane Gunneman Gallery Show - 12-6 p.m. St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Preschool Storytime - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart. Professional Speaker Series: Home and Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. org. Office Desktop Ergonomics - 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Alive, 800 W Lawrence Ave, Charlotte. grandledge.lib.mi.us. Middletown by Will Eno - Cold readings. Roles available: 5 women/7 men - various LITERATURE AND POETRY Read a Poet/Write a Poem: The Ghazal ages/any ethnicity. 3-5p.m. LCC Theatre, LCC Poets and the Ghazal w/ Guillermo Delgado. Gannon Building - Room 1403, Lansing. Drop-in Minute to Win It Challenge 7-8:30 p.m. C303 Snyder Hall, 362 Bogue Series (Ages 9–14) - Stop by to complete Street, East Lansing. 517-884-1932. MUSIC some challenges to earn points toward your poetry.rcah.msu.edu. season score. 3-4 p.m. CADL Williamston, An American In Paris - Lansing Symphony 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Williamston. Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing. lansingsymphony.org. EVENTS

Old-time String Band Fiddle Tunes 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> ARTSPACE POP-UP ART MARKET AT Repertoire with Mike and Mary Ross Day of Celebration - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lansing ALLEN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Elderly Instruments, 1100 Center - 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. For N Washington, Lansing. 517-372-7880. elderly. tickets 517-410-2998 or GLMKTIX@gmail. ARTspace, a grassroots community com. com or at the City Treasurers office, 124 W. organization that promotes the artists Michigan. lansingmi.gov. Ten Pound Fiddle: Contra and Square of Lansing’s east side neighborhood, is Dance - All dances taught, no partner CanHope support - Support group for teaming up with Allen Neighborhood Center needed. Workshop at 6:30 p.m., Dance 7-10 cancer patients and caregivers. 6:30 p.m.- for a pop-up market. p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N 7:45 p.m. Al!ve, 800 W Lawrence Ave., Capitol Ave, East Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. Charlotte. Free, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1611 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing Game Night at the Fledge - Board and (517) 214-7593 card games. 7 pm to close. The Fledge, 1300 facebook.com/ARTspaceLansing Eureka, Lansing. 517-203-9287. City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING HE ATE SHE ATE Amanecer Mexicano A warm, family atmosphere Another delicious gem for Lansing By MARK NIXON chips are stewed in tomato sauce and By GABRIELLE LAWRENCE For breakfast, he chose the Rare is the restaurant where you then shredded chicken, refried beans Throughout high school and college, Machacado, which the menu describes walk in and almost immediately feel and cheese are ladled in. I did what everyone else did and ate at as “two scrambled eggs with shredded you’ve stepped inside the home of a I ordered gorditas filled with eggs, Taco Bell. I became conditioned to think dried beef.” Three of Mr. She Ate’s culi- family member. beans and cheese, with an add-on of that all Mexican food had to be dripping nary favorites are sandwiches, pizza That feeling swept over me within smoked meat called barbacoa. These in cheese and that seasoned ground and well-done eggs — he doesn’t prefer seconds after setting foot in Amanecer scratch-made “little fat ones” are cous- beef was the only protein option. Since a runny yolk or a soft scramble — and Mexicano. We were greeted as family, or ins to the taco, but most often the masa those dark days, I’ve changed my ways. these eggs perfectly fit the bill. The beef at least good friends. So were other cus- is pinched to- I’ve learned that was well seasoned and the portion was tomers — sometimes in Spanish, other gether to com- corn tortillas definitely hearty enough for breakfast, times in English, always with warmth. pletely enwrap are vastly pref- but not disgustingly enormous as found “Instant family” doesn’t come in a the filling. Gord- erable to flour, in so many other Mexican restaurants. box. Thirty seconds in the microwave itas are $3 each, that any dish I chose the eggs with Mexican sausage and poof! ready to serve. No, it comes and compare fa- featuring cho- (code for chorizo, my fave) and loved from the heart. And Amanecer Mexica- vorably with the rizo is a dish the combination of creamy scrambled no is first and foremost about heart. handmade gord- that I’m going eggs with slightly spicy, crumbled sau- A placard on the east wall hangs be- itas crafted each to like and that sage. Both of the meals came with sides low the photograph of a man we are May at the Cris- cheese can be of thinly sliced fried potatoes, refried told is the owner’s father. Written in to Rey Fiesta in used sparingly, black beans and the best corn tortillas Spanish, it says: “The most important south Lansing. or sometimes I’ve ever had. We ate everything and man in our lives, who taught us to fight On our next not used at all. watched as the restaurant slowly filled for our dreams.” visited we opt- A m a n e c e r up with east-side hipsters, people in Reimagined from an old fish and ed for brunch, M e x i c a n o suits conducting business over eggs and chips chain restaurant, Amanecer Mex- which begins at o p e n e d i n coffee and a group of girlfriends meet- icano is mingling its dreams with ours 11 a.m. Hands September and, ing for a post-holiday recap. Spoiler — assuming your dreams are a soulful down, the as the name alert: Everyone has a relative who asks prayer for real Mexican cuisine. brunch winner suggests — inappropriate questions. It doesn’t stop After two visits, Judy declared this was the Carnes en su Jugo amanecer translates to when you get married or have babies — place to have the most authentic Mex- (“meats in their juices”) for dawn — offers breakfast it just gets weirder. ican food in our community. I would $11.99. Amanecer Mexicano and brunch options and On a return visit, I ordered breakfasts Sunday, go further. It’s some of the best Mexi- Thinly sliced beef is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. closes at 3 p.m. The menu to go. I headed home with an order of can food I’ve had anywhere, including stewed in beef broth, prob- Monday, Tuesday, is decidedly small and Enchiladas Amanecer Mexicano, which housemade dishes we’ve tasted in Oax- ably for many hours. Pinto Thursday-Saturday aggressively egg-forward. were a miss. The hit of the day, and an 7 a.m.-3 p.m. aca, Puebla, Mexico City and Huatulco. beans are added, and even- 2418 E Michigan Ave. The interior of the restau- instant new household favorite, was the By all means, don’t pass over the Pico tually the dish is topped Lansing rant is swathed in neutral Migada. A thick corn tortilla was fried de Gallo, a $1 add-on that is worth with bits of crisp bacon, (517) 574-4461 tones, and bowls of fresh in butter and topped with my chosen thrice that. The key word here is fresh, bite-size chunks of fried facebook.com/ oranges have replaced chorizo, crumbled cheese, sliced avoca- AmanecerMexicano1 as in fresh cilantro, onion, tomato and tortillas and, just before the giant neon sombre- do and a drizzle of crema. I’ve never had loads of garlic. Subtly spiced, it makes a serving, a fresh scallion. ros found in many local anything quite like this, and if choles- perfect companion for a variety of dish- It reached our table pip- Mexican chain restau- terol was no object I’d like to eat it every es, from gorditas to guacamole. (The ing hot. Topped with fresh cilantro and rants. day. For those of you who also used to guacamole, at $4.75, is equally out- diced onions brought separately, this is On a recent visit, Mr. She Ate started frequent Taco Bell and who remember standing and equally fresh.) plainly, simply, a remarkable feast for his meal with a glass of fresh-squeezed the ridiculously named Mexican pizza, Amanecer Mexicano translates as the eyes and stomach. orange juice, which was made in-house this was a better iteration. The tortilla Mexican Sunrise, which aptly describes I ordered two tacos, one stuffed with right before our eyes. I haven’t had was thicker than normal in order to much of the menu. This is a breakfast battered shrimp ($4.50) and the other orange juice in literally years — I always withstand the heft of the topping, and and brunch place. We made our first with breaded fish ($3.99). The bread- say that I would rather eat my calories on future visits I look forward to try- visit a breakfast outing. As you can ing in both cases was not overdone, al- than drink them — but this juice was ing the Migadas with barbacoa, ricotta imagine, this is not the place you go for lowing other flavors to shine through. incredible. Our only criticism of it was cheese or prickly pear cactus, the latter waffles and pancakes. Both shrimp and fish were decked out that it was room temperature, and of which sounds particularly intriguing. Try the Chilaquiles with over easy would have been even more refreshing eggs ($10.99). Housemade tortilla See He ate, Page 30 served cold. See She ate, Page 30 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

ture because, well, when they say fresh- squeezed, they mean exactly that. Fresh food He ate Family fun! The homey touches are worth not- from page 29 ing. I saw a row of wooden clothespins 3 LOCATIONS dangling from a wire stretched above a kitchen workstation — no doubt an in red onions; diced tomatoes, a speck economical but useful way to hold or- Featured of shredded cabbage and a light drizzle ders. on: of spiced, homemade cream. There’s little doubt that heritage is Where’s my thesaurus? I need some important here, and not just familial new synonyms for “outstanding.” connections. A portrait of Mexican art- Try or Mexican food is sometimes consid- ist Frida Kahlo hangs on one wall, and ered unhealthy, a debate I will leave to scattered about are tiny molcajetes — Fish, Buges & Steak others. However, it’s worth noting that Mexican mortar and pestles that are es- Amanecer Mexicano offers a number sential in many Mexican kitchens. of fresh fruit smoothies, fruit salad and Food, family and clinging to one’s Fresh off the Grill! East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 fresh-squeezed orange juice. The latter heritage while fighting for our own Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am is served more or less at room tempera- dreams. Sure sounds like home to me. Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am BUY ANY like that are so completely embraced Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 She ate by our whole community. Amanecer DINNER Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am Mexicano is another beautiful illustra- tion of this phenomenon, as evidenced ND from page 29 by our mayor documenting his recent GET 2 visit on his Facebook page. Service is I’ve waxed poetic in this space unflinchingly attentive, even as Mr. She DINNER about Lansingites embracing the dif- Ate and I wandered in, bleary eyed, tot- ferent cuisines represented by people ing an infant car seat. Even when Baby who live here. Traveling to other cities Jane started to kick up just the smallest % CARNIVORES around the country and around our fuss, nobody side-eyed us. The kitchen state makes me realize that it’s atypi- is gleaming, the prices are right and the 50 OFF cal to have so many wonderful Middle LOVE MEAT! food is fantastic. Word to the wise — AWARD WINNING BBQ + 18 TAPS Eastern restaurants, a successful bar- they aren’t open Wednesday. One per customer becue/Vietnamese restaurant, and the OF PURE GOLDEN JOY = A GREAT TIME! Expires 1/28/20 18 ROTATING CRAFT, MICHIGAN MADE AND WANT YOUR RESTAURANT 3 DOMESTIC BEERS ON TAP LISTED? CALL 2417 E. Kalamazoo 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM 517-999-5064 Lansing, MI 48912 1224 TURNER ST. 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Buddies Holt Featuring 10 local breweries and over 20 beers 2040 Aurelius Rd, Ste 12 Traditional classics and great drinks. Burgers, Mexican entrees, pizza and appetizers. Five Start 2020 Holt, MI 48842 (517) 699-3670 versions of loaded tots and Buddies Bowls you January 16, 2020 off with a gift www.buddiesbars.com can’t get anywhere else. Locally owned and We will be collecting unused gloves, winter from us! operated for over 20 years. $ hats, coats, socks & blankets for 5 off your GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on order of Eastside Fish Fry Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our $ 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., fried home-style classics and fresh seafood are Carboard ProPhets 25 or more Lansing, MI 48912 some of the best to be found in Lansing. We’ve got $ (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, 10 off your eastsidefshfry.com exotic fare, like frog legs and alligator tails and order of fresh seafood. 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307 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave Lansing (517) 482-8845 www.absolutegallery.net 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 PLUMBING PROBLEMS? Full service plumbing repairs Water heater repair/replacement offering quick turnaround same day service Full service drain cleaning and water jetting: Residential or Commercial Water conditioning/softening Back-up sump pump options to keep basements dry We are a 3rd generation family owned business serving Greater Lansing since 1939 $30 OFF ANY SERVICE CALL OVER $100 COUPON EXPIRES 6/30/2020 CODE: CP2020 10% OFF ANY DRAIN CLEANING OR CAMERA INSPECTION MAXIMUM DISCOUNT $50 COUPON EXPIRES 6/30/2020 CODE: CP2020 CALL 1-800-HEDLUND OR 517-321-5955 SPECIALIZING IN SAME DAY SERVICE 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

Bringing the best of Folk, Roots & Dance to the Greater Lansing Area $5 2020 concert season student tickets to all shows! All events begin at 7:30pm unless noted

Friday, Feb. 28 th Friday, Jan. 17 18 Annual James Keeleghan JigJam From the Midlands of Ireland Mid-Winter Canadian Invasion II

Singing & Friday, March 6 Friday, Jan. 24 Kyshona Folk Festival Tim Grimm and JAN. 31-FEB. 1 Ben Bedford Hannah Community Center, Frday, March 13 East Lansing The Steel Wheels FRIDAY CONCERT Friday, Feb. 7 The Fabulous Heftones and Friends Friday, March 20 Lynn Miles Friday, Feb. 14 Canadian Invasion IV House of Hamill (7:30) Sweet Water Warblers Liz Carroll, world-renowned Irish fiddler, Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Friday, March 27 with dancer extraordinaire, Nic Gareiss Lindsay Lou and harpist Maeve Gilchrist (8:45) Joshua Davis SATURDAY Friday, Feb. 21 COMMUNITY SING Dan Chouinard Cheryl Wheeler Friday, April 3 Song Leader Frank Youngman Come sing fabulous songs WITH a Minneapolis and Seth Bernard treasure (7:30) Sunday, Feb. 23 8 SINGING & MUSIC WORKSHOPS Friday, April 17 SATURDAY, NOON - 4PM Molsky’s Mountain Drifters Bruce Molsky, Allison de Groot, Low Lily, including fiddler Stash Wyslouch Lissa Schneckenburger FREE CHILDREN’S CONCERT WITH MARK DVORAK Thurs., Feb. 27 Friday, April 24 SATURDAY, 11AM Scott Cook Emma’s Revolution Canadian Invasion III with Pat Humphries SINGINGFESTIVAL.COM and Sandy O.

For info on tickets, venues, performers, monthly contra dances, Fiddle Scouts & more, call 517-337-7744 or th visit www.tenpoundfiddle.org 45 season! City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.comLorem ipsum 3 Favorite Things Britta Urness and her brass watering can

Thursday, January 23, 2020 • 7:30 PM Claude Bolling - Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Richard Sherman, Flute Bijan Taghavi, Pianist Rodney Whitaker, Bass Randy Gelispie, Drums Music, Myth and Mystery The Absolute Music Chamber Series offers its eleventh season at the acoustically-su- perior Urban Beat Event Center in Lansing’s old Town. In this highly welcoming space, everyone sits only a few feet away from the musicians to experience chamber music up close and personal. Concert guides introduce the artists and their programs and facilitate an after-concert discussion among the audience and the musicians. This talk-back provides a chance for the audience to connect with the musicians and understand the passionate process that creates a performance. Concert Guide: WKAR’s Jamie Paisley. In the Old World soirée tradition, light refreshments are served following every concert.

Buy tickets online: absolutemusiclansing.org or at the door Urban Beat Event Center, 1213 Turner Street Lansing, Michigan 48906 in Old Town

R Britta Urness, 38, is a familiar ing her plants. Using this can always face in the Lansing art world. She felt delicate and proper, as if I were e eda spiritsirits is a former academic adviser in the pretending to act grown-up with a r dc r art department at Michigan State house of my own. That, and water- University and, in November, started ing the plants was much easier than Distillery & Cocktail Bar on a new career path as a studio edu- peeling potatoes. cator at the Broad Museum MSU Art At an interactive art exhibit once, Lab. Beyond that, her own artwork I was asked to draw what I’d grab will be on display in a show called from my house in a fire onto a post- “Sorry, I’m Not Leaving,” opens at 6 card. I immediately thought of my Oatlander p.m. Friday (Jan. 17) at the Lansing brass watering can and took pleasure Art Gallery & Education Center, 119. in drawing its shape. There’s some- S. Washington Square, Lansing. thing about the graceful curve of the My favorite thing is a 1970s Ethan spout and the fact that it’s sturdy and Allen brass watering can. Being brass. Today, I used it to water a good brass, it tarnishes easily, but I recent- collection of small plants that I keep ly shined it up by using ketchup, and in a set of McCoy pottery planters. it worked great. Very satisfying. While you can easily buy a cheap After my Great-grandma Emma plastic watering can at a dollar store, passed away, it was something spe- I take pride in having a special tool cial I chose from her house. While for the job. It’s not the only thing I other family members were attached have of my grandma’s, and it’s cer- to her paintings, candy dishes or tainly not the most valuable thing I quilts, I gravitated towards this prac- own, but after my cats, I’d scramble tical brass beauty. to rescue this funny can due to the During the summers as a kid, I gentle memories and rituals I asso- straight bourbon spent a lot of time at her house, hav- ciate with it. ing afternoon tea with her, learning (This interview was edited and aged 4 years to sew and reading pre-teen paper- condensed by Rich Tupica. If you back books sprawled out on the floor. have a suggestion for Favorite She had me do household chores for Things, please email rich@ 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing her and my favorite thing was water- lansingcitypulse.com.) 4 - 11 p.m Thurs & Fri; 2 - 11 p.m. Sat; 4 - 10 p.m. Tues, Wed & Sun 517-908-9950 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 VOL. 19 ISSUE 23

(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 or email [email protected] PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz 17 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley Women in jazz will celebrate MLK Day [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler PAGE [email protected] (517) 999-5066 22 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 Kyle Kaminski • [email protected] Guy Yehuda ignites the Lansing Symphony Orchestra (517) 999-6710

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29 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. He Ate She Ate: Amanecer Mexicano Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Cover Distribution manager: Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704 Art Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher, Dale Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith Photo by Dickie Hill Photoworks Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected]

