Jill Maragos Engineering Laughs Naturally for Fantastic Flavor

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TASTY TOMATO GIY TIPS JILL MARAGOS ENGINEERING LAUGHS NATURALLY FOR FANTASTIC FLAVOR

Get Out & Do What You Like to do MAY 2020

Plus! SUPPER CLUB CARRY-OUT A guide to supper clubs offering carry-out service during “Safer at Home.”

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THEORY (OF A DEADMAN) SET TO ROCK WISCO FESTIVAL SCENE THIS SUMMER p.14

P. 2 P. 4 P. 10 P. 20 PUBLISHER’S NOTE JILL MARAGOS OUR SUPPER CLUBS TOMATOES BEST-LAID PLANS ONLY Engineered for “Safer at Home” meets FOR TASTE WAYLAID TEMPORARILY laughs in Appleton tastier at home from Recommendations for our supper clubs a backyard bounty PUBLISHER’S NOTE

BEST-LAID PLANS ONLY Family Fun Edition WAYLAID TEMPORARILY May 2020, Vol. 4, Issue 4

If you typically are one who looks to supper clubs (of those featured PUBLISHERS Out & About Wisconsin to plan going previously) which are currently NORMA JEAN FOCHS PATRICK BOYLE about doing what you like to do (as is offering carry-out options during our entire purpose after all), there is a the Safer at Home restrictions. This CONTRIBUTORS DAVID BRIERLEY pretty good chance the only going you resource includes an interactive PETER LINDBLAD are doing right now is going stir crazy. Google map and links to websites/ TODD HAEFER Albeit, that expression of empathy Facebook pages as well as the original ART and comprehension was a lot of going stories we did on each. GRAPHIC DESIGNERS KELLY ANDERSON and doing in one sentence, especially Lindblad’s second contribution NICOLE MACMARTIN for this time when we are not allowed is his cover story interview with ADVERTISING to go out and do just about anything. Tyler Connolly lead singer of the NORMA JEAN FOCHS Rest assured, it won’t be too long multiplatinum, award-winning band [email protected] and restrictions will ease. In the Theory (shortened from Theory of ADMINISTRATIVE meantime, we will try to help you avoid a Deadman). Their summer tour CONTACT SPECIALIST a stuck at home rut with things you can schedule includes Rock Fest 2020 in AUDREY FOCHS do right now like plant some tomatoes Cadott, this July. Out & About Wisconsin is published monthly by Foxx Interactive in your garden or order carry-out from Finally, we have the fruit of Services. All rights reserved. No duplication of any editorial or your favorite supper club. Before you Contributor Todd Haefer’s discussion photography is allowed without written permission from Foxx Interactive Services. Copyright 2020. know it, you will be back to planning with Vicki Medland, associate the ways you will go out and enjoy the director of the Cofrin Center for summer in Wisconsin and we have Biodiversity at the University Printable PDF version of this issue available at: https://outandaboutwisconsin.com/digital-magazine/ a couple of stories related to those of Wisconsin-Green Bay about entertaining thoughts as well. Heirloom Tomatoes. So read this issue, find all the IN THIS ISSUE… details to make your plans and then First up is Contributor Peter turn off your device and do what you For those of you who are part of a group that is planning an Lindblad’s interview with Jill like to do where you can, when you upcoming event, we want Maragos, a delightful comedian can. Stay safe and wash your hands. to hear from you. with an academic background in Make sure to send information about that event to editor@ engineering slated to appear at outandaboutwisconsin.com, and we’ll Skyline Comedy Club in Appleton at get it listed on our calendar. Not sure what to include? Check out this month’s the end of next month. Norma Jean Fochs calendar, where we explain exactly Next, Supper Club Guy David NORMA JEAN FOCHS what kind of information we need. Just PUBLISHER remember, if your event is in June Brierley provides a round-up of [email protected] we need to know about it in the beginning of May.

2 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com Where GOOD TIMES live Music • Food • Great atmosphere & GOOD FOOD come together!

