April 4-10, 2012

Can this happen here? LSJ vs. mlive.com Page 9

FEC@E<K?@JN<

5EQQVGTU6Q)QRCIG 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

It has been my honor and DEAL OF THE WEEK privilege to serve USE BONUS CODE: you as your 73RRS Ingham County Drain Commissioner SAVE 50% AT Rum Runners for the past 20 years. on SaveLansing.com

Together we have improved the quality of our water resources for the citizens of Ingham County and the Great Lakes. I look forward to many more years of working with you protecting these great resources of ours.

Thank you for your recognition and Live entertainment in a support by choosing me as Caribbean-style setting Environmentalist of the year for the Come experience a tropical paradise lled with great last 4 years in the City Pulse and food, drinks, and entertainment at its best! The menu oers freshly prepared appetizers, chicken, beef and WLNS Top of the Town awards. seafood entrees, hamburgers and other sandwiches, salads, barbecued ribs, pizza, desserts and other light fare. The main attraction includes interactive Together we are making a better entertainment ranging from live dueling piano future and leaving a positive shows, karaoke, “open mic” shows, and a variety of other legacy for generations to come. live events that focus heavily on audience participation.

You must sign up and purchase our stupendous deals online only at: SaveLansing.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3

TICKET PRICES Old Town Lansing $13 in advance Progressive Food Sampling and Loft Tours $15 day of Old Town Commercial Association is hosting its fifth annual Taste & $5 children 12 & under Tour of Old Town on Saturday, April 14th from noon to 5pm. This $5 loft tour only event is a progressive food sampler and exclusive loft tour. The sampler gives visitors a chance to taste a variety of Old Town’s Tickets can be purchased at finest fare and tour its unique real estate market, making it a great www.iloveoldtown.org, way to introduce people to Old Town who may be unfamiliar with Grace, Sir Pizza Grand Cafe, its thriving businesses, hip living alternatives and delicious Tallulah’s Folly or at the restaurants. Taste & Tour of Old Town is a fundraiser for the OTCA, OTCA office. to continue its mission of revitalizing Lansing’s Old Town district.

Participants will check in at the OTCA office where they can purchase tickets, and receive a map and wristband for the tour. This year’s participating restaurants include The Purple Carrot Truck, Golden Harvest, Cravings Gourmet Popcorn, Grand Café Sir Pizza, Favorites Café, Tallulah's Folly, Artie's Filling Station, Olympic Broil, Pablo's Panaderia, Spiral Dance Bar, Unicorn Tavern, Trailer Park'd, Aggie Mae's Bakery & Deli, and Grand Grillin! Participating lofts will be announced the day of the event.

The OTCA office is located at 1232 Turner Street, Lansing, MI 48906.

14 Taste and Tour of Old Town Noon to 5pm in Old Town Lansing 14 Capital City Film Festival Throughout the day at Old Town Temple Building 19 Festival of the Sun and Moon Committee Meeting at 5:30pm at OTCA office 21 Document Destruction Day 3 ROOT Group Meeting 8am to 2pm at Friedland Industries at 7pm at OTCA office 23 Organization Committee Meeting 10 Economic Restructuring Committee Meeting 5pm at OTCA office at 11:45am at OTCA office 12 Old Town Board of Directors Meeting Pickin’ In the Park…Every Tuesday night at Sir Pizza Grand Café at 6pm at Perspective2 For a complete list of events, visit www.iloveoldtown.org 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 & Mfcld\((#@jjl\*+ Charles Ford  (0',<%D`Z_`^Xe8m\%›CXej`e^#D@+/0() ,(. *.($,-''›=Xo1 ,(. 000$-'-(nnn%cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd 8[m\ik`j`e^`ehl`i`\j1 ,(. 000$,'-( Q E\nj  Fg`e`fe% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % + :cXjj`]`\[X[`ehl`i`\j1 ,(. 000$,'-- GlYc`Z Efk`Z\j% % % % % % % % % % % % -# . fi\dX`cZ`kpglcj\7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd

Myra Ford <[`kfiXe[GlYc`j_\i :fm\i Jkfip% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % 0 9\icJZ_nXikq A 8ikj  :lckli\% % % % % % % % % % % % () glYc`j_\i7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-( Lansing Board of Education President Myra Ford and Board Member Charles Ford K_\Xk\i% % % % % % % % % % % % % (+# (0# )( 8ikj:lckli\<[`kfi AXd\jJXe]fi[ fell on opposite sides of the vote to approve the Lansing schools consolidation plan. :Xg`kXc :`kp =`cd =\jk`mXc @ej\ik % % % % (, aXd\j7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-/ They appeared on “City Pulse Newsmakers” to discuss their votes and the reasoning 9ffbj% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % )' Fek_\Kfne<[`kfi behind them. (The show airs weekly at 11 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday on Comcast channel A\jj`ZX:_\Zb\ifjb` 8[m`Z\ >f[[\jj% % % % % % % % % % % % % )* a\jj`ZX7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-0 16.) The following has been edited and condensed by Joan Bolander. Berl Schwartz, :cXjj`]`\[j% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % )* JkX]]Ni`k\ij Andy Balaskovitz and Sam Inglot interviewed the two. The show can be seen at Afe\j`eË :ifjjnfi[% % % % % % % % % % % % % )* CXni\eZ\:fj\ek`ef www.vimeo.com/channels/citypulse. cXni\eZ\7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd Flk fe k_\ Kfne% % % % % % % % % % % % % % )+ 8e[p9XcXjbfm`kq President Ford, ing. I think if I had Klie `k ;fne % % % % % % % % % % % % % % ), Xe[p7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd Gif[lZk`feDXeX^\i the 8 to 1 vote children in elemen- E\n @e Kfne% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % )- IXZ_\c?Xig\i shows some prog- tary school right now =i\\n`cc 8jkifcf^p% % % % % % % % % % % % )0 X[Zfgp7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-- JfZ`XcD\[`X:fejlckXek ress over last year I would be incred- LeZfib\[% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % *' Alc`\Gfn\ij when it seemed like ibly excited about this alc`\7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd›Kn`kk\i17AGfn\ij(,, every vote brought new plan, because all 8[m\ik`j`e^ Dfe`hl\>fZ_#;`i\Zkfi great arguments of the research sup- dfe`hl\7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-) and debate. Why do ports it. And I think 8ccXeIfjj you think there’s a that because of that XccXe7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. 000$,'-* J_\ccpFcjfe change? the board finally said, j_\ccp7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd› ,(. -+*$(.'* I think for the most “We believe in this, we 8jj`jkXekkfk_\GlYc`j_\i part it’s because the Myra Ford Charles Ford can support this. And Editor & Publisher AfXe9fcXe[\i plan that was present- it’s time we stepped Berl afXe7cXej`e^Z`kpglcj\%Zfd Schwartz :feki`Ylkfij19i`Xe9`\ebfnjb`#Aljk`e9`c`Zb`#9`cc:XjkXe`\i# ed to us we all felt was up and did our job.” DXip:%:ljXZb#A\]]?Xdd\i#Kfd?\cdX#:_i`jkfg_\i?fiY#JXd very concise and very comprehensive. As I was told that it was going to be intro- @e^cfkK\iipC`eb#Bpc\D\c`ee#8[XdDfce\i#;\ee`jGi\jkfe#8ccXe@% Ifjj#Af\Kfifb#I`Z_Klg`ZX#JljXeNff[j#GXlcNfqe`Xb#8dXe[X our current interim superintendent indicat- duced one week and voted on the next 7 p.m. Wednesdays ?Xii\cc$J\pYlie#Lk\Mfe;\i?\p[\e#Al[pN`ek\i ed, it wasn’t cherry picking; it wasn’t we’re week. What was the rush? @ek\iej1Kfep8cXe#8cc`jfeD%9\iipdXe#8cpjjX=`ik_#8[Xd This week @c\e`Z_#>\eeXDlj`Xc going to do this over here and this over here There is a great deal of work that has to Myra Ford, president of the Lansing Board of ;\c`m\ip[i`m\ij18Y[lcdX_[`8c$IXY`X_#;Xm\=`j_\i#BXi\e and do it in different years. It is a compre- be done, and we just felt we had to move Education, and board member Charles Ford EXmXiiX#Ef\cc\EXmXiiX#9i\ekIfY`jfe#Jk\m\Jk\m\ej hensive plan, and it’s a plan that deals with ahead. academic success as opposed to just closing Mr. Ford, what’s your response to Kyle Melinn, City Pulse columnist buildings. It’s geared towards the research that? that shows certain configurations of schools I think it’s somewhat disingenuous to are more successful and are where we need our public that we did not have any type to focus our time and our money. of public hearing. I didn’t think there was Mr. Ford, why did you find you couldn’t any need to rush this quickly. I went to the DC@M<MJ%CJAYp I8:?

sewer carrying trash with it, said Dorothy year, he said. City-sponsored Jones, who has lived at 426 Barnes Ave. People think that the city paid for the since 1963 and is a member of the Moores redesign and construction of the new Park Neighborhood Organization. swales, though Gamble said this is not Eyesore swamps? “I thought the original plan was a the case. He said all the extra renova- good idea,” Jones said. “It sounded like a tions were done on the contractor’s dol- good environmental move.” lar after the Public Service Department Neighborhood is not keen on nega- Other neighbors, like Draper, agreed complained about the problem. He said of the week tive effects of “greener” stormwa- with Jones. the city only paid developers once — for ter system “The concept I’m fine with,” he said. the initial construction. “It just doesn’t seem to be working.” Gamble said because the swales now “It’s like having a swamp in your front Since the project began three years adequately drain water, there is no rea- yard,” said Jesse Draper, pointing at the ago it has been a “mess and a nuisance” son they would contribute to a mosqui- large pools of water in the grass median for the neighborhood, Jones said. The to problem. He said the water doesn’t on Barnes Avenue directly in front of his ditches have been dug up three times stand long enough to allow for mosquito house. because they never drained properly. The larvae to hatch. “It’s like they’re small lakes with teeny most recent construction took place last The Michigan Mosquito Control tiny trees poking out of them,” Draper summer, she said. Association website has information that said. The small, skinny trees that poke out of says “summer floodwater mosquitoes” Along with other residents of Barnes the ditches were added during the renova- lay their eggs in inches of water that Avenue, Draper, who has lived at 419 tions, said Melvin Nealy of 409 Barnes Ave. pools in meadows and roadside ditches Barnes Ave. for nearly 10 years, said the He thinks the ditches should just be leveled and can hatch within seven to 10 days. ditches are an eyesore. They Residents said the pools have fill up with water after heavy persisted at those lengths but Property: 1603 Park Ave., Lansing rains and melting snow, and only after continuous, heavy Owner: Jeffrey Nixon there is usually trash that rain for several days. Assessed value: $50,500 winds up in the pond from The fact that the swales off the streets. collect trash from off the street Owner says: Could not be reached for Along with diminish- is a good thing, Gamble said. comment ing the neighborhood aes- It’s refuse that doesn’t wind thetics, residents say when up flowing into the river. The smashed-in second story window of this the ponds retain water for The city sees a great ben- house is like a black eye peering out onto the street. lengthy periods of time they efit to more environmentally The missing front door screen offers an easy view become breeding grounds friendly stormwater man- of the several “Unsafe — Do not enter or occupy” for mosquitoes. agement, he added. There signs stamped on the porch door. “The mosquitoes get out are several similar projects The best, or worst, part of this house is the fact of control,” Draper said. throughout the city with that it rests on a street corner, ruining the view on “That’s the biggest deal for grass swales on Linden Street two separate streets. Venture to the north side of me because there is a notice- and “rain gardens” along the house and you’ll be confronted by a large wall Sam Inglot/City Pulse able difference.” Michigan Avenue. Both are of burgundy-trimmed windows — eight of them It turns out these are city- Jesse Draper, a Barnes Avenue resident, says the city is designed to do the same and one boarded door — that dot the faded yellow sponsored swamps. responsible for the swamp-like conditions in the median in thing, which Gamble said or stained-white (it’s hard to tell) paint job. The ditches, which dot the front of house. The city says they're fine and environmentally is to prevent “discharging The house, which is larger than it looks from the boulevard of Barnes Avenue friendly. chemicals and litter directly front, could be perfect for college students, though from Bradley Avenue to Todd into the river.” He called it I doubt even the guys from “Animal House” would Avenue, are part of a larger pilot program out to match the rest of the boulevard. “Mother Earth filtration.” move into this place as it stands. developed by the Lansing Public Service “Some people are fed up,” he said. “No The swales are a new development Department and private contractors to way is there an adequate level of drainage. that may take getting used to, Gamble — Sam Inglot “find a greener approach to stormwater It’s not cutting it. They created a problem.” said: If everyone looked at it as an management,” said Chad Gamble, the Lansing City Councilwoman Carol important small step to helping the envi- Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn city’s Public Service director. Wood said residents came to her with ronment, then perhaps their perceptions says: Prominence is an important feature when The grass ditches are known as complaints last year when the ditches would change. siting a building. Corner lots were often the “swales” and are intended to catch storm- continued to pool excess water. Draper and Jones said this year has location of the largest house on the block in water runoff from the streets that would “To my understanding they’re still not been drier than last year and the swales traditional neighborhoods, like this one at the otherwise end up in the underground doing what they’re supposed to,” Wood have not been as backed up with water, corner of Park Avenue and Hammond Street. storm sewers. said, reaffirming eyesore and mosquito but they’re still concerned the problems Located on a block of impeccably kept homes, The pools’ intention is in fact to collect complaints. of mosquitoes and murky water will per- a residence like this one is perfect for the water, Gamble said. But it’s not “a bath- “If there is a problem, the city needs to sist. Gamble said the swales are indeed conspicuous homeowner with a passion for tub,” he insists. The basins are designed so step up and hold somebody responsible,” functioning properly, so the question is vintage homes. It’s an opportunity for twice the water that runs into the basins from the she said. “That’s taxpayer money being whether those living on Barnes Avenue curb appeal — a very turn-of-the-century notion road will “percolate through the soil,” and used and they are not acceptable.” can accept the fact that while the ditch- that is regaining popularity. filter the water of pollutants and trash — The city has indeed held somebody es may collect trash and water, they are sending a cleaner product into the river. responsible, Gamble said: the developers. in turn keeping Lansing’s riverways “Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some of the seedi- er properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy The grass medians used to be slightly At first the pools did not drain cor- cleaner. of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@ raised, sloping down toward the street, rectly, but the problem was addressed lansingcitypulse.com or call 999-5064. which forced the road runoff down to the through the rounds of construction last — Sam Inglot 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 Like our style? Divided African American Like us on Facebook! field emerging in 68th Nobody thought American community is one unifying can- Democratic Ingham didate. But it’s just hard to see Robinson, County Commissioner Copedge or Rivers getting out. For starters, Andy Schor would run any of the three, in a one-on-Schor situa- unopposed for term- tion, have a decent shot at winning, which limited state Rep. Joan is an obvious deterrent for any of them. Bauer’s seat. This is a free shot for Robinson. She’s The surprise is that already served two one-year terms as City all three of Schor’s Council president. She’s gotten about as recently declared much name ID out of the position as she’s opponents in the Democratic primary going to get. She’s no longer a Jackson are African American. It’s a dynamic that Public Schools administrator, so she’s got threatens to divide the community and some time. leave Schor with an even better shot at win- And while she told me twice in the past ning the Lansing-based seat. eight months that she intended to serve all Former Ingham County Democratic four years of her brand-new Lansing City Party Chairman Griffin Rivers announced Council term, she has a public office and other PUBLIC NOTICES in January. Ingham County Commissioner career opportunities to explore if this bid for Dale Copedge filed paperwork with the sec- the $70,000-a-year state rep job falls through. CITY OF LANSING retary of state. Lansing City Councilwoman Copedge’s recent retirement from the ADOPTED ORDINANCE #2567 A’Lynne Robinson will officially announce Department of Environmental Quality AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF April 12. A fourth African-American can- after nearly 30 years puts him, personally, A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND FOR didate, Lansing School Board member in a good position to run, too. He’s served THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES. Charles Ford, had filed to run for the 68th, on the County Commission for four terms but decided Monday to run for the Circuit and been a part of so much public service, The City of Lansing ordains: Court seat opened up by Judge Paula it’d take half my column to list it all. Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of Manderfield’s decision not to run again. Copedge isn’t running for the County Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows: While Robinson declined to talk about Board of Commissioners again. In fact, the race until next Thursday, the other two a pair of potential replacements — Joe To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: admitted the concern among some within McDonald, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero’s Case Number: Z-4-2011 the African-American community is real longtime aide, and Sarah Anthony, who Address: 400 Block, Liberty Street and that there are ongoing discussions was Bauer’s legislative aide for a spell Parcel Number: PPN’s: 33-01-01-09-279-132/-141/-151 Legal Descriptions: Lot 8, except that part used for highway purposes, and Lots 9 & about what should be done about it. before joining the Michigan College Access 10, Block 5, Original Plat, City of Lansing, Ingham County, State of Obviously, the city’s African-American Network — are already making the rounds. Michigan, from “C” Residential District to “F-1” Commercial District. community isn’t monolithic. Individually, Rivers, 72, was swept out of the Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby the candidates wield great resumes, start Legislature when his former boss, House repealed. with some real political support and have Appropriations Committee Chairman the potential to win. George Cushingberry was termed out of Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on March 19, 2012, and a copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, The problem is they’re all starting office and didn’t win his state Senate race. Lansing, MI 48933. from square one at just about the same Rivers’ connections with local and state- time. Robinson (3rd Ward) and Copedge wide Democrats (not to mention donation- Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon the expiration of seven (7) days from the date this notice of adoption is published in a newspaper of general circulation. (6th District) represent almost identical eligible lobbyists) are current. areas — south of Victor Street and west of He’s got Murphy in his corner since Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk Martin Luther King. Rivers lives steps away Rivers ran Murphy’s race in 2000. City NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING from the 3rd Ward, but technically lives in Councilwoman Carol Wood and former EAST LANSING PLANNING COMMISSION Lansing Township. Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides showed up Schor has been knocking on doors and at Rivers’ announcement, too. Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 raising money for about a year. He’s got Will any of the four — Schor, Rivers, Linden Street, East Lansing. some $42,000 already in the bank. While Copedge or Robinson — get out by the May the other candidates each have their own 15 filing? My guess is no. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering an application from the SERF Foundation for modified Site Plan approval for the property at 1300 East individual bases from which to start, the The Democratic nomination in the Lake Lansing Road. The applicant is requesting approval for an approximately large-scale support networks like the Lansing-based 68th House District is 5,400 square foot green demonstration office building. The property is zoned NAACP or the black pastors are, at least far from over. We still have the door-to- B-1, General Office Business District. initially, neutralized. door stops, mail, parades, debates, public Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning and Community Development, East Lansing City How can either group support one of the appearances and the typical maturation of a Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will be given candidates without offending and alienat- political campaign to go through. an opportunity to be heard. These matters will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission meeting after the public hearing is held, at which time the Commission may vote on them. The ing the others? As with most races, the person who works Planning Commission's recommendations are then placed on the agenda of the next City Council This isn’t Paul Pratt v. Michael Murphy the hardest and makes the best case will win. meeting. The City Council will make the final decision on these applications. of 2000 — a mano-a-mano clash. This isn’t But it’s hard to debate that if Schor’s The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the even 2006 with Diana Rouse, when she ran prospects looked good in December hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals as the only African American candidate in a because he didn’t have a declared opponent, with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting. six-horse Democratic primary for the 68th. they’re looking just as good in April because Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. This is a situation where some endorse- he has too many declared opponents. ments and campaign cash simply aren’t (Kyle Melinn is the editor of the MIRS Marie E. McKenna going to happen because of conflicts. Newsletter. He can be reached at melinn@ City Clerk The ideal situation for the African lansingcitypulse.com.) City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 Smoking debate

Should the proposed Lansing Kewadin Casino allow smoking? Cynthia Hallett, the executive director of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, and Roger Martin, who repre- sents the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for the local public relations firm Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications, made their cases on the City Pulse radio show last week. (The show airs weekly at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on 88.9-FM The Impact. Podcasts are available at www.lansngcitypulse.com.) The following has been edited and condensed by Joan Bolander. Berl Schwartz and Andy Balaskovitz interviewed Hallett and Martin.