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on FOR DESIGN

City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION

FOR True love’s kiss DESIGN In the children’s fairy tale of yore, Snow discrimination will continue to White took an ill-advised bite from the evil churn through the federal court queen’s poison apple. The deathlike sleep system. We are not lawyers and induced by the toxic fruit could only be won’t attempt to dissect the legal broken by the kiss of true love. arguments on both sides, except We offer the popular Disney para- to say that the case will likely turn ble as a metaphor for the City of East on whether the city’s regulatory Lansing’s ongoing legal skirmish with the actions exhibited hostility toward Country Mill, a local apple orchard that the family’s religious beliefs rather unapologetically discriminates against the than maintaining neutrality. LGBTQ+ community by prohibiting same We prefer to reflect on the phi- sex marriages at its farm in Charlotte. As losphical principles involved in the a result, the city – the first in the nation to city’s fight to protect its ordinance ban discrimination on the basis of sexual prohibiting discrimination on the orientation — contends that it can legally basis of sexual orientation, a bar Country Mill from selling at the munici- practice the Country Mill owners Coffee Bar at pal farmers market. freely admit, defending their ban Horrocks Farm Market As a new year unfolds, we hope and on same sex marriages as an 7420 W Saginaw Hwy., Lansing wish the Country Mill owners would set exercise in religious freedom. Only Bill Simpson correctly iden- aside their litigious pursuits and do the Yet, as others have observed, tified this month’s Eye for Design right thing: Living up to the biblical exhor- freedom is a two-way street. It as the coffee bar at Horrocks Farm tation to “love thy neighbor,” the orchard is ironic, not to mention anti- Market. Horrocks has grown expo- owners could remedy the ill effects of their thetical to common sense, that case, the right of the Country Mill owners nentially since its opening in 1959. The poisonous fruit by allowing the kiss of true the Country Mill owners demand the city to participate in a city-sponsored event, store, which encompasses 70,000 love between same sex couples at their accommodate its discriminatory religious in violation of the city’s anti-discrimination square feet, has satellite locations in facility, just as they do for heterosexual beliefs, while attempting to deny the city ordinance, can be viewed as injuring the Grand Rapids and Battle Creek. The couples. the right to enact and enforce its secular rights of East Lansing residents to live original store has become a destina- While we are anything but biblical schol- beliefs in the form of policies that prohibit in a community free from discrimination. tion in Delta Township where custom- ars, the Christian tome’s familiar injunction discrimination. Which, we ask, is the greater harm? That ers can enjoy complimentary coffee “judge not, lest ye be judged” also comes a single small business is denied the while shopping. And, it’s constantly to mind. It is here that the best nature of opportunity to sell a few apples at a public making improvements, like adding our secular and theistic spirits align, urging The CP Edit market? Or that a local government is the café seating area that opened in us to love one another without judgment. denied the opportunity to protect its many 2018. Would that the owners of the Country Mill Opinion residents from the toxic (and illegal) fruit of This month’s Eye for Design (above) embrace this truest expression of God’s overt discrimination? The answer, to us, is can be found at an indoor location in will with a simple gesture of tolerance for obvious. East Lansing, and it may not be what their fellow humans. Astute libertarians would likely invoke Just as there is no legal mandate that it first appears to be. (Look closely.) As practicing Catholics, they could draw the “harm principle,” as espoused by John couples seeking to tie the knot must The first person to correctly identify inspiration from Pope Francis himself, who Stuart Mill in his classic work “On Liberty.” patronize the Country Mill, neither does this detail will receive a City Pulse Eye regularly calls upon his flock to show love “The only purpose for which power can the Country Mill deserve a legal man- for Design mug. Send your answer to toward the LGBTQ+ community. “Tell me,” be rightfully exercised over any member date to sell products at the East Lansing [email protected]. he once wrote, “when God looks at a gay of a civilized community, against his will,” farmers market. In the end, we suggest the — KYLE KAMINSKI person, does he endorse the existence of Mill argued, “is to prevent harm to others.” Country Mill owners keep their bigotry and this person with love, or reject and con- France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man intolerance to themselves and sell their demn this person? We have to find a new and of the Citizen of 1789 takes a similar poison apples elsewhere. balance; otherwise even the moral edifice tack, proclaiming that “liberty consists in of the church is likely to fall like a house of the freedom to do everything which injures Send letters to the editor cards, losing the freshness and fragrance no one else; hence the exercise of the on this editorial or of the Gospel.” natural rights of each man has no limits It seems unlikely that the Country except those which assure to the other any other topic to Mill owners will take heed of the pope’s members of the society the enjoyment of [email protected]. admonition, so its lawsuit against the the same rights.” Please limit them “Eye for Design” is our look at some of City of East Lansing alleging religious Applying this precept to the present to 250 words. the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eye candy of the Week and Eyesore of the Week. 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 Jackson Johnson’s suspension rekindles diversity concerns Public outcry and unanswered ques- Kevin Brown, pastor at Shiloh Mis- tions surround Lansing’s Department sionary Baptist Church. “There’s a of Human Relations and Community Bernero questions diversity in Schor’s City Hall hole in the values of appreciation and Services after its director, Joan Jackson Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has made a point of doing some- respect that we claim, in the lens of Johnson, was abruptly placed on paid thing not easy for him: keeping his mouth shut, at least when it comes to love that allows us to see the difference leave last week. his views on the performance of his successor, Andy between what is illegal and impracti- New ques- Schor. cal. Sometimes the way you do things tions are also But Bernero broke the silence Tuesday in an inter- speaks louder than the words you say.” being raised re- view with City Pulse when he was asked to comment Details on the scope and nature of garding diver- on the suspension of Joan Jackson Jackson, whom the financial audit at Jackson John- sity at City Hall he hired in 2006 to be the city’s director of human son’s department remain under wraps. as yet another resources. Schor declined to comment on the al- African Amer- “I have concerns about this mayor’s commitment leged contract “issues” pending a for- ican depart- to diversity,” Bernero said. mal investigation. Decisions to place ment head is “As mayor, I was very sensitive about making employees on leave depend wholly on out of a job — sure there was inclusion from all parts of the city. I the circumstances, but Schor said it at least tempo- thought it was very important for any city — espe- Bernero was “necessary” in this instance. rarily — since Jackson Johnson cially Lansing — to put down the welcome mat and City officials also have yet to produce Lansing May- set an example for the entire state. We are stronger any financial records tied to Jackson or Andy Schor together. It doesn’t just happen. The talent is there, but you have to nur- Johnson’s office or respond to an open took office in 2018. Some local com- ture, uplift and embrace it.” records request for more information. munity leaders are expressing frustra- — KYLE KAMINSKI It’s also unclear what steps need to be tion with Schor’s track record amid the taken before Jackson Johnson can re- ongoing exodus. turn to her job. “A number of African Americans But Schor sharply denied that racial have been released from their duties office. Fire Chief Randy Talifarro and surrounding yourself with a represen- motivations are involved in the situa- under Mayor Schor,” said educator Information Technology Director Col- tative number of diverse people, that’s tion. Maxine Hankins Cain, who is black. lin Boyce left the city. Former Housing a problem. I think those voices need “My administration has a very di- “Why? Why have so many left? I think Commission Director Martell Arm- to be heard and no mayor should ever verse cabinet and senior staff that I am the job of mayor is to make sure the strong, who did not report to Schor, be comfortable being surrounded by proud of and represents all of Lansing,” people who surround him are of a di- resigned. only people who look like him and who Schor said in a statement. “We have verse population. These were compe- All of them are African American. think like him.” seen people leave and brought in new tent and knowledgeable people.” And a majority have been replaced by Jackson Johnson — another black people. And we have maintained a very Planning Director Bob Johnson and white men under Schor’s leadership. woman — remains on paid adminis- diverse and highly qualified senior staff Human Resources Director Mary Ri- “I am concerned,” Cain added. “If trative leave after a recent forensic au- that I am proud of. I am concerned ley weren’t rehired after Schor took you’re a white male and you have not dit uncovered “issues with contracts” about all residents of Lansing.” stemming from her department. Those After Schor was elected, Riley was findings have since been referred to the offered another job with the city but Michigan Attorney General’s Office. In declined. Schor previously said he in- the meantime, prominent members of tended to offer Johnson another po- the African American community have sition but didn’t have an opportunity. rallied behind Jackson Johnson and Talifarro and Boyce each resigned on criticized the handling of her recent their own accord, Schor said. And he suspension. Dozens voiced complaints said he placed no pressure on Arm- Monday to the City Council. strong to call it quits back in 2018. “She didn’t care if you were black, Schor also touted the recent hiring of white. It didn’t make any difference,” City Treasurer Judy Kehler, Chief Ad- said the Rev. Clyde Carnegie. “Male, ministrative Officer Nicholas Tate and female, it didn’t bother her. She got her Lansing Police Department Chief Dar- hands dirty. She rolled up her sleeves yl Green — all African Americans — and she worked to help make Lansing under his administration. Others, like great. We stand on her shoulders. And HR Director Linda Sanchez Gazella, a I say tonight, Joan, we love you. We’re Latina, and Brian McGrain, who is gay, not going to leave you.” help fill out his diverse cabinet, he said. “If we’re not supporting the people “Since I announced I am running, that are disenfranchised and at the I have always said that I will listen to bottom of our socioeconomic scale, our all opinions and do what is best for the entire community is impacted,” added city of Lansing,” Schor added. “That retired Lansing teacher Cheryl Dudley. has not changed. I am very apprecia- “What’s being done to Jackson John- tive of the people who work for me.” son,” she said, “is horrible. A price is al- But others — particularly those in Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse ways paid when we touch God’s people Lansing’s African American communi- The Rev. Clyde Carnegie speaks to Lansing City Council in support of doing God’s work. Joan Jackson Johnson on Monday night. “There’s a hole in this process,” said See Diversity, Page 7 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

want to “feel the Bern.” George Stephanopoulos. Her eyes Volunteer Amanda Dolinski was teared up. Sanders movement taking amazed by the enthusiasm of an Upper “These were thoughts that I literally Peninsula couple she called during the had forever, as long as I can remem- 2016 campaign. ber,” she said. “And to have a politician off in Michigan “I said, ‘Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m — a politician! — speak exactly what with the Bernie 2016 campaign,’” I’ve been thinking, it was like destiny.”

This weekend’s road POLITICS National outlets like The New York Dolinski recalled. Collison needed the kiwi, as it turned trip to Iowa started Times are feeling the surge. They’re The person I was trying to reach out. She didn’t recognize about a third with local Bernie beginning to frame the race for the was a woman’s name and her husband of the people who trickled in through- Sanders organizer nomination in terms of a two-horse answered the phone. As soon as I said I out the meeting. As far as she’s con- Kelly Collison and a race between the U.S. senator from was with the Bernie campaign he said, cerned if they’re for Bernie, they can’t few friends. Vermont and former Vice President ‘Whoa! My wife has been waiting for- be all bad. Bernie backers are people Now, the door Joe Biden. ever for this phone call! Let me get her.’ who “care about people” and about knocking/canvassing Volunteers like Marshall Clabeaux “You could hear him hustling “coming together.” team from Lansing is of Lansing are committed to the through the house to get her,” Dolinski When she and her partner had trou- up to 10 people, three unabashed liberal four-square. Sanders continued. “When she got on the ble with their house and they thought cars and two Airbnbs. It’s kinda like won Michigan four years ago. They phone she was so excited to hear from they’d lose it, she posted a Facebook this whole Sanders movement in early firmly believe it will happen again. the campaign. She wanted to know message. Within a half hour, she raised 2020. “Back in 2016,” he said, referring to how she could volunteer. As we were $1,500. Random people she didn’t Organizational events like the Jan. the presidential primary, when Sanders hanging up the phone, she yelled, even know gave. All they knew was 9 gathering at the Sanctuary that beat Hillary Clinton, “I walked 500 ‘YAAAHOOOOO!’” that she gave her time for Bernie and gathered a handful of diehards back miles in the month leading up to the Yup, Bernie people are passionate that’s all that mattered. in 2016 are turning into gatherings election. I got pneumonia knocking on birds. Speaking of birds, remember the So, at about the same time the of 30-some people. All of them want tens of thousands of doors,” Clabeaux bird that landed on Sanders’ podium Sanders team hires its first Michigan to knock doors, make phone calls said. “I’m willing to do it again.” in Portland, Oregon, in 2016? Collison staff person, Collison is seeing the or do whatever they can to help the The diverse collection of Sanders kicked off last Thursday’s meeting by gradual increase in volunteers pick up. Democratic presidential hopeful, who supporters doesn’t need a lot of tossing around a stuffed pink New “Bernie people are the best people,” is surging in the weeks leading to the inspiration to run through a wall for Zealand kiwi-like thing. You catch the she said. “I hate to say that because Iowa Caucuses. Sanders. They certainly know what kiwi, you say your name and why you there are others who are awesome, too, The drive to elect Sanders, which they’re getting into. support Bernie. but Bernie people are the nicest people seemed to stagnate for a while, is back “How many people here have the Volunteer Nikki Phan said she sup- because we’re fighting for people we and is growing. Bernie app?” Collison asked Thursday’s ports Sanders because of his antiwar, don’t even know. It’s the most beautiful “This is what I’ve been waiting for,” group. Medicare for All and erasing student thing I’ve seen. said Collison. “I’ve been telling myself, Nearly every hand went up. Yes, debt positions. “It’s the people that make this move- ‘Bernie, please don’t peak, yet. Then his Bernie Sanders’ campaign has an Clabeaux said he liked where Bernie ment a huge inspiration to me.” heart attack happened. He recovered app. It has news, videos, volunteer- was on the Green New Deal. (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol newslet- and he didn’t peak. Now he’s peaking. ing opportunities, and other ways to Dolinski said she first saw Sanders ter MIRS is at [email protected].) Right before Iowa. This is perfect.” connect with like-minded people who on an ABC morning program with