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4 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com JILL MARAGOS

Jill Maragos Doing the math

BY PETER LINDBLAD clever, math-related one-liners full of confession to make in that regard. sexual innuendo in response that leaves “To make it cleaner/easier to write Always good at math, even though she audiences in stitches. They’re so good I just assigned the conversation to admits studying engineering in college that people actually come up to Maragos my friend Kevin,” said Maragos, who “was a bit of a nightmare,” comedian after shows and ask her to write them explained that little revelation was “just a Jill Maragos is even better at using it to down for them. That’s how a real math peek behind the stand-up curtain, folks.” get laughs. nerd does it. Although touring schedules remain Maragos is particularly skilled “I’ve met so many awesome math fluid, what with the COVID-19 at setting up jokes that blindside teachers after shows that way,” laughs pandemic and all, Maragos has a show audiences. She comes by it naturally, as Maragos. “I’d always write them down lined up for June 25 at the Skyline if she’s mapping out an equation. It’s like until I ended up putting them on the Comedy Club in Appleton. She is a strategic ambush. back of my business card. And, that itching to get back to performing and “I see comedy mathematically,” said made it easier.” is most looking forward to “hearing a Maragos. “It’s about setting up and then She also had a magnet made with room of people laugh again.” breaking a pattern. If you give away the them on it. Maragos added, “Ideally, I’d be the punchline on the set-up, it won’t be funny.” “The bit originated a few years one making that happen. But, I look just Without giving too much away, back,” said Maragos. “I heard this girl as forward to the other folks on shows there’s a part of her act that tells of a at a restaurant swooning about how the getting those laughs, too. There’s nothing supposedly nerdy girl trying to gain favor guy she met on Tinder was cute nerdy like a roomful of laughter. I feel like we with one of her male friends in a text that because of some super lame, nonsensical can all use that, now more than ever.” says, “I want to be the rhombus to your thing he sent her. And she loved it! And I In a sense, Maragos has been triangle,” or something to that effect. thought, ‘What the hell?’” preparing for the coronavirus outbreak Maragos doesn’t buy it. Onstage, The names have been changed to her whole life. she proceeds to roll out a series of protect the not-so-innocent. She has a “As someone who brings her

Out and About WI MAY 2020 5 JILL MARAGOS

own Clorox cleaning wipes to hotels, and has anti-bacterial wipes on her at all times, I can honestly say that it’s amped up my germaphobia to an 11,” said Maragos. “I may or may not have looked into buying a UV light for every room of the house.” Practicing social distancing and going into self-quarantine is fairly normal for Maragos. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been a rich vein of comedic gold to tap into. “When I’m not on the road, I write at home during the day anyway,” said Maragos. “Every day is kind of like a self-quarantine in that way! I have no real material based on the quarantining itself. And, sadly, my husband is super cool and easy to get along with. He’s truly a horrible source for ‘ERRRR!!! My husband is the worst!’ type comedy.” Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Maragos was part of a family that was a little off the wall, but in a good way. She figures that’s where her stand-up career really started. “My entire extended family has a great sense of humor,” said Maragos. “Just super weird and no topic is/was ever off limits. We used to have these all-night card games where we’d all drink and laugh our heads off. I look back now and realize I actually had stand-up bits I’d do for them even way back then. They’d say, ‘Do the spelling bee thing!’ And I’d do this silly bit I had about a spelling bee moderator who got embarrassing words they had to pass on to the kids. But, overall, humor is how we deal with life and loss as a family. And, how we console each other. It’s our most revered tool.” Having honed her storytelling chops in such an zany environment, Maragos