Cynthia Hallett Roger Martin You said that there are casinos that do Smoking is legal in all Michigan casi- not allow smoking. Can you say where nos. How did that come about? those are and how they came about? It was an economic argument. When In the United States there are 19 states the legislation was being made, the three that have casinos included in their state- Detroit casinos made the argument that if PUBLIC NOTICES wide smoke-free laws. That only applies to you ban smoking here everyone’s going to CITY OF LANSING those state-owned go to the casino in NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING and operated: tribal Windsor right across ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED STRATEGY AND PLAN SUBMISSION AND ACTION PLAN casinos obviously the river. Revenues PROPOSED BUDGET FOR are sovereign. In will suffer and jobs COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUND RESOURCES the state of Illinois, and tax revenues will FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 which has a state- be lost. The City Council of the City of Lansing will conduct a public hearing on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 7:00 wide smoke-free law Is there a pos- P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI that includes casi- sibility that three, on the City’s proposed Annual Consolidated Strategy and Plan Submission which includes the budget for the use of Community Development Block Grant, HOME Program and Emergency Shelter Grant nos, one of their top- four, or five years Program funds for the Fiscal Year starting July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013. grossing casinos is from now, if this state-owned. I think casino does open, it Copies of the proposed Annual Consolidated Strategy and Plan Submission and Annual Budget for the use of funds are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office and in the Development Office of what folks may be might be a smoke- the Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development and will also be available for review at forgetting is that nearly 80 percent of the free casino? the public hearing. U.S. population does not smoke. So when It’s impossible to predict. If this casino you go smoke-free, you’re opening your were opening in April, it would be a smok- All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing. 517-483-4477. casino doors to more potential patrons. ing property. If it opens next year, it will CHRIS SWOPE, LANSING CITY CLERK One of the things that Mayor Bernero likely be a smoking property. Who’s to CITY OF LANSING said is he’s relying on ventilation sys- say what it’s to be like three, four, five, or ADOPTED ORDINANCE #2566 tems to largely solve the problem. What seven years from now, assuming all federal do you think about ventilation systems approvals are had and the property opens. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND FOR in casinos? Banning smoking in the casino has THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE CODE OF Unfortunately ventilation only deals been called a deal breaker. Do you have ORDINANCES. with the comfort and odor in a facility. any insight into that? As we know, just because you can’t see or Well, it’s an economic deal breaker. In The City of Lansing ordains: smell smoke doesn’t mean it isn’t danger- today’s market and knowing the demo- Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of ous. Ventilation is insufficient to protect graphics of gamers, smoking is something Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows: people from the gases and particulate con- a large proportion of people who like to go To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: tained in secondhand smoke, and that’s to casinos like and prefer to do. particularly challenging and damaging for One of the biggest sales points of Case Number: Z-1-2012 those employees who have to be in that the people who want this casino is the Parcel Numbers: PPN’s: 33-01-01-16-276-002/-021/-031/-041/-151/-161/ -182/-191 & part of /-050 environment for an eight hour shift. Promise Scholarship Program. Isn’t the Legal Descriptions: Lots 7 through 14, SUB of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 of Block 244, Original Is there a ventilation system that can cornerstone of the program going to be Plat & a parcel of land, in the NE 1/4 of Section 16, T4N,R2W, City successfully remove the dangerous par- based on money coming from a building of Lansing, Ingham County, MI., being part of Lots 2 & 3, Block 244, Original Plat, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded in ticulate? where people can go absorb secondhand Liber 2 of Plats, Pages 36-38, Ingham County Records, described as I’m afraid there isn’t. I personally smoke? commencing at the E 1/4 Corner of Section 16; thence N89'25 '43"W attended an American Society of Heating, And consume a legal product? along the E-W 1/4 line of said Section 16 a distance of 981.30 feet; thence NO0'37'58"E 889.50 feet to a point on the E line of Cedar Street Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Well, it is a legal product—but it kills. & the point of beginning; thence N00'37'58"E along said E line 145.40 Engineers meeting when their board of We’ll be serving alcohol at the casino, feet; thence S89'35'07" E 428.68 feet to the W line of Larch Street; directors back in 2006 adopted a policy that too, and some people could be saying, thence SO0'38 '43"W along said W Line 147.05 feet; thence N89'21 '51"W 428.65 feet to the point of beginning; said parcel containing said ventilation cannot deal with the haz- should we be funding a scholarship with (62,682 square feet); subject to any vacated/not vacated streets or ardous particulate in secondhand smoke. revenues based on alcohol sales? alleys and all easements or restrictions, if any, Original Plat, City of Are the developers correct in saying Was there any way of looking at this Lansing, Ingham County, State of Michigan, from “H” Light Industrial that the Lansing casino would lose rev- as making it more attractive to new casi- District to “G-1” Business District. enue as the only nonsmoking casino in no visitors who may not come otherwise Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby Michigan? because they think of them as smoke- repealed.

We really have not seen any evidence filled places? Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on March 19, 2012, and a that smoke-free establishments lose mon- Casino technology and air-scrubbing copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, ey simply because they’re smoke-free. technology have improved significantly in Lansing, MI 48933.

There’s a brand new casino that’s opening the last few years. I can assure people of Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon the expiration of seven (7) days from the date this up called the Revel that’s going to be the this: if, when we open, it is a smoking facil- notice of adoption is published in a newspaper of general circulation. only entirely smoke-free casino in Atlantic ity, we are going to have the best possible City. I think it’s a smart business decision. technology in there. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 That’s the sound of the men …

who come from state prison clear- of work,” he said. “It’s things the city can’t K_`jn\\bËj^l\jkj1 ing brush along the River Trail get to.” It’s a rare occurrence these days, What do you do if your favorite run- Marlan said, for the state to send prison- D`b\ ning spot on the River Trail is overgrown ers out to do work for municipalities. The with brush and unlikely to be on the city’s department has “largely scaled back on overworked and understaffed forestry those” due to budget problems, Marlan DZCXi\e department’s to-do list? If you’re Daniel said. While municipalities “paid a small Heyns, you call on some prisoners to do fee, it was not enough to offset the costs the work. of vans and officer salaries.” Marlan add- 8i` Heyns, director of the state Department ed that the city did not pay the state any- of Corrections, recently moved from thing for the work. In years past, Marlan 8[c\i Jackson to Lansing. He’s also a runner. said, the state would agree to long-term “My boss, the director of the depart- contracts where crews showed up “every ment, lives in Lansing and runs the River day of the week” to clean cemeteries or Trail. He loves it,” said Russ Marlan, parks, citing a former agreement with the Corrections Department spokesman. city of Mason. “We had to cancel those “He noticed during his runs, parts of contracts. Now it’s sporadic assignments ?fjk\[Yp it are very overgrown. It’s tough to run based on need.” in some spots. So he contacted Mayor Offenders must meet certain criteria 9\icJZ_nXikq Bernero and offered to bring a work to qualify for Public Service Assignments. crew up here.” The Department of Corrections lists 15 That’s the story of how roughly 10 criteria on its website, including not hav- prisoners from a state prison in Chelsea ing a history of arson behavior, sexual came to Lansing every day for nearly a offenses or a lifetime sentence. month to clear portions of the River The news raised a few City Council Trail near Elm and Grand River parks. members’ eyebrows at a March 22 Ways They would use little saws — “not chain- and Means Committee meeting. At-Large saws,” Marlan said — to cut back brush. Councilwoman Kathie Dunbar was Afterward, the city came by and removed unaware the city had done this. Third it. The exercise yielded some “pretty good Ward Councilwoman A’Lynne Robinson results” in February and March, Marlan said some might have concerns with the said. However, it was a one-time deal and “shock and awe” of inmates working in no future plans are in the works to bring the community, but was not against the prisoners back. idea. At-Large Councilwoman Carol “Absolutely, bring back the chain Wood said it’s “definitely a concern,” cit- gang,” Mayor Virg Bernero quipped last ing possible public safety issues. month when asked about state prisoners Marlan said the work was cut short performing menial tasks for the city (they three to four weeks because of concerns weren’t physically shackled together). raised by local unions that it was taking Bernero, who was speaking on the televi- away from seasonal employees’ jobs. sion show “City Pulse Newsmakers,” said, “I think the UAW raised those con- “We took advantage of it,” when the state cerns,” said Lynne Meade, vice president approached the city about the work. “It of the Teamsters Local 580, which super- behooves me to work with state govern- vises the UAW workers “that used to do

8n\\bcpcffbXkk_\`jjl\j ment. We listen to them and we get a that work. Their work has gradually been

good listening ear. given away and given away. We want to “We had things along the River Trail make sure the work is not given away Xe[k_\g\fgc\Y\_`e[k_\`jjl\j and in parks that weren’t getting done, completely.”

that we couldn’t get done, that we weren’t Dennis Parker, chairman of UAW gonna do,” Bernero said. “It’s not like we Local 2256, could not be reached for `e>i\Xk\iCXej`e^ laid people off and brought in the prison- comment. ers. It was stuff that wasn’t getting done But Marlan, of the state Corrections [ [ and we had no money to do.” Department, said his boss is working Brett Kaschinske, director of Lansing’s with the Legislature to bring back more Parks and Recreation Department, said inmate worker programs. Jle[XpjXk even though Ingham County has agreed “It’s kind of a rehabilitative process for to maintain 40 parks and some River Trail inmates, promotes positive work ethics maintenance — snow plowing, mowing, and gives back to the community,” Marlan ((((1*'X%d% trash and debris cleanup — “it doesn’t said. “My boss believes in the inmate work involve cutting brush. … This isn’t cart crew program. … It’s a fundamental part blanche any maintenance that happens of the rehabilitative process.” fe:_Xee\c(-`eCXej`e^ is done by the county. It depends on what the situation is.” — Andy Balaskovitz Kaschinske said it’s not the first time NXkZ_gXjk\g`jf[\jXk the city has used prisoners to clear debris. He cited a tornado that blew through a few years ago. “They bring the individu- m`d\f%Zfd&Z_Xee\cj&Z`kpglcj\ als and staffing and we provide the scope City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 » As Gannett » announces a paywall for online content, MLive moves in. Is there room for both models?

By ANDY BALASKOVITZ Others say it’s at least worth a shot, Gennafer Musial/City Pulse In Mickey Hirten’s second-floor office including Hirten, because the current Lansing State Journal executive director editor Mickey Hirten is overseeing the paper's overlooking the downtown CATA bus model is “unsustainable.” And the paywall transition to a paywall, which will charge readers for online content after a certain station, the Lansing State Journal editor comes as another print newspaper staple — amount of free articles, and a more digitally-focused newsroom. explains how his career has spanned seven Booth Newspapers — is restructuring and centuries. positioning itself as the Journal’s biggest Hiner added that MLive’s strategy is were laid off as recently as June. At the time, As a young reporter in college, he competitor in Lansing (albeit without a about “pushing all your resources into Gannett cut its U.S. publishing division by remembers the typing, gluing, lead slugs, print publication) in MLive Media Group. your content. Which means investing in 700 employees, or about 2 percent. Between lead pages and other Linotype components About 10 blocks northwest of the journalists.” He was brought to tears in East August 2008 and July 2009, the LSJ cut 46 for putting a newspaper together. Now he’s Journal is 217 N. Sycamore St. This old Lansing when describing MLive employees’ positions. overseeing the LSJ’s transition to a more house — which property records say was “amazing” response to the change: “I’m digital-savvy, online-connected newsroom built in 1872 — was a bustling place as the really proud of my people.” “Establishing value where access to that information is about to former headquarters of Booth Newspapers’ » undergo a major transition. Lansing bureau. Today it’s the headquarters Trim first then innovate for the content “When I started, it was not radically of MLive’s Lansing bureau, which launched Hiner and Hirten’s descriptions of their » different than when printing evolved in the in August. The broader MLive Media Group respective employers’ business moves is really, really Gutenberg era,” Hirten said Friday. “I’m plan was announced in February. indicate there is no clear sense of how to overseeing the transition to a highly digitized The Lansing bureau includes about figure out the daily print journalism model. important, and world, and I’m going to help shepherd that a half-dozen reporters covering Lansing The Journal’s owner, Gannett Co., is the transition from a 14th century technology and statewide issues. Stories are published nation’s largest newspaper chain. Booth is people should to 21st century technology in the span of my online on an ongoing basis and also feed part of Advanced Publications Inc., with pay for it. The modest career. This is an important thing the print editions of Booth mainstays like newspapers in more than 25 cities, magazines for the community.” the Grand Rapids Press, Kalamazoo Gazette such as The New Yorker and Vanity Fair as appetite for news On May 1, the LSJ will unroll a new and Jackson Citizen Patriot. well the newspaper insert Parade carried by business model that charges readers after a MLive officials declined City Pulse the State Journal. Both organizations have and information limited number of free stories on the paper’s requests to comment for this story. seen their share of struggles in the past few website. It’s called a paywall and is used by While giving a keynote address at a Society years and both are playing offense to right is growing every publications like The New York Times and of Professional Journalists’ conference the ship. They have different game plans. the Wall Street Journal. The Journal’s owner, in East Lansing last month, MLive’s vice The two companies shared the need to year. It's about Gannett Co., announced in February that it president for content, John Hiner, laid out downsize operations before going forward. would migrate to paywalls for all of its 82 the company’s mantra. Booth Newspapers and MLive.com adapting to the news publications, excluding USA Today. “If you’re working in journalism … you issued about 550 layoff notices in November disruption of “Establishing value for the content are an innovator. You don’t have a choice,” as part of the restructuring process, but more is really, really important, and people Hiner said. If you don’t accept the new than 200 new jobs were posted with MLive digital models.” should pay for it,” Hirten said. “We have territory and adapt, you’re “writing the Media Group to bring some of those or new to understand where we have particular prescription for the end of your business.” employees back, Dan Gaydou, president of — Mickey Hirten, strengths. The appetite for news and For MLive, that means building “hubs” MLive Media Group, told the Kalamazoo information is growing every year.” He across the state, including in Detroit and Gazette at the time. executive editor cites the music recording industry as a Lansing; encouraging reporters to engage “For me, this was a matter of getting comparison: “It’s about adapting to the with readers; publishing stories in realtime people matched up to the needs of the new Lansing State Journal disruption of digital models.” and adding to them as they unfold; and company,” Gaydou told WMUK-FM in It’s uncertain what new subscription writing for a “mobile” audience. “The January, a Kalamazoo-based radio station. At the same time, circulation numbers rates will cost. It’s also uncertain how many most important content — locally relevant Also, Booth Newspapers ceased printing continue to decline. The latest figures from free articles readers will get before running journalism — that doesn’t change. Pushing the Ann Arbor News in 2009, moving it the Audit Bureau of Circulations show that into the paywall, though media reports say unique content out into the market: That to the online-only AnnArbor.com, and all as of Sept. 30, 42,610 copies of the Lansing it will be between five and 15, depending on hasn’t changed. The basic tenants of seven of its print publications are now on State Journal are circulated during the week the market. journalism are not changed. What has three- or four-day home delivery schedules and 66,583 on Sundays. In 2008, the daily It’s a bold move that some say could spell changed is the ability to know instantly to cut costs. circulation was about 59,000 and Sunday’s what your audience is interested in.” disaster for Lansing’s oldest newspaper. As for the Journal, at least 15 employees See Media, Page 10 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