added. “I can’t say that he supports the uments to the Michigan Attorney “I was told I couldn’t be involved in Diversity African American community. People General’s Office for a review that may both entities, but there was no finan- act on the basis of what they perceive determine whether a state criminal cial impropriety going on,” Jackson is important. And for some reason, he investigation ensues. No timeline has Johnson added. “I needed to divorce from page 6 saw fit to let some of these people go been established. myself from that organization given its and the only real common denomina- Jackson Johnson couldn’t be reached ties to the city, and I was working on ty — remain skeptical. tor at play here is their ethnicity.” for comment this week, but previously that. I didn’t want to dissolve the or- Former school administrator Eu- Barbara Roberts Mason was the first denied any financial wrongdoing. ganization. We’ve been trying to find gene Cain, who is married to Maxine African-American woman in Michi- “There is nothing financial going other people to take on these roles.” Hankins Cain, isn’t convinced that gan elected to statewide office, serving on,” Jackson Johnson declared in an Records show One Church One Schor has the best interests of the Af- a record 24 years on Michigan’s State interview late last week. “I’ve been told Family received at least $500,000 in rican American community in mind. Board of Education as a powerful voice there’s a conflict of interest with my federal grant funding in recent years, He labeled the revolving door of black for equality and justice. She also ques- position in different organizations. I in addition to at least one $10,000 leaders at City Hall as “questionable.” tioned the circumstances that led to was working on that. After a while, you grant from the city of Lansing. Jackson “The number of people of the same the departure of so many black voices have to think they’re on a witch hunt Johnson insisted that she never de- race being shown the door is trou- under Schor’s leadership. against me. I’m not sure I really under- rived any personal financial gain from bling,” Cain added. “This is where the “It’s one thing to have a diverse staff stand anything.” its operation, according to an affidavit mayor needs to come forward with but another to have them in man- Jackson Johnson suspects her de- filed with the City Clerk’s office. answers, particularly for the African agement positions. I don’t know why parture was triggered by her long-time Jackson Johnson, a carryover from Americans in this community. I’ve they’re leaving. Apparently they’re not involvement with the nonprofit One former Mayor Virg Bernero’s adminis- come to the conclusion that people satisfied with what’s been happening in Church One Family, a local charity that tration, will still collect her $129,289 need to be judged by their answers, not the environment,” Roberts Mason said. acquires grants and provides housing annual salary while on leave. Mean- their words. We need to see some ac- “Joan believes this is a witch hunt, and to those in need. She initially registered while, Tate has been named interim tion.” it sounds like it is. It sounds like some- it with the state in 2008 and served as director in order to maintain services. “If it walks like a duck and quacks one is digging at it.” its chairwoman before she resigned in — KYLE KAMINSKI like a duck, it’s probably a duck,” he Meanwhile, the city has sent doc- December 2019. [email protected] 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 CBD craze fuels market for Michigan hemp Industry insiders prep for their crops last year. State officials said up to 603 grow- lucrative growing season ers worked alongside 483 processors and handlers to harvest a total of about As the market for medical and rec- 18,000 square acres of indoor- and out- reational marijuana blossoms across door-grown hemp across Michigan last Michigan in the wake of its newfound year. A report with additional statistics legal status, a lesser known (but argu- — including a total harvest weight — is ably just as lucrative) side of the indus- expected to be released sometime in the try is starting to make some inroads. spring, officials said. A sold-out crowd filled the Lansing Another 238 growing licenses have Center last weekend for the inaugural been issued as momentum builds for Midwest iHemp Expo. Organizers have this year’s growing season. And some since labeled it as one of the largest hemp insiders suggested the return on gatherings of industry insiders in the investment could exceed $19,000 per country following the first legal hemp acre amid a billion-dollar industry. harvest in Michigan since World War “Michigan is uniquely positioned II. And the economic forecast calls only to grow, process and manufacture for rapid growth in 2020. industrial hemp as one of the nation’s “Michigan has a strong manufactur- most agriculturally diverse states,” said ing base and a strong agricultural base. Agriculture Department spokeswoman We’re seeing some players coming to Jennifer Holten. “This emerging crop Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse this market with innovative ideas that not only creates new opportunities for A vendor displays hemp products at the first Midwest iHemp Expo last weekend will really help the hemp industry grow,” our farming community, but also offers at Lansing Center said Dave Crabill, a hemp grower and an avenue for new businesses to devel- the vice president of iHemp Michigan, op.” can be very capital intensive,” Crabill $1,350 for processors — in exchange an organization founded in 2018 to Under state law, harvested hemp can- explained. “These people aren’t going for Michigan’s regulatory greenlight to support the industry. not exceed 0.3% THC or else it may need to make money right away. We need harvest their crops. As a caveat of the “It’s going to take some time, energy to be destroyed. And while its industrial tens of thousands of acres of hemp to pilot program, those entrepreneurs are and creative thinking, but we’re con- uses can vary across the manufacturing satisfy even the most minor demands. technically producing state “research” fident that Michigan is going to be a marketplace, Michigan’s hemp industry It’ll happen, but it’s going to take a lit- in order to make it all legal. major player in the hemp industry. I has been booming for mostly one rea- tle more energy and arm-twisting in the Growers and processors also need to think we’re already starting to see that,” son: CBD. It might not produce a high, marketplace to see it through.” identify their growing locations to state Crabill added. “We certainly have the but studies point to a broad spectrum of And Michigan’s established and officials, but they’re exempt from pub- enthusiasm, and we seem to have the health benefits. aspiring hemp farmers and processors lic disclosure. And unlike the marijua- right mindset to learn and share from Recent clinical research suggests — many of whom crowded the Lansing na industry where cities and townships one another to make it happen.” CBD can help treat anxiety, cognition Center over the weekend — are ready to can opt out of the market, the right to Hemp — often labeled as the straight- and movement disorders and pain. And push the industry forward. Agricultural grow hemp is ingrained into state law laced cousin of the buzz-inducing mar- a little hemp oil goes a long way in its technology continues to evolve. and cannot be superseded by any pro- ijuana plant — is a species of cannabis production. CBD’s comparatively sim- Processing techniques are always being hibitive local ordinances. grown specifically for fiber and CBD plistic production process also helps to explored. A newfound entrepreneurial Still, a slowly dissipating stigma of rather than THC, the psychoactive explain why CBD gummies are lining spirit lingers in the air. “reefer madness” across the country has component in weed that gets people shelves at more local businesses like Fabio Rodi, founder of Vermont- affected the hemp industry as well. high. Its industrial uses are constantly Quality Dairy and Family Video. based Icon Processors, is among those Crabill said because hemp (and CBD) expanding to include paper, clothing, “CBD is the shiny object in the room hoping to cash in on Michigan’s hemp were not commercially available in biofuels, plastics and more. right now,” Crabill said. “It’s going to market. His out-of-state process- the U.S. during the last 80 years, it’ll Michiganders since 1938 have been remain that way for the next couple of ing facilities can handle about 2,000 take some extra time to educate both legally prohibited from growing hemp. years, at least until we have a rich uncle pounds of hemp daily, but his compa- entrepreneurs and consumers about its That changed last year when it was set up some processing options for ny already has plans to expand north of potential uses and demonstrable health removed from the list of federally con- the fiber. Companies like Patagonia or Detroit to process up to 10,000 pounds benefits. And the sooner people realize trolled substances following the passage LEGO would love to incorporate it in of hemp a day. you can’t get high off hemp, the better, of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, subsequent- their products, but we’re just not pre- “We expect that in Michigan and in he said. ly legalizing its production and distri- pared to process it.” the Midwest, there will be more farms “It’s not just about money, it’s about bution and giving states the authority Crabill said a shortage of processors growing hemp for CBD, but there’s also health benefits for the consumer too,” to regulate the market. to match an enthusiastic army of hemp going to be a lot of people producing Crabill said. “You hear these stories all Unlike the marijuana industry, farmers in Michigan has somewhat for the industrial side of the industry,” the time, and they’re coming out more Michigan oversees hemp through its stalled the rollout of the industry. State Rodi said. “Strategically, Michigan is in and more. People are using CBD as Department of Agriculture and Rural officials have long recognized the steep a unique position and we expect to see a way to deal with pain or anxiety or Development. Officials are still await- learning curve for everyone involved in some big production for all of these dif- sleeplessness. It’s about education. For ing a formalized ruleset from the federal the budding commodity, but remain ferent industries.” the last century, we’ve had this massive government, but a research-based pilot optimistic about the future of statewide Under state law, those growing, pro- campaign to vilify cannabis. That’s a lot program for farmers allowed growers hemp production. cessing and handling hemp are required and processors to get a jumpstart on “Processing hemp fiber at scale to pay annual licensing fees — up to See Hemp, Page 9 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Lansing City Council to target local slumlords the majority of our housing stock and conditions with every lease agree- Spadafore to create are causing the most problems,” Betz ment — Betz also wants landlords to tenants' rights panel said. “They don’t have that personal have some financial skin in the game. pride in what Lansing looks like. To “On the tenant side, we have some Deadbeat landlords be warned: us, they’re not even voters. They’re of the least protections among cit- The Lansing City Council is fed up giving other landlords a bad name.” ies across the country,” Betz said. “I with your neglected rental properties. U.S. Census data shows that about want to make sure there’s an easi- Lansing residents for years have half of Lansing residents between er legal recourse. Maybe tenants can voiced complaints to Council mem- 2014 and 2018 were renters, each be allowed to take the money they bers over shoddy living conditions paying a gross median rent of $807. would’ve paid in rent and fix these inside rental homes and apartments. Betz Spitzley And last year, about 38% of Lansing issues for themselves. Maybe code Reports of rats, bed bugs, dysfunc- rentals were found to be unsafe enforcement could do it for them and tional heaters, broken locks and more expects its members to meet with and lacked a certificate showing bill the landlord.” have made their way to City Hall. stakeholders, community members they passed inspection, according The city of Jackson passed an ordi- While code enforcement does its and city staff to ascertain strengths to records compiled last year by the nance last year that requires landlords best, landlord accountability remains and weaknesses in rental enforce- Lansing State Journal. to repay costs associated with rehous- a concern. ment. He’ll also charge the commit - And although last year’s budget ing tenants that were evicted over Council President Peter Spadafore tee with producing a recommenda- set aside some extra cash for code unsafe living conditions. Officials said is determined to put an end to tion on how to beef up local laws by enforcement, more work can always about a dozen residents have made Lansing’s pervasive slumlord reign. August. be done. use of the new law. The goal: put Spadafore said he will soon “There are some really bad land- “For me, we’ve got an issue,” said pressure on landlords to ensure their announce plans to form the city’s lords in this city who are not doing Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley. properties remain safe, or else they first Housing and Resident Safety good by their duties to take care of “We’ve got an issue with landlords pay a price. Committee. The goal: reach out their housing,” said Councilman who aren’t doing the right thing. “The city had to vacate these apart- to residents, gauge the strength of Brandon Betz. “It’s really an issue We’ve seen this play out recently at ments and was actually paying to put Lansing’s existing laws on housing with certain landlords, especially Autumn Ridge. Clearly, we’re doing families in motels until another hous- and code enforcement and, if some those who live out-of-state, but my everything we can do to help, but ing situation could be found,” said a landlords need to be held account- goal is to make sure there are safe, we’re getting some pretty horrible spokesman for the city of Jackson. “We able, ready and arm the Council to great housing conditions for every- pictures from residents about their weren’t under any obligation to do hold their feet closer to the fire. one living in Lansing.” living conditions.” that, but we didn’t want to make these The committee will also be tasked Betz’ election platform last year, Shoddy rental conditions in people homeless. This law ensured the with exploring additional protections when he defeated incumbent Jody Lansing were put on full display last taxpayers didn’t foot the bill.” for local homeowners as well. Washington in the First Ward, was month when dozens of residents of Deputy Lansing City Attorney Joe “Some landlords and tenants have partially built on plans to reform Autumn Ridge were pink-tagged Abood questioned the legality of said they believe the city could be housing laws and bolster protections after their apartments fell out of com- Jackson’s ordinance and recommend- doing more and think our laws could for both tenants and homeowners in pliance with city code. It was a clear ed that City Council hold off on pass- be changed to better protect folks in Lansing. He has since met with sev- warning to management: bring your ing any laws until the city of Jackson the community living in rental prop- eral dozen local residents and has properties up to snuff or else they’ll can be challenged on its ordinance erties,” Spadafore said. “Ultimately, been bouncing ideas off other Council need to be vacated. City officials said in court. A spokesman for Jackson, this is all about learning and finding members for the last few weeks. And the issue might develop into a lawsuit however, said the ordinance has been out what changes might be needed to the new committee is the launchpad against the apartment complex, but working without a hitch for several ensure greater resident safety in this for his plans. they don’t want to put tenants on the months. city.” “A lot of landlords are in compli- street. “We have a lot of tenants’ rights The ad-hoc committee hasn’t yet ance, but it appears that there are “I can’t tell you how many calls within our ordinances,” added Lansing been formed, but Spadafore said he about 15 who live out of state, own I’ve had from people who are scared, Mayor Andy Schor. “I will certainly thinking they’re going to be evicted,” look at what is being proposed and go Spitzley added. “They don’t know from there, but they do have rights. In the meantime, the Agriculture their rights as tenants, and I think we We alert them of their rights. We Hemp Department will continue its pilot need to do a better job reaching out alert them when the building isn’t up program into 2020 until formal to our residents. This rental problem to code. We’re already working with from page 8 changes can be made to state law. needs some solutions, and it might landlords to bring properties up to Once statutory changes are passed take an ordi- code.” by the legislature, the Agriculture STATE OF MICHIGAN nance to get Betz said he plans to gather more Department will then submit PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF INGHAM things mov- community input before moving for- of momentum to overcome and it’s NOTICE OF HEARING Michigan’s industrial hemp plan File # 19-1194-GA, 19-1195-CA ing.” ward with any proposed ordinances or not going to happen overnight, but I and — once that is approved — will In the matter of Carolyn Condell. In addition changes to how the city handles code think we can all get there.” provide added oversight of the state’s TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be to expanded enforcement, with a goal of adding While the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill held on 2/20/2020 at 2:30 p.m. at commercial hemp program. The 2019 313 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing MI education — additional tenant protections by 2021. authorized the commercial produc- 48933 before Judge Dunnings for and 2020 seasons, in the meantime, the following purpose: Contested like flyers that “I don’t want to punish people,” Hearing for Guardian and tion of hemp, state regulators are serve as a massive, state-wide learn- Conservator. describe ten- Betz added. “I just want to make sure still awaiting a finalized set of rules ing opportunities, state officials said. Date: 1/13/2020 ants’ rights in our tenants are safe.” Talaina Cummins from the USDA on the establish- — KYLE KAMINSKI c/o Ingham County DHHS the event of — 5303 S. Cedar Street KYLE KAMINSKI ment of a domestic hemp program. [email protected] Lansing, MI 48911 unsafe living 517-775-5450 CP#20-008 [email protected] 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 Campaign eyes protections for LGBTQ community Gay leaders across Greater Lansing endorse petition drive As a massive voter petition circulates across Michigan to bolster civil rights protections for the LGBTQ communi- ty, local gay leaders in Greater Lansing are standing lockstep against contin- ued discrimination. And changes to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act might just be the only way to cement Crenshaw Schor Beier Spadafore Swope those safeguards into place. “If we leave it at the status quo, with es, the language would head to the Energy President Patti Pope. have long been stalled by Republicans the way things have been going, you’re November ballot for voters to decide. Herman Miller CEO Andi Owen, lawmakers — even with vocal support going to see more discrimination and Although attempts to amend the Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron from former Gov. Rick Snyder. more rights of these individuals being Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act have Bieber, Mark Bernstein of the Sam House Speaker Lee Chatfield, for suppressed,” said Bryan Crenshaw, a started and failed during nearly every Bernstein Law Firm and Whirlpool example, said last year that he didn’t gay man and chairman of the Ingham legislative session since the statute Corp. Vice President Jeff Noel — plan to hold a vote on civil rights leg- County Board of Commissioners. was passed in 1976, organizers think among dozens of others — have also islation, warning it would clash with “This will bring us all closer to total shifting social perspectives and grow- signed on to support the initiative. religious freedoms. inclusivity.” ing support from registered voters Lansing Mayor Andy Schor also serves “I don’t think religion should be in Last week, Fair and Equal Michigan, might be enough to finally level the on the leadership committee. the practice of discriminating against alongside dozens of prominent public playing field for the LGBTQ commu- “Solidarity is for all of us,” Bieber people based on who they are,” argued officials and businesspeople, submit- nity. said in a press release last week. “We Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope. “I ted petition language seeking to ini- “Each legislative cycle when the stand against any form of discrimina- wish the legislature would have acted tiate legislation to amend the state’s bills are introduced, they languish,” tion in the workplace or in the com- on something in the last 30 years, but civil rights law to clarify prohibitions said Erin Knott, executive director munity — no one should be fired or since that doesn’t seem to be happen- on discriminatory practices to include of Equality Michigan. “Enough is discriminated against because of who ing, it makes sense to take this to the sexual orientation, gender identity enough. It’s time to break the log jam they are or who they love. We are ded- voters. Discrimination still happens.” and gender expression. in Lansing and modernize our laws. icated to fighting for a Michigan that’s “The fact that it’s legal to discrimi- The existing law prohibits discrim- We know it makes sense economical- open and welcoming to all.” nate against someone based on their ination in employment, housing and ly. It’s good for tourism. It’s good for Alongside Crenshaw, Lansing City gender identity or sexual orienta- public accommodations on the basis Main Street. And it sends the message Council President Peter Spadafore tion — particularly in 2020 — is of religion, race, sex, height, weight loud and clear that Michigan residents and East Lansing Mayor Ruth Beier just totally unacceptable,” added gay and maritial status. The amendment — including the LGBTQ community — both members of the LGBTQ com- Ingham County Commissioner Ryan aims to broaden that criteria to spe- — are ready to be treated fairly.” munity — also voiced support for the Sebolt. “Michigan cannot continue to cifically prohibit discrimination based The honorary leadership committee amendments to the state law. be labeled as a state where discrimi- on sexual orientation and gender behind the recent initiative includes “Nobody should be denied public nation is legal but yet it continues to identity, including the transgender former Republican State Rep. Mel accommodations or be fired for who happen.” community. Larsen, who cosponsored the Civil they love or who they are,” Spadafore Fair and Equal Michigan is confi- Organizers need to collect about Rights Act back in 1973. Others said. “It’s long been my hope that leg- dent in its movement. Organizers, as 340,000 signatures by May 27 to send include DTE Energy President Jerry islators would follow Lansing’s lead part of the announcement, cited a sur- the proposal to the state legislature. If Norcia, Apple CEO Tim Cook, DOW and enshrine these rights into state vey of 600 registered voters that shows lawmakers ignore or reject the chang- CEO Jim Fitterling and Consumers law. That hasn’t happened. But we’re 77.5% were likely to support legisla- further along as a society, so hopefully tion to amend the civil rights law to hearts and minds have moved on this.” add protections for LGBTQ people — DON’T FORGET • WE’VE GOT “It’s necessary because right now, including 75% of leaning GOP voters Rates start at $24 people of different sexual orienta- and 66% of strong Republican voters. for 4 lines tions can be legally discriminated “History will remember this,” add- THE PULSIFIEDS against,” Beier added. “It’s amazing to ed Ryan Buck, a gay man and trustee BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS me how quickly things have changed for Lansing Community College. “At for the LGBTQ community within a certain point, people need to stand Sell Your Stuff! just the last 10 years. It’s clear we still up for what’s right. I truly believe Find a Advertise Your Service! have some room to grow, but I think that history will remember folks that House! Find a Job! we have the willpower to get there came out on the wrong side of this, together.” who stood against this inclusion and Submit your classified ad to Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or If the amendments pass through who came out in support of equality [email protected] the legislature or the ballot, Michigan for all.” Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified would become the 22nd state to spe- — KYLE KAMINSKI ads also appear online at no extra charge. Deadline cifically bolster protections for its for classifieds is 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming [email protected] Wednesday’s issue. LGBTQ residents. Movement on those civil rights amendments, however, City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11 THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING

Thanks to all who helped celebrate our excellent run of 30 years with an even crazier Holiday Season! On Saturday, January 25, from 10-5, we will be See you Jan. 25 for open to sell the last few items of inventory our final day of inventory and as well as all of our display units, display sale! shelving, acrylic display risers, plate stands, baskets, Christmas trees, decorations, some track lighting, all of our pedestal system, wall shelving, pegboards, etc.