6 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com Photo Credit: James Pratt JILL MARAGOS went on to earn degrees in broadcast talking and allowing the conversation to was so camera shy he just kept looking journalism and mechanical engineering, naturally take place.” straight ahead and walking past him which was a grind. She graduated Over time, Maragos became more every time. I still went with it, but summa cum laude from the University relaxed. knew that since the scene didn’t go of Buffalo. “I wish I could say when or where how it was written, it’d probably get “I love math,” said Maragos. “But, it was,” said Maragos. “But, I do cut out.” if I had to do it over again, I’d have just remember having this weird out-of- And, it did, although it had a second life. gone for a PhD in math instead of going body experience a few years back and “I was still incredibly grateful for for engineering. I did fine but hated thinking, ‘That’s odd. I’m completely the experience,” said Maragos. “And, every minute of it. It was just like a comfortable up here right now’ in I knew Paul was one of the producers practical career to choose at the time.” front of 300 or so people. But, it of the show. So, I sent him a thank you Going into stand-up comedy seemed wasn’t a switch that was flipped in that note to the production office, saying even more daunting. moment. It was more of a recognition something about how I’m sure it “My first show was a bringer show at that moment that the erosion had sounded dumb but what a wonderful at Flappers in Burbank, California,” taken place.” experience it was for a newer actor like said Maragos. “I had to do six minutes. Gaining confidence in stand-up myself. I don’t know if he got it or not. And, I cannot stress this enough … comedy, Maragos has earned a following But, they ended up using the footage in I did not want to do this show! I was that appreciates her intelligence and the a different capacity.” terrified. I chugged a glass of wine quick-witted jabs she throws. She has It came with a voiceover talking about – actually, two I think. Onstage, I appeared on “Comedy Time” for the The the character of Toby hitting on women. remember getting laughs. Then, that Ice House in Pasadena, FOX’s “Laughs” “I’d never watched the show until last night instead of sleeping, I played and and Hulu’s “West Coast Comedy.” year when I binged on it,” said Maragos. replayed the whole thing in my head Maragos even eventually made it “Seeing it as part of the whole was nuts. over and over. ‘That’s weird. I didn’t onto the legendary hit comedy series So, I guess my takeaway in general was expect laughs there …’ ‘That guy up “The Office,” shooting a scene in Van just gratitude.” front laughed, I didn’t expect that.’ It Nuys, California, on a 90-degree day, While “The Office” is fictional, was such an ordeal to get up on the she recalls. Maragos makes use of real-life situations stage and so stressful beforehand that, “It’s funny,” said Maragos. “Paul in her comedy. They usually become even though the set went well, I vowed Lieberstein (who played Toby) came the set-up for Maragos. Then comes I’d never do it again.” up to me before the scene and said, ‘In something that the audience didn’t Of course, Maragos broke that vow, this scene, you have to be creeped out anticipate. She lives for those moments. but as an admitted introvert, it wasn’t by me. Do you think you can do that?’ “[It’s] something that maybe easy getting back on the horse. She I looked at him with his super creepy happened to me or a friend and then learned how to get over her nerves. fake mustache and chuckled and said, I make a joke or a twist at the end and “I tend to look at stand-up like ‘Yeah, I think I can do that.’ The set- made a friend laugh,” said Maragos, a conversation I’m having with the up was that Toby was supposed to lean adding that it might have made her audience,” said Maragos. “Yes, I’m in to my ‘son’ and say, ‘Smile if you chuckle while writing it. “So, in my eyes, doing all the talking. But, when you’re love men’s prostates.’ And, the kid was the set-up should feel just like real life. onstage, you’re getting visual cues and supposed to smile and like Toby and I You just gotta commit for the sake of the sometimes verbal. It’s really a give-and- was supposed to get my kid away from audience.” take. So, my learning curve was learning this total ‘stranger danger’ creeper Nobody does that quite like Jill to be OK being the one doing all the pedophile weirdo. But, the poor kid Maragos. O&AW

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10 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com SUPPER CLUBS Keep calm and carry-out Wisconsin supper clubs offering carry-out service during “Safer at Home.”

BY DAVID BRIERLEY businesses that are struggling to pay the bills while their bars and dining Staying “Safer at Home” with nowhere rooms sit empty. to go doesn’t mean you have to cook In addition to food, many supper every meal. Many restaurants – clubs are even serving (sealed) alcoholic including some of your favorite Supper beverages to go. That means you could Clubs – are still open for carry-out. be slurping a brandy old fashioned while Some even deliver! Ordering out can chomping on fistfulls of fish fry if you bring you a little variety and normalcy wanted. After all, manners don’t apply at during isolation, and it also helps local home, right? … Right?

Out and About WI MAY 2020 11 SUPPER CLUBS

On the following pages, we’ve You can also access them via this listed all of the supper clubs you’ve Google Map, which makes it easier to read about in the pages of Out & see which ones are closest to you. About Wisconsin that are currently If your favorite spot isn’t listed, a open for carry-out or delivery. While simple Google search can usually lead the hours listed are current as of this you to a restaurant’s website, Facebook writing, please be sure to check the page, or phone number to help you find restaurant’s website or Facebook page out if they’re serving. Out of caution for the most up-to-date information. and as a courtesy to others, please be We’ve also included a link to our sure to distance yourself as much as original coverage of each supper club possible when in public spaces. because, let’s face it – you probably Until next month, stay healthy my have time to read them again. supper club friends!