LSJ readers that the paper’s audience for funding cuts for MSU and the University they’ve figured out the model.” Speaking on Media local news tops 7 million page views. Hiner, of Michigan. MLive also runs content from the upcoming paywall, Nixon said: “They during his speech in East Lansing last Bridge Magazine, a product of the Center said we’re going to put it online and it’s from page 9 month, said MLive had 6.1 million unique for Michigan that’s creating respected long- going to be free. Now it’s not going to be visits to its sites statewide in December. By form, investigative journalism. free anymore. I just don’t know if you can was about 77,000, representing a 28 percent February, it climbed to 6.9 million unique While some have speculated whether rewrite that script. I hope for the sake of the decline for its daily circulation and 14 percent visits, he said. the Journal’s move signifies the end of a community and public knowledge they can on Sundays. Comparatively, the Kalamazoo So how will this competition play out in Gazette saw a 22 percent decline in Sunday Lansing? The LSJ claims to have built-in circulation and a 28 percent decline in its support with its print product, but online “We're not in favor of paywalls. We don't think daily circulation between 2007 and now. readers will soon have to pay. MLive aims » Despite layoffs over the past several to be more mobile — and free — but has they work. In our new economy, we monetize years, both organizations are hiring. The fewer reporters covering the city of Lansing. » LSJ hired Steven R. Reed in January as its As the battleground migrates from paper traffic coming through our website. If you put investigative reporter. Hirten says another to the Internet, the lingering question is: “four, five, six” hires are planned, which will Can MLive go head-to-head with the LSJ up a paywall, it will stop that traffic. People are include reporters and digital producers. in Lansing? Hirten doesn’t think so. And not going to pay online for news very easily.” The LSJ newsroom has a new computer Gaydou, in a radio interview in January, system and is “completely renovated” and said paywalls are a bad idea. — Dan Gaydou, president of MLive Media Hirten said 21 iPhones were purchased for “We give readers the complete package the staff. Hirten also said the LSJ will focus — we’ve got a newspaper here,” Hirten said Group, in a January interview with WMUK-FM on “four key areas” of reporting: Michigan in his office Friday, holding up a copy of the State University sports; “Lansing and LSJ. “We provide expertise and we have a daily print paper and a migration to online- succeed. I have a lot of great respect for the transforming Lansing”; “Michigander-type larger staff.” only (as was the case for Booth in Ann Journal, but I am really nervous.” issues”; and state government. In other markets, though, MLive/Booth Arbor), Hirten said he’s “not aware of” that Nixon and another former LSJ employee, “It’s increasingly difficult to think about newspapers are reaping the benefits of happening. “Some companies want to be who asked not to be identified, said there’s traditional roles,” Hirten said. “This will content coming from its “hubs” throughout able to do both. We are. We’re in this for the no doubt the Journal is a shadow of its reflect what readers and the audience want.” the state. On Saturday, page one of the long run. Not to say we won’t change, but former self. Both also agree that these are The New York Times reported in February Kalamazoo Gazette featured four stories, all now is now.” the results of directives from McLean, Va., that Gannett hopes to bring in $100 million with MLive staff bylines (including one by Gaydou, in a January radio interview, where Gannett is based. through the nationwide paywall effort. former Journal business reporter Melissa said: “We’re not in favor of paywalls. We “The problem they’ve got right now is Where the competition in Lansing will play Anders). On that same day, the Journal had don’t think they work. In our new economy, that you just gave the CEO of Gannett a out is the web. Hirten said the LSJ sees two feature stories — one by LSJ staffer we monetize traffic” online. “We need traffic retirement package and bonuses beyond “800,000-plus” unique visitors a month. Scott Davis on strikes at the Red Cross coming through our website. If you put up that that could have paid for all those laid-off He added in a live web-chat Monday with and a Detroit Free Press story on proposed a paywall, it will stop that traffic. People workers,” the former employee said. Indeed, are not going to pay online for news very former Gannett CEO Craig Dubow took easily. In general, information is free on the home a $1.75 million cash bonus in 2010, Internet.” the year after his total earnings doubled to $9.4 million. Hirten called that a “straw Capital Area District Library Will they work? Ex-journos man” issue. “I deal with things I can control. weigh in My world is greater Lansing. Corporate Clearly, the traditional notion of daily salaries are a different world altogether.” print newspapers is history. The LSJ Those corporate decisions result in “the and MLive can agree on that much. The Mickey Hirtens of the world” having to make question is whether their new models will decisions about where to cut from the staff, work. Former LSJ and MLive employees, the former employee said. And it’s showing. as well as professors and former journalists, “There are things, granted, the State Journal have mixed opinions on how Lansing’s could do better. The fact that the State daily news environment will play out. Each Journal doesn’t own the state Capitol is organization has strengths and weaknesses, ridiculous. They should dominate it. Outdoor Herb Gardening they say. “I still think the State Journal is a viable Indeed, some suggest that creating thing. I think the State Journal exists in Tuesday, April 10 • 6:30 pm paywalls only fuels the market for a market place where it is the dominant Learn how to plan an outdoor herb garden for fresh competition and opens opportunities for media provider if it wants to be.” cooking all season long. Presented by John Bolan, publications (online or otherwise) that are The former employee credits MLive “for from Michigan AmeriCorp and the North West free for consumers. In other words, more giving it a try” in Lansing, hiring talented Initiative-Food System Project. publications may try to provide for free what reporters and partnering with Bridge CADL FOSTER the Journal plans to charge for. Others say Magazine. “The thing is, the State Journal Gannett missed the boat by about 10 years has such a structural advantage. Even if 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing • (517) 485-5185 by going to a paywall now, in that free news Gannett sits there and penny pinches them, is so ingrained in our culture, we’ll seek it you have to work harder if you’re MLive. A Beginning Canning elsewhere if one publication doesn’t provide tie is a loss for them. You have to win. It’s Thursday, April 12 • 6:30 pm it. Yet still others believe the new environment just the way it is for online.” of increased competition among publications Rob South worked for MLive for five Canning is a great way to preserve nutritious produce, benefits the readers most. weeks after spending most of his career at but it’s important to do it safely. MSU Extension educator “Somehow, somebody is going to figure WKAR before being laid off due to budget Joyce McGarry will demonstrate several methods, out how to run a midsize daily newspaper cuts in August. “All I can say is it was a bad including freezing, water bath and pressure canning. at a very handsome profit and still be fit,” he said of his five-week stint at MLive, CADL AURELIUS answerable to the public it services,” said citing a severance agreement he signed. 1939 S. Aurelius Rd., Mason • (517) 628-3743 Mark Nixon, a former LSJ reporter and “I think MLive has an uphill climb to really editorial page editor who recently retired be on top of the local market,” South said. FDGORUJIDUP as communications director of the Lansing cadl.org/events Board of Water & Light. “But I don’t think See Media, Page 10 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

and the new design is kind of awful. There’s Media no perfect publication out there.” Ari Adler, spokesman for House Speaker from page 10 Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, also spent a great deal of his career working for small and mid- “MLive’s challenge is going to be having size dailies throughout the state. Adler is an more people with more time to actually do adjunct journalism professor at MSU. He’s the work. They’re understaffed — I don’t also skeptical about the Journal’s paywall mean that as a criticism, I mean that as and is impressed with MLive’s efforts. reality,” he said, referring to covering the “MLive certainly laid down the gauntlet city of Lansing. However, while this may as far as coverage of the Capitol and what is be true for covering the city of Lansing, happening in state government,” Adler said. MLive “does a good job covering the state,” “The Lansing State Journal for a number he said. of years now has reduced coverage at the But Bonnie Bucqueroux, publisher of Capitol.” Lansing Online News and a journalism Adler says it’s the quality of journalism faculty member at MSU, sees it differently: that’s produced by any outlet, not the delivery “I think Gannett is committing corporate method. “Whoever is doing a better job of suicide. … I think the Journal is going to producing that news is going to be ahead. have real trouble with this: There are too “My hope would be they both survive. I’m many free alternatives out there. They may a firm believer in competition,” Adler said. think they have a lock on it now, but it’s “If you don’t have competition, you end up kind of a sad commentary when they’re becoming a bit complacent in what you’re suggesting that what they’re going to rely doing. I think we saw that happening with on is eyeballs for sports.” the Lansing State Journal.” While some might say it’s a worth a shot, Back in Hirten’s office on Friday, he’s Bucqueroux said it’s too late: “When they excited about his paper’s venture. He’s a had the money to innovate, they didn’t. believer that people will pay for the Journal’s If this is such a great model, why doesn’t online content because it has the resources MLive use it?” — the largest staff in the area — and the As for MLive, Bucqueroux believes they’re largest audience. People turn to the Journal “really coming along strong, quickly. They for, say, MSU and high school sports, he seem to have an energy, excitement about said. And there’s the slight sense that, like all them.” However, “We’ve seen publications journalism models being tested, it’s part of a come and go,” citing the Michigan Messenger. greater experiment: “And if it doesn’t work, “It’s very difficult. There’s gonna be a huge we’ll have to try something else. The current big shakeout here. We’ll see who survives in model is not sustainable in the long run.” this sort of head-to-head matchup. I don’t (Sam Inglot contributed reporting to this think (MLive’s) website is easily navigable story.) APRIL 5-7, 2012 8 p.m. Thursday & Friday 2 p.m. Saturday

oor 45 or at the d 72-09 17-3 at 5 ance adv $5 10/ s $ ket Gennafer Musial/City Pulse Tic MLive Media Group's Lansing bureau, 217 N. Sycamore St., is again open for business. Whereas the house was the former Booth Newspaper Lansing headquarters, a half- dozen reporters and editors covering statewide and city of Lansing issues use it now. (517) 483-1488 s lcc.edu/showinfo 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

Arts& Culture art • books • film • music • theater Gennafer Musial/City Pulse Meet the The retro-style lounge, left, at Spare Time Entertainment Center (formerly Holiday design Lanes) will soon be replaced by the Grand River Bar and Grill. A two-story laser tag area enforcer and a deluxe arcade are also planned. Project Manager Craig Kiner keeps an eye on the Broad Art Museum

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO Every day, thousands of passersby squint at the spot where the silvery-sleek Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is taking final shape. Craig Kiner is watching the meta- morphosis with a keener eye than most. Kiner, the museum’s project manager, flew to Lansing from architect Zaha Hadid’s London offices for a few days in March to check on the small army of builders that is pulling Hadid’s dynamic design from the drawing board to the physical world. Would The Dude abide? Every four to six weeks, Kiner or proj- Venerable Lansing bowling alley parts with tradition to court a new generation ect architect Alberto Barba (or both) visit the site and report back to Hadid and her By ANDY McGLASHEN “We want you to have fun whether you’re in Dearborn both called it quits last associate Patrik Nowhere else in Lansing would Don 3 or 93. We want to freshen things up and December. Schumacher. Draper look so at home as in the mid-century give people something new.” You wouldn’t guess the game was falling “Our respon- splendor of the Spare Time Entertainment Not everybody wants something new. out of favor if you were at Spare Time on a sibility is to Center’s cocktail lounge. From the black “I don’t like it,” said Barney Eagan, recent Tuesday night. Trend-bucking league ensure that the leather booths to the pendant lighting and association manager for the Michigan bowlers filled about two-thirds of the lanes, execution of starburst bar top, it could easily double as a State Bowling Association, referring to the with college kids and families taking up the the building is set for one of those soggy power lunches on changes underway at Spare Time. “I’m kind rest. in accordance “Mad Men.” of old-school. I like the old stuff.” Longtime league member Trisha with the design,” But not for long. But Eagan, a student of the game for Sherman embraces Spare Time’s new direc- Kiner said. You might still know the place as more than a half-century, knows the sta- tion wholeheartedly, making the koan-like Kiner looked Holiday Lanes, the bowling alley that has tus quo is no longer an option for many case that with fewer lanes, Spare Time can pleased as he stood near Frandor on Grand River Avenue bowling alleys. “If they don’t do something, recruit more bowlers. wrapped up his since the 1950s. It’s gotten new owners and they’ll go out of business,” he said. “I love it,” she said after a good-luck shot most recent visit Craig Kiner a changed name since January. A lot more The bowling industry ain’t what it used of Hot Damn with her teammates. The March 9. He’ll be changes are coming. to be. Your grandpa and his Blatz-chugging arcade and other attractions will “bring the back later this month. The lounge will be demolished to make buddies from the factory were part of a younger generation of kids to bowling,” she “This project is very close to what our way for a full-service restaurant called the surge in bowling that followed the intro- said. “And hopefully my kid can get a job aspirations are and were, even at the com- Grand River Bar and Grill, said Meredith duction of the automatic pin-setter in the with the laser tag.” petition stage,” he declared. Assande, Spare Time’s event and market- 1950s. That wave has long since crashed. At the other end of the alley — and at After months of watching the museum’s ing manager. The former site of eight lanes From 2007 to 2010, the number of the opposite side of the bowling-optimism glass and stainless steel exoskeleton form at the west end of the building will become Americans who bowled at least once in the spectrum — was Bill, who declined to give over its larval concrete, Kiner began last a two-story laser-tag course and an arcade previous year dropped by 9 percent, accord- his last name. month to focus on the quickening life inside where players can win prizes ranging “from ing to the White Hutchinson Leisure and “I’ve been bowling for 40-too-damn- the shell. a teddy bear to an iPad,” she said. Learning Group, a Missouri-based consult- many years,” he said, but the only reason he “Internal work is really picking up,” he Another eight lanes at the opposite end ing firm. Perhaps more significantly, the still plays is to spend time with his 76-year- said. “The work has really reached another will become a “boutique bowling” area — number of certified league bowlers — long old dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. level over the last couple of months, and it basically a VIP section with its own bar. the meat and potatoes of the bowling busi- “My daughter doesn’t get into it,” he said, needs to, to get the building complete and And, if all goes according to plan, the ness — dropped from 4.1 million in 1998 over a post-game Corona. “It’s not like when ready for the exhibitions.” property’s exterior will eventually feature a to 2.2 million in 2010. Between 2002 and I was a kid and we bowled every week.” The most dramatic recent addition to ropes course for team-building events and 2010, 900 bowling centers throughout the Bill said he likes the new owners, but he the interior is a jagged “feature staircase” sand volleyball courts for summer leagues country were shuttered, dropping from isn’t wild about the shift away from tradi- that rockets through the middle of the (because, as Assande said with no appar- 6,300 to 5,400. tional bowling. museum as if a hand grenade had rolled ent irony, “we have beautiful weather in Waning participation has hit Michigan’s “I always thought this was the best one under it half a second ago. For now, scaf- Michigan and it’s truly a shame not to take bowling industry hard. In 2005, Brunswick in Lansing,” he said, comparing the alley to folding conceals its angular thrust, but the advantage of it.”) — the world’s largest maker of bowling Royal Scot, Pro Bowl and others in the area. sight of the staircase hunching in the dark “As the years have gone by, bowling alleys equipment — moved its only bowling ball “To me, the big change is the eight lanes” made Kiner’s eyes flicker. have had to change as their audience has factory from Muskegon, where it had stood that were taken out for the arcade and laser changed,” said Assande, the daughter of new since 1906, to Reynosa, Mexico. Plainwell tag. “There’s a lot of other bowling alleys if See Enforcer, Page 13 owners Michael and Nancy MacColeman. Lanes near Kalamazoo and Oxford Lanes I want to go somewhere else.” City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

the United States. The first was Cincinnati’s Enforcer Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, a very different animal, owing to its vertical thrust and urban setting. from page 12 “In Cincinnati, the site area was very “What’s going to be amazing is when restricted, on the corner of two streets,” people move up and down that space, you’re Kiner said. “There’s no real space around it, going to experience the materiality of those except for the sidewalks.” concrete walls and the direct connection To invite people into the Rosenthal to Grand River Avenue, the city,” he said. Center, Hadid rolled the sidewalk, like a Kiner often uses the word “materiality” to carpet, up into the museum’s floating stack describe the textural and visual seduction of rectangles. The Broad’s more spacious exuded by the building’s naked haunches of setting, with a courtyard and sculpture gar- steel, glass and concrete. den, called for a different strategy. The stairwell, sheathed in glass, zig- That leads to the second reason Kiner zags up the museum’s north face as if it finds the Broad Museum significant in the were meant to contain lightning. The scaf- Hadid corpus: the way the building nestles folds had to be braced off the walls because in its context. there’s nothing directly above or below That’s not to say the museum is shy; let’s them to fasten to. say it’s socially adept. “Look down below, where that wall hits,” “It’s not a contextual response you might Kiner said, with a smile. “Try to transfer a find in a traditional building,” Kiner allowed. vertical line, and it doesn’t hit the roof.” Lawrece Cosentino/City Pulse “Spatially and geometrically, it reacts to On the second floor, Kiner basked in the The downward-facing stainless steel panels and glazing on the angular west side of the Eli the movement around it.” The museum’s sunshine filtering into the building through and Edythe Broad Art Museum are some of the trickiest parts of the shell to go up. lines, orifices and angles not only plug into the stainless steel fins outside. vehicle traffic on Grand River Avenue, but “We wanted natural light in the galler- to the concrete — a long commute, where compromises lightly. If Hadid’s designs are also the north-south movement of students ies,” Kiner said. “We never believed some Hadid’s bold designs are concerned. about anything, they’re about clean lines from East Lansing to campus and back. curators and advisers in the art world who “We had aspirations, but we need to bal- and smooth planes, with no nubs or bumps “That movement was translated over think square white boxes without any natu- ance that with what is achievable construc- to dispel the impression the visitor is being the building,” Kiner said. “That became the ral light is the best way to display artwork.” tion-wise,” he said. swept up in pure vectors of force. patches and pleats, the folding of the skin The glass that let the light in was the Thanks to carefully calculated cantile- “It looks fine,” he said. “It articulates the across the external envelope.” main cause of the delay in the museum’s vering, hidden trusses extending halfway wall.” Kiner said the grand design will become scheduled opening date from April to across the museum hold up its miraculous Before he left the site, Kiner took a min- clearer in coming weeks, when low site walls September. Some panels were broken on leaning west wall, as the architect envi- ute to reflect on the Broad Museum’s place and planted areas go in. “There’s almost arrival and others didn’t fit. sioned. Other features called for more give in Hadid’s growing portfolio of architec- a wave current of the building’s geometry “Yes, there’s been some hiccups with and take between designer and builder. tural marvels. that’s spread across the foot of the building, glass getting broken before it leaves the At first, Hadid’s team intended to pour “It’s a significant building for us, but across the landscape,” he said. factory, getting damaged in transit or get- the concrete for the entire café wall at the not in terms of its size, because we’ve done On the walk back to the work trailer, he ting broken in site, but all those things are museum’s east side at one time, but this is much larger buildings,” he said. looked back at the museum, crouching in normal, especially when you’re dealing with no ordinary wall. No matter how carefully That is an understatement. Around the the pines. The light was constantly chang- components that are challenging,” he said. the forms were braced and built, pouring world, Hadid’s office is erecting projects that ing as clouds rolled in the March wind. “They’re very large pieces of glass, triple- a 35-foot-high wall at a vertical inclination dwarf the Broad Museum’s 43,000 square Kiner was due back for the U.K. that after- glazed units, argon-filled, with lamination of about 15 to 18 degrees was asking for feet, from the Guangzhou Opera House to noon, but couldn’t resist a lingering look. on the outside and inside, and they’re very trouble. the tsunami-sized Aquatics Centre for the “An amazing aspect of the stainless steel heavy.” “There would be incredible pressure London 2012 Olympic Games. These days, is how it reacts to different kinds and quali- He said the delayed opening date had its at the bottom of those forms,” Kiner said. Kiner is splitting his time between the ties of light,” Kiner said. “It gets reflective, good side, including warm weather for the “There was a significant danger of that wall, Broad Museum and the 915,000-square- it gets dull, and then it starts glowing.” extensive landscaping to be done. basically, blowing out the form work.” foot Dongdaemun Design Park & Plaza, “I don’t think it’s unfair to say that peo- After a huddle, the team decided to pour a multi-use urban development project in ple were relieved to have that extra time,” the wall in two stages, with a control joint Seoul, South Korea. he said. between, leaving a narrow horizontal seam To Kiner, the Broad Museum is significant As a design enforcer, Kiner is used to above the café. It seems like a small thing, in Hadid’s portfolio for two reasons. One is shuttling back and forth from the abstract but Kiner and the team don’t take such that it’s only the office’s second building in