[email protected] 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

against the Iraqi and Iranian govern- levy more sanctions, there was only so ments became protests against the much juice left in that squeeze. A fight everyone lost American government. The Iranians But then the world learned — and bailed on their commitments to the Iran admitted after three days of

For a couple of INFORMED DISSENT for being tougher than Barack Obama. Obama nuclear agreement. European denials — that a Ukranian 737 that hours last Tuesday He repeatedly lied about Obama’s allies grew increasingly frustrated. The crashed outside of Tehran shortly after night, I had the nuclear deal with Iran. He promised region is no closer to peace today than Iran’s missile strike wasn’t downed by sinking feeling that to slap more sanctions on Iran. He it was before Soleimani was killed, nor mechanical failure but by an Iranian the U.S. was about urged NATO — the allies he’s alienat- is the U.S. any closer to a resolution surface-to-air missile. On heightened to embark on yet ed — to get more involved. He urged with Iran. alert, the Iranians — who, ineptly, another generational JEFFREY C. BILLMAN Iran — the country he’s antagonized — America, it seemed, gained nothing hadn’t shut down commercial flights conflict. Iran had to negotiate a new nuclear deal, even except a dead adversary. — mistook the plane for an American responded to President Trump’s kill- though he withdrew from the last one. Trump, perhaps, gained a campaign counterattack and got trigger-happy. ing of its Quds commander, General It was an odd speech. The optics talking point. But a USA Today poll Iran tried to blame American Qassem Soleimani, by launching mis- were unsettling, too. Trump sound- found that, by a 2:1 margin, Americans aggression for the 176 lost lives, many siles and rockets at two American bases ed off, flat, heavy, exhausted. Maybe thought Trump’s decision had made of them Iranian, but by Saturday, in Iraq. Days earlier, Trump had vowed he hadn’t slept well —mhe’d just the country less safe, and a majority Iranians weren’t having it. In Tehran, on Twitter to “quickly & fully strike bumbled his way to the precipice of thought his behavior toward Iran was protesters were shouting, “Death to the back, & perhaps in a disproportionate a world crisis, after all. (To be fair, “reckless.” Maybe that’s why his polling dictator!” and “Death to liars!” accord- manner” if Iran did so. He said that the Senator Lindsey Graham thought it numbers remain low. In any event, ing to videos posted to social media. U.S. would target 52 sites — one for was Trump’s “Tear Down This Wall,” so Nancy Pelosi will transmit the articles Days before, the country’s anger was each of the 52 hostages Iran took four your mileage may vary.) of impeachment to the Senate this pointed at the U.S. No longer. decades ago — including some that Now that things have calmed down week, and this episode will fade into In the end, this seems like a fight are “a very high level & important to — for the time being, anyway — I’ve the background as Trump’s trial begins. everyone lost. Iran & the Iranian culture.” (Targeting been trying to figure out what exactly That leaves Iran, which initially (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of The cultural sites is a war crime, but never the Iran standoff accomplished. What, looked not too worse for wear. To INDY, in Durham, North Carolina.) mind that.) in other words, was the point of stok- much of the Case No. 19-1UDC-0863 Given the rhetoric — and Trump’s ing this fire? world, Trump Dept. No. 1 IN THE TENTH JUDICIAL pathological need to prove how much I don’t see how the affair bene- was the bel- DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA IN AND tougher he is than Barack Obama — it fited the U.S., unless you ascribe to ligerent; Iran FOR THE COUNTY OF — its atro- CHURCHILL was difficult to see how the U.S. could Soleimani god-like superpowers. PAMALA LYNN BENTON, Plaintiff, cious human SCOTT CHRISTOPHER BENTON, back down. Missiles would be in the air The Quds force has about 20,000 Defendant. rights record SUMMONS soon, headed toward Tehran. Perhaps members; its leader’s death won’t THE STATE OF NEVADA SENDS aside — had GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE Iran would make good on its threat affect operations. The idea that kill- NAMED DEFENDANT: You are played the hereby SUMMONED and required to level Dubai in response, or perhaps ing Suleimani disrupted an immi- to serve upon the plaintiff, PAMALA LYNN BENTON, whose address is it would attack Israel. Lots of people nent attack is far-fetched at best. grown-up. It 924 Brass Ring Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123, and ANSWER to the would die. The worst-case scenario was Instead, Trump felt pressured by the had stopped Complaint which is herewith served upon you, within 20 days after things from service of this Summons upon you, 40 about to play out on live television. Republican hawks who will judge exclusive of the date of service. spiraling out In addition, you must file with the But it didn’t. his impeachment trial and wanted to Clerk of this Court, whose address of control. is shown below, a formal written Iran hit the brakes. Its retaliation avenge a recent Iranian-backed mili- answer to the complaint, along And if Iraq with the appropriate filing fees, in was more for show than to cause harm. tia action against the U.S. embassy in accordance with the rules of the Court. If you fail to do so, judgement No one was killed. After the attack, Baghdad. did boot by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Iran said it didn’t intend any further In the process, the U.S. made itself coalition Complaint. This action is brought to recover a judgement dissolving forces, that the contract of marriage existing action. It offered Trump an off-ramp. even more of a pariah. The Iraqi between you and the Plaintiff. would likely The filer certifies that this document The next morning, a slurring and parliament voted to expel American does not contain the social security snorting Trump took it. He said the troops, and then the U.S. threatened strengthen number of any person. Iran’s region- Sue Sevon Iranians backed down. He insisted to cut off Iraq’s access to a New York CLERK OF THE COURT al position. Shellie Hooten (without evidence) that he had killed Fed account holding oil revenue (after DEPUTY CLERK 73 Main St., Fallon, NV 89406 Soleimani to prevent an imminent Trump had threatened to impose And while attack. He patted himself on the back sanctions on a supposed ally). Protests Trump could CP#20-002 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

David Cooper rides his horn from Lansing to Chicago

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO Anyone who loves what they do for a living is lucky, but David Cooper is in a league all his own. In the darkest time of year, you couldn’t find a brighter beam of energy. The man is just lit. In fall 2019, Cooper, a graduate of Grand Ledge High School and alumnus of the MSU Symphony, reached the very top of his profession at the tender age of 35. He was named princi- pal horn of the Chicago Symphony, celebrated for decades as home of the world’s greatest brass section. Athletic and intense, Cooper is not an arm- chair music lover, or an armchair anything. He first heard the Chicago brass as a teenager, while snowboarding down a hillside, his iPod cranked to Mahler’s planet-crushing Seventh Symphony. Jazz gets him worked up, too. “My first speeding ticket, I was listening to Charles Mingus,” he said. “I was just so wrapped up in the bebop I got pulled over. I don’t listen to Mingus and drive now.” He loves to tell skeptical Uber drivers why he loves classical music. He doesn’t mind when they ask him what his “real” job is. “Passion is contagious,” Cooper said. “Every time I play a piece of music I feel like I know that composer. I know their joys, their sorrows, their stories, their loves. I’m sharing these emotions that are still current today, in sound. When you share your love of something, they might love it too, for the same reasons.” Over Thanksgiving weekend, Cooper came back to Lansing to spend time with his mother, Joan, who lives in the same house on St. Joseph Street where David grew up, and his brother, John. He reconnected with former teachers and old friends, basked in the old Spartan spirit and celebrated a grand new phase in his life over a raspberry scone at Strange Matter Coffee.

Enchanted forest

Two suns burn in the sky when we first glimpse Luke Skywalker at the start of the “Star Wars” saga. A noble French horn plays the hero’s theme as he bounds into the frame, setting the tone for the epic to come. That did it for little 4-year-old David Cooper. His glowing face and golden horn were forever Courtesy photo paired, like the twin suns of Tatooine. Grand Ledge native and MSU Symphony alumnus David Cooper, seen here in 2016 at an the Link & Pin gallery in Austin, Texas was named principal horn of the Chicago Symphony last fall. See Cooper, Page 14 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

“More than anybody else.” Cooper Joan Cooper compared her son to a “wild horse.” “Sometimes you give him free rein, but you also have to pull him in,” she said. She has seen conductors from page 13 from Gregorian to Van Zweden to Chicago maestro Riccardo Muti take Cooper under their mighty wings. “Those John Williams horn solos — oh, God,” he “He was a kid you could teach,” Gregorian said. “He sighed. was not ashamed to say, ‘give me a little more time to Cooper has had some head-spinning experiences at prepare this’ and the next time he was perfect.” the top of the international music world. Before he Cooper got his work ethic from his dad, Kirby, a vio- came to Chicago last July, he was the first American linist who made his living as a landscaper and counted to play principal horn in the Berlin Philharmonic. Gregorian among his clients. He even played “Star Wars” with the Fort Worth “I saw my dad get up at 6 in the morning, go to work Symphony, conducted by Williams himself, in 2009. at 7 and get home at 7 every night,” Cooper said. “He Last month, The New York Times heralded his rarely took a vacation. That’s the Midwestern work arrival in Chicago as part of a new era in the world’s ethic. I knew that’s what you had to do just to make it.” most celebrated brass section. The horn component comes in part from Cooper’s It’s an intimidating resume, but the only important grandmother, Marie Grasius, who studied the horn thing to know about Cooper is that he would happily after seeing John Philip Sousa’s band in Brookings, play his horn in the vacuum of space. South Dakota, around 1910. “It was unusual for a He did something close to that in August 2016, on woman to take up the French horn,” Cooper said. a camping and canoeing trip with his mother in the When Cooper’s grandparents moved to East Lansing Boundary Waters between Canada and Minnesota. in 1953, Marie and her brother, Edward, both played His brother, John Cooper, a brass technician at in the Lansing Symphony. Marshall Music, salvaged a junk beater horn for David David Cooper played his first note on the horn at to take along. He took out the valves, reducing it to a the age of 4, in his grandmother’s attic. She dusted rustic “natural” horn. Courtesy photo the horn off, polished the mouthpiece and handed it With no valves to vary the notes, it’s almost impos- Cooper was inspired by John Williams' "Star Wars" to him. He still remembers making that first sound. sible to get more than a lovesick elk’s mating call out music as a kid, and got to play it for Williams in Fort After a brief flirtation with bass guitar, Cooper of a natural horn. Worth. became a star horn player under Michael Kaufman, Cooper piled into the car with his mom and drove director of Grand Ledge High School bands from 1981 chair at the MSU Symphony, surrounded by college through the Upper Peninsula, beyond Duluth to to 2008. students. “He beat everybody at the audition,” orches- points northwest. He strapped the battered horn to “We had all these farm kids in Grand Ledge,” Cooper tra director Leon Gregorian recalled. “He was so damn his canoe with bungee cords, took it into the woods said. “He would take the farm kids’ mentality and use good. He never made a mistake. I’m not exaggerating. and played to the deer and thrushes every day to keep that toward music. Mr. Kaufman made this amazing And he enjoyed every moment of a rehearsal, which is his chops in shape. program out of a farm school, a farm community.” unheard of. Just to see how much he enjoyed playing While portaging his canoe, Cooper ran into a wom- Cooper also took life-changing lessons with Dale was really quite a sight.” an who got excited when she spotted the horn. He gave Bartlett, an unorthodox Lansing Symphony musician But Gregorian terrified Cooper at first. her and her camping companions an impromptu con- and MSU musicologist. They are still close. “He has a very deep voice and this Armenian accent,” cert: the enchanted forest music from “A Midsummer Bartlett recalls Cooper bounding down the steps to Cooper said. “I’ve heard since that he really doesn’t Night’s Dream.” Cooper had no trouble coaxing his basement studio, eager for each new lesson. have the accent. He just put it on for rehearsals.” Mendelssohn’s trilling, gossamer melodies out of his “I’m not surprised he’s principal horn in Chicago,” There is a cruel vocabulary for screwing up on the old beater. Valves? Who needs them? Barlett said. “He has the same joy in playing he always horn. “You chip these notes,” Cooper said. “Horns are “You can do all that stuff on the natural horn with had.” notorious for it. It goes ‘skee-yaa.’ The British call your hands, changing pitches and stuff,” Cooper it splitting a note, the Europeans say ‘he kicked it.’” shrugged. Cruder musicians call it a “clam.” ‘I love it’ When he missed a note at MSU, the older players It’s hard to believe that Cooper ever had a dark peri- threw coins on the floor. od, but he did, after his father died in a work accident Eye of Sauron “Jeez, it was embarrassing,” he said. “It was like tri- in 2002. al by fire. They were initiating me into the group. I At 16, Cooper was already sitting in the first horn “I was not in a place to play the horn anymore,” he learned real quick.” said. “I was having trouble dealing with the grief and I But his experience at MSU steeled him for a lifetime needed to take a break from it. At 20, I stopped play- of playing a painfully exposed instrument under the ing and I never thought I’d get back into it.” exacting eyes of the world’s top maestros. He worked as a dishwasher and prep cook in the “The one that was really scary was Jaap van Zweden,” tiny town of Fort Townsend in Washington. He got a Cooper said. The intimidating Dutch-born conduc- job with the nonprofit Americorps, working on a land tor, who was named music director of the New York trust project that protects farmland and natural habi- Philharmonic last year, was the maestro of the Dallas tat by buying easements. Symphony during Cooper’s time there. A Jamaican forester lived on one of the easements, Even in still photographs, Van Zweden’s shaven taking care of the forest. head looms over the musicians like a glowering hunk “He reminded me so much of my dad,” he said. “We of granite. measured and classified all of these trees and I felt like “He’s super-intense. He’s got these eyes that look I was honoring my dad.” through the whole orchestra,” Cooper said. “We used Cooper was a hairsbreadth away from going into Courtesy photo to call it the eye of Sauron. But Leon Gregorian taught forestry, but a part of him was missing the horn. Cooper at 15, jamming with his brother John at their me how to deal with conductors, how not to be afraid.” house on St. Joseph Street. “I just expected so much from him,” Gregorian said. See Cooper, Page 15 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

“I thought my playing days were over,” he said. in Grand Ledge. Cooper He tells the story, not to go on about himself, but “Mr. Kaufman made sure I did sight-reading in high because he believes the lesson is important for anyone school band, but I confess it’s not my strongest suit,” pursuing a goal, musical or otherwise. he said. from page 14 “I had to have this setback to realize — this isn’t for To prepare for the last audition, he doubled down my mom, this isn’t for school, this isn’t for the conser- on sight-reading. At the final audition, they gave him “Imagine you’re missing an arm or a leg,” he said. “I vatory, this isn’t even because I’m good at it,” he said. another piece of Italian opera. He nailed it. had to get the horn back because it was the only way I “It’s because I love it. This is all I want to do.” Then the orchestra went on strike for seven weeks. could express myself.” He knew he was in the running, but there was no What he needed was a stack of music to learn and definitive word. an audition to shoot for. He started with the St. Paul Made man When the strike ended in late April, the first rehears- Chamber Orchestra and made it to the semi-final al was charged with a mix of celebration and lingering round. The near-miss gave him hope that the hiatus In 2018 and 2019, after successive stints at the tension. Chicago Symphony maestro Riccardo Muti wouldn’t be fatal to his career. Dallas Symphony and Berlin Philharmonic, Cooper gave a conciliatory speech to the musicians. The first He sent a resume to the Victoria Symphony in auditioned for the Chicago job four times and almost notes the orchestra played, after a seven-week hiatus, British Columbia, near Washington, not far from hit another wall. He had already devoted about nine would came out of Cooper’s horn, as he led the horn where many members of his family — his cousins, months of constant preparation to the Chicago audi- quartet that opens Georges Bizet’s “Roma.” aunt and grandmother — lived. tions. The relentless buildup was taking a toll. It wasn’t Cooper’s only trial by fire. That same week, He had a run of lucky breaks. The orchestra accepted “When you put pressure on yourself like that, and the orchestra played Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird,” a his application, even though it was late. When Cooper you get to the day, it’s really easy to choke,” he said. spectacular showpiece that sets up its orgasmic climax showed up to board the ferry to Vancouver, the boat “You just want it so bad.” with — you guessed it — a long horn solo. was full. There were 11 cars ahead of him, on standby. He soared through all of the music he prepared for Cooper longed to know how his trial-by-Firebird “Because I was driving a Honda Civic, they squeezed the audition. Then came the sight-reading part, when week was going, but he didn’t dare ask. He found out me in,” he said. players are handed a piece of music they’ve never at intermission the next night. At the next day’s audition, he played the best horn seen before. It was an obscure piece of Italian opera, A delegation of suits trundled backstage and of his life. Bellini’s “Montagues and Capulets,” with a big horn informed him he was in. “Maestro Muti kissed me “I couldn’t miss. I was in the zone. It was the weird- solo. on both cheeks, like I’m a made man, like in ‘The est thing.” The strange notes danced before his eyes like jump- Godfather,’” he said. “It was like, ‘You’re one of us.’ You Impressed by the audition, the Vancouver maestro ing beans. can’t make that stuff up.” decided to overlook Cooper’s career detours and take At first, “I just crashed and burned,” he said. “I lost Cooper grew up listening to recording of the Chicago a chance on a 22-year-old horn virtuoso. it.” It was his first job in a professional orchestra. Then his mind went back to lessons he first learned See Cooper, Page 16