Simpson’s Restaurant Two Lakes Supper Club Sky Club Supper Club Waupaca, WI Almond, WI Plover, WI Visit their Facebook page for more information. Visit their Facebook page for more information Visit their Facebook page for more information Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. or order online. Read the Out & About or order online. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Wisconsin article. Sun- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 7 PM Mon- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 7 PM Sun- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Sun- carry-out 3 PM – 8 PM Tues- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 7 PM Mon- closed Mon- closed Wed- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 7 PM Tues- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Tues- closed Thurs- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 7 PM Wed- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Wed- carry-out 3 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 8 PM Thurs- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Thurs- carry-out 3 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out/delivery 3 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 3 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out 3 PM – 8 PM

The Old Fashioned Madison, WI Mark’s East Side The Edgewater Supper Club Visit their Facebook page for more information Appleton, WI Jefferson, WI or order online. Read the Out & About Visit their Facebook page for more information. Visit their Facebook page for more information. Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Sun- closed Sun- closed Sun- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Mon- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Mon- closed Mon- closed Tues- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Tues- carry-out 11 AM – 7:30 PM Tues- closed Wed- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Wed- carry-out 11 AM – 7:30 PM Wed- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Thurs- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Thurs- carry-out 11 AM – 7:30 PM Thurs- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Fri- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Fri- drive-thru (no pre-orders) 11 AM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Sat- carry-out/delivery 11 AM – 8:30 PM Sat- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM

12 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com SUPPER CLUBS

Silvercryst Supper Club Buckhorn Supper Club Pinewood Supper Club Wautoma, WI Milton, WI Mosinee, WI Visit their Facebook page for more information. visit their Facebook page for more information. visit their Facebook page for more information. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Sun- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Sun- carry-out 3 PM – 7 PM Sun- closed Mon- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Mon- closed Mon- closed Tues- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Tues- closed Tues- closed Wed- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Wed- closed Wed- closed Thurs- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Thurs- closed Thurs- carry-out 5 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 3 PM – 7 PM Fri- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out 4:30 PM – 8 PM Sat- closed Sat- carry-out 5 PM – 8 PM

Toby’s Supper Club Arthur’s Supper Club Elias Inn Supper Club Madison, WI Spring Green, WI Watertown, WI visit their Facebook page for more information. visit their Facebook page for more information. visit their Facebook page for more information. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Sun- closed Sun- drive-thru 4:30 PM – 8 PM Sun- closed Mon- closed Mon- closed Mon- closed Tues- closed Tues- closed Tues- closed Wed- closed Wed- drive-thru 4:30 PM – 8 PM Wed- closed Thurs- carry-out starting at 4 PM Thurs- drive-thru 4:30 PM – 8 PM Thurs- closed Fri- carry-out starting at 4 PM Fri- drive-thru 4:30 PM – 8 PM Fri- carry-out 3 PM – 9 PM Sat- carry-out starting at 4 PM Sat- drive-thru 4:30 PM – 8 PM Sat- carry-out 4 PM – 9 PM

Ding-A-Ling Supper Club The Butterfly Club Savory Steakhouse Fine/ Hanover, WI Beloit, WI Casual Dining visit their Facebook page for more information. visit their Facebook page for more information. Wisconsin Rapids, WI Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. visit their Facebook page for more information. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article. Sun- carry-out 4 PM – 8 PM Sun- carry-out 12 PM – 8 PM Mon- closed Mon- closed Sun- closed Tues- closed Tues- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Mon- closed Wed- closed Wed- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Tues- closed Thurs- closed Thurs- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Wed- carry-out starting at 4:30 PM Fri- carry-out 4 PM – 8:30 PM Fri- carry-out 4:30 PM – 10 PM Thurs- carry-out starting at 4:30 PM Sat- closed Sat- carry-out 5 PM – 10 PM Fri- carry-out starting at 4:30 PM Sat- carry-out starting at 4:30 PM The Rivers Bar and Supper Club Amherst, WI Open for carry-out. Visit their Facebook page for more information. Read the Out & About Wisconsin article.