Read this week’s Screening Room column Free online at www.lansingcitypulse.com Free

$2.00 off any concession combo. US 127 & Lake Lansing Rd Meditation Present coupon at time of purchase. Not good Quan Am Buddhist Temple with other offers or coupons. www.NCGmovies.com Every Thursday 7-8:30 p.m. Excludes Kids Combo. Expires 4/15/12 1840 N. College Rd., Mason, MI 48854 (517) 316-9100 Everyone welcome - For information: Off South Cedar at I-96 Student Discount with ID Call: (517) 347-1655 or (517) 853-1675 (517) 393-7469 ID required for “R” rated films quanamtemple.org 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 Still a thrill CityPulse Changes have been made, follow us on Twitter! @ but ‘Les Miserables’ exceed your retains its musical power By ALLAN I. ROSS expectations The thing about great art is that there’s always something new to get out of it. Outdoor Expressions is I’m not about to compare the students committed to working with you. of the 19th century French June Rebellion depicted in Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables" Offering quality design from with last year’s American Occupy move- concept to completion, landscape ment protesters, but you can’t Courtesy Photo maintenance, lawn care and Review help but wonder if some of custom hardscaping & stone walls them weren’t humming “Red Jean Valjean (Lawrence Clayton) can't to create an outdoor living space and Black” while huddled over escape the clutches of Inspector Javert with an authentic look & feel. Manhattan café tables. (Andrew Varela) in "Les Miserables." Claude-Michel Schonberg’s musical (517) 333-7999 stage adaptation is deservedly one of the The show plays as a tension of opposites outdoorexpressionslandscaping.com world’s most popular musicals, and your between the flawed altruist Jean Valjean proof is at the Wharton Center this week. and the letter-of-the-law enforcer Javert, with the latter always threatening to make the show his own. Andrew Valera, who Habibi Dancers embodies Javert as one charismatic mofo, present finally succeeds in that attempt. You’ll never root for the bad guy like you will for Timeless Dance his Javert. The Evolution of Bellydance Similarly, Casey Erin Clark's angelic ‘Les Miserables’ characterization of Wharton Center Fantine sears into 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 and Thursday, April April 14, 2012 your brain, and you 5; 8 p.m. Friday, April 6; genuinely miss her 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 7; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Doors 7:30pm after her too-brief Sunday, April 8 Concert 8:00pm appearance. $32-$70; $25 Michigan “One More Day,” State University students with ID the thunderous end $15/$20 at the door (800) WHARTON to Act I is just as www.whartoncenter.com EL Hannah Community Center rousing as ever— Albert A. White Theater if the soaring final 819 Abbott Road, East Lansing note doesn’t have your heart pounding, you don’t have one. During the tender “A Little Fall of Rain,” some members of the Starring Roula Said audience could be heard openly weeping. And the Thénardiers' songs (“Master of the House,” “Beggars at the Feast”) still work as perfect breaks in the brevity, pro- viding much-needed mirth. Every day’s a party! After 27 years, “Les Miserables” is sport- ing a new look. Gone is the much talked about rotat- ing stage and the transforming barricade set; in its place are some cutting-edge animation sequences inspired by sketches by Victor Hugo and gorgeous sliding set pieces that fluidly lock into place, and then nimbly spin out of the way when scenes are changing. Not all the revisions are for the better. It’s hard to say that a three-hour musical should slow down at all, but some of the more tender emotional scenes seem a lit- Tickets available at: tle rushed. Some lighting equipment that New Aladdins borders the proscenium blocks some of the Frandor Shopping Center visuals to the extreme stage left and right. lambsgateantiques.com (517) 333-8710 And newcomers should thumb through 208 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge And online at: the program before the start of the show: A couple of time jumps and a character 1219 Turner St., Old Town Lansing habibidancer.org change-of-costume seem more confusing Weekend workshop info available online in this version. City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

Photo by Kevin Fowler A crew of 30 Lansing Community College dancers come together to demonstrate the diversity of American music in the "American Spirit" concert.

the country even existed. A musical “The show actually begins with a piece called 'New Beginning' by recognizing the melting pot Native Americans who were here before we got here,” Diebold said. LCC’s ‘American Spirit’ “ The idea has a little of everything behind the show was to show the ‘The American Spirit’ By ADAM ILENICH melting pot and Lansing Community College Performing Arts When you call your show “The American how we come Dart Auditorium Spirit,” you want a cast that reflects that together when 8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, idea. So director Vickie Diebold brought times are tough, and Friday, April 6; 2 p.m. together 30 dancers and multiple styles no matter where Saturday, April 7 $10; $5 students, LCC staff, for the Lansing Community College spring we’re from or faculty and alumni concert. where our back- (517) 372-0945 “We have everything,” said Diebold, the ground is. We www.lcc.edu head of LCC's dance department. “We have pull together as tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, modern — a nation and as a we have all genres of dance represented in people, and that’s what the show is about the show.” — the dancers come from such different As for her dancers, Diebold said, “We’ve backgrounds and places in their lives and got a wide range of performers. We’ve got we’ve pulled together to do this show. high school students, which are the young- “We’re trying to show that even though est, and of course the college students and we’re all diverse, and come from differ- then professional people from the Lansing ent backgrounds and have different ideas area, and then the oldest are in their 60s.” that we’re still one. We come together to The concert goes back to the days before accomplish the best things possible.”

Birthday Registered 20% OFF &Patient entire purchase Discounts some exclusions apply | exp. 4/21/2012

517.487.9090 Serving the Lansing Area Since 1974 1041 N. Cedar • Lansing, MI www.sucasajewelers.com 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 ‘Writing well is the best revenge’ Loren D. Estleman is the keynote speaker at this year's Rally of Writers

By BILL CASTANIER zine when he was 15, is not a fan of self- Community College West Campus. The Lansing Rally of Writers has been publishing. A free Rally Warm-Up, titled “After in it for the long haul. For 25 years, the “It should be the last resort for writers. Red Tails: Struggles on the Home Front,” rally has promoted writing and writers in It’s so easy to self-publish that too many starts at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Schuler Lansing. young writers don’t go the regular route,” Books & Music Eastwood Towne Center This year’s program features not- he said. location. Authors Lawrence P. Scott and ed crime and western writer Loren D. And he sees a downside to that. Geoff Blair will discuss the World War II Estleman who, in a career spanning more “You are never going to learn the craft Tuskegee Airmen. Scott co-authored the than 45 years, has written 60 novels and unless you face editors,” he said. book “Double V: The Civil Rights Struggle hundreds of short stories. Estleman said he has belonged to a of the Tuskegee Estleman's fingers can never be far from writers' group for 30 years. It meets every Airmen,” and Blair is A Rally of an old-school typewriter. two weeks. He said a writers' group helps the grandson of one Writers A typewriter? make you aware of your audience and of the Tuskegee avia- Saturday, April 14 “I’m not giving up on the typewriter,” “what rings untrue.” tors. Registration begins at Courtesy Photo Estleman, 59, said, in an interview from “Every writer after awhile becomes too The 2012 Rally of 8:30 a.m. his home in rural Whitmore familiar with what they are Writers features 16 Conference Center, When it comes to writing, Loren D. Lansing Community Estleman won't give up his vintage Lake — but then everything is doing,” he said. He said writ- break-out sessions College West Campus typewriters. “I’ve never been online and rural in Whitmore Lake, which ers' groups make you aware with authors, play- in Delta Township I’m never going online,” he said. suits Estleman just fine. of that and help you to avoid wrights and poets. 5708 Cornerstone Dr., “I’ve never been online that common mistake. Mardi Link, who Lansing $70 advance and I’m never going online,” Estleman said his advice has two books focus- registration; $50 Estleman said. to young or first-time writ- ing on Michigan his- students with valid student ID Only recently has Estleman ers is to “have faith in your- tory and a forthcom- $80 registration at the acquiesced to publishers’ self.” He also believes that ing memoir, will will door; $60 students with demands of creating electron- every reader needs feedback conduct a luncheon valid student ID $15 lunch (lunch ic files of his work, leaving that during the writing process: workshop on essay purchase required COMING SOON chore up to his spouse and fel- “Establish someone close writing titled “Three for Mardi Link's low mystery writer Deborah to you whose opinion you Books, the Hard presentation) to Schuler of Lansing Courtesy Photo Rally Warm-Up: “After Morgan. trust.” Way.” Red Tails: Struggles on Estleman still prefers using Poet Anita Skeen is The author is a stickler Okemos author the Home Front” Michigan Humorist his 1967 Olympia and his 1923 one of the workshop for detail: It still bothers Lev Raphael will Free Underwood to bang out his him that in one of his Walker conduct a workshop 7 p.m. Friday, April 13 leaders at A Rally of Schuler Books & Music, BOB TARTE novels, including his more than Writers. books he placed the iconic on Estleman’s nem- 2820 Towne Center 30 books featuring Detroit pri- giant Uniroyal tire from the esis, the e-book. Blvd., Lansing vate eye Amos Walker. Walker, who would 1964 World’s Fair on the wrong side of Local poets Dennis (517) 372-4294 Kitty Cornered be just as home in the 1930s Detroit as he I-94 in Allen Park. Hinrichsen and www.arallyofwriters.com Join us in welcoming back is in his novels’ contemporary setting, is a He laments the decline of newspapers Anita Skeen will Michigan humorist and animal tough-talking, no-nonsense gumshoe who in the United States. He calls the situation conduct workshops on various aspect of lover Bob Tarte as he presents is quick with his fists and quicker with the “the new Dark Ages.” “Who will keep the poetry. the follow-up to his popular quip. public record?” he asks. Other writers scheduled for the event memoirs Enslaved By Ducks & Estleman said his morning keynote Estleman always has several books include Andrea King Collier (multimedia Fowl Weather! Kitty Cornered address at the Rally of Writers would in the pipeline, and one that he is very storytelling), Mark Crilley (young adult stress that “writing well is the best revenge excited about is a fictional look at real- graphic novels), George Dila (scenes in isn’t just a tale about feline intru- for young writers.” life gangster Al Capone. “Capone is very fiction), Michael Dwyer (travel writing), sion. It’s a compellingly honest He says writing well offers the best current in our culture,” he said, “and the Carol Finke (magic realism), Meagan memoir on the art of achieving chance to get published and the best 800-page manuscript is the longest I ever Francis (parenting), Dennis Hinrichsen contentment (even in the face of chance to make yourself critic-proof. submitted.” (poetry), Steven Piziks (“Nuts & Bolts: illness and injury) inspired by the Estleman, whose career began when he The rally takes place April 14 at Paradox of Cliches”) and Rob Roznowski innate wildness of domesticated submitted his first short story to a maga- the Conference Center of the Lansing (playwriting). cats. Quality used and collectible books in all categories. With twinning humor and an un- canny ability to capture the soul of the animal world, Bob Tarte April will shower shows us that life with animals gives us a way out of our small human perspectives to glimpse you with great something larger, more enduring, and more wholly grounded in the deals at... simplicities of love — and catnip. Curious Book Shop Archives Book Shop 7 p.m. Tue. April 10 307 E. Grand River * E. Lansing 519 W. Grand River * E. Lansing 332-0112 * We validate parking 332-8444 * Free parking For more information, visit Mon - Sat 10 - 8*, Sun 12 - 5 Mon - Fri 10 - 7, Sat 11 - 6, *January - May ‘til 8 Sun 12 - 5 www.schulerbooks.com www.curiousbooks.com [email protected] City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21

“The Usual” follows the usual conven- in green or amber, depending on the col- his voice isn’t the most refined, it suits A musical tions of a love story: Boy and girl meet cute or of the computer’s glowing cathode-ray his character. Sutton-Smith moves seam- but face internal and external obstacles tube screen. lessly from confident cruiser to computer- with a kick before achieving their happily-ever-after Costume designer Holly Iler does a fan- obsessed shut-in, her voice strongest when ending. The dark turn that the story takes tastic job recreating the look of such char- she lets it all out. Hull has a blast with her Love, liquor — and video at the end of Act One marks its journey acters, aided by Lynn Lammer’s pixelated side characters, lending an earnest charm games? — are blended into the unusual. props. As Valerie commands her character, as the matchmaking bartender. And she The play begins as computer nerd Kip typing furiously on her “Kebpro II” com- has pipes powerful enough to drown out in unusual 'Usual' (Joseph Zettelmaier) reconnoiters Sam’s puter (to which an entire song is devoted), a Harley. Bar as a possible hangout for his geek her Valkyrie avatar does furious battle, the While the end may tie up just a wee By MARY C. CUSACK squad. As proprieter Sam (Leslie Hull) hilariously low-tech special effects brought bit too neatly, it is not a spoiler to reveal The title of Williamston Theatre’s latest schools Kip on the customs of imbibing, to life by the Dancing Crew: Brandon Piper that. After all, it is called a musical love production, “The Usual,” is entirely mis- Valerie (Sutton-Smith) crashes in, hiding and Carolyne Rex. story. Still, the unusual aspects of the “The leading. It is anything but usual. In fact, it from a bad Internet date. Learning that Director Tony Caselli chose his cast Usual” set it apart from similar stories. It is unusual to the extent that it may polar- she is a serial Internet dater, Kip forges well. Zettelmaier is absolutely perfect as may not be everyone’s game, but those of a ize audiences. It is also one of the most off- a pact with Valerie to meet at Sam’s after the schlubby but huggable Kip, and while certain age will revel in its quirkiness. beat shows of the season. every date to debrief. The full title of the play is “The Usual: At first this plan works out nicely, and A Musical Love Story.” the two exchange tales of past relation- Review Williamston’s run of the show ship disasters. These stories offer Hull the is the world premiere of the opportunity to stretch from her barmaid original work, with book and duties, playing a manic reality television lyrics by Alan Gordon and music by Mark show hopeful and an Internet fantasy girl. Sutton-Smith. If that last name sounds The latter also affords scenic designer familiar, it is because he is the brother of Daniel C. Walker the opportunity to sur- “The Usual” cast member and Williamston prise the audience with an unexpected sce- Theatre Development Director Emily nic element. Sutton-Smith. Act One ends on an unexpectedly seri- ous note as Valerie experiences the ugly side of Internet dating, causing her to retreat from the world. This is when things get really, really unusual. Act Two focus- es on Valerie’s ‘The Usual: A 211 M.A.C. Avenue East Lansing rather unique Musical Love Story’ www.mackerelsky.com join us on facebook form of therapy, Now through April 22 as she rediscov- Williamston Theatre ers her first video 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston Sokojikara game. It's at this 8 p.m. Thursdays and Come find the power point that some Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. within... mind, body, audience mem- Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays $20 Thursdays; $25 Fridays and spirit!! bers may lose their and Saturday evenings; connection to the $22 Saturday matinees April 21, 2012 Featuring play, as it incor- and Sundays; $10 students with ID; $2 off any show for 9 am – 4 pm at Keynote Speaker porates the use of seniors 65 and over LCC’s University Center and WLNS TV 6 1980s-style role- (517) 655-7469 Lunch will be provided. Anchor, Jane Aldrich playing games as www.williamstontheatre.com This one-day event is only $59! a metaphor for For more information, or to register, visit Valerie’s struggle. lcc.edu/sokojikara or call us @ (517) 483-1860. Courtesy Photo Unlike today’s role-playing games, with When registering, reference Lansing Community Love is on the line for Joseph Zettelmaier their fancy-pants, life-like color graphics College course number CRN 23606 and Emily Sutton-Smith in Williamston and slick animation, back in the day RPGs Craig Mitchell Smith, Artist Theatre's musical "The Usual." were played using simple text directions and blobby, chunky characters that came lcc.edu/sokojikara 'ARDEN"EDS 3PRING&ALL#LEANUP 7EEDING %DGING -ULCHING $ESIGN2ESTORATION .EW0LANTINGS ,ETUSREFRESHYOUR &ERTILIZATION GARDENANDRENEWYOUR /UTDOOR#OLOR ENTHUSIASMFORYOUR #OLOR"EDS OWNYARDANDHOME #ONTAINERSWITH!NNUALS 4ROPICALS 3PRING 3UMMER &ALL 7INTER$ESIGNS #OLOR 4O 2ENTFOR0ARTIES%VENTS 4URNER3T ,ANSING -)\  \WWWTHEPLANTPROFESSIONALSCOM\GARDENS THEPLANTPROFESSIONALSCOM 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012 Pinsonnault’s picks This year’s Top of the Town Local TV News personality winner spotlights some of his favorite things about living in Lansing