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please play this note for me?’” Cooper choly came over him. Cooper said. “He was assisting me, holding my “For some reason, I felt notes so I could really play.’” like I needed to go out- from page 15 One of the musicians commented side and play the horn,” that seeing Cooper and Clevenger sit- he said. Symphony in one of its serial heydays, ting next to each other was like see- He was missing his with legendary maestro Sir Georg Solti. ing Captains Kirk and Picard sitting dad. He wandered into Cooper’s predecessor as principal together in the Enterprise. a thicket and played his horn, Dale Clevenger, was, and still is, Clevenger told Cooper he felt as if favorite piece of chamber his horn hero. he’d gained a son. music, the Brahms horn “The things he can do on the horn — “This orchestra, the horn section, is trio. the time he takes, the musical expres- the envy of the other sections,” Cooper Brahms wrote his sions, the risks. He’ll draw a listener said. “They are the nicest people, they unusual trio for his moth- into the phrase and you’re speechless.” get along great, work great together, er, Johanna, who had All of these traits, and more, are blos- and they are the best horn section I’ve recently died. Her favor- soming in Cooper’s own playing. He has ever heard.” ite instruments were the bound his electric energy into a dark Cooper quickly found that they horn, violin and piano, so magnetic field of control to devastating also eat constantly. Second horn Jim he wrote it for those three effect. Smelser, who joined the orchestra in instruments, even though Last summer, just after Cooper joined 2000, is another hero of Cooper’s. it’s a rare combination. the symphony, extra horns were needed Early in his tenure, Cooper courted “There’s this eerie to amp up the finale of Tchaikovsky’s disaster by skipping dinner before the moment where it seems Fourth Symphony. orchestra performed Verdi’s “Aida,” a like his mother’s spir- Clevenger, now in semi-retirement, long opera with two intermissions. it almost left the body,” Courtesy photo rejoined the section as a sub. In the first intermission, Smelser Cooper said. “The music Cooper's official Chicago Symphony portrait. “He sat next to me,” Cooper said. “I walked by with a cheeseburger from ends with a celebration remember thinking, ‘How is this going McDonald’s and observed Cooper’s pal- of his mother’s life, with which was not far away. to work? He’s a legend.’” lid condition. these horn calls: ba-duuum, ba-du- He knocked twice. No answer. He By the third day, Cooper got over it Smelser went to the dressing room, uum, ba-duuum. It’s joyous.” knocked one last time and realized that they both had a job to opened his locker, produced a second The music always brings Cooper “I heard the doorknob start to move do. cheeseburger and handed it to Cooper. close to his father. and this lady asked, “What can I do for “I’d say, ‘Mr. Clevenger, would you Principal horn or not, things like that “Every time I play it, that third move- you?” in German,” Cooper said. still put Cooper back in “gee whiz” ment reminds me of his spirit,” Cooper He told her he was a musician and mode. said. “The last movement, for me, is a hoped to see Brahms’ house. “I thought, ‘Holy smokes, Jim Smelser celebration of his life.” “You’re a musician?” she said. “Then just gave me his cheeseburger,’” he said. Cooper’s father tended many flow- you must come in.” $ erbeds, trees and bushes in greater The date happened to be March 27, Lansing, including Leon Gregorian’s. the anniversary of Kirby Cooper’s death. OFF “David’s father was a very musical The woman showed him Brahms’ 10 Another piano. He was stunned by the pictures person, although what he wanted to do nudge and what he ended up doing are two lining the walls. A beardless Brahms? any purchase of different things,” Gregorian said. “That “He was smiling, he was with friends, In spring 2017, David Cooper was happens sometimes. But what he could like a normal guy!” Cooper marveled. $ in Baden-Baden, Germany, doing not accomplish — that came out in his Among the framed items on the 100 or more an Easter festival with the Berlin son.” walls was a postcard from Brahms to Expires 2/14/2020 Philharmonic. Two weeks into Cooper’s stay at his music publisher, with a melody He stayed in an AirB&B in a fairly Baden-Baden, he decided to try a pil- scrawled on the back. Sign up for our remote village. A rare feeling of melan- grimage to Jonannes Brahms’ house, Cooper sight-read it to himself. It dawned on him that the haunting motif email specials! was from the horn trio — the melody NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EAST LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION he played on his first day in the village. The woman pointed out the window Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing Historic District Commission on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, and showed him the hill where Brahms Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing. used to walk and come up with his mel- odies. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Nicholas Tesseris, for the property located at 515 Division Street, to enclose the side entry of the “The exact place he came up with the house. melody for the horn trio,” he said. “It Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing was like a visit from my dad. Uncanny. City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will Full circle.” Liskey’s Auto & Truck Service be given an opportunity to be heard. Joan Cooper knows the feeling. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as “When David was in the MSU (517) 484-0100 interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered Symphony, Kirby and I used to sit in at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) www.liskeys.com calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services the audience, and I’d keep nudging him 119 S. Larch St, Lansing should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. in the ribs,” she said. “Now I’m nudging Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. him again.” Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Jennifer Shuster @Liskeys City Clerk CP#20-005 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC Half of the story MSU’s King concert celebrates women in jazz By LAWRENCE COSENTINO The tangled tree of jazz, from its bitter roots to its Tiffany heady blossoms, stands at the center of MSU’s Sunday Gridiron, one concerts celebrating the life of Martin Luther King. of the featured In recent years, culturewide winds of gender equal- performers at ity have given the tree a much-needed shake. Sunday’s MSU’s Sunday annual King tribute concert will roll out some of the concert fruit, as MSU trombone professor Michael Dease honoring leads Jazz Orchestra II in a set of arrangements by Martin Luther the leading women of jazz, past and present. King Jr., sings Among Sunday’s guest performers are two brilliant at Small’s in young female instrumentalists: Robyn Smith, an New York. award-wining Atlanta trombonist who plays every- thing from funk to jazz to classical music, and rising New York-based tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover. “If you have only male players playing jazz, you only have half of the story,” jazz studies director Rodney Whitaker said. “We wanted to Jazz: Spirituals, feature female composers this Prayer and year — Melba Liston, Mary Protest Lou Williams and some other MSU Jazz Orchestra II younger arrangers that are on and guest artists 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. the scene.” Sunday, Jan. 19 In Liston and Williams, MSU Auditorium Fairchild Theatre Whitaker named two of the Free event; tickets most underappreciated jazz required Photo by Eva Kapanadze (517) 353-5340, musicians who ever lived. Liston music.msu.edu was an incandescent trombon- ist and accomplished composer King even quoted it in his prophetic “I may not until this year to reach the point where 20 percent of and arranger. Williams rivaled Duke Ellington in her make it to the mountaintop” speech: “If I can help jazz students auditioning for the program are female. incisive piano artistry and innovative compositions somebody as I pass along, then my living will not (Five of the 11 students in Whitaker’s bass studio are like her “Zodiac” suite. have been in vain.” female.) The orchestra will also give voice to compositions “Life is too short no matter how you slice it,” “We have to fight harder to have more women play- by some of the foremost women in jazz today, includ- Gridiron said. “What is meaningful in life? It’s having ing the music,” Whitaker said. “No. 1 priority for our ing recent MSU graduate and bass trombonist Gina an impact on others in a positive way.” program is to get a female faculty member, or two Benalcazar, who is now tearing up the East Coast jazz Gridiron will also sing a song that King called the or three, so young female players will have someone scene. unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights movement: they see modeling what it is they want to be.” “She’s playing with all the groups in New York. Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready,” first recorded In recent years, the roster of distinguished artists She’s pretty busy,” Whitaker said. “It’s great that she’s in 1965 by The Impressions. in visiting MSU for concerts, classes and residencies taking the time to write for the band.” “I’ve sung that song at a wedding and a funeral,” have included clarinetist Anat Cohen, bassist Mimi The orchestra will also play music written by Gridiron said. “It has this sense of preparation and Jones, trumpeters Ingrid Jensen and Bria Skonberg bassist-composer Jordyn Davis, the first African- hopefulness for a better future that encapsulates so and other female role models. American woman to get a bachelor’s degree in com- much of black music.” “We’re taking the cue from our students,” Whitaker position from MSU. Gridiron said the inclusion of more women in jazz said. “We’re asking them who they want to see.” Vocalist Tiffany Gridiron, who studied at MSU is squarely in line with King’s idea of the “beloved In the meantime, MSU alumni like Davis and with Sunny Wilkinson and other jazz professors, will community.” Benalcazar are taking their place in the biggest perform as well. “How do we make space for each other to offer cohort of female jazz musicians ever to hit the scene. Sunday, Gridiron will sing “If I Can Help whatever talents and qualities we have to make us all MSU grad Endea Owens is playing with John Somebody,” one of her favorite gospel tunes, and one better?” she said. “That’s the spirit of it.” Batiste’s house band on the "Late Show with Stephen of King’s favorites as well. However, folding the theme of gender into the Colbert." Another recent MSU grad, Aneesa Strings, “Talk to most jazz musicians and often they have MLK concerts, while true to King’s civil rights has just been named to the all-star SF Jazz Collective. roots in the church, the spiritual world,” she said. vision, invites scrutiny of the jazz program itself, “A lot of the top young players I see now teaching at “That’s certainly the case for me.” The song is deeply and Whitaker knows it. All of the MSU Professors camps and young ensembles I see across the country,” personal for Gridiron yet universal in scope. of Jazz are men, and Whitaker said that it’s taken Whitaker said. “The females are taking over.” 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

517.999.9999 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19 Killing the boy band with She/Her/Hers By SKYLER ASHLEY The journey of Emma Grrl, 26, the multi-instrumentalist bookworm trou- badour behind the Lansing punk group She/Her/Hers, begins outside of San Diego. Even though she’s now in sever- al bands, such as Rent Strike and Grey Matter, that reside confidently on the cutting edge of underground sounds and politics, Grrl’s origins have the same late-’00s suburban DNA shared by many millennial musicians. However, the generic classic rock sta- ples of the Guitar Hero soundtracks, or secondhand tunes from her parents’ stereo, would not The Commons be the defining mu- sic that informed Fundraiser at the styles of She/ Mac’s Bar Her/Hers. A teen- W/ Mover Shaker, Rick Johnson Rock and age Grrl found the Roll Machine proper dosage of 8 p.m., Jan. 24, Friday 2700 E. Michigan Ave., inspiration from Lansing hearing folk punk (517) 484-6795, Facebook.com/ band Against Me! macslansing at an open mic night. “I said, ‘This is incredible! What is this?’ Over that summer I got really into Hailey Lamb Against Me! and Defiance, Ohio, and She/Her/Hers is Emma Grrl (center). Back row from left: Cody Kuutilla, Piper Bazard and Jake Matter. Nana Grizol — those were definitely the bands,” Grrl said. “I loved all of ‘Rein- crowd. don’t believe in; that I don’t adhere to. I plained. “It allowed me to talk openly venting Axl Rose.’ ‘Baby I’m an Anar- “I had very little formal training — say I’m a woman, what’s that supposed about living on the fringes — not just in chist’ is a song I played at open mics I would just cover bad Johnny Hobo to tell you?” Grrl used the project to an economic sense, but also in the sense hundreds of times.” songs. When I was 16, I started joining write clever ruminations on her escape of gender and sexual identity. Younger That spirit carries over into her in- bands in San Diego. I kind of forced from the bondage of oppressive gender trans folk are surrounded by people that volvement with Rent Strike, which is myself in with the 25- to 30-year-olds. I roles and sexual identity. Female-identi- don’t get it, being around people who preforming Jan. 24 at Mac’s Bar as part bought an accordion, and it’s really easy fying, but preferring her unkempt black got it opened up a whole new world.” of a fundraising effort for The Com- to join bands when you play the accor- shirts and jeans, songs like “Never Pass” After releasing “Grrl Angst,” Grrl mons — a planned east-side neighbor- dion ’cause nobody else plays that,” Grrl proudly eschew the idea that Grrl must found time to partake on yet another hood community resource center. laughs. “I didn’t start writing my own be complacent with society’s image of a odyssey with fellow anarchist travelers Perhaps more important than the ac- songs until I was 20.” how a woman is supposed to appear. Chatterbox — a band featuring mu- tual music of these bands to Grrl is their In proper punk kid fashion, Grrl “I remember vividly having a conver- sician John Warmb from the Lansing radical leftist politics overtly inspired by didn’t hang around her hometown for sation at around 3 a.m. I told my friend, folk group Rent Strike. Meeting Warmb anarchist literature, such as the works of much longer. She underwent several ‘I don’t know how I am supposed to formed an important connection that Emma Goldman. The aforementioned odysseys, driving her Mazda 3 back and feel about being trans. I feel like I am eventually drew Grrl to Michigan. ‘Baby I’m an Anarchist’ features lyrics forth from coast to coast performing buying into this toxic binary,” Grrl ex- “On that tour, there were two people about chucking bricks at Starbucks’ solo acoustic shows as She/Her/Hers. plained. “But I think I was missing the from Arizona, two people from Colora- windows. Defiance, Ohio’s debut LP, Through this chaotic period, Grrl lived point. Being trans doesn’t mean I am do, one from Texas and John was from “Share What Ya Got,” contains roman- in Portland, Oregon, briefly, before buying into antiquated gender norms. A Michigan. We we were all like, ‘Oh we ticized passages of anarcho-collectivists eventually finding a more permanent lot of it comes down to my enjoyment hate where we live! We wanna move! building their own free societies. home in Boulder, Colorado. of using she pronouns, while not being We should all move to one place togeth- “I didn’t start reading people like After gathering some bearings in super femme-presenting. I think it’s re- er,” Grrl said. “John was like, ‘I’m not Goldman until I was much older,” Grrl Boulder and meeting eventual partner ally cool and powerful to be trans and moving, I love Michigan.’ So we said, said. “I was a part of a crew of punk kids Piper Bazard, Grrl, joined by makeshift butch.” ‘All right! Guess we’re moving to Mich- from my shitty suburban hometown producer Jon Pizarro, recorded She/ She explained the majority of the lyr- igan!” who introduced me to really good pol- Her/Hers’ seminal project — the “Grrl ics from “Grrl Angst” were inspired by Taking She/Her/Hers to Lansing saw itics and called me out on my fuck-ups.” Angst” EP. The album found itself be- recontextualizing the myriad feelings the band evolve from just Grrl and her When listening to music that urg- coming a beautiful, retrospective ex- she experienced during the process of acoustic guitar, to a full-fledged electric es you to set the world afire, it’s hard pression of Grrl’s trans identity. With becoming comfortable with being out. punk band. After filling out the lineup, to keep yourself bottled up within the songs like “Gender is Boring” that fea- “I wasn’t working a normal job, so I which includes Piper Bazard on trum- confines of a bedroom. So Grrl injected ture lyrics such as, “’Cause if I use she didn’t have to fit into the normal trans pet, Cody Kuutilla on drums and Jake herself into the DIY music scene of San pronouns, well, what does that mean? narrative of passing and living with- Diego, hanging with an older punk rock Am I reinforcing a gender binary that I in heteronormative society,” Grrl ex- See Grrl, Page 15 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

a fierce indictment of a lack of diversi- Her/Hers will see the band move even much anymore. I think that perspec- Grrl ty in independent music scenes. On the further beyond the confines of punk tive is always going to color things, but track, Grrl is more than just jaded with rock, and address issues such as climate it’s no longer the primary driver. A lot male-dominated gigs and movements. change through its lyrics. of my songs have been about climate from page 19 “The narrative I see when I talk to “I see us moving away from punk. change. What does it mean to live in a people about diversity in their bands, There will be a lot more piano on future world that’s falling apart and it’s also Matter on Bass, Grrl met and formed an and the pushback I get is, ‘We’re all just records — more horns, more strings. somewhat your fault? How do you rec- important connection with Joe Stein- friends, it’s not like we specifically picked Probably a lot softer in general,” Grrl oncile with being part of the problem? hardt of the nationally renowned inde- out white guys for our band,’” Grrl said. said. “I don’t write about gender as But I don’t have many answers.” pendent music imprint Don Giovanni “Well, maybe it says more about the fact Records. Steinhardt, who briefly resided that you’re not friends with people that in Lansing while teaching at Michigan don’t look exactly like you. It’s a micro- State University, suggested that Grrl do cosm of a bigger problem. I don’t think Art by Nevin a release with the label, and that became it’s that hard to have a diverse scene.” As seen on the cover of CityPulse “Kill the Boy Band.” With two successful and uncompro- The three-song release, anchored mising releases under the name She/ around a rerecording from “Grrl Angst,” Her/Hers, Grrl is moving her musical is an important musical evolution for inspiration beyond the politics of gen- Commercial & She/Her/Hers that highlights Grrl’s im- der and sexual identity. Not wishing to Residential provement as a songwriter and singer. be painted into a corner, Grrl said the The titular song, “Kill the Boy Band,” is “cautiously optimistic” future for She/ Fully Insured Illustrations • Murals • Graphic Design Signs • Banners • T-shirts Call Joan at: [email protected] (517) 881-2204 ArtByNeviN Art_By_NeviN

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Community Music School College of Music www.cms.msu.edu • (517) 355-7661 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

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Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer. City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 Broad Art Lab displays MLK student art contest winners