Out and About WI MAY 2020 13 THEORYTHEORY

14 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com THEORY

THEORY SAY ANYTHING

BY PETER LINDBLAD It’s an unflinching and powerful portrayal of a woman abused by her Tyler Connolly is breathing a big sigh husband carried aloft by soaring strings of relief these days. and haunting guitars. His band, the multiplatinum, “You’re going to see with any songs award-winning Theory, shortened on this record that becomes singles I from Theory of a Deadman, tackled think the response is going to come some difficult lyrical themes on their from an organic place based off of lyrics latest album, Say Nothing, released on things like domestic violence,” said in January, and he was apprehensive Connolly, Theory’s lead singer and lead about how it would be received. guitarist. “The next song, ‘World Keeps “I mean, it was a scary record to Spinning,’ which comes out I think at make, it really was,” said Connolly. the end of [March], that was all about “I talked about subjects I’d never anxiety and depression, so it’s the same discussed before. It was nerve- thing. We’re going to see a response wracking to do it, to go outside the from people that just get it. I think box. Yeah, it took a long time to go, they’re going to hear it and go, ‘Man, ‘Huh, this is actually really good.’” that’s totally what happens to me.’” Connolly admits critics haven’t It may be some time before Theory always been kind to the melodic gets to test out the new material Canadian alternative-rock outfit, based on the road. Early in March, they in Los Angeles these days. However, announced spring headlining tour they’re starting to come around, that included stops in Milwaukee on now that Connolly and company are May 2 at The Rave/Eagles Club and speaking their mind about socio- May 3 at the Green Bay Distillary. All political issues. “History of Violence,” of those dates were postponed due to

Photo Credit Jimmy Fontaine the epic first single, is a good example. the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, Theory broke

Out and About WI MAY 2020 15 THEORY

16 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com THEORY Theory of a Deadman are slated to play Rock Fest in Cadott in July. The band includes drummer Joey Dandeneau, rhythm guitarist David Brenner, lead singer/lead guitarist Tyler Connolly and bassist Dean Back. Photo Credit Jimmy Fontaine

Out and About WI MAY 2020 17 THEORY the news about a massive summer we’ve haven’t seen in a while. It’s just when we go onstage, we kind of take amphitheater with Breaking Benjamin, going to be hanging out, it’s just going that,” said Connolly. “So, I feel like now, that would also feature BUSH, Saint to be a great summer. I’m so looking our stage show mirrors what we do in the Asonia and Corey Marks and begin forward to it.” studio, rather than trying to figure out, July 15 in Bristow, Virginia. For the Connolly, who also plays guitar, feels ‘How are we going to reproduce this?’ We time being, that’s still on, and on July Theory, also featuring guitarist/backing just go, ‘We’ll just play what we did in the 16, Theory is still scheduled to take a vocalist Dave Brenner, bassist Dean Beck studio.’ It’s the same, so we’re finding our detour to play Wisconsin at Rock Fest and drummer/backing vocalist Joey new stuff really, really sounds so good 2020 in Cadott. Connolly enjoys those Dandeneau, is really coming into its own live that it’s like, ‘Yeah, we’re just playing big festivals. A typical day at one isn’t as as a live act. exactly what we played.’” stressful as you might think. “I think honestly, after all these years, Incredibly, Theory has been around for “I really just wake up, just probably we’ve finally become a band, as weird as two decades. Say Nothing is their seventh do a little bit of press,” said Connolly. that sounds,” Connolly. “I think we all album, coming hot on the heels of 2017’s “And then there’s catering, so the food now have a place. I think before, being a Wake Up Call. That record boasted the is usually sloppy joes or something two-guitar band, it’s always kind of felt biggest hit of their career, “Rx (Medicate),” (laughs), hot dogs and hamburgers. Now, like it was two guitars doing the same which went platinum and became I mean, literally, just playing video games thing, this guitar battle thing. And it their third No. 1 on the Billboard Hot and watching TV. There’s not much that was just kind of redundant almost, in a Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. That success goes on. Everything is pretty quick, easy sense. So now, when we go in the studio, freed Theory to broaden its scope lyrically. to load everything onstage before you there’s one guitar part. That’s it. So, Dave “It did, man, it did,” said Connolly. “Before that, we had this song called ‘We Were Men.’ I think that’s on our fourth album [2011’s The Truth Is ],… and it “Our stage show mirrors talks about PTSD, [military members] what we do in the studio...” coming home from overseas, and I was so nervous to release that. Other than that, it seemed like the only song until ‘Rx’ where we discussed something that I’m go. It’s more of a rush, those kinds of will play one guitar part, and he owns it. not really an expert on. ‘Rx’ was about shows, than like a typical show that we’d So, he is The Edge (from U2). He plays opioid addiction and I haven’t ever been headline. I might go in early and try to that guitar part through the whole song. addicted to drugs, so it’s like, ‘Well, I tweak stuff and try changing things like, I’m either singing or playing piano, don’t know …’ And yeah, that definitely ‘Why don’t we try this song tonight?’ Or, and that’s my thing. And then we’ve got opened the door … I gained a lot of ‘Let’s jam this part,’ where the festivals drum and bass, and then, we record it all confidence after that song. It was like, are like, we’re just literally going to fly, live, like you would years ago, like The ‘You know what? I’m going to go for it. go on, run onstage, play our time and Beatles would. And there’s not as much I’m going to talk about a lot of sh*t now.’” get off, and then the rest of the time off overdubbing.” Unexpectedly, “Rx” exploded in is just going to be hanging out. It’s good The result is a sound that’s more in popularity, and it has had an impact on fans. because, we’ve done tours with – other keeping with the real Theory. “Dave and I liked the song out of the than Corey Marks – with all these bands, “You get this really great kind of vibe box, like saying, ‘This is really good’ … so it’s just going to be a bunch of people of what the band should sound like, so and it’s still doing like I don’t know how