By EVAN PINSONNAULT and poking fun at pronouncing Editor's note: Raindrops on ros- “Pinsonnault.” Who’d have thunk es? Whiskers on kittens? No, Evan that two years later I’d be co- Pinsonnault, our Top of the Town winner hosting the event with him and in the Local TV News Personality category, interviewing many of the artists has many favorite things in Lansing — live on-air for WLNS. And I’m none of which were ever immortalized in a looking forward to repeating that Rodgers and Hammerstein song. Here’s his success again this summer, both list, with his comments. for the CG audiences each night Common Ground Music Festival: It and the viewers of TV-6. was the first community event I went to Dusty’s Wine Bar & Cellar: after starting as TV-6 morning anchor Not only was Dusty’s a featured back in July of 2009. In fact, it was my “Pick a Place” winner, but it’s first day of work at the station! I remem- my go-to spot for unwinding (or ber Tim (Barron) introducing me on the should I say un-wine-ding). I’m Courtesy Photo mainstage party deck that Monday night a big red wine fan, especially One of Evan Pinsonnault's favorite things to do in Lansing is perform at Riverwalk Theatre, as he Cabs and Pinot Noirs, and I love did in the fall of 2010 when he starred with Brittney Benjamin and Veronica Diebold in "Fortinbras." saddling up at the bar with Billy Jesus didn’t turn anyone or C.J. or Matt and just talking vino and rehearsals, LOL), always working on ways I also donate my time as an emcee and host away, and neither do we. sampling new (and old) vintages. Plus, the to connect people with Riverwalk and all for great causes like the United Way, Junior people there become your friends as you it has to offer. Achievement, the Ingham County Animal Wherever you are on life’s trade wine stories, and sometimes wine “Tell Me Something Good” and “Pick Shelter, the Waverly Foundation and the journey, you are welcome bottles, adding to each other’s experiences a Place for Pinsonnault”: These two Lansing School District, the McLaren & at Pilgrim UCC. through great conversation and a shared franchises have allowed me to tell so many Sparrow foundations and the downtown welcomes you! appreciation for what you’re drinking/try- wonderful, inspirational and positive sto- YMCA. ing. ries about mid-Michigan people, places, Stand-up comedy at Connxtions: Riverwalk Theatre: I love to act, as you events and happenings. There’s no better I rediscovered my passion for stand- Wherever You Are on Life's know, and my time onstage at Riverwalk way to celebrate the place you live and the up comedy (I used to perform in D.C. at Journey, You're Welcome so far has been nothing short of amazing. people living here than to see firsthand George Washington University and later in Here One of the best things I did when I first how they’re making Syracuse during grad moved here was audition for a Riverwalk a difference locally school) after inter- Pilgrim Congregational show (“Into the Woods”) so I could meet and giving back in Check out this year's Top of the viewing Rob Schneider United Church of Christ people around Lansing and get to know ways more benefi- Town winners at tinyurl.com/ on the morning show the community and the arts “scene.” Well, cial than expected. TOTTWinners in 2009, LOL. He 125 S. Pennsylvania Avenue six productions later (“A Few Good Men,” I’m rewarded each was performing at (517) 484-7434 “Fortinbras,” “Puss in Boots,” “Conspiracy” day I come to work Connxtions and want-

a welcoming and affirming church and two staged readings), I’m now a board because this is my work — “telling the good ed me to introduce him. So, naturally, I in downtown Lansing member at the theater (as well as an actor news stories” of our city and community. did some shtick to fill the three minutes whenever I can find the time for sleep and In fact, that’s one of the main reasons I — that included Seinfeld, Kramer and my want to stay in Lansing and at TV-6 for a Dad impressions (along with a bit about Sundays at 10:00 am few more years: There are so many more not ticking off the teleprompter guy). Worship & Sunday School positive and important stories that need to From there, I’ve been back three times be discovered and told and I know I’m the as a performer while also doing stand-up journalist to do it. at the Country Club of Lansing and the Wednesdays at Pilgrim Singing with Starfarm: Not only do Mint Festival Pageant. Laughter truly is 6:00 pm I love acting, but also singing (hence the the best medicine, and my personality has hour-long discussions on current issues musical theater background in college). So always gleaned towards the comedic. If 7:00 pm when I was offered the opportunity to be a I can make you smile, then I’ve done my our short, mid-week worship service featured guest singer for the best ‘80s cov- job (and not just as a performer, or news er band around, it was a definitely a bucket anchor, or actor — but as another human Winter Discussion Series: list accomplishment. (Starfarm was also a being who appreciates everyone he meets). top Pick a Place experience) My favorite That being said, I believe everyone has a Christian Diversity or Heresy? songs to do lead vocals on are “The Safety story — in fact, I know everyone has a sto- Wed Jan 11 - Exploring the different belief Dance,” “Whip It” and “You Spin Me Right ry to tell. And I’m very luck that I get the systems that exist within Christianity Round (Baby, Right Round).” chance to tell those stories, using comedy Wed Jan 18 - How does Mormonism compare with other Christian faiths? Being a community volunteer: I’m very and creativity in the process. Wed Feb 1 - Religious Fundamentalism lucky to be doing the work I’m doing, espe- Anywhere I can golf: Especially the cially at such a great and supportive station Country Club of Lansing — I joined as a as TV-6 and in such a wonderful area. As a junior member two years ago and have result, I feel it’s important to give back to all made so many connections and new the people who give me the chance to come friends since then. What a great place to Authorized Warranty Service into their homes and deliver the news each network and establish lasting friendships, Love. Think. Serve. 1915 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912 morning. I’m most active in organizations all while experiencing championship golf, www.pilgrimUCC.com (517) 351-9339 www.capmac.net that promote the cultural and theater arts top-flite dining (pun intended) and service [email protected] throughout Lansing and mid-Michigan, but and a fantastic social scene.

City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23

Advice Goddess © 2011 Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. You lite up my life & stare way to heaven To read more of Amy's advice and Q: This man I’ve the main thing he wants is to be in control. ments — or that you’ll never get a date, guidance, please visit our Web site at www.lansingcitypulse.com been dating didn’t So, when it became clear you wanted things because you are Joe Ordinary but refuse to want anything seri- casual, he kind of blew you off — probably consider any girl who’s less than a 9.95. As ous. I don’t either. I your cue to throw yourself at him — but you for this guy, I didn’t advise him to avoid all explained that I just yanked him off his game yet again by blow- beautiful women; I told him to stop slob- Amy alkon [email protected] wanted to hang out ing him off right back. (Men, especially, are bering into his latte and ask his crushgirl and have fun. We compelled to ditch what’s chasing them and out. A guy who endlessly pines away either were going out several times a week, sleep- chase what’s trying to ditch them.) hasn’t worked through his social awkward- ing together at least once a week. Suddenly, The guy essentially set up a hamster ness or is after somebody out of his league he freaked, worrying I’d get attached. I wheel and then complained that the hamster — and knows that — and pining allows him reinforced that I absolutely don’t want any- wasn’t getting anywhere. Unfortunately, to pretend he’s in the game without risking thing serious, but he seemed unconvinced. people are messy. Part of what’s messing rejection. Rejection can be a good thing; it He went away on business and called the him up may be the romantic mythology that tells you where you fall on the “What kind day he returned, and we hung out and slept says “fireworks or nuthin!” — that a rela- of woman can I get?” scale — allowing you together. The next day, he said we needed to tionship isn’t legit unless it’s “going some- to either try to improve your mate value or slow things down because he wasn’t feeling where.” (You can’t just plan something for make the required trade-offs to have dates we were getting closer. (Isn’t that the point Tuesday and, if that goes okay, maybe see with women you don’t have to inflate with of not getting serious?!) The whole thing a movie on Thursday.) As for where you go a bicycle pump. started making me feel bad. I blew him off, from here, a frank talk is in order: Can he and now — crazily enough — he’s calling, handle the casual thing he thinks he wants texting, asking to see me again. Where do — or is he a closet committer? If he can live we go from here? without the promise of a future, you can Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones —Baffled probably have some good carefree fun in the present: “I love the way you hold me; I love “Cutting in Line” A: File you under “too good to be true.” the way you make love to me; I love the way —hey, no fair! When you tell a man “I just wanna hang that, afterward, you get out of bed, get in by Matt Jones out and have fun — sometimes naked,” you your car and go to your own house.” actually mean that. It is not secret woman- Across 1 “The Alienist” author code for “Love me, or I’ll cut up your shirts, Q: A guy wrote you about a girl he sees at Carr set your lawn on fire, and stand under your a coffee shop — a girl he suspects is out of his 6 Stitch’s friend, in a window at 3 a.m. screaming, ‘MY UTERUS league. You said the way to know for sure is Disney movie IS BAAAARE!’” by asking her out. Bad Advice Goddess! This 10 Vegetable in Cajun He must’ve been pretty bewildered: suggests that he should regard all women cuisine “Come on…shouldn’t you at least be trying with whatever she’s got — like if she’s “too 14 By itself to key my car?” Because so many women beautiful” — as out of his league. That just 15 With 60-down, “The seem unable to keep things casual — even isn't right. There’s probably a “too beautiful” Price is Right” prize worth freaking out over when they’re sure casual’s all they want — woman out there who’d go for him. 16 Lousy men tend to assume that’s how all women —Irked 17 End up winning and are. But, there are outliers, and you’re one A: Sky’s the limit!” “You can do anything coming second at the of them. The problem was convincing him you set your mind to!” These are fantasti- same time? of that. Sure, you kept saying “no strings cally inspiring things to tell a person — 20 One of a biblical 150 attached,” but he figured you just had your when he’s about to enter preschool and 21 “___ the loneliest hands full weaving them all into a big net. you’re trying to teach him to use the potty. number...” He, on the other hand, is a man who As an adult, you realize that the sky is not 22 Start 26 “Yo, ___!” knows exactly what he wants: “None of that the limit. In fact, you sometimes realize that 28 AKC winner plus a mini mushbucket stuff!” Until he doesn’t know: your life is taking place in the crawl space voice? 10 It may include an 43 Beastie Boys album Shetland? 63 Effortlessness “undecided” option “Licensed to ___” “Hey! Where’s my mushbucket?!” It seems between the third- and fourth-floor apart- 31 Actress Skye of “Say 64 Insurance variety 11 From Pyeongchang 45 Union for voice-over Anything” 65 Ex who gave “The 12 Like violin bowstrings artists (FAR AT anagram) 32 ___ bran muffins Donald” his nickname 13 Sciences’ counterpart 47 Adorable bunny Interested in placing a classified ad in City Pulse? 33 It may be obtained in City Pulse Classifieds Call (517) 999-5066 or email [email protected] 66 “South Park” co- 18 Defensive schoolyard feature a bed creator Parker retort 48 Open-ended ultimatum Avon Representatives Wanted Mike’s Lawn Care For all your lawn care needs. 34 Blind followers 67 Word in many Scottish 19 Unlike volunteer work 49 Sight to take in Lowest prices, free estimates (517) 331-1284 Join my award winning team! Only $10 to start your 36 Honey ___ (KFC place names 22 Suffix for an illness 50 Down Under native Avon business. Pamela Millben, Independent Avon sauce) Representative (517) 290-2904 City Pulse is seeking candidates to join its 68 Spine-tingling 23 “That’s not good...” 53 “Leave it in,” to a sales team. Full time and part time positions available. Sales 38 Belgian city of WWI 24 Fine-tune muscles proofreader experience required, preferably in advertising/marketing. battles . Must Down 25 High school in a 1980s- 55 Chess goal Hiring Lawn & Landscape workers Opportunity to grow. EEO. Submit resume to monique@ have good licence. Full time. 999-2052 42 Mai ___ (drink) lansingcitypulse.com. 1 Tube top? 90s fiction series 56 Token in an old Mo- 44 Lawyers’ gp. 2 Every last bit 27 “Silent Spring” nopoly set 46 Dinghy need 3 Mauna ___ (macadamia pesticide 58 Become droopy 47 Soldier’s comment nut brand) 29 Shoot the breeze 59 “___ Been Every- akin to “It’s time to join 4 End-of-letter abbr. 30 Facing the pitcher where” (Johnny Cash the line, dear”? 5 Went off like a micro- 35 Seafood-and-rice dish song) 51 How some meds are wave 37 Most Super Bowl 60 See 15-across taken 6 Singer ___ Del Rey MVPs 61 Punk/folk singer 52 Wedding dress fabrics 7 Part of IHOP 39 Political cartoonist Ted DiFranco 53 Participate in a bee 8 “Brothers” in the 2008 40 The shallowest Great 62 No, in Robert Burns 54 Qatari leaders market collapse Lake poems 57 Narrator’s goal to 9 Come up short 41 Tax return nos. maximally project his

©2011 Jonesin’ Crosswords • For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Answers Page 29 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

Listings deadline is 5 p.m. the THURSDAY BEFORE publication. Paid classes will be listed in print at the cost of one enrollment (maximum $20). Please submit them to the events calendar at www.lansingcitypulse.com. If you need help, please call Jessica at (517) 999-5069. E-mail information to [email protected]. APRIL 4 ‘Professionals’ makes its debut Schuler Books & Music gives readers the chance to meet author Owen Laukkanen tonight. An alumnus of the University of British Columbia's Creative Writing BFA program, Laukkanen spent three years reporting for a poker website, traveling from plush casinos to seedy cardrooms. Laukkanen will be discussing his work and signing copies of his book, “The Professionals,” the story of four recent college graduates plotting the ultimate kidnapping. To deal with their frustration with a collapsing economy and a bad job market, the group decides to target stockbrokers, hedge fund managers and bank vice presidents. Thomas Perry, author of “The Butcher’s Boy” and “The Informant,” called it “a spectacular debut novel written with intelligence, toughness, and heart. Owen Laukkanen is a writer to watch.” 7 p.m. FREE. Schuler Books & Music, 1982 Grand River Ave., Okemos. (517) 349-8840. www.schulerbooks.com. APRIL 7 Let the hunt begin Beginning Saturday morning, the State Capitol lawn will be swarming with Wednesday, April 4 children in search of Easter eggs. (Be careful not to overlook any nook or Classes and Seminars cranny.) The Easter egg hunt is hosted by the Lansing Jaycees and features Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 various activities for children of all ages, including crafts, games and p.m. FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. prizes and an opportunity to explore a fire engine from the Lansing Fire Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 351-5866. Department. Starting at 10 a.m., children can meet several special guests, Community Yoga. Power yoga class. 6:30-8 p.m. such as the Easter Bunny, McGruff the Crime Dog, Crash the Clown, ClickIt the FREE. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. (517) 488-5260. Cricket, Big Lug and Sparty the Spartan. Parents can purchase raffle tickets Drop-in figure drawing. Easels and drawing to win Easter baskets and other prizes. 8 a.m.-Noon. FREE. Capitol Steps, boards provided, bring other supplies. 7:30-10 p.m. Capitol Building, 100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. www.lansingjaycees.org. $5, $3 students. Kresge Art Museum, located at Physics and Auditorium roads, MSU Campus, East Courtesy Photo Lansing. (517) 337-1170. Knee High Naturalist. Ages 2-5 for a playgroup featuring a different nature theme each week. 1-2 APRIL 11 p.m. $5. Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-4224. A birthday party for the Bard Feminist Theology. Discuss several passages from the Bible from a Feminist Theological perspec- When thinking of April, most might immediately relate the month to spring and tive. 6-7 p.m. FREE. Pilgrim Congregational United gardening. However, the Old Town Poets could not overlook poet and playwright Church of Christ, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. William Shakespeare, who was baptized on April 26, 1564. On Wednesday, April 11, (517) 484-7434. www.PilgrimUCC.com. the Old Town Poets host Shakespeare's Birthday Party, an evening of tasty "bites Mid Michigan Photography Club Meeting. and bits" of Shakespearian poetry and prose. The celebration is an open mic, With Ron St. Germain on critquing yourself and create your best final image. 6:30 p.m. FREE. First limited to the first 14 participants to sign up. Those interested in performing — Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. either as an actor or a poet — must sign up to identify which speech, sonnet or (517) 482-0668. scene he or she wishes to present. There will be free refreshments and parking Open Jam. Rock night. 8 p.m.-Midnight, FREE. on the street and in the lot at the intersection of Turner St. and Grand River Ave. Zeppelins Music Hall, 2010 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $5, $3 for students. Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St., (517) 580-8722. Old Town Lansing. (517) 267-0410. [email protected]. Events Courtesy Photo Tissue Paper Crafts. For ages 4 and up. 1-2 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, APRIL 11 See Out on the Town, Page 26 From snapshots to photographs For those photographers still trying to capture small details, R. Knott like sunlight reflecting through the trees, a class might be Lawn, Landscape & Snow Services Lawn, Landscape & Snow Services helpful. The Harris Nature Center encourages those wishing to Mowing Vacation Mowing Eavestroughs Cleaned Spring Cleanups become more familiar with their cameras to join a three-week Rolling Garden Tilling Stump Grinding photography class held Wednesdays, April 11-25. Participants Bushes Trimmed or Pulled Sidewalks Edged will work with award-winning photographer Ron St. Germain. Tree & Brush Removal & Hauling Seeding St. Germain has over 30 years of experience in the classroom. Snow Removal & Salting Since 1986 Attendees should bring his or her camera and the owner’s FREE ESTIMATES manual. Wednesdays, April 11-25, 6:30-9 p.m. $55 for four-session 517 517 program. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos. 993-2052 694-7502 (517) 349-3866. [email protected]. Courtesy Photo City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

Illness aside, the Cincinnati-based band is on a roll with “I Like It,” the hit single from its new album “The Church of Rock and Roll” (IRS Records/EMI turn it Group). NEW YORK head-bangers hit up Lansing