By SKYLER ASHLEY silence is betrayal.” Edythe Broad Art Museum helped Lansing students in grades 6-12 Unveiled Tuesday night at the MSU sponsor the contest. were tasked by the Martin Luther Broad Art Lab, MSU Broad Art King Jr. Commission of Mid- the winning Michigan’s 2020 MLK Holiday Art Lab paintings will Tuesday-Sunday, Contest to create paintings that noon to 4 p.m. be on display took into consideration the theme, 565 E. Grand River Ave., until Jan. 21. East Lansing inspired by a famous quote from (517) 884-4800, Delta Dental of King, “There comes a time when broadmuseum.msu.edu/ Michigan and artlab MSU’s Eli & Eaman Ali's painting illustrates the struggles faced by women who wear hijabs. It is the winner of the high school submissions. "Violence Creates Silence Ali attends "Silence is Betrayal," by Brian Whitfield, (No Violence)," by Calvin Bosanic from East Lansing is the winner from the adult MacDonald Middle School in East Lan- High School. submissions. sing, is the winner of the middle school submissions. 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 many music lovers, but Jean Françaix cut an unusual figure in the rad- Fountains of Yehuda ical-minded 1960s — an urbane, warm-hearted showman in the vein of Symphony uncorks flame concerto by French composer Charlie Chaplin. Jean Françaix. The solo turn anchors In 1976, a famous British clarinet faceful of French fizz a night of bright and witty French (or player, Jack Brymer, declared Françaix’s almost French) music, culminating in 1968 concerto unplayable, but not By LAWRENCE COSENTINO George Gershwin’s splashy dance suite because the music was too cutting edge. Time seems to dangle like a droplet of from “An American in Paris.” In defiance of the times — and the water when the tumult of the Lansing The dazzling 1951 film version of mid-20th century diktats of his chilly Symphony dies down and the round “American in Paris,” with Gene Kelly modernist compatriot, Pierre Boulez — tones of Guy Yehuda’s clarinet hang in and Leslie Caron, put Gershwin’s music Françaix packed his music with riotous, the air for a fleeting minute or two. front and center in a daring 20-minute droll dynamism, like a luxury clown car. This Saturday, climactic dance sequence. In a lucky “His music is extremely beautiful, and Lansing Symphony Yehuda turns on convergence, the movie will return for witty and anything can happen,” Yehuda Orchestra the waterworks. several big screen showings at Lansing’s said. “He does a 180-degree turn and Yehuda Guy Yehuda, clarinet Yehuda will Celebration Cinema and Regal Lansing you find yourself in a different key. And 7:30 p.m. Saturday, step out as fea- Mall Jan. 19 and 22, courtesy of Turner Jan. 18 this concerto takes it up a notch.” Wharton Center tured soloist in Classic Movies. When Yehuda approached Lansing Benny Goodman. He quickly noticed Cobb Great Hall a devilishly dif- Gershwin’s opening act at the sym- $20-55 maestro Timothy Muffitt with the idea that when Goodman wasn’t reigning as ficult, fluid-as- phony Saturday isn’t well known to of performing the concerto, Muffitt the “king of swing,” he played classical instantly knew the flashy flair of music with such authority that compos- Françaix would set the table perfectly ers Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky and for a magnum of musical Champagne Bela Bartok all wrote works for him. the maestro longed to uncork, George Before long, Yehuda was hooked on Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” classical music as well as jazz. “The concerto was the stimulus for He still plays “a bit of jazz and a bit the whole program — the Frenchness, of klezmer” when he gets the chance, the vigor, the hustle and bustle, the taking advantage of the clarinet’s delight and surprise,” Muffitt said. wide range. “There’s a lot of crossover Define yourself in finance. When the maestro sat down to study between classical and jazz,” Yehuda “An American in Paris” alongside real said. “It’s fun to dance between the two Apply today. French music like the Françaix concer- worlds, but I don’t have any pretensions to and Ravel’s delicate “Mother Goose to playing real jazz.” Suite” (also Saturday’s concert) that The finicky reeds of the clarinet all he realized how authentically French too easily veer into horsey territory. — not Epcot Center French — “An Yehuda centers his own discipline, and American in Paris” really is. that of his students at MSU, on shaping “We’re so familiar with it that we a beautiful tone. lose touch with how Parisian it real- He tells them to play one note, over ly sounds,” he said. “This isn’t just and over, until their ears tune in on a American music with a French label.” sub-universe of overtones and intervals The affinity goes a lot deeper than the that are hidden to casual perception, French taxi horns famously heard in the like ultraviolet or infrared light. opening bars. “It’s easy to pick up the clarinet pret- “It trickles down to small choices of ty quickly, and that’s why a lot of young melodic delivery, rhythm and tempo people pick it up,” Yehuda said, “but that all add up to a musical character then you hit a plateau. In order to really that feels truly French,” Muffitt said. “It master the instrument, it takes a life- really surprised me. It was a discovery. time, if ever. It’s a constant journey.” It’s been fun to come at it from this per- Yehuda has had many plenty of mem- spective.” orable moments in Lansing. The Françaix concerto also gives “We’re blessed with many great parts Muffitt a chance to feature Yehuda, a in the symphonic literature,” he said. defining voice of the symphony since he “Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony joined the organization in 2016. was a blast, and Brahms is really close “This opportunity to be up front is to my heart. We’re going to play his sec- much deserved,” Muffitt said. “He brings ond symphony at the end of this season such a vibrancy and energy and a broad and that’s going to be a pleasure.” expressive palette to the orchestra. This When he symphony did a pops con- work plays beautifully into who he is as cert of music by John Williams, Yehuda a musician.” got one of his juiciest moments, play- Yehuda was born in Israel, a nation ing the “Victor’s Tale” from Steven with a vibrant musical culture, and Spielberg’s “The Terminal.” Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity took up the clarinet at his father’s sug- “It’s almost like a concerto for clar- educational institution/employer. gestion. He started out playing jazz, inet, in a pops concert,” Yehuda said. under the influence of swing legend “That was really fun.” City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 Jim MacLean remembers Lansing’s historic architects By BILL CASTANIER State University Library and Museum, ly associated with Lansing’s milling Early in his book “Lansing’s Young now Linton Hall, on the east end of entrepreneurs. His first work was the Architects,” author Jim MacLean Circle Drive on campus. Robert Smith Printing Co., followed points out that Eustace Hall at William Appleyard was also respon- by the Wentworth Hostelry on the Michigan State University is his favor- sible for the Kalamazoo Street School, corner of Michigan and Grand — both ite structure designed by Lansing the gothic Liederkranz Hall on Grand torn down. He also was responsible architect William Appleyard. The Avenue, buildings on the School for the small Delta Subdivision, where building was constructed in 1888 for the Blind campus, the original Michigan and Grand River Avenue and was later named for Harry J. Veterinary Building at MSU — all torn form a triangle. Only one of the homes Eustace, who chaired the Horticulture down — and several private homes stands today. One of his most nota- Department from 1908 to 1918. It and commercial structures, which can ble works was the Detroit Olds plant, was listed on both the Michigan and still be seen in downtown Lansing on which eventually burned down. National Register of Historic Places in Michigan and Washington avenues. MacLean has peppered the book with 1971. Rufus Arthur Bailey’s first work in interesting snippets like the quaint It is a remarkable amalgam of Queen Lansing was on the iron work of the Meteorological Station designed by Anne, Romanesque and Shingle Post Office and Federal Building, Appleyard, which once stood the west Style Architecture. It’s remarkable across from the Capitol. MacLean lawn of the Capitol grounds in 1884. that it still stands, since many of calls the building “an architectur- the structures designed by William al treasure,” which was torn down Appleyard, R. Arthur Bailey and for the modern City Hall. Bailey was Frederick Thoman, known collectively also responsible for a block of stores as “Lansing’s Young Architects,” have Wayne County survived. on North Washington Avenue, torn been torn down. The three worked in He does give kudos to the Stebbins down in 1967 during Lansing’s urban Lansing during the late-1800s and the family real estate records of Lansing, renewal days. He also was the archi- early part of the 20th century. which are on file at the Capital Area tect of record for a new foundry at the As you work your way through District Library, where MacLean is E. Bement & Sons stove plant located MacLean’s book, the frequency of the a librarian. MacLean has previous- on North Grand, also torn down. notation “was torn down” becomes ly written a book on architect Darius One unusual project Bailey worked apparent. You can sense the author’s Moon, who is also from Lansing. on was a row of eight still-standing SCHULER BOOK CLUB frustration when he looks at another In his book, he explores the nex- fieldstone flats on Eureka Street. In January 15 · 6pm Appleyard project, the magnificent us of the three young architects with the late-19th century, the flats were Join us monthly for the Schuler Book Charles J. Davis home. It once stood James Appleyard, William’s father, considered “classy and fashionable.” Club—a great way to create community, He also was responsible for the ele - and engage with new books. This month at 1326 E. Michigan Ave., just east of who mostly supervised construction we are reading City of Thieves by Sparrow Hospital, and was torn down of buildings. James Appleyard moved gant Capitol Avenue residence of John David Benioff, the critically acclaimed in 1949. Davis was a Lansing mayor, to Lansing to supervise construction Herrmann, a successful men’s clothier. author of The 25th Hour and When entrepreneur and railroad pioneer. of the Capitol. The last building he Today, the structure has been totally the Nines Roll Over and co-creator of MacLean writes, “When you consid- designed and supervised construc- restored for use as the president’s res- the HBO series Game of Thrones, a er the importance of the Davis home, tion of is the Lansing Women’s Club idence. captivating novel about war, courage, survival — and a remarkable friendship it is remarkable the site is now a park- at 118 W. Ottawa St., which is a tes- Bailey was also responsible for the that ripples across a lifetime. ing lot. Frankly, it is tiring to note that tament to his skills. He also super - legendary private Iser Clubhouse, an architecturally significant building vised the construction of two notable which was built on pylons on Lake MAGIC / KEYFORGE or home was torn down to create a libraries that also still stand: the Hoyt Lansing, Pine Lake and since torn GAME NIGHT parking lot or sterile office building. Library in Saginaw and the University down, and for numerous private resi- Tuesdays · 6pm Lansing offers few significant histor- of Michigan Library. dences in Detroit. ical architectural wonders aside from He and his son also worked on the The final architect Frederick J. Play Magic or KeyForge in a casual, the Capitol. People visit historic sites, completion of the original Michigan Thoman was a scion of the fami- friendly environment. All Magic products are 20% off for those who not parking lots.” attend the event. As you read through MacLean’s book, you realize that he is an accom- BOARD GAME NIGHT plished and tireless researcher. Those January 16 · 6pm skills were especially valuable in writ- 307 E. Grand River, E. Lansing ing this book, since no archives of the 332-0112 ⬧ We validate parking Join us in the cafe for board games! Bring your some of your favorites or three architects survive, and blurry Mon. - Sat. 10-7 pm, Sun. 12-5 pm choose from among those provided! newspaper photographs of the struc- www.curiousbooks.com tures were often all he could find to KID’S STORY TIME illustrate the book. We have books you always Saturdays · 11am MacLean resorts to mining news- wanted but never knew existed! papers, industry publications and sec- Jump into the pages of our favorite ondary sources. There is also no known books! We will sing songs, make a craft Quality Used Books at Great Prices! and go on a new adventure. comprehensive listing of the buildings and projects the architects worked on, 519 W. Grand River, E. Lansing so some could have easily been missed. 332-8444 ⬧ Free Parking While researching Detroit projects, he Mon. - Sat. 11-6 pm, Sun. 12-5 pm learned that no property tax roles for [email protected] 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

LITERATURE AND POETRY

Adventure Club Storytimes - 4-5 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us.

Community Night - Our Threads of Wisdom discussion series kicks off with Book of Shadows and Herstory. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. ON THE Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. . Family Storytime (Ages up to 6) - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., Webberville. cadl.org EVENTS TOWN Allen Farmers Market - 3-6:30 p.m. Events must be entered through the calendar with Mike Eyia performance 5 p.m. 1611 at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-999-3911. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. allenneighborhoodcenter.org. Charges may apply for paid events to appear Code Club! - No coding expertise Women’s March on Lansing 2020 in print. If you need assistance, please call necessary. 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area Suzi at (517) 999-6704. District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand The 2020 National Women’s March The “Mistress of Ceremonies” is Ledge. 517-627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us. touches down in Lansing Saturday, Shannon Garrett, local activist and CEO 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Capitol. of SMG Strategies — a political firm Dungeons & Dragons - The Wild Sheep Organizers state the mission of the that assists aspiring political leaders, Wednesday, January 15 Chase (Adults) - Join fellow adventurers march is to “harness the political power nonprofits and unions with grassroots on a quest full of danger, dice, and most of women, respect diversity and create organizing and campaign planning. CLASSES AND SEMINARS importantly, sheep. All levels of D&D transformative social change.” The event’s keynote speech will come experience welcome. 6-8 p.m. CADL Haslett, The gathering hopes to provide a posi- 3D Print Lab (Age 8 & up) - Learn how 1590 Franklin St., Haslett. cadl.org from Michigan Attorney General Dana to design and print a 3D object. Children Women’s March tive atmosphere Nessel. Other speakers include Gov. 8-11 need an adult helper. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lansing Area Mindfulness Community - Free, Saturday, Jan. 18 for inspiration, Whitmer, Elissa Slotkin, Gretchen Driskell, CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. 7-9 p.m. Chua Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S MLK 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. entertainment Curtis Hertel Jr., Kara Hope, Julie Brixie, cadl.org Blvd., Lansing. 517-420-5820. lamc.info. Michigan State Capitol and commu- Maria Garcia Santana, Veronica Johnson, 110 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing nity connection. Michelle Rick, LaShawn Erby and Egypt Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Lansing Area National Ataxia Volunteers will Otis. Pending events in Washington, D.C., 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Foundation Support Group - 1-2 p.m. also be available for anybody that has U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Delta Twp.Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth not yet registered to vote. Gary Peters are also slated to appear. Rd., Room #302, Lansing. 517-993-7655. Business Model Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Gaynor Entrepreneurship Lab, 651 N. Shaw Line Dancing - Join line dancing for fun, The Rainmakers Come to The Peoples financial decisions, researching costs, and Ln, East Lansing. exercise, and staying involved in a social Church: 12-4 p.m.daily. 200 W. Grand planning. 6-7:30 p.m. CADL Mason, 145 W. Ash activity. No experience needed. 1-1:30 p.m. River Ave., East Lansing. 517-332-6073. St., Mason. Five Wishes - advance directives Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., thepeopleschurch.com. allows you to guide important medical East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Strength & Balance (Adults) - Improve care decisions. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Hannah Sorry, I’m Not Leaving Art Exhibit - 11 your posture, strength and balance. 2:30- Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Mariah Martinez at Senior Discovery a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Lansing Art Gallery, 119 N. 3:30 p.m. CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Lansing. 517-337-1113. Group - Join us for “pretty good coffee” Washington Square, Ste. 101, Lansing. Okemos. cadl.org and great conversation! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Allen 517-374-6400. Group Dance Class - Beginning Salsa - Neighborhood Center, 1611 E Kalamazoo St, Zumba - Want to lose weight and have fun 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, Lansing. 517-367-2468. Teen Wheel - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Art too? 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 1030 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. Prioritizing YOU in 2020 with Three 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Line Dance Lessons - All ages welcome. Happy Turtles -We will be talking self-care LITERATURE AND POETRY 7-9 p.m. Overdrive Lansing Mall, 5330 W and why it is so important. 6-8 p.m. The Tween Wheel - 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art Saginaw Hwy, Lansing. Hive, 2722 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Chipmunk Story Time - Story time comes 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. alive as children interact with puppets. 10-11 Math Seminar Series - Algebra ARTS a.m. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Speaker: Eli Matzri. 3-3:50 p.m. C304 Wells Watch + Make: Mel Chin - Are you Okemos. 517-349-3866. meridian.mi.us. Hall, East Lansing. events.msu.edu. Color & Creativity - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach interested in learning about contemporary Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, art, the processes behind the work and PJ Storytime (Sensory Friendly) - Writing a Business Plan: Your Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. the way artists help us see the world? 6-8 rhymes and a snack. PJ’s and stuffed toys Roadmap to Successl. 9-11:30 a.m. Lansing p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E. Grand are welcome! 6:30-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area Community College, 309 N. Washington Low-tech Screenprinting: Art, Craft, River Ave., East Lansing. 517-884-4800. Visit District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Square, Lansing. 517-483-1921. clients. Business. 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art broadmuseum.msu.edu. Ledge. 517-627-7014. sbdcmichigan.org. Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. MUSIC EVENTS

Christopher Kaminski, composition - Free. Bath Township Farmers Market - 3-7 FRIDAY, JAN. 17 >> CULTURE CLASH 2020 KICKOFF AT THE AVENUE CAFE 6 p.m. Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East p.m. Bath Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Lansing. events.msu.edu. Rd, Bath. bathtownship.us.

Culture Clash is a monthly showcase Drop-in LEGO Club (Age 4 & up) - 3-4:30 hosted every third Friday or Saturday at p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., The Avenue Café that highlights diverse Thursday, January 16 Webberville. cadl.org trappings of art and entertainment. “The CLASSES AND SEMINARS The Future - Humans have always liked to 2020 Kick Off” includes music selections talk about the future. 10-11:30 a.m. Hannah from EssBe & Y’z Council. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Lansing. 517-337-1113. Free, 9 p.m. to midnight 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing Lansing Grassroots Philosophy - (517) 492-7403 Grow with Google - Plan & Budget discussion group. 6:30-8 p.m. Kelly’s (Adults). Learn about making good facebook.com/avenuecafe2021 See Out on the town, Page 27 City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Jan. 15 - Jan. 21, 2020