18 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com THEORY many streams a week. We didn’t expect The influence of The Beatles’ and he didn’t really know us, we didn’t this at all,” said Connolly. He remembers psychedelic masterpiece Sgt. Pepper’s really know him, so we spent a lot of time a fan coming up to them in Greece who Lonely Hearts Club Band is unmistakable. hemming and hawing about motives and said, “’I got into this car accident, and the Connolly calls Terefe a genius. ideas, saying, ‘I don’t know man, I don’t doctor gave me these pills for my back, “He’s like, ‘I know a guy who can know …’ So, this record we just went in, and I’ve been addicted to them.’” compose this,’” said Connolly. “He’s in just kind of high-fived each other and Connolly has been taken aback by the whatever city in Sweden … and then all said, ‘Let’s do it! What do you want to do? song’s effect on people. of a sudden, he sends us these tuba tracks Bring in some huge toms and just smash “It was never our intention, right, to and probably like trombones and stuff, and some huge drums and stuff.’” write a song about something and then it’s just like, ‘This is awesome.’ You can do The musical ambitions ofSay have it actually help with their lives, but whatever you want. You can bury it in the Nothing seem to match Theory’s yeah, it’s quite a bit more than the ‘Bad mix. You can solo … it’s just fun, right? It’s burgeoning lyrical maturity. Say Nothing Girlfriend’ comments from them,’” said just fun. You can do whatever you want, or is a political record, but Connolly is Connolly, referencing one of the band’s you can delete it all. Who cares? I just love hoping it can be something that unifies previous hits. it. So many options rather than just heavy rather than divides. Known for a willingness to experiment guitars, drum, bass … that’s it, nothing “Yeah, I think there’s always a caveat sonically, Theory went above and beyond else. And I always thought that was so to these kinds of records that, look, this is for Say Nothing, with producer Martin stifling for us, and now, we’re just able to do just my perspective,” said Connolly. “The Terefe, who’s worked with Jason Mraz and whatever we want. It’s just so freeing.” lyrics are just my perspective of what’s Yungblud, pushing them to go further. While they experienced a lot of going on, and I think it’s just hey, we all Visiting Abbey Road Studios opened up a pressure in writing the lyrics for Say kind of see everybody else from our own world of possibilities. Nothing, the rest came easy, especially perspective, so maybe just turn a 180 “Working with Martin Terefe, who’s since Theory and Terefe were used to and look at everything from the other a Swedish producer, who’s done massive each other. perspective. I think that’s just what I’m records – I think he did that Train record “The hardest part was getting the trying to do, where I think man, people Hey, Soul Sister – he’s done some big songs,” said Connolly. “Once you get the are just set in their ways … or maybe stuff, but he’s always been open to trying songs done, which we did all in advance, it’s just empathy. That’s a new way of all these crazy, different things,” said that’s the hardest part. Once you get all looking at it, just empathize with people Connolly. “I think he got us thinking the lyrics written and you know what and go, ‘What’s their day in the life like?’ about doing a lot of cool stuff, so it was the songs are about, then it’s all just fun. Yeah, I think that’s the problem. We don’t just we started doing stuff over in London You get in the studio and you go, okay, empathize enough.” … going to Abbey Road, which was just what do you want to do here? A song It may be idealistic, but Connolly still bucket list stuff, where you kind of figure like ‘Ted Bundy or ‘Black Hole in Your believes music can heal. out that rock isn’t just … I think we came Heart’ [both from Say Nothing] it’s just “Yeah, I mean, it’ll never change,” said from a place where rock was tuning your let’s have fun. I think we were much more Connolly. “We’ve changed the way we guitars down and being as aggressive as relaxed on this record. Once the songs digest music, I guess, but at the end of the possible … that’s rock. And then we go to were all written, we were like, ‘Yeah, the day, we all listen to it for the same reason. Abbey Road, where The Beatles recorded, hard part’s done now …’ I think it was It’s a drug and it helps us for different now this is rock, this is crazy. So, it kind weirder the first time with Martin (who reasons. It helps pick us up before a game, of opened our minds, thinking, ‘You initially worked with Theory on Wake or helps us go to sleep, helps us forget, and know what? A tuba can be rock, man.’” Up Call), because he was a new producer that’ll never change.” O&AW