Down The Blackened Moon Concert Hall is stocked A survey of Lansing's with East Coast death-metal acts on Thursday. Bands set to thrash through some black metal musical Landscape include HellCannon (from Buffalo) and New By Rich Tupica Jersey-based rockers Legionary and Death Sick. Courtesy Photo Representing Lansing are Genocya and Seraphim Courtesy Photo Le SphinxX Illness forces Foxy Shazam Burial. Genocya has been playing a mix of thrash, Converge to cancel Loft date death, and black metal for a decade. The band, of Cave In). cializing in magically-textured soundscapes. Another which recently released its Saturday, April 7 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., New Yorker, Matt Struck, plays his brand of ghost pop first full-length album Lansing, all ages, $15 advance, $17 doors.Doors 6 p.m. and dream-wave. Opening the show at 9 p.m. are Owl “Ever Descent,” includes Cave Records artists Ein Sof Goyle, Jaysen Craves and Hertler headlines Mac's Bar Dane Brown (vocals), Brad Skellie Bat Lefleur, playing a variety of styles of industrial. van Satan (guitar), Matt Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers recently dropped Organizers ask that attendees appear in “appropriately Cunningham (guitar), Tim the “On Being” LP, via Lower Peninsula Records. gothic/post-punk/fetish attire — or at least wear black.” Sever (drums) and Jim On Saturday, the band plays Mac’s Bar. Hertler, a Black Mass organizers also host LGBTQIA-friendly Albrecht (bass). Genocya growing figure in the Michigan indie-folk scene, shows, noting, “We hope to create a safe environment for returns to Blackened Moon has played alongside the likes of Frontier Ruckus, people of all colors, sexes and persuasions.” on April 28 to play its 10th Chris Bathgate and Breathe Owl Breathe. Opening Sunday, April 8 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., anniversary show, which the show is Valentiger (Grand Rapids-based folk- Lansing, $3 for 21 and over, $5 for 18 and over, 9 will include performances pop), Alco (“ambient rock” from Holt), Redbird p.m. to 2 a.m. from openers Sauron, Dozic (Lansing-based indie), Red Pill (Blat! Pack rapper), BEAK and BERT get heavy and more. Parent the Seas (Saginaw indie) and Aa. Also tak- Thursday, April 5 @ Blackened ing the stage is Skinny Black & Sloan Kettering, Drawing influences from the likes of Godflesh, Moon Concert Hall, 3208 S. an indie-blues band from Lansing. The duo says it Isis and Killing Joke, Beak was formed by vocalist Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, enjoys the “simpler, classic side of music.” Fans of Jason Goldberg and drummer Chris Eichenseer 18 & up, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. the Soledad Brothers or the Black Keys may want of the critically acclaimed post-rock outfit The Courtesy Photo to check out Skinny Black. Timeout Drawer. The Chicago-based band, which Converge at The Loft Foxy Shazam Saturday, April 7 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., specializes in “blistering heaviness and melodic If seeing Foxy Shazam at The Loft was on your Converge plays an all-ages show at The Loft on Lansing, all ages until 9 p.m., then 18 and over. $10 prog-rock,” also includes Andy Bosnak (guitar) and Thursday list of things to do, scratch it off: The Saturday, along with openers Loma Prieta, Git advance, $12 door, 6:30 p.m. Jon Slusher (guitars, lead vocals). The band plays show is being postponed. Some, The Armed and Endeavors. Since form- Black Mass brings Mac’s Bar April 11. Opening the show is a roster “A few of the guys have come down with a serious ing in 1990, the grindcore veterans have con- of local heavy hitters, including The Plague Years, NYC sounds to Mac's case of pneumonia and it needs to be treated imme- tinued to play a distinct brand of obnoxious American Gothic and BerT. diately,” a representative of the band wrote on Foxy's punk-metal on six (going on seven) releases. Specializing in dark wave, industrial, witch haus and elec- Wednesday, April 11 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Facebook page on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, due to Converge, a Boston-based band, is working tro music, Black Mass Sunday has become a weekly fix- Ave., Lansing, 18 and over. $7, 9 p.m. the declining health of the band, we are going to on an upcoming LP, tentatively titled “All We ture at Mac’s Bar. The series of shows serves as an avant- be postponing our shows on the current tour up to Love We Leave Behind.” garde dance party and features classic and new-breed art- the 11th of April. This means Rochester, Pittsburgh, Over the years, members of Converge have ists from the “dark spectrum of music.” This week’s event Lansing, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Omaha and also taken part in various side projects, includ- includes Le SphinxX, a Brooklyn-based electro-clash/ Colorado Springs.” A rescheduled date for Lansing ing Kingdom of the Sun, Old Man Gloom and dream-pop trio. Also making some noise is Gluuuu, should be announced shortly. Kid Kilowatt (which also included members a New York-based “one-woman sound machine,” spe- Post it at www. facebook.com/turn it down

To be listed in Live and Local, e-mail your information to [email protected] by Thursday of the week before publication. Wednesday THursday FRIday saturday 621, 621 E. Michigan Ave. Phil Denny, 8 p.m. Ray Potter, 8:30 p.m. Flipside/DJ Radd1, 9 p.m. DJ Leeky, 9 p.m. Connxtions Comedy Club 2900 N. East St. Comedy Open Mic, 8 p.m. Mike Brody, 8 p.m. Mike Brody, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Mike Brody, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Colonial Bar, 3425 S. MLK Jr. Blvd. DJ, 9 p.m. Group Therapy, 9 p.m. Group Therapy, 9 p.m. Brannigan Brothers, 210 S. Washington Square Jammin' DJs, 9 p.m. Jammin' DJs, 9 p.m. Jammin' DJs, 9 p.m. Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Cloud Magic, 10 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Tryst Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Summer of Sol, 9 p.m. Avon Bomb, 9 p.m. The Firm, 227 S. Washington Square DnW Sound DJs, 9 p.m. Various DJs, 9 p.m. DJ Donnie D, 9 p.m. Grand Café/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River Ave. Driver & Rider Show, 7 p.m. Kathy Ford Band, 7:30 p.m. Karaoke, 7 p.m. The Bear Band, 8 p.m. Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Gadget 2013, 9:30 p.m. Big Willly, 9:30 p.m. Avon Bomb, 9:30 p.m. Smooth Daddy, 9 a.m. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Foxy Shazam, 6:30 p.m. Ben Keeler & the 500 Club, 9 p.m. Converge, 6 p.m. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Infected, 9 p.m. Ton y LaJoye Trio, 9 p.m. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers, 6:30 p.m. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Rob Kladja Open Mic, 9 p.m. Lincoln County Process, 9:30 p.m. Harvestmen, 10 p.m. Harvestmen, 10 p.m. Rick's American Cafe, 224 Abbott Road DJ Dan, 10:30 p.m. ICE DJ's, 10:30 p.m. ICE DJ's, 10:30 p.m. Rookies, 16460 S. US 27 Sea Cruisers, 7-10 p.m. Water Pong DJ with Ryan, 9 p.m. Karaoke with Bob, 9 p.m. Karaoke with Bob, 9 p.m. Rum Runners, 601 East Michigan Ave. Open Mic Night, 9 p.m. Dueling Pianos & DJ, 9 p.m. Dueling Pianos & DJ, 7 p.m. Dueling Pianos & DJ, 7 p.m. Unicorn Tavern, 327 E. Grand River Ave. Frog & the Beeftones, 9 p.m. Dr. Gun, 9 p.m. Dr. Gun, 9 p.m. Whiskey Barrel Saloon, 410 S. Clippert St. DJ, 9 p.m. DJ, 9 p.m. Shelagh Brown, 9 p.m. Shelagh Brown, 9 p.m. Sunday Open Jam with Bad Gravy, 9:30 p.m., Green Door; Karaoke, 9 p.m. Drag Queens Gone Wild, 11 p.m., Spiral Dance Bar; DJ Mike, 9:30 p.m., LeRoy's Bar & Grill; Open Mic, 5 p.m., Uli's Haus of Rock. Monday Steppin' In It, 9:30 p.m., Green Door: Easy Babies funk trio, 10 p.m., The Exchange. Open-Mic Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Michigan Brewing Company-Lansing. Tuesday Tommy Foster & Guitar Bob, 9 p.m., The Exchange; Neon Tuesday, 9 p.m., Mac's Bar. Jazz Tuesday Open Jam, 9 p.m., Stober's Bar, 812 E. Michigan Ave. 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

FREE. MSU Community Music School, 841-B Timber- Out on the town lane St., East Lansing. (517) 355-7661. NEW IN TOWN » Scooters to Go from page 24 Warm Winds and Cool Jazz. Vintage Wind Quintet with Betty Baxter and Arlene McDaniel. 1 East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. www.elpl.org. p.m. FREE. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 351-4632. Dreamcoat." Andrew Lloyd Webber's pop opera Stan Budzynski. 1/2 beer & Greg playing his new is taken from the Biblical story of the Coat of Many keyboard. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. FREE. The Exchange, 314 E. Colors. 7:30 p.m. Price varies. Celebration Cinema, Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 319-4500. New 200 E. Edgewood Blvd. Lansing. (517) 393-7469. Also playing at Jackson 10, 1501 N. Wisner St., Jackson. Literature and Poetry intown (517) 782-8463. Baby Time. Books and songs for ages 2 years & Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. Grand younger, with caregiver. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Delta Town- Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 W. Willow Hwy., Grand ship District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. Ledge. (517) 256-6954. (517) 321-4014 x3. By Allison M. Berryman Practice Your English. Speaking and listening to Lansing Area Science Fiction Association Just in time for English in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. 7-8 p.m. Meeting. New location. Informal dinner and lively this season’s rising FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, conversation every week. 7 p.m. FREE. Buddies Grill, temperatures and soaring East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. 2040 Aurelius Road, #13, Holt. (517) 402-4481. gas prices, Scooters to Go Youth Service Corps. East side youth grow food, Owen Laukkanen. Talk and signing with author has opened in Lansing, and develop leadership skills. Ages 11-17. 3:30-5:30 of "The Professionals." 7 p.m. FREE. Schuler Books & preparing to sell the p.m. FREE. Hunter Park Community Garden House, Music, 1982 Grand River Ave., Okemos. (517) 349-8840. 1400 block of E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999- Author Spotlight. Featuring short story writ- economic benefits of 3910. ers George Dila and Caitlin Horrocks. 7 p.m. FREE. scooter transportation to Comedy Open Mic. Up and coming comics from all Schuler Books & Music, 2820 Towne Centre Blvd., local commuters. over mid-Michigan. 8 p.m. $8, $4 student. Connx- Lansing. (517) 316-7495. www.schulerbooks.com . “We’re just trying to tions Comedy Club, 2900 N. East St., Lansing. (517) Poetry Reading. "Daedalus Smokes Cigarettes on help people get around, Genna Musial/City Pulse 374-4242. www.connxtionscomedyclub.com. the Genial Sabbath" with the Writer's Collective of anybody that needs to Scooters to Go owner Dale Woodyard East Lansing. 7:30 p.m. $3. (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 travel a little bit cheaper,” Music Charles St. East Lansing. (517) 319-6832. said Dale Woodyard, owner Jazz Wednesdays. Live entertainment. 7-10 p.m. particularly increased scooter for anybody that FREE. ENSO, 16800 Chandler Road, East Lansing. of Scooters to Go. among Lansing residents has to commute within a (517) 333-1656. www.enjoyenso.com. Thursday, April 5 When Scooters to looking to avoid paying 25-mile distance of home,” Jazz Wednesdays. DJClarinet Combo: DJ clarinet, Classes and Seminars Go officially opened for high gas prices and parking Woodyard said. “We want Joe Vasquez, bass, Nick Bracewell, drums. 7-10 p.m. Yoga 2XL. Learn to move with confidence. 7:15-8:15 business on March 21, it fees. to offer any safety tips FREE. Gracies Place, 151 S. Putnam, Williamston. p.m. $8 suggested donation. Just B Yoga, 106 Island could not have happened “I sold scooters out of for people. For people (517) 655-1100. Ave., Lansing. (517) 488-5260. at a more opportune time. this building (in 2009) when that have never ridden a Together, Let's Jam. For teen and adults of all Eating Disorders Annonymous Meeting. A During a period of can participate in various music activities. 7:30 p.m. group of people recovering from eating disorders it was a fad," Woodyard scooter, we suggest they who talk about recovery. 7 p.m. FREE. CADL Mason unusually warm weather, said. take a safety course. We let Library, 145 W. Ash St., Mason. (517) 899-3515. the store received many "Today,scooters are needed people test drive them in Yoga Classes for Beginners. With Gaby Kende, inquiries about its scooters, as real transportation. I the parking so they kind of yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist. 9:30-11 particularly from Lansing’s think people are looking get the feel of it.” a.m. $84 for 8 weeks. Center for Yoga, 1780 E. Grand student population. at them as more serious As more warm weather River Ave., East Lansing. (517) 351-6640. “At Lansing Community transportation because of approaches, Scooters to Go Soil Care: Urban Garden. Learn to build up College, they are charging soil, and apply strategies to a backyard/community the crisis we are having anticipates a steep increase garden plot. 6-7:30 p.m. FREE. Southside Community $10 a day for parking,” with gas. Also, today they in business from people Center, 5825 Wise Road, Lansing. (517) 374-5700. Woodyard said. “We have a are a lot more affordable.” looking for a convenient lot of LCC students coming Scooters to Go carries way to travel around town. Events down here because they the popular scooter brand “It’s economical, but Maundy Thursday Service. Remember the Last can park scooters with the TaoTao Scooters, which it’s also fun just to get out Supper in scripture, music, and prayer. 7 p.m. FREE. bikes and save money. At are designed for inner city there, slow down a little bit, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 125 $10 a day, the scooter is and campus commutes. and take a look around,” S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing. (517) 484-7434. going to pay for itself.” The scooters come in Woodyard said. “You get Morning Storytime. All ages welcome for stories, Over the years, scooter songs, rhymes. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Delta Township a range of sizes, colors to see more things on a District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) travel has transitioned and prices. The store also scooter.” 321-4014. from recreational use features a mechanic to Karaoke. Every Thursday night with Atomic D. 9 to a primary method of assist customers with the p.m. LeRoy's Classic Bar and Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., transportation. maintenance and repair of Scooters to Go Lansing. (517) 482-0184. According to Woodyard, their scooters. 216 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing Euchre. No partner needed. 6-9 p.m. $1.50. Delta scooter popularity has (517) 348-7673 Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, “I would recommend a

YARD OR GARDEN Lansing. (517) 484-5600. with concert footage and music from the album ASSIST THIS SPRING? Mid-day Movies. Watch recent releases on the "Changed." 8 p.m. Price xaries. Jackson 10, 1501 N. big screen. 2 p.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Lansing Wisner St., Jackson. Also playing at Celebration Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd., Lansing. www. www.cadl.org. fathomevents.com. Kids Time: Ages 5-11. Help east side youth grow Andy Warhol Film Night. Dress in 1970s style. 8 Experienced and Conscientious food, develop leadership skills. 4:30-5:30 p.m. FREE. p.m. FREE. Zeppelins Music Hall, 2010 E. Michigan Ave., Fair Rates with Free Consultation Hunter Park Community GardenHouse, 1400 block of Lansing. (517) 580-8722. Challenging Projects Welcomed E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999-3910. Mike Brody. Comedy. 8 p.m. $8, $4 students. Con- Fertrell Natural Soil Amendments, Bananagrams Night. Play the hot new timed word nxtions Comedy Club, 2900 N. East St., Lansing. (517) Fertilizers and Animal Health Products game. 7 p.m. FREE. Schuler Books & Music, 2820 374-4242. www.connxtionscomedyclub.com. !.*0"/-1&).+0hk!.*0"/-2&110) Towne Centre Blvd., Lansing. (517) 316-7495. [email protected] "Rascal Flatts: Changed." In-theater concert See Out on the Town, Page 27 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27