"Free For the ARIES (March 21-April 19): Comedian John breakthroughs; you over-think and over-polish. Cleese has an insight I hope you'll consider. He But I have a good feeling about the coming weeks, Decade"-- says, "It’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent Virgo. I suspect you'll find the sweet spot, self- ringing it in! than it is to do important things that are not urgent. editing with just the right touch. by Matt Jones It’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Thomas Love Peacock about." I hope you'll make this advice a priority in was a Libran author whose specialty was writing Across the coming weeks. You'll be wise to prioritize satirical novels that featured people sitting around 1 Spill it important tasks, even those that aren't urgent, as tables arguing about opinions and ideas. He was you de-emphasize trivial matters that tempt you to not renowned for cheerful optimism. And yet he 5 Catchphrase think they're crucial. Focus on big things that are did appreciate sheer beauty. "There is nothing from Barbara challenging, rather than on little things that are a perfect in this world," he said, "except Mozart." Walters heard a lot snap. So much did Peacock love Mozart's music that recently during one several-month stretch he attended 15 Ceremonial TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Honoré six performances of the genius's opera *Don Balzac (1799–1850) was born with sun and Mercury Giovanni*. In this spirit, Libra, and in accordance observance in Taurus and in the tenth house. Astrologers with astrological indicators, I encourage you to 16 RZA's group might hypothesize from these placements that make a list of your own perfect things—and spend 17 During he was ambitious, productive, tenacious, diligent, extra time communing with them in the coming realistic, and willful. The evidence supporting this weeks. 18 Nearly done with theory is strong. Balzac wrote over 80 novels that the return trip displayed a profound and nuanced understanding SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Jean-Michel 19 Uninterrupted of the human comedy. I predict that 2020 will be Basquiat started his career as a graffiti artist. sequences a year when you could make dramatic progress When he evolved into being a full-time painter, he in cultivating a Balzac-like approach in your own incorporated words amidst his images. On many 21 Russian ruler of sphere. But here's a caveat: Balzac didn't take occasions, he'd draw lines through the words. the 1800s good care of his body. He drank far too much Why? "I cross out words so you will see them 22 Messy coffee and had a careless approach to eating and more," he said. "The fact that they are obscured Halloween prank sleeping. My hope is that as you hone your drive makes you want to read them." In the coming for success, you'll be impeccable in tending to your weeks, you might benefit from discreetly using 23 Former Rocket health. this strategy in your own life. In other words, draw Ming attention to the things you want to emphasize by 25 Paper promises GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Before he was 21 downplaying them or being mysterious about them years old, William Shakespeare and his wife had or suggesting they are secret. Reverse psychology 28 2014 drama 53 He presided over the 5 Nashville sound metal? birthed three kids. When he was 25, while the can be an asset for you. with David Oyelowo and O.J. trial brood was still young, he started churning out Common 6 "Pen15" streaming 35 Concluding with literary masterpieces. By the time Will became a SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Because of the 54 At the location service 37 2019 Max Porter novel grandfather at age 43, he had written many of the onslaught of the internet and social media, lots of 29 Company whose works that ultimately made him one of history's people no longer read books. But in 2020, I highly founder recently left its 55 "Open 24 hours" sign 7 "Possibly" about a whimsical boy material most illustrious authors. From this evidence, we recommend that you *not* be one of that crowd. In board 8 ___ Tome and Principe 38 Part of AMA might speculate that being a parent and husband my astrological opinion, you need more of the slow, 30 "Watch somewhere 57 Turns used materials (African island nation) 39 Johnson's heightened his creative flow. I bring this to your deep wisdom that comes from reading books. You else" letters into something better 9 Available for purchase predecessor attention because I want to ask you: What role will will also benefit from other acts of rebellion against 59 Missing comment? 10 Some P.D. officers 40 Menacing commitment and duty and devotion play in your the Short Attention Span Era. Crucial blessings will 31 "I feel ___" life during the coming months? (I suspect it'll be a flow in your direction as you honor the gradual, 32 Like mortals? 62 Garment edges 11 Rapper with the 41 Important interval in good one.) incremental approach to everything. 33 Go fast 63 Skincare company Grammy-nominated jazz music with a Hydro Boost line album "Based on a T.R.U. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian-born CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "I love to be 34 Protein for some 43 Old Faithful, e.g. 64 Affirmative votes Story" painter Stanley Spencer (1891–1959) didn't surprised by something I have never thought sushi rolls 45 Easter-related align himself with any artistic movement. Early of," declares Capricorn actor Ralph Fiennes. 12 Medium-dry Spanish 36 Communication where 65 First-person action- 46 Glare on, his work was an odd blend of French Post- According to my analysis of the astrological adventure game with a sherry Impressionism and 14th-century Italian painting. aspects, you'll be wise to make that one of your K and V differ only by a 47 Sentries at entries I appreciate his stylistic independence, and top mottoes in 2020. Why? First, life is likely to thumb "Death of the Outsider" 13 Bad hour for a car sequel alarm to go off 51 Not as much suggest you draw inspiration from it in 2020. bring to your attention a steady stream of things 38 "Silent All These Another unique aspect of Spencer's art was its you've never imagined. And second, your ability to Years" singer Tori 66 He worked with 14 "We Are Number 54 Pack of hot dog buns, mix of eroticism and religiosity. I think you'll enjoy make good use of surprises will be at an all-time Branford Marsalis ___" (song meme from often exploring that blend yourself in the coming months. high. Here's further advice to help ensure that the 42 Thomas who drew "LazyTown") Your spiritual and sexual longings could be quite vast majority of your surprises will be welcome, Santa Claus Down 56 Oaxacan "other" 20 Far from meaningful synergistic. There's one part of Spencer's quirky even fun: Set aside as many of your dogmas 44 Knock down ___ 1 Prepares (for impact) 58 Cone dropper nature I don't recommend you imitate, however. and expectations as possible, so that you can 24 Use a SodaStream He often wore pajamas beneath his clothes, even be abundantly receptive to things you've never 48 Unvaried 2 French city known for 59 AFC South team, on its porcelain on, say scoreboards to formal occasions. Doing that wouldn't serve thought of. 49 Sucker 26 Area 51 sighting your interests. (But it will be healthy for you to be 3 Feeling all excited 60 Opus ___ ("The Da *somewhat* indifferent to people's opinions.) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "I love fools’ 50 Kind of base or 27 Letters in some Vinci Code" group) experiments. I am always making them." So said reserve 4 Occasion for storytelling personal ads 61 I, to Claudius LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Johannes Gutenberg one of the most famous and influential scientists 52 Ukraine capital, locally 29 Mark often used for invented the printing press in the 1440s. In who ever lived, Aquarian-born naturalist Charles subsequent decades, millions of mass-produced Darwin. In accordance with upcoming astrological ©2019 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) A nswers Page 27 books became available for the first time, making factors, I invite you to draw inspiration from his their contents available to a far wider audience approach. Allow yourself to explore playfully than ever before. The printing press caused other as you conduct fun research. Just assume that SUDOKU Intermediate changes, too—some not as positive. For instance, you have a mandate to drum up educational people who worked as scribes found it harder to experiences, and that a good way to do that is to get work. In our era, big culture-wide shifts are amuse yourself with improvisational adventures. TO PLAY impacting our personal lives. Climate change, the internet, smart phones, automation, and human- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "How do you get like robots are just a few examples. What are your main pleasure in life?" That question was Fill in the grid so that doing to adjust to the many innovations? And what posed to Scorpio author Evelyn Waugh and Piscean will you do in the future? Now is an excellent time social reformer William Beveridge. Waugh said, every row, column, and to meditate on these issues. "I get mine spreading alarm and despondency." Beveridge said, "I get mine trying to leave the outlined 3-by-3 box VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You're skilled at the world a better place than I found it." I hope you will art of self-editing. When bright new ideas well up favor Beveridge's approach over Waugh's in 2020, contains the numbers 1 in you, you understand they are not yet ready for Pisces—for two reasons. First, the world already prime time, but will need to be honed and finessed. has plenty of alarm and despondency; it doesn't through 9 exactly once. When your creativity overflows, tantalizing you need even a tiny bit more. Second, aspiring to be with fresh perspectives and novel approaches, like Beveridge will be the best possible strategy for No guessing is required. you know that you'll have to harness the raw surge. fostering your mental and physical health. However, it's also true that sometimes you go too The solution is unique. far in your efforts to refine your imagination's

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE Answers on page 27 HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

AA surveysurvey of Lansing’sLansing’s MusicalMusical LAndscapeLAndscape TURNTURN IT ITDD WNWN!By By RICH RICH TU TUPICPICAA Big Sherm talks ‘Funk Night’ at Mac’s

Mike Sherman, aka Big Sherm, has been a vinyl-spinning DJ since 2009. Each Wednesday, When he’s not DJing or producing, Mike Sherman also releases his own hip-hop tracks. he spins at Funk Night, a weekly Mac’s Bar event. (courtesy photo) Sample his growing discography at bigsherm.net. (courtesy photo) Local DJ Mike Sherman looks back on a decade of sounds Wednesdays @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18+, 9 p.m. Mike Sherman, aka Big Sherm, is famil- finding music that relates to people of running sound at Mac’s Bar. But that’s great acts in Lansing, including One Be iar face in Lansing’s music scene. He’s all types, not just fans of techno or rap not all he was up to. He also recorded his Lo, Kool Keith, D12 and Crooked I.” known locally as not only a longtime music. I’m looking forward to the reggae own hip-hop tracks, operated a record- As for 2020, Sherman plans to keep sound guy at Mac’s Bar, but also as a night, because it gives me a reason to ing studio and submerged himself in the busy, like usual. He’s steadily dropping a musician in his own right. The 27-year-old try new things and experiment, while local music scene. flurry of tracks on his site, bigsherm.net. is a producer, rapper, engineer and vinyl- staying within the imaginary bounds of “Music means everything to me,” “I am constantly working on new spinning DJ. Among the many titles on his Funk Night.” Sherman said. “If it wasn’t for hip-hop, music, from making beats and instru- resume, Sherman is also a resident DJ The evening is always funky, but always I wouldn’t be who I am today. My music mentation, to recording and writing,” he at “Funk Night,” a weekly Mac’s Bar event serving unique takes on the genre. is very intertwined with myself as a per- said. “I spent the end of 2019 compiling specializing in an assortment of dance- “It took months to develop the sound,” son — and growth in one translates to and releasing tracks that nobody outside able live bands and DJs. Tonight, Funk Sherman explained. “But now it speaks growth in the other.” my inner circle has heard over the years. Night hosts not only booming beats, but for itself. We have many people regularly As a fourth-grader, Sherman attended This came out to about 16 different proj- an Odd Side Ales tap takeover. Then, on coming to check out the featured bands the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and ects around 10 tracks each, of varying Jan. 22, Holy Roots performs a powerful and hear me and DJ Muzik experiment it solidified his path at an early age. styles and angles. It was incredibly free- live set of progressive reggae. In short, and play funky jams everyone can dance “I was always into electronic music, ing to release this music and the new there’s no shortage of diverse, upbeat to. It’s been amazing.” but didn’t have the gear to start DJing,” year has given me so much energy to sounds. Of course, Sherman has been at it for he recalled. “So, when I was about 12, I create, having recorded a new art piece “Since Funk Night was started about a shade over a decade now. In 2009, he turned to hip-hop to let out frustrations every day this year.” a year ago, I’ve grown tremendously as started spinning funky and soulful house and record songs on a cheap micro- Follow Big Sherm at facebook.com/ a DJ,” Sherman said. “I have become music at Neon Tuesdays, Basement 414 phone. Years later, this love of the craft bigggsherm. even more open to genre-bending and and The Loft. A year later, he started had me opening as an emcee for some

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave.. Trivia Night: Arrested Dev, 10PM Open Mic 8PM AOTA Hip Hop DJs 9PM GTG Free Show 8PM Coach's Pub & Grill, 6201 Bishop Rd. Homespun 9PM Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River, East Lansing North of Five 8PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Old School - DJ Jalese 8:30PM Smooth Daddy 9PM Smooth Daddy 9PM LIVE Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Karaoke The Rewind 9PM Roux 8:30PM Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E. Shiawassee Live Music with DJ Skillz 9PM AND The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Of Virtue 6:30PM Homegrown Throwdown 2020 7PM Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Funk Night 9PM Phil Johnson 7PM AOTA: Fresh Class 8PM Power Moves Only 8PM Spiral, 1247 Center St. Turn Up Fridays 9PM DLP Presents Frost 9PM LOCAL Urban Beat, 1213 Turner St. Live Happy Hour 5PM Live Happy Hour w/Craig Hendershott 5PM Live Happy Hour 5PM Unicorn, 327 Cesar E. Chavez, Open Mic 9:30PM Live Music wtih Time 2 Play 9PM Live Music with Shelby & Jake 9PM Upcoming show? Contact VFW #701, 123 N. Rosemary The New Rule 8PM [email protected] Wildlife Pub, 6380 Drumeller Rd., Bath Open Mic 7:30PM City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 From Page 24 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, grandledge.lib.mi.us. Downtown, 220 S Washington Square, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Saturday, January 18 Lansing. Indoor Snowball Fight (Age 5 & up) - 4-5 Ballroom Dancing Begins - Learn the p.m. CADL South Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., CLASSES AND SEMINARS Minecraft Game Night (Ages 8–15) - To basic steps and fundamentals. 6:30-7:30 Lansing. cadl.org register call 517-485-5185 or go to cadl.org/ p.m. Al!ve, 800 W Lawrence Ave., Charlotte. Birding Basics Workshop - Learn more events. 5-6:30 p.m. CADL Foster, 200 N. myalive.com. Lansing Personal Injury Attorneys about what feathered friends live in our area. Foster Ave., Lansing. cadl.org Meetup - have drinks and share personal 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, East Dr. Susie Linfield on “The Lion’s Den: injury case stories. 10-11 a.m. The Cadillac Lansing. events.msu.edu. ARTS Zionism and the Left from Hannah Room, 1115 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Arendt to Noam Chomsky” - 10-11:30 a.m. 798-6175. attorneykennugent.com. Cozy Cardboard Cottages - 10 a.m. Boy Gets Girl - 7-9:30 p.m. Riverwalk MSU Wells Hall, 619 Red Cedar Rd., Room Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- C-730, East Lansing. 517-432-3493. Refuge Recovery Lansing - 7:30-8:30 Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. impression5.org. 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. jsp.msu.edu. p.m. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Make It! Think Tank Workshops - Design, Community Art Projects - 3-6 LITERATURE AND POETRY The Stewardship Network Conference build, and take home your own creation p.m. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S 2020 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kellogg Center, 219 S. for makers ages 9-14! Impression 5 Science Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. Visit James Keeleghan - Poet laureate of the Harrison Rd., East Lansing. Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485- reachstudioart.org. folk and roots music world. 7:30-10 p.m. MSU 8116. impression5.org Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn, TGIF Dance Party - all welcome! 7 p.m.-12 Craft Night - Come out for crafting and East Lansing. a.m. Hawk Hollow, 15101 Chandler Rd., Bath. Snowshoe Class - Learn to snowshoe and fellowship. 7-9 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters 734-604-5095. tgifdance.com. nothing will stop you! 9:30-11:30 a.m. Harris Ministry, 5705 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Mitten Season Storytime (Ages up to Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos. 517-657-5800. 6) - 10:30-11 a.m. CADL Mason, 145 W. Ash St., ARTS 517-349-3866. meridian.mi.us. Mason. cadl.org Crafting with a Cause - support and Beginning Drawing - It’s never too late to Tun-Dra Dog Mushing (All ages) - serve our community through crafting. Sensory Friendly Storytime (Age 2 & learn to draw! 1-3 p.m. Hannah Community Meet some live sled dogs from Tun-Dra 4-5:30 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District up) - This interactive storytime features Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. Kennels when their staff visits to talk about Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. 517- sensory-friendly activities before we open to 517-337-1113. mushing and the Iditarod. 10-11 a.m. CADL 627-7014. grandledge.lib.mi.us. the public. 9:30-10:30 a.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, Webberville, 115 N. Main St., Webberville. 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., Holt. Boy Gets Girl - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk cadl.org Studio (in)Process - 6-9 p.m. MSU Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, East EVENTS 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. LITERATURE AND POETRY Lansing. 517-884-4800. Visit broadmuseum. msu.edu for more information. 40th Annual Memorial Observance of Middletown by Will Eno - Cold readings. Poets Roundtable - 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. East Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - 12-1 Roles available: 5 women/7 men - various Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd., East MUSIC p.m. Lansing City Council Chambers, 10th ages/any ethnicity. 6-8 p.m. LCC Theatre, LCC Lansing. Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing. Gannon Building - Room 1403, Lansing. Behind the Scenes - Get to know the lansingmi.gov. Reading to Dogs (All ages) - Practice Lansing Symphony Orchestra. 5:30-9:30 Mud & Mug - 7-10 p.m. Reach Studio Art reading with one of our dogs! 2-3 p.m. p.m. Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Assassin Game - $5/person, 18+. Gift Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing. 517-353-1982. basket awarded to the winner. 7-10 p.m. 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Williamston. cadl.org Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. Friday, January 17 Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. Not Far from Here: Broad Underground EVENTS Film Series - Recent Iranian Video Art. 7-9 Half Day Game Day (Robots and More) p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington CADL Adventurers Role Playing Game CLASSES AND SEMINARS - Games and robots - try a new challenge! 1-3 Ave, Lansing. Club (Ages 10–18) - Embark on a creative p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 adventure with other gamers! Register: Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Teen Studio: Portfolio -3-6 p.m. Reach 517-694-9351 x3 or go to cadl.org/events 4-6 Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, p.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> JANUARY ARTISAN MARKET Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Holt. cadl.org AT REO TOWN MARKETPLACE MUSIC Capital Pro Wrestling - 3-6:30 p.m. The Fledge, 1300 Eureka St., Lansing. The REO Town Marketplace, a combination Gallery Suite Jazz Series - 8-10 p.m. La consignment emporium located, hosts its Fille Gallery, 336 E Michigan Ave., Lansing. See Out on the town, Page 28 first pop-up market of 2020. Shoppers will be able to peruse a vast variety of SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> SCHOOL OF ROCK ’90s LIVE SHOW homemade goods from local artists and AT THE AVENUE CAFE craftsmen. Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. School of Rock, a rock music education 1027 S. Washington Ave., Lansing program based in Lansing, is hosting a (517) 927-7576 student showcase at The Avenue Café. facebook.com/REOTownmarketplace Attendees will be able to check out the chops of School of Rock students as they CROSSWORD SOLUTION blaze through your favorite ’90s hits. From Pg. 25 Free, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. SUDOKU SOLUTION 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing From Pg. 25 (517) 927-7576 facebook.com/REOTownmarketplace

SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> CREATE YOUR OWN CRYSTAL GRID WORKSHOP AT WOKE STUDIO Everyone is invited to this cookout. Gravity Smokehouse & BBQ in Holt will touchdown in Lansing to feed those looking for a hot meal. Volunteers can show up at the event ready to serve. 2 to 4 p.m., Free 400 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing (517) 712-0008 cardboardprophets.org 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020