Out and About WI MAY 2020 19 HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

BY TODD HAEFER

One of my biggest food disappointments the past couple decades has been the Heirloom decline of the tomato. It started when I noticed that the tomatoes I bought in the store did not have much flavor. This has also been true of tomatoes market stands - the tomatoes have more of a watery, faint tomato-like flavor. The past two years, I have a hard time even finding red tomatoes – many of them are a yellow- bring back orange-pink color. It’s gotten so bad that I’ve taken to the flavor using canned tomatoes in many recipes that I used to use fresh, just because the

20 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com HEIRLOOM TOMATOES flavor is better. Fear not, however, there is a solution - growing your own heirloom tomatoes. Heirloom is a term applied to vegetable varieties that are true to the original variety. They have not been cross-bred, which is the norm for mass- produced vegetables. There are a number of reasons for this. Through the years, cross-breeding has resulted in larger yields, disease resistance and durability. This comes at a cost, however. The cross breeding has resulted in less flavor and less nutritional value. Many tomatoes nowadays are picked green and gas ripened before they are shipped to stores. It has also resulted in a 75-percent drop in crop diversity. Many early-yield tomatoes are smaller in size, but even varieties such as Russian Black Krim will yield in 70-90 days. “A plant only has so much energy – there’s no free lunch and farmers have My wife and I rented a property appearing the next year. to make tradeoffs,” said Vicki Medland, in Iola, Wis., for a couple of years that Above all, the flavor was back. associate director of the Cofrin Center had a large, open backyard. We found Intense, citrusy, spicy – everything we for Biodiversity at the University of a greenhouse in nearby Northport that made, whether Italian sauces or salsas, Wisconsin-Green Bay. “There is a focus specialized in heirloom vegetables, mostly were much brighter and more complex. on the ability to store well. You’ll notice tomatoes and hot peppers. Unfortunately, There simply was no comparison to with heirlooms that there are a lot of the business no longer exists. store bought. Even heirlooms sold in tomatoes that have thin skins and are We also bought plants from the grocery stores are mass produced and juicy, while store ones tend to have annual UW-Green Bay heirloom plant have little flavor. thicker skins and less flavor. You can’t sale, which, Medland sadly informed I had no luck recently perusing breed for great taste and the ability to me, was cancelled this year due to the the Internet for Wisconsin heirloom store well. coronavirus. The sale sold thousands of vegetable greenhouses selling plants. “It’s the way sugars are formed. The plants each May and raised more than But Medland informed me that growing tomatoes really need to mature on the $12,000 each year for student programs. by seed as late as Memorial Day is still a plant to get the best flavors, but many We grew Brandywine and Russian viable option. are picked early so that they last longer Krim tomatoes, several cherry varieties, “There are a number of early-yield in the store.” plus several types of hot peppers. varieties that can give you tomatoes by With the current stay-at-home They were no more difficult to grow the Fourth of July, even if you plant by directives because of the Covid-19 than regular tomatoes, with an added seed,” she said. “Brandywines are an early virus, it’s a good time to think about bonus – because they were heirlooms, variety, along with Bush Beefsteak.” growing heirlooms. It’s an activity that the plants self-propagated the next Many early-yield tomatoes are gets you outdoors on a regular basis, year. For instance, the half-dozen smaller in size, but even varieties such can involve the whole family and cherry tomato plants we grew dropped as Russian Black Krim will yield in 70- provides delicious flavors. seeds that resulted in dozens of plants 90 days – still plenty of time if planted