Jazz Thursdays. Various artists featured each Cork and Canvas. An instructional art class. We Out on the town week. 6:30-9:30 p.m. FREE. Mumbai Cuisine, 340 provide the canvas, paint and instruction. 6-8:30 Literature and Poetry Albert St., East Lansing. (517) 336-4150. p.m. $25. 1210 Turner St., Lansing. (517) 999-1212. from page 26 Music & Movement Storytime. Dance and sing to music, and learn to play with instruments and Susan M. Reverby. A part of the World View Lec- Theater Events more. 1 p.m. FREE. Delta Township District Library, ture Series. 7:30 p.m. $20, FREE students and MSU "The American Spirit." With ballet, modern, Alcoholics Anonymous. Open meeting for family 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321-4014 ext. 3. staff. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. tap, jazz or hip-hop, performed by a company of and friends with American Sign Language interpreta- (800) WHARTON. 29 dancers. 8 p.m. $10; $5 LCC students, faculty, tion. 8 p.m. FREE. Alano Club East, 220 S. Howard Saturday, April 7 Art of Networking. Lisa Wiley Parker gives tips alumni. Dart Auditorium, Lansing Community College, St., Lansing. (517) 482-8957. Classes and Seminars on talking about artwork or creative projects. 10 500 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing. (517) 483-1488. www.lcc. Storytime. Stories, rhymes and a craft for ages Relics of the Big Bang. 8 p.m. $3, $2.50 student- a.m.-Noon, $5-$10. MICA Gallery, 1210 N. Turner St., edu/showinfo. 2-5. 10:30-11:15 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Li- sandseniors, $2 kids. (Please See Details March 30) Lansing. (517) 372-4636. "The Usual: A Musical Love Story." Original mu- brary, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Beginner Tai Chi. Can build strength and reduce Drop-In LEGO® Day. For ages 4 and up. 10:30 sical about love in a neighborhood bar. 8 p.m. $22. Good Friday Service. Join together in remem- stress. 8-9 a.m. $8. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., a.m.-12:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam, Williamston. brance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Noon-1 p.m. Lansing. (517) 488-5260. 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. (517) 655-SHOW. FREE. Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Tai Chi in the Park. Meditation at 8:45 a.m. fol- Spanish Conversation Group. Both English and Literature and Poetry Road, Okemos. (517) 349-4220. lowed by Tai Chi. 9:30 a.m. FREE. Hunter Park Com- Spanish will be spoken. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Writers Workshop. Grand Valley State University Good Friday Service. In remembrance of Jesus' munity GardenHouse, 1400 block of E. Kalamazoo Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) students and Michigan writers touch on working. 6 last hours and his crucifixion. 7 p.m. FREE. Pilgrim St., Lansing. Contact Bob Teachout (517) 272-9379. 351-2420. www.elpl.org. p.m. FREE. MSU Museum, MSU Campus, East Lan- Congregational United Church of Christ, 125 S. Penn- Overeaters Anonymous. 9:30 a.m. FREE. Spar- MSU Film Collective Series. Showing "Le Mil- sing. (517) 355-7474. www.museum.msu.edu. sylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-7434. row Professional Building, 1200 E. Michigan Ave., lion," 8-11 p.m. FREE. Wells Hall, MSU Campus, East Writers Roundtable. Get feedback and connect Mike Brody. 8 p.m. & 1 0:30 p.m. $12. (Please See Lansing. (517) 485-6003. Lansing. www.english.msu.edu/film. with other writers. 6-7:45 p.m. FREE. Delta Township Details April 5) Parenting Group. Lecture and group discussion "Dirty Pretty Things." Film about two immigrants District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) "Hop." Movie about the Easter Bunny's son going to each week. 10-11 a.m. Call to register. Women's living illegally on the seedy side of London. 7 p.m. 321-4014 ext. 4. Hollywood. Call for showtimes, FREE 12 and under, Center of Greater Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., FREE. MSU Library, 100 Main Library, MSU Campus, $4 adults. Celebration Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Lansing. (517) 372-9163. East Lansing. www.lib.msu.edu/general/events/ Blvd. Lansing. (517) 393-7469. Your Retirement. Adapt investment strategy for index.jsp?e=12. Friday, April 6 Lansing First Fridays. Find restaurants and long-term and short-term market trends. 10-11:30 Classes and Seminars bars with unique specials, shops and galleries with a.m. FREE. CADL Okemos Library, 4321 Okemos extended hours. Prices vary. Throughout Greater Music Relics of the Big Bang. Emphasizes research cur- Road, Okemos. (517) 347-2021. www.cadl.org. Lansing. www.lansingfirstfridays.com. Foxy Shazam. CANCELED. The Loft, Harem rently underway at CERN. 8 p.m. $3, $2.50 students Magic School Bus Exhibit. Learn about weather. Alcoholics Anonymous for Woment. A closed Urban Lounge, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. www. and seniors, $2 kids. Abrams Planetarium, 400 E. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $5. Impression 5 Science Center, 200 meeting for women. 7:30 p.m. FREE. St. Michael's theloftlansing.com. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. (517) 355-4676. Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) 485-8116. Episcopal Church, 6500 Amwood Drive, Lansing. (517) 882-9733 Events ERASER-FREE SUDOKU EASY Salsa Dancing. DJ Adrian "Ace" Lopez hosts Lan- Music sing's weekly salsa event. Singles welcome. 9 p.m.-2 TO PLAY Avon Bomb. Live music. 9 p.m. FREE. Green Door a.m. $5. Gregory's Bar and Grille, 2510 N. Martin Blues Bar & Grill, 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing. (517) 323-7122. Fill in the grid so that every row, col- (517) 482-6376. Easter Egg Hunt & Raffle. Children can craft, umn, and outlined 3-by-3 box contains Musique 21. Live music. 8 p.m. FREE. MSU Music play games and win prizes; several special visitors. the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Building Auditorium, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 10 a.m.-Noon. FREE. Capitol Building, 100 N. Capitol No guessing is required. The solution is www.music.msu.edu. Ave., Lansing. (248) 716-0539. www.lansingjaycees.org. unique. Mighty Medicine and Davison Magpie. Live Run for Reading. 5K run or walk and kids run. 9 concert. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Grand Cafe/Sir Pizza, a.m. $12-$20. Delta Township District Library, 5130 To avoid erasing, pencil in your pos- 201 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1000. Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321-4014 ext. 4. sible answers in the scratchpad space www.lcc.edu/radio. Bust the Bus. Bus operators and others will beneath the short line in each vacant collect nonperishable food items for those in need. square. For solving tips, visit Theater 8 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Kroger, 4884 Marsh Road, www.SundayCrosswords.com "The American Spirit." 8 p.m. $5 & $10. (Please Okemos. Kroger, 1550 W. Lake Lansing Road, East See Details April 5) Lansing. Kroger 6430 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. Answers on page 29 "The Usual: A Musical Love Story." 8 p.m. $25. (Please See Details April 5) See Out on the Town, Page 28

Music Made in Michigan! Bowery Indie rock from Grand Rapids quintet. Thursday, April 5, at 10 p.m. “BackStage Pass” is repeated Saturdays at 11 p.m. on WKAR-TV and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on WKAR World.

College of Communication Arts and Sciences Watch #BSPwkar online anytime at WKAR.org! 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

Greater Lansing Community Concert. 2 p.m. related disorders. 5:30 p.m. FREE. Sparrow Profes- Out on the town FREE. Hospice of Lansing, 4052 Legacy Parkway, sional Building, 1200 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) Suite 200, Lansing. (517) 353-9958. www.hospiceo- 485-3775. from page 27 flansing.org. Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. Pres- (517) 420-5519. byterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Road, Mike Brody. 8 p.m. &1 0:30 p.m. $15. (Please See Theater Okemos. (517) 505-0068. Details April 5) "The Usual: A Musical Love Story." 2 p.m. $22 Intro to Computers. Professionals from Career Sgt.’s Soups "Hop." Call for showtimes. FREE 12 and under, $4 matinee, $25. (Please See Details April 5) Quest teach the basics. 2:30-4 p.m. FREE. Capital adults. (Please See Details April 6) Area Michigan Works, 2110 S. Cedar St., Lansing. and Sandwiches (517) 492-5500. On the Way To Wellness. Barb Geske provides Music Monday, April 9 nutrition and wellness coaching in a positive, $.50 o Temesgen Hussein. Live music at dinnertime. Classes and Seminars informative format. 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m. FREE. Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine, 1312 Divorced, Separated, Widowed Conversa- any Soup & Sandwich Combo Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Road, Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 Michigan Ave., East Lansing. (517) 333-6295. tion Group. For those who have gone through loss Okemos. (517) 349-9536. Avon Bomb. Live music, 9 p.m. FREE. The Ex- and are ready to move on with their lives. 7:30 p.m. Mindful Motivator. For weight loss, stress man- change, 314 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 319-4500. FREE. St. David's Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood agement and healthy goal achievements. 9:30 a.m. $5 o www.lansingexchange.com. Road, Lansing. (517) 323-2272. Purchase of $20 GriefShare Seminar. DVD series, with support and 5:30 p.m. FREE. Presbyterian Church of Oke- mos, 2258 Bennett Road, Okemos. (517) 930-4265. Soups, Pastas, Grains & Snacks Theater group discussion. 6:30-8 p.m. FREE. Grace United Methodist, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing. (517) 490-3218. Computer Class. Learn Excel. 7 p.m. FREE. Com- 517-262-1994 "The Usual: A Musical Love Story." 3 and 8 p.m. munity of Christ, 1514 W. Miller Road, Lansing. (517) $22 matinee, $25. (Please See Details April 5) Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. St. David's Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood Road, Lansing. 882-3122. "The American Spirit." 2 p.m. $5 & $10. (Please Farm to Table: Herbs. Learn how to plan an See Details April 5) (989) 587-4609. www.stdavidslansing.org. Hickory Chronic Pain Support Group. For those experi- outdoor herb garden. 6:30 p.m. FREE. CADL Foster $5 o encing any level of chronic physical pain. 4-5:30 p.m. Library, 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing. (517) 485-5185. Literature and Poetry Corners Purchase of $20 FREE. Women's Center of Greater Lansing, 1710 E. Job Seekers Club. Share experiences, network, Just Bring It Open-Mic Nights. Poetry, spoken update your resume and more. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 Greenhouse Fresh produce Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163. word, hip hop, MCs, storytellers welcome. 9 p.m.- p.m. FREE. Delta Township District Library, 5130 and Gourmet foods HomeWork Help. Drop-in help for grades K-8 from and Gardens Midnight, FREE. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. the MSU Student Michigan Education Association. 5-7 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321-4014 ext. 4. Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 (517) 282-7725. justbyoga.com/justbringit-openmic- p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot www.dtdl.org. first-fridays/. Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. www.elpl.org. Yoga for Well Being. With Amy Noren, RYT 200, $5 o purchase of $20 LGBT Romance Novel. Attempting to start a LGBT Wines trained in alignment based yoga. 6:30-8 p.m. $10. Full Hard Ciders Book Club in the Lansing Area through Everybody Spectrum Family Medicine, 2025 Abbot Road, East Events Apple Brandy Reads Books and Stuff. Noon, FREE. Gone Wired Lansing. Apple Vodka Euchre. Play euchre and meet new people. 6-9 Fresh Cider Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. (517) 853-0550. Speakeasies Toastmasters. Become a better p.m. $1.50. Delta Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Jams [email protected]. speaker. 12:05-1 p.m. FREE. Ingham County Human Salsa Elizabeth Road, Lansing. (517) 484-5600. Services Bldg., 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 Social Bridge. Play bridge and socialize. 1-4 p.m. Laughter Yoga. With Kiran Gupta a licensed $1.50. Delta Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Sunday, April 8 clinical social worker. 5:30-6 p.m. FREE. Campus Elizabeth Road, Lansing. (517) 484-5600. Classes and Seminars Village Center, 1151 Michigan Ave., East Lansing. (517) JAMM Meeting. Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan, Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. 775-4834. open to all. 7:30 p.m. FREE. 1267 Lakeside Drive, East Meets on the third floor. 2-3 p.m. FREE. CADL Down- Purchase Lansing. town Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Events $2 o of $10 "Hop." Call for showtimes. FREE 12 and under, $4 (517) 367-6300. www.cadl.org. Lego Club. Drop by the library to build brick Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 adults. (Please See Details April 6) Overeaters Anonymous. 2 p.m. FREE. Every- "Pleasantville." Showing of the movie. 1 & 6:30 creations with your friends. Ages 6-14. 4 p.m. FREE. body Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Williamston Library, 201 School St., Williamston. (517) Lansing. (517) 485-8789. Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. www.elpl.org. 655-1191. Relics of the Big Bang. 4 p.m. $3, $2.50 students Monday Morning Movie. Get your film fix at the Compassionate Friends. For grieving parents. and seniors, $2 kids. (Please See Details April 7) library. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Delta Township District 7:30-9:30 p.m. FREE. Salvation Army Community Bust the Bus. 8 a.m. FREE. (Please See Details Buy one gelato (any size) Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321- Center, 701 W. Jolly Road, Lansing. (517) 351-6480. April 7) Get a baby cone HALF OFF 4014 ext.4. Mid-day Movies. Watch recent releases on the Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 big screen. 2 p.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. Events Music Salsa Dancing. DJ Mojito spins salsa, merengue, www.cadl.org. Market Massage Open-Mic Mondays. Sign up to play solo, duo, bachata. 7 p.m.-Midnight, $5 21, $7 under 21. Fahren- Game On. Play a variety of board and video games. with your band. 6:30-10:30 p.m. FREE. Michigan heit Ultra Lounge, 6810 S. Cedar St., Lansing. 3-5 p.m. FREE. Delta Township District Library, 5130 Brewing Company, 402 Washington Square, Lansing. Alcoholics Anonymous. Closed meeting for those Davenport Drive, Lansing. (517) 321-4014 x3. (517) 977-1349. Purchase a 15 to 30-min Massage & who desire to stop drinking, with American Sign Lan- Morning Storytime. All ages welcome for stories, Pickin' Parlo. An acoustic jam featuring bluegrass with this coupon! guage interpretation. 9 a.m. FREE. Alano Club East, songs, rhymes and fun. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Delta Town- Receive $2 o and country pickers from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 220 S. Howard St., Lansing. (517) 482-8957. ship District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. and "parts unknown." 7:30-10:30 p.m. FREE. VFW Capital Area Singles Dance. Meet new friends (517) 321-4014. Club Post 6132, 3104 W. St. Joseph St., Lansing. (517) with door prizes. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $8. Ramada, 7501 Kids Time: Ages 5-11. Help eastside youth to grow 372-2052. W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. (517) 819-0405. food, develop leadership and life skills. 4:30-5:30 Easter Sunday Services. Flowers, music and p.m. FREE. Hunter Park Community GardenHouse, service. 9:30-10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.-Noon. FREE. Tuesday, April 10 1400 block of E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999- purchase of $10 Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, 3910. $2 o Okemos. (517) 349-4220. Classes and Seminars Storytime. Stories, rhymes, songs and a craft Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 Easter Brunch. An expansive brunch buffet with Schizophrenics Anonymous. A self-help support for ages 2-5. 10:30-11:15 a.m. & 6:30-7:15 p.m. FREE. all the Irish staples and Easter favorites alike, 9 group for those affected by the disorder. 10 a.m. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East $2 o a.m.-3 p.m. Price varies. Claddagh Irish Pub, 2900 Room 215-F, Community Mental Health Building, 812 Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Towne Centre Blvd. Lansing. (517) 484-2523. www. E. Jolly Road, Lansing. (517) 485-3775. "The Mill & the Cross." Film inspired by Pieter Ricotta Salatta & Hills claddaghirishpubs.com. Yoga 40. For those in their 40s, 50s, 60s and be- Bruegel the Elder's 1564 painting The Procession to Pecorino Romana Homecured "Hop." Call for showtimes. FREE 12 and under, $4 yond. 7:15 p.m. Suggested $7. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Calvary. 7 p.m. FREE. MSU Library, 100 Main Library, Imported from Italy adults. (Please See Details April 6) Ave., Lansing. (517) 488-5260. MSU Campus, East Lansing. www.lib.msu.edu. Cheese Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Anyone wanting to Cannot be used with any other discounts or specials | exp. 4/18/2012 Easter Cantata. The Sanctuary Choir will present "Hop." Call for showtimes. FREE 12 and under, $4 "Song Everlasting," a choral cantata. 9:15 a.m. FREE. lose weight is welcome. 7 p.m. FREE to visit.. Eaton adults. (Please See Details April 6) Lansing City Market Rapids Medical Center, 1500 S. Main St., Eaton 325 City Market Dr., Lansing Grace United Methodist, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing. (517) 482-5750. Rapids. Judy @ (517) 543-0786. (517) 483-7460 Schizophrenics Anonymous Self-help Sup- Music Open T-F 10a-6p, Sat 9a-5p port Group. For persons with schizophrenia and See Out on the Town, Page 29 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29