From Page 27 Refuge Recovery Lansing - 6-7 p.m. The EVENTS Contra and Square Dance - 7-10 p.m. Sunday, January 19 Fledge, 1300 Eureka St., Lansing. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Bring Your Lunch Social Time! - Bring a Capitol Ave, Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. CLASSES AND SEMINARS ARTS sack lunch and enjoy a visit with friends. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Allen Neighborhood Center, 1611 Dinner Dance - Delicious roast pork Juggling - Learn how to juggle! 2-4 p.m. Auditions for Sylvia - 6:30-8:30 p.m. E Kalamazoo St, Lansing. dinner servered 5:30-7 p.m. with dance Orchard Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., Andromeda Community Theatre, Charlotte. from 6:30-10:30 pm. Lansing Liederkranz, East Lansing. Kiwanis Monthly Meeting - 6-8 p.m. 5828 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing. 517-882-6330. Let It Snow Glitter Paint Party - Paint Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. ARTS adorable Snowman with us! 6-9 p.m. Henry’s Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. DLP Presents Frost - Annual DLP Winter Place, 4926 Marsh Rd., Okemos. Fundraiser party, Frost! 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Spiral Open Auditions for “Sylvia” - 6:30-8:30 Prime Time Crime Time - Featuring the Dance Bar, 1247 Center St, Lansing. p.m. Windwalker Underground Gallery, 125 S. Play Day: Movies, Games and more. 1-4 Movies of the 60s and 70s. This week: The 517-214-2149. Cochran Ave, Charlotte. 269-262-1943. p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 Late Show, 1977. 1-3 p.m. Hannah Community E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337- Frozen Party (Age 3 & up) - Let’s Boy Gets Girl - 2-4:30 p.m. Riverwalk grandledge.lib.mi.us. 1113. cityofeastlansing.com celebrate the new Frozen movie with Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- crafts, activities and wintry fun. Costumes 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. Robot-a-thon (Age 4 & up) - JTry robot welcome! 2-3 p.m. CADL Haslett, 1590 Tuesday, January 21 art, compete in an Ollie race, and have a Franklin St., Haslett. cadl.org MUSIC robot sumo match. 4-6 p.m. CADL Downtown CLASSES AND SEMINARS Lansing, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Lansing Record and CD Show - 11 a.m.- Bath Community Drum Circle - Come 4 p.m. University Quality Inn, 3121 E Grand jam with us! 2-4 p.m. Bath Community Center, Sierra Club’s Environmentalist of the 5959 Park Lake Road, Bath. bathtownship.us. 8-Hour ServSafe Manager Training - 9 River Ave, Lansing. 517-351-1440. a.m.-5 p.m. MSU Extension - Ingham County, Year Ceremony - 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing. Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest 121 E Maple Street Conference Room A, Scavenger Hunt Saturdays at the Mason. canr.msu.edu. Michigan History Museum - Self-guided Concert - MSU Jazz. 7 p.m. Fairchild Yawn Patrol Toastmasters - 7-8:30 a.m. scavenger hunts complete with prizes! 10 Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. Two Men and Truck, 3400 Belle Chase Way, 517-355-1855. music.msu.edu. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. a.m.-4 p.m. Michigan History Center, 702 W. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Lansing. 517-214-3327. yawnpatrol.com. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-420-1342. 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. ARTS The Stewardship Network Conference Monday, January 20 Group Dance Class - Beginning West Coast 2020 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kellogg Center, 219 S. Swing. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Mixed Media: Adult - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Harrison Rd., East Lansing. CLASSES AND SEMINARS Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Third Saturday Contra Dance - 7-10 Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, Seminar - hosted by the Dept. of Mixed Media: Teen. 4:30-6 p.m. Reach N. Capitol Ave, Lansing. lgmaa.org. 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. 4:10 Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, p.m. MSU, 122 Wells Hall, East Lansing. Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Winter Farmers’ Market - Meridian Twp. Basic Principles of Photography - events.msu.edu. 10-2 p.m. JCPenney wing, Meridian Mall, Learn photography skills. 9-11 a.m. Hannah Papercrafting (Adults) - Learn new Okemos. Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Protect Your Online Identity and ways of using paper to artistically adorn Lansing. 517-337-1113. Reputation and Social Media Profile cards, gifts or even your walls. 1-3 p.m. ARTS Stalking Awareness - free class. 5-7 p.m. CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Business Model Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Rd, Williamston. cadl.org ARTspace Pop-up Art Market - 11 a.m.- Gaynor Entrepreneurship Lab, 651 N. Shaw East Lansing. 3 p.m. Allen Neighborhood Center, 1611 E Ln, East Lansing. MUSIC Kalamazoo St, Lansing. Zumba - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Group Dance Class - Beginning Hustle. 7:15- Home, 1030 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517- Seoul National University New Music Boy Gets Girl - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk 8:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East 882-2838. Ensemble - 7-8:30 p.m. RCAH Theater, Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- Lansing. 517-364-8888. MSU, 362 Bogue St., East Lansing. 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. LITERATURE AND POETRY Group Dance Class - Beginning Nightclub 2 Suren Bagratuni, cello, and Margarita Embroidery Workshop - Join artist Step. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Paws for Reading at GLADL - Come and Shevchenko, piano - 7:30 p.m. Fairchild and teacher Dayna Walton. 1-4 p.m. MSU Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. read to a library loving therapy dog! 6-7 p.m. Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, East Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E 517-355-1855. music.msu.edu. Lansing. Homeschool Study Group - 1-4 p.m. Grand Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson grandledge.lib.mi.us. Jane Gunneman Gallery Show - 12-6 p.m. St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Preschool Storytime - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart. Professional Speaker Series: Home and Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. org. Office Desktop Ergonomics - 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Alive, 800 W Lawrence Ave, Charlotte. grandledge.lib.mi.us. Middletown by Will Eno - Cold readings. Roles available: 5 women/7 men - various LITERATURE AND POETRY Read a Poet/Write a Poem: The Ghazal ages/any ethnicity. 3-5p.m. LCC Theatre, LCC Poets and the Ghazal w/ Guillermo Delgado. Gannon Building - Room 1403, Lansing. Drop-in Minute to Win It Challenge 7-8:30 p.m. C303 Snyder Hall, 362 Bogue Series (Ages 9–14) - Stop by to complete Street, East Lansing. 517-884-1932. MUSIC some challenges to earn points toward your poetry.rcah.msu.edu. season score. 3-4 p.m. CADL Williamston, An American In Paris - Lansing Symphony 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Williamston. Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing. lansingsymphony.org. EVENTS

Old-time String Band Fiddle Tunes 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. SATURDAY, JAN. 18 >> ARTSPACE POP-UP ART MARKET AT Repertoire with Mike and Mary Ross Day of Celebration - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lansing ALLEN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Elderly Instruments, 1100 Center - 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. For N Washington, Lansing. 517-372-7880. elderly. tickets 517-410-2998 or GLMKTIX@gmail. ARTspace, a grassroots community com. com or at the City Treasurers office, 124 W. organization that promotes the artists Michigan. lansingmi.gov. Ten Pound Fiddle: Contra and Square of Lansing’s east side neighborhood, is Dance - All dances taught, no partner CanHope support - Support group for teaming up with Allen Neighborhood Center needed. Workshop at 6:30 p.m., Dance 7-10 cancer patients and caregivers. 6:30 p.m.- for a pop-up market. p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N 7:45 p.m. Al!ve, 800 W Lawrence Ave., Capitol Ave, East Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. Charlotte. Free, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1611 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing Game Night at the Fledge - Board and (517) 214-7593 card games. 7 pm to close. The Fledge, 1300 facebook.com/ARTspaceLansing Eureka, Lansing. 517-203-9287. City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING HE ATE SHE ATE Amanecer Mexicano A warm, family atmosphere Another delicious gem for Lansing By MARK NIXON chips are stewed in tomato sauce and By GABRIELLE LAWRENCE For breakfast, he chose the Rare is the restaurant where you then shredded chicken, refried beans Throughout high school and college, Machacado, which the menu describes walk in and almost immediately feel and cheese are ladled in. I did what everyone else did and ate at as “two scrambled eggs with shredded you’ve stepped inside the home of a I ordered gorditas filled with eggs, Taco Bell. I became conditioned to think dried beef.” Three of Mr. She Ate’s culi- family member. beans and cheese, with an add-on of that all Mexican food had to be dripping nary favorites are sandwiches, pizza That feeling swept over me within smoked meat called barbacoa. These in cheese and that seasoned ground and well-done eggs — he doesn’t prefer seconds after setting foot in Amanecer scratch-made “little fat ones” are cous- beef was the only protein option. Since a runny yolk or a soft scramble — and Mexicano. We were greeted as family, or ins to the taco, but most often the masa those dark days, I’ve changed my ways. these eggs perfectly fit the bill. The beef at least good friends. So were other cus- is pinched to- I’ve learned that was well seasoned and the portion was tomers — sometimes in Spanish, other gether to com- corn tortillas definitely hearty enough for breakfast, times in English, always with warmth. pletely enwrap are vastly pref- but not disgustingly enormous as found “Instant family” doesn’t come in a the filling. Gord- erable to flour, in so many other Mexican restaurants. box. Thirty seconds in the microwave itas are $3 each, that any dish I chose the eggs with Mexican sausage and poof! ready to serve. No, it comes and compare fa- featuring cho- (code for chorizo, my fave) and loved from the heart. And Amanecer Mexica- vorably with the rizo is a dish the combination of creamy scrambled no is first and foremost about heart. handmade gord- that I’m going eggs with slightly spicy, crumbled sau- A placard on the east wall hangs be- itas crafted each to like and that sage. Both of the meals came with sides low the photograph of a man we are May at the Cris- cheese can be of thinly sliced fried potatoes, refried told is the owner’s father. Written in to Rey Fiesta in used sparingly, black beans and the best corn tortillas Spanish, it says: “The most important south Lansing. or sometimes I’ve ever had. We ate everything and man in our lives, who taught us to fight On our next not used at all. watched as the restaurant slowly filled for our dreams.” visited we opt- Amanecer up with east-side hipsters, people in Reimagined from an old fish and ed for brunch, Mexicano suits conducting business over eggs and chips chain restaurant, Amanecer Mex- which begins at opened in coffee and a group of girlfriends meet- icano is mingling its dreams with ours 11 a.m. Hands September and, ing for a post-holiday recap. Spoiler — assuming your dreams are a soulful down, the as the name alert: Everyone has a relative who asks prayer for real Mexican cuisine. brunch winner suggests — inappropriate questions. It doesn’t stop After two visits, Judy declared this was the Carnes en su Jugo amanecer translates to when you get married or have babies — place to have the most authentic Mex- (“meats in their juices”) for dawn — offers breakfast it just gets weirder. ican food in our community. I would $11.99. Amanecer Mexicano and brunch options and On a return visit, I ordered breakfasts Sunday, go further. It’s some of the best Mexi- Thinly sliced beef is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. closes at 3 p.m. The menu to go. I headed home with an order of can food I’ve had anywhere, including stewed in beef broth, prob- Monday, Tuesday, is decidedly small and Enchiladas Amanecer Mexicano, which housemade dishes we’ve tasted in Oax- ably for many hours. Pinto Thursday-Saturday aggressively egg-forward. were a miss. The hit of the day, and an aca, Puebla, Mexico City and Huatulco. beans are added, and even- 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The interior of the restau- instant new household favorite, was the 2418 E Michigan Ave. By all means, don’t pass over the Pico tually the dish is topped Lansing rant is swathed in neutral Migada. A thick corn tortilla was fried de Gallo, a $1 add-on that is worth with bits of crisp bacon, (517) 574-4461 tones, and bowls of fresh in butter and topped with my chosen thrice that. The key word here is fresh, bite-size chunks of fried facebook.com/ oranges have replaced chorizo, crumbled cheese, sliced avoca- as in fresh cilantro, onion, tomato and tortillas and, just before AmanecerMexicano1 the giant neon sombre- do and a drizzle of crema. I’ve never had loads of garlic. Subtly spiced, it makes a serving, a fresh scallion. ros found in many local anything quite like this, and if choles- perfect companion for a variety of dish- It reached our table pip- Mexican chain restau- terol was no object I’d like to eat it every es, from gorditas to guacamole. (The ing hot. Topped with fresh cilantro and rants. day. For those of you who also used to guacamole, at $4.75, is equally out- diced onions brought separately, this is On a recent visit, Mr. She Ate started frequent Taco Bell and who remember standing and equally fresh.) plainly, simply, a remarkable feast for his meal with a glass of fresh-squeezed the ridiculously named Mexican pizza, Amanecer Mexicano translates as the eyes and stomach. orange juice, which was made in-house this was a better iteration. The tortilla Mexican Sunrise, which aptly describes I ordered two tacos, one stuffed with right before our eyes. I haven’t had was thicker than normal in order to much of the menu. This is a breakfast battered shrimp ($4.50) and the other orange juice in literally years — I always withstand the heft of the topping, and and brunch place. We made our first with breaded fish ($3.99). The bread- say that I would rather eat my calories on future visits I look forward to try- visit a breakfast outing. As you can ing in both cases was not overdone, al- than drink them — but this juice was ing the Migadas with barbacoa, ricotta imagine, this is not the place you go for lowing other flavors to shine through. incredible. Our only criticism of it was cheese or prickly pear cactus, the latter waffles and pancakes. Both shrimp and fish were decked out that it was room temperature, and of which sounds particularly intriguing. Try the Chilaquiles with over easy would have been even more refreshing eggs ($10.99). Housemade tortilla See He ate, Page 30 served cold. See She ate, Page 30 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • January 15, 2020 ture because, well, when they say fresh- He ate squeezed, they mean exactly that. Fresh food The homey touches are worth not- Family fun! from page 29 ing. I saw a row of wooden clothespins 3 LOCATIONS dangling from a wire stretched above a kitchen workstation — no doubt an in red onions; diced tomatoes, a speck economical but useful way to hold or- Featured of shredded cabbage and a light drizzle ders. on: of spiced, homemade cream. There’s little doubt that heritage is Where’s my thesaurus? I need some important here, and not just familial new synonyms for “outstanding.” connections. A portrait of Mexican art- Try our Mexican food is sometimes consid- ist Frida Kahlo hangs on one wall, and ered unhealthy, a debate I will leave to scattered about are tiny molcajetes — Fish, Burgers & Steak others. However, it’s worth noting that Mexican mortar and pestles that are es- Amanecer Mexicano offers a number sential in many Mexican kitchens. of fresh fruit smoothies, fruit salad and Food, family and clinging to one’s Fresh off the Grill! East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 fresh-squeezed orange juice. The latter heritage while fighting for our own Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am is served more or less at room tempera- dreams. Sure sounds like home to me. Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 BUY ANY Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am like that are so completely embraced Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 She ate by our whole community. Amanecer DINNER Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am Mexicano is another beautiful illustra- tion of this phenomenon, as evidenced ND from page 29 by our mayor documenting his recent visit on his Facebook page. Service is GET 2 I’ve waxed poetic in this space unflinchingly attentive, even as Mr. She about Lansingites embracing the dif- Ate and I wandered in, bleary eyed, tot- DINNER ferent cuisines represented by people ing an infant car seat. Even when Baby who live here. Traveling to other cities Jane started to kick up just the smallest around the country and around our % CARNIVORES fuss, nobody side-eyed us. The kitchen state makes me realize that it’s atypi- is gleaming, the prices are right and the 50 OFF LOVE MEAT! cal to have so many wonderful Middle food is fantastic. Word to the wise — AWARD WINNING BBQ + 18 TAPS Eastern restaurants, a successful bar- they aren’t open Wednesday. One per customer becue/Vietnamese restaurant, and the OF PURE GOLDEN JOY = A GREAT TIME! Expires 1/28/20 18 ROTATING CRAFT, MICHIGAN MADE AND WANT YOUR RESTAURANT 3 DOMESTIC BEERS ON TAP LISTED? CALL 2417 E. Kalamazoo 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM 517-999-5064 Lansing, MI 48912 1224 TURNER ST. OLD TOWN, LANSING Appetizers Cask & Co. A LOCAL SPOT FOR LUNCH, DINNER (517) 993-5988 AND DRINKS. A dining experience that is like 3415 E. Saginaw Hwy. no other. Featuring a fresh lunch buffet for a www.eastsidefishfry.com Lansing, MI 48912 quick bite, an extensive dinner menu and happy The only American owned & (517) 580-3750 hour specials, too! Screens to watch your favorite www.caskandcompany.com sporting events with your favorite people. operated fish fry in Lansing Michigan craft brews abound here as well. Airport Tavern FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, Airport Tavern 5000 N. Grand River Ave. & Steakhouse has been a staple of Lansing’s Lansing, MI 48906 community. Full bar, prime rib weekends, daily BREWERIES (517) 321-3852 FB: lunch and dinner specials. Ribs, steak, burgers @AirportTavernandSteakhouse and salads are all crowd pleasers at this neigh- FROSTBITE VS borhood establishment. DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! Buddies Holt Featuring 10 local breweries and over 20 beers 2040 Aurelius Rd, Ste 12 Traditional classics and great drinks. Burgers, Mexican entrees, pizza and appetizers. Five Start 2020 Holt, MI 48842 (517) 699-3670 versions of loaded tots and Buddies Bowls you January 16, 2020 off with a gift www.buddiesbars.com can’t get anywhere else. Locally owned and We will be collecting unused gloves, winter from us! operated for over 20 years. $ 5 off your GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on hats, coats, socks & blankets for order of Eastside Fish Fry Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., $25 or more fried home-style classics and fresh seafood are Carboard ProPhets Lansing, MI 48912 some of the best to be found in Lansing. We’ve got $ (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, 10 off your eastsidefishfry.com exotic fare, like frog legs and alligator tails and order of fresh seafood. Desserts, too! $50 or more Meat Southern BBQ WE BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES Dine in only! Must GREAT BBQ. Award winning BBQ. Ribs, present coupon. One 1224 Turner Rd. coupon per customer, Lansing, MI 48906 French fry bar, chili, sides including BBQ pit per table. Does not (517) 580-4400 baked beans, mac n’ cheese. 18 rotating taps 3415 E. SAGINAW • LANSING, MI 48912 include tax or gratuity. of craft, Michigan made beers. Craft cocktails. Expires 3/16/2020 meatbbq.com TAP TAKEOVER AT 5PM We cater, too! COLLECTING DONATIONS 1/2 - 1/16/2020 DIRECTORY LISTINGS | PAID ADVERTISEMENTS City Pulse • January 15, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31 Purchase 2 greeting cards Get one of equal or lesser value free

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