English in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. 7-8 p.m. Out on the town FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny April 4-10 East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. from page 28 Youth Service Corps. East side youth grow food, ARIES (March 21-April 19): Please study this testi- each package as a promotional gimmick. But soon the and develop leadership skills. Ages 11-17. 3:30- Music mony: "Born in a rancid, bat-infested cave at the base freebie became so popular that Wrigley rearranged its 5:30 p.m. FREE. Hunter Park Community Garden Jazz Tuesdays. With Jeff Shoup Quartet, artists of the smoldering Sangay Volcano, I was raised by the entire business. Now it's a multi-billion-dollar company House, 1400 block of E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. from the MSU Jazz Studies Department and the half-bear demon princess Arcastia. At the age of four that sells gum in 140 different countries — and no (517) 999-3910. mid-Michigan jazz community. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. FREE. my training as a ninja shaman began when I was left baking powder. Maybe there's something like that on "Hop." Call for Show times. FREE 12 and under, $4 Stober's Bar, 812 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. naked and alone next to a stream of burning lava with the verge of happening in your own life, Libra: What adults. (Please See Details April 6) only two safety pins, a package of dental floss, and seemed like the main event could turn out to be sec- Toddler Storytime. Ages 1-3. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a plastic bag full of Cheerios. My mission: to find my ondary, or what seemed incidental might become a Theater a.m. FREE. Foster Library, 200 N. Foster Ave., Lan- Auditions "Folk Tales for Fun." The produc- way to my spiritual home." Now, Aries, I'd like you to centerpiece. Is there something you are overvaluing at sing. (517) 485-5185. & at 10:30 a.m. FREE. Downtown compose your own version of this declaration: a play- the cost of something you are undervaluing? tion dates are June 15 - 24 and June 30. 6:30-8 p.m. Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) ful, over-the-top myth about your origins that gives you SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): People in intimate FREE. Mid Michigan Family Theatre, 440 Frandor Ave. 672-4072. www.cadl.org. ,Lansing. (517) 339-2145. www.mmft.net. a greater appreciation for the heroic journey you've relationships are hypersensitive to negative comments Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5. Children will been on all these years. from their partners. Psychologists say it takes five enjoy tales, songs and crafts. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Wil- TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Our ancestors owned Literature and Poetry compliments to outweigh the effects of a single dash liamston Library, 201 School St., Williamston. (517) slaves and denied education to girls. What were they of derogatory criticism. I'm sure the ratio is similar Books on Tap. Discuss "The Year We Left Home," 655-1191. & at 10 a.m. Webberville Library, 115 South thinking? Time magazine asked renowned historian even for relationships that aren't as close as lovers by Jean Thompson. 6:30-8 p.m. FREE. Jimmy's Pub, Main St., Webberville. (517) 521-3643. David McCullough if there was anything we do today and spouses. With this in mind, I urge you to be extra 16804 Chandler Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. that our descendants will regard as equally insane and careful not to dispense barbs. They would be especially African American Authors. Discuss reviews of Music inexcusable. His reply: "How we could have spent so damaging during this phase of your astrological cycle books and the latest additions to our Ethnic Collec- Jazz Wednesdays. Live entertainment. 7-10 p.m. much time watching TV." I'll ask you, Taurus, to apply — both to you and to those at whom you direct them. tion. Featuring "Samson" by Jacquelin Thomas. 6:30 FREE. ENSO, 16800 Chandler Road, East Lansing. this same exercise on a personal level. Think of some Instead, Scorpio, why not dole out an abundance of p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol (517) 333-1656. www.enjoyenso.com. things you did when you were younger that now seem compliments? They will build up a reservoir of goodwill Ave., Lansing. (517) 672-4072. www.cadl.org. Jazz Wednesdays. DJClarinet Combo: DJ clarinet, incomprehensible or ignorant. Then explore the pos- you'll be able to draw on for a long time. Joe Vasquez, bass, Nick Bracewell, drums. 7-10 p.m. sibility that you will look back with incredulity at some SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Researchers FREE. Gracies Place, 151 S. Putnam, Williamston. weird habit or tweaked form of self-indulgence you're report that the typical man falls in love 5.4 times over Wednesday, April 11 (517) 655-1100. pursuing today. (P.S. It's an excellent time to phase out the course of his life, while the average woman basks in Classes and Seminars Open Jam. Rock night. 8 p.m.-Midnight, FREE. that habit or self-indulgence.) the glow of this great mystery on 4.6 occasions. I sus- Grande Paraders Square Dance Club. Round Zeppelins Music Hall, 2010 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "I can't tell if I'm dealing pect you may be close to having a .4 or .6 type of expe- dancing and alternating and more. 7:30 p.m. $4 (517) 580-8722. well with life these days or if I just don't give a sh— any rience, Sagittarius: sort of like infatuation, but without members; $5. Holt 9th Grade Campus, 5780 Holt more." I stumbled upon that comment at someecards. the crazed mania. That could actually be a good thing. Road, Holt. (517) 694-0087. Literature and Poetry com, and I decided to pass it along for your consider- The challenging spiritual project that relationship offers Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 Shakespeare's Birthday Party. The evening will ation. You may be pondering the same riddle: feeling may be most viable when the two people involved are p.m. FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. be open-mic, limited to the first 14 to sign up. 7:30 suspicious about why you seem more relaxed and not electrifyingly interwoven with every last one of Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 351-5866. p.m. Suggested donation $5, $3 students. Creole tolerant than usual in the face of plain old everyday their karmic threads. Maybe we have more slack in our Community Yoga. Power yoga class. 6:30-8 p.m. Gallery, 1218 Turner St., Lansing. (517) 267-0410. chaos. I'm here to tell you my opinion, which is that quest for intimacy if we love but are not obsessed. your recent equanimity is not rooted in jaded numb- FREE. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. (517) Baby Time. Books and songs for ages 2 years CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "I couldn't wait for ness. Rather, it's the result of some hard work you did on 488-5260. & younger, with caregiver. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Delta success," said rich and famous comedian Jonathan yourself during the last six months. Congrats and enjoy! Drop-in figure drawing. Easels and drawing Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Winters, "so I went ahead without it." I love that boards provided, bring other supplies. 7:30-10 p.m. Lansing. (517) 321-4014 x3 CANCER (June 21-July 22): What excites you, approach, and I suggest you try it out. Is there any $5, $3 students. Kresge Art Museum, located at Lansing Area Science Fiction Association Cancerian? What mobilizes your self-discipline and area of your life that is held captive by an image of inspires you to see the big picture? I encourage you Physics and Auditorium roads, MSU Campus, East Meeting. New location. Informal dinner and lively perfection? Consider the possibility that shiny concepts to identify those sources of high-octane fuel, and then Lansing. (517) 337-1170. conversation every week. 7 p.m. FREE. Buddies of victory and progress might be distracting you from take extraordinary measures to make them a strong doing the work that will bring you meaning and fulfill- Knee High Naturalist. Ages 2-5 for a playgroup Grill, 2040 Aurelius Road, #13, Holt. (517) 402- presence in your life. There has rarely been a better ment. If you're too busy dreaming of someday attaining featuring a different nature theme each week. 1-2 4481. time than now for you to do this. It could create effects the ideal mate, weight, job, pleasure, and community, p.m. $5. Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mount Hope Adult Book Discussion. Talk about "Love of that will last for years. (P.S. Here's a further nudge you may miss out on the imperfect but amazing oppor- Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-4224. My Youth" by Mary Gordon. 1 p.m. FREE. Leslie from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Every great and com- tunities that are available right now. E-Book Basics. Learn how to search for and Library, 201 Pennsylvania St. Leslie. (517) 589-9400. manding movement in the annals of the world is the tri- (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): On Reddit.com, download eBooks to your Kindle or Nook. 6 p.m. Pizza & Pages. Read any book that fits theme AQUARIUS umph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved Kaushalp88 asked the question, "What is the most FREE. Mason Library, 145 West Ash St., Mason. (517) Michigan books, then come for discussion, snacks without it.") badass thing that you have ever done, but that other 676-9088. and activities. Grades 3 & up. 4 p.m. FREE. Oke- LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): While browsing in a book- people weren't impressed by?" Here's his own story: mos Library, 4321 Okemos Road, Okemos. (517) store, I came across a book and deck of cards that "I was at an ice-cream shop. At the exit, there was a Events 347-2021. were collectively called Tarot Secrets. The subtitle of Overeaters Anonymous. 7 p.m. FREE. Grand small raised step I didn't see. I tripped over it with my the kit was "A Fast and Easy Way to Learn a Powerful Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 W. Willow Hwy., Grand ice cream cone in my right hand. The ice cream ball Ancient Art." I snorted derisively to read that claim, sprung out of the cone. I instinctively lurched my left Ledge. (517) 256-6954. since I myself have studied Tarot intensively for years hand forward and grabbed it, but at the same time I Practice Your English. Speaking and listening to and am nowhere near mastery. Later, though, when was already falling toward the pavement. I tucked my

I was back home meditating on your horoscope, I head into my chest and made a perfect somersault, SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION softened my attitude a bit. The astrological omens rising to my feet and plopping the ice cream back in the From Pg. 27 From Pg. 23 do indeed suggest that in the upcoming weeks and cone." I suspect you will soon have comparable experi- months, you just might be able to learn a rather sub- ences, Aquarius — unusual triumphs and unexpected stantial skill in a relatively short time. accomplishments. But you may have to be content with VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Writing in The New provoking awe in no one else beside yourself. Yorker, Joanna Ravenna paraphrased German philoso- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "Worry often gives a pher Nietzsche: "The best way to enrage people is to small thing a big shadow." So says a Swedish proverb. force them to change their mind about you." I'd like to Can we talk about this, please, Pisces? Of course see you mutate this theory in the coming weeks, Virgo. there are real hazards and difficulties in life, and they If possible, see if you can amuse and entertain people, deserve your ingenious problem-solving. But why devote not enrage them, by compelling them to change their any of your precious energy to becoming embroiled in minds about you. I realize that's a tricky proposition, merely hyped-up hazards and hypothetical difficulties? but given the current astrological omens, I have faith Based on my analysis of the astrological omens, now is that you can pull it off. a propitious time to cut shadows down to their proper size. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1892, when Wrigley It's also a perfect moment to liberate yourself from need- was just starting out as a company, its main product less anxiety. I think you'll be amazed at how much more was baking powder. Free chewing gum was included in accurate your perceptions will be as a result.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

April Special: India Rhone retrospective The entree begins with a refreshing Mango Lassi and a Samosa. Then To truly enjoy Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, enjoy the Fenugreek Chicken - drink them before they become too old served over fresh spinach alongside By MICHAEL BRENTON drinkable at all probably is a testament steamed Basmati Rice, some lightly The Southern River Rhone Valley to the quality of the fruit, the acidity and curried Green Peas, and a Chick region in Southeast France is home to the the structure. CdP white wine grapes are Pea & Herb Salad in lime dressing Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, where mostly unknown to Americans, and include some of the world’s great red wine is grown. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, 349-1701 Thanks to hot summers and strong winds, Clairette and Picpoul. the rocky soils absorb heat by day and grad- The white wines definitely showed bot- NEW ORGANIC WINE LIST ! ually release the heat to the grapes during tle variation. The ‘98 Pégau was amber in Including sustainably-produced the cool nights. Typically, the wines are color, with overtones of roasted nuts and bright, rich, and deep, made in a style that vanilla. It still had depth of flavor, but some Michigan wines. minimizes oak influence, if oak is used at tasters felt that the wine was simply “gone.” Google Tuba Museum for our menu all. The ’99 Boursan had a tangy edge, with and get our monthly email special Up to nine red grape varieties can almost a Sauvignon Blanc character on the legally be grown in the appellation. Red back palate, reflecting good acidity. But the 202 beers - 35 wines by the glass Châteauneuf-du-Pape always consists of a enjoyment of these older wines was more 40 countries of origin - 50 tubas blend of several varieties, usually focusing academic than hedonistic. upon Grenache as the predominant grape in Seven red CdPs were sampled. When red 2138 Hamilton at Okemos Road in downtown Okemos the blend, with Syrah and wines are completely over Mourvèdre in the second the hill, they tend to lose and third spots. Grenache color, develop a browning contributes a ripe, red ber- characteristic, and some- ry, jammy component to times become sour and the wine, while the Syrah devoid of fruit. This group adds depth and complex- of CdPs managed to main- ity. The Mourvèdre adds tain medium ruby color, even more intense color without too much brown- and a tannic backbone. ing, although certainly The finished product can there was bottle variation be berry-like, or it can (different characteristics emphasize herbal, forest from bottle to bottle of the floor, barnyard-y char- same wine), which tends to acteristics (but in a good become more prevalent as way). wines age. Châteauneuf-du-Pape The two favorite CdPs (hereinafter “CdP”) wines were both from Domaine are known to age well, du Pégau. The 1996 had which brings us to the cen- a full, complex bouquet, tral theme of this column. still showing evidence of Michael Brenton/City Pulse During hosted wine fresh fruit, herb flavors, a tastings, some of the most Châteauneuf-du-Pape smoky character, and just frequent questions posed wines comes from France's a bit of a sharp edge on the to presenters are “what Southern River Rhone Valley. mid palate. Although losing is the cellar life?”or “how the fruit of its youth, it was long will it age?” Of course, predicting the holding together well. future is difficult in any circumstance, but The 1998 Pégau demonstrated its rela- particularly difficult when predicting the tive youth by displaying more fruit, a greater evolution of a living beverage that may be intensity of lingering tannins and an herbal subject to an array of good and bad events nose. This wine was in balance and still has while in the bottle. life ahead of it. During a recent tasting, our group put The third favorite of the group, 1998 to the test the aging characteristics of sev- Domaine Raymond Usseglio, was from eral CdP wines purchased upon release and another well-known and reputable produc- maintained in temperature and humid- er. For many, this was the favorite, and for ity controlled conditions for more than a others it was the favorite until they tasted decade. The results may be instructive for the Pégau. Displaying nice acid balance, wine aficionados interested in putting bot- herbal nose, and a minerally, earthy, dark City Pulse’s James Sanford tles down for a few years. fruit presentation, it was holding together talks entertainment news Our group started the tasting of well. Also in the running with votes as favor- every Friday around 7:50 am “mature” wines by opening two white CdP ite wine were 1998 Domaine St. Benoit and wines, a 1998 Domaine du Pégau and a 1998 Domaine Charvin. 1999 Domaine Bois de Boursan. The likeli- To some, the St. Benoit was clean, bal- And hear Berl Schwartz of City Pulse hood that virtually any white wine would be anced, somewhat subdued, and continued drinkable at age 13 or 14 is almost anath- to preserve some fruit and tannin, but call Tim an Ignorant Slut — or worse! ema to most modern white wine winemak- showed a drying finish consistent with Every Wednesday at 8:30! ing techniques, and we were pleasantly sur- its age. For others, the St. Benoit was flat, prised to find that these wines were drink- able, albeit way past peak. That they were See Uncorked, Page 31 City Pulse • April 4, 2012 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31

up to the chef to impress you with THAI PRINCESS — Artistic pre- WiFi $$-$$$ Additional location whatever seasonal ingredients sentations of delicious Thai cuisine at 754 Delta Commerce Drive, are available. 436 Elmwood Road, are served in a stylishly decorated Lansing (off of West Saginaw, Lansing. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday- environment in Okemos. 1754 behind Bennigan’s). (517) 853- Saturday; noon.-9 p.m. Sunday. Central Park Drive, Okemos. 11: 8888. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4–10 (517) 580-4321. www.sushimoto. 30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4-11 p.m. us. TO, RES, OM, WiFi. $$-$$$. noon-9 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 Friday and Saturday; noon-9 p.m. p.m. Sunday. (517) 381-1558. TO, Sunday. TASTE OF THAI — This East OM, R, WiFi, $$. Lansing eatery serves authentic XIAO CHINA GRILLE & LOUNGE Food Finder listings are rotated each week based on space. If you have an update Thai soups; meat, seafood and UKAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE — Fusion is difficult to do well, and for the listings, please e-mail [email protected]. plenty of vegetarian entrées; and — Diners get dinner and a show, this stylish, funky eatery — which a wide selection of noodles and as their food is cooked hibachi- includes a sushi bar — has mixed munchies or are just in the mood 3-10 p.m. Sunday. (517) 333-1933, fried rice. 1105 E. Grand River style right in front of them by results with its menu. Full review at Eastern tastes for some fast Chinese food, Rice www.sansu-sushi.com. FB, TO, Ave., East Lansing. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. chefs who artistically prepare tinyurl.com/XiaoCityPulse. 3415 E. Kitchen should be a number on RES, OM, $$ OMI SUSHI — This sushi bar Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 each meal. 2167 W. Grand River Saginaw St., Lansing. 11 a.m.-9:30 your speed dial. The mu shu pork p.m. Friday; 1-10 p.m. Saturday; Ave., Okemos. (517) 349-0820. p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.- has a wide variety of sushi rolls, is outstanding, and the restaurant SINDHU INDIAN CUISINE — including tempura, spicy or veg- 1-9 p.m. Sunday. (517) 324-0225. 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 midnight Friday and Saturday; does a mean fried rice, too. 551 E. This restaurant’s buffet and a la TO, RES, SF, WiFi $-$$. www. -11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday (517) 580- etarian. Also features appetizers Grand River Ave., East Lansing. carte menu offer classic Indian such as lightly salted edamame tasteofthaimsu.com noon-9 p.m. Sunday. www. 3720 xiaochinagrille.com TO, OM, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday dishes like tandoori chicken and iloveukai.com. FB, P, RES, OM, WiFi, $$$ or miso soup. 210 MAC Ave., and Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 a.m. a variety of vegetarian meals. East Lansing. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-12:30 4790 S. Hagadorn Road, East Monday-Sunday (517) 337-2222. a.m. Sunday. (517) 336-5810. D, Lansing. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. WB, TO, SF $$ TO, RES, OM at www.campus- Monday-Friday; noon-3 p.m. food.com, WiFi, $ Friday-Saturday; 5:30-9:30 p.m. PANDA HOUSE — An enormous for dinner daily. (517) 351-3080. menu and lots of lunch specials, SANSU — Located in East sindhurestaurant.com, FB, RES, from chop suey to chow mai fun. Lansing’s Hannah Plaza, this TO, $$-$$$ 3499 E. Lake Lansing Road, Japanese restaurant offers a wide East Lansing. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. selection of sushi dishes, from five SUSHI MOTO — Serving sushi Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10:30 different kinds of California rolls to and teriyaki dishes on Lansing’s OFF p.m. Friday and Saturday; (517) sashimi for more adventurous eat- west side. Don’t see what you 333-1818. SF, TO, D $-$$. ers. 4750 S. Hagadorn Road, East want on the menu? Order an Lansing. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and “omakase,” which translates to, RICE KITCHEN — Whether 4:30-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, “I leave it up to you,” and leave it you’ve got a craving for late-night

Uncorked APRIL Show ELFCO Pride from page 30 with our EARTH Made in USA stinky, and just plain gone— highlighting MONTH Recyclable Bag bottle variation and demonstrating what 2012 can happen over time as wines age. The Charvin maintained some tannic struc- ture, suggesting that it still had life left, and demonstrated a clean, balanced fin- Michigan’s Largest ish. Votes dropped off significantly for the 1998 Domaine Roger Perrin and the 1998 Coffee Shop! Domaine de la Charbonniére, reflecting Over 5,000 sq. ft. their loss of character and fruit. So what are the takeaways? Most wines are made to be enjoyed earlier in their life cycles, perhaps even as soon as one arrives FREE WIFI home from the wine shop. Wines made to have long cellar life, particularly those with concentrated fruit and dominant tannic Socialize. structure, can develop appealing additional Construction nuances and complexity over time. But the point where a wine reaches peak is not only Special! difficult to predict — until opening the bot- Study. tle — but is also subject to an individual’s perceptions and palate. These wines were certainly enjoyable 50% off and tasting them was an interesting edu- Meet up. cational experience. My two cents: If you Bonnie Burger have bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in w/ beverage purchase the cellar that were produced in the last century, drink ‘em up. exp. 5/31/2012 In Vino Veritas Sun-Thurs 9am-12am (Michael Brenton is president of the Fri-Sat 9am-7pm Greater Lansing Vintners Club. His col- umn appears monthly.) 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing (517) 372-1559 415 E. Saginaw, Lansing (corner of Saginaw St. and Cedar St.) 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 4, 2012

NOW WITH FIVE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! West Lansing - 3928 W. Saginaw Hwy...... 517.327.1900 Trusted by growers for 29 years East Lansing - 4870 Dawn Ave...... 517.332.2663 Livonia - 29220 Seven Mile Rd...... 248.957.8421 www.superiorgrowers.com South Lansing - 5716 S. Pennsylvania Ave..... 517.393.1600 Howell - 2731 E. Grand River Ave...... 517.376.6843 How to Become a Superior Grower 1 Sign up for an Indoor Gardening Class at our South Lansing SGS store 2 Learn from renown hydroponic gardening expert, Harley Smith 3 Master everything you need to know to become a SUPERIOR GROWER!

Professor Harley Smith

Spring classes now forming. Call 517-393-1600 to enroll.

ϯϬйKī* Leading soil brands including: ͻOcean Forest ͻ Happy Frog ͻPro Mix – Mycorrhizae ͻ Pro Mix – Biofungicide Ύ/ŶͲƐƚŽƌĞŽŶůLJ͘EŽƚƚŽďĞĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚǁŝƚŚĂŶLJŽƚŚĞƌĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͘

Price Beater Guaranteeʹ^'^ǁŝůůďĞĂƚĂŶLJƉƌŝĐĞĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞĚŝŶDŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ͊^ŚŽǁƵƐƚŚĞƉƌŝŶƚĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞŵĞŶƚĨŽƌƚŚĞůŽǁĞƌƉƌŝĐĞŽŶƚŚĞŝĚĞŶƟĐĂůŝƚĞŵ;ƐͿǁŚĞŶLJŽƵŵĂŬĞLJŽƵƌƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞĂƚ^'^ĂŶĚǁĞǁŝůůďĞĂƚƚŚĞƉƌŝĐĞ͘