Out and About WI MAY 2020 21 HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

Long Keeper’s can be put on your counter when you pick them and they can stay fresh for as long as four months.

by seed by the end of May. Wisconsin company,” Medland said. “It’s a they ripen. Another factor is cooler weather. variety that someone found growing in a One easy way to prevent this is as the Medland said there are also varieties, crack in the sidewalk – it’s like a tiny Krim.” tomato forms, to place straw or a similar many developed in Russia and Canada, Another cherry tomato variety she cover on the ground. The rot can occur that have proven to grow well in lower likes is Barry Crazy. when rain splashes dirt containing the temperatures. “It’s a yellow cherry, pointed at each mold onto the bottom of the fruit (and “We have a similar climate to end,” she said. “It is so prolific – the yes, technically, a tomato is a fruit, not a Russia,” she said. “Many of these plant is just covered with tomatoes. It’s vegetable). varieties were not available until also easy to pick – the tomatoes fall If any fruit with the rot is found, recently. You can also often tell colder- right into your hand. It’s lemony with it should be removed immediately to climate tomatoes by their names, such mild acidity.” prevent it spreading. as Glacier or Manitoba.” She said for those with shady Medland said another factor of Medland said larger tomatoes have properties, cherry tomatoes are a bit disease in tomatoes is irregular watering a longer growing season – 90-100 days more tolerant of lesser sunlight. and lack of calcium, which can leave the – but that still leaves plenty of growing Medland said some of her plant more vulnerable. time if started by Memorial Day. recommended seed companies include “For most people, there’s not a One of her favorites is Long Keeper. Totally Tomatoes (totallytomato.com); calcium problem with good compost,” “It stays fresh for a long time,” she Seedsavers (www.seedsavers.org), one of she said. “If you’re not sure, you can said. “You put them on your counter first producers in heirloom seeds; Baker have the soil tested. You also need when you pick them and they can stay Creek (www.rareseeds.com, “a lot of constant, even watering. Irregular fresh for as long as four months. We had interesting, crazy stuff”); and Johnny’s watering can result in too little calcium ones that lasted into February.” Selected Seeds (johnnyseeds.com). entering the plant. Also, some people do Another favorite is Brown Berry, a A major concern for any tomato too much hoeing, which cuts portions cherry tomato. grower is the blossom end rot that can of roots off the plants that also prevents “It’s from Totally Tomatoes, a form on the bottom of tomatoes as calcium intake.” O&AW

22 www.DoWhatYouLikeToDo.com HEIRLOOM TOMATOES + HOT PEPPERS Hot peppers are also a hot heirloom item – there are exotic varieties including from Mexico, Asia and South America, and all have their unique flavors and different degrees of hotness. One of my favorite discoveries was the Scotch bonnet, which looks like a red habanero, but instead of the melon-like flavor of a habanero, has an earthier flavor, although it is just as hot.

I’ve also grown Thai peppers, a small red hot pepper that is deceptively hot and grew extremely well.

“Superhot peppers, such as ghost peppers, take a long time to germinate in cool weather – up to six months,” Medland said. “Hot peppers grown in Wisconsin generally do better in a pot, where the soil stays warmer.”

I’ve had good luck growing jalapeno and the Thai peppers, although it is hard to get them to last long enough to turn red, which I prefer the taste of. Only about a third of the hot peppers I have grown were able to turn color into September.

One highly recommended cool-weather hot pepper I came across while researching was Manzano, originating from the Andes in South America that prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade. I have ordered seeds and will experiment with some plants this year.

Other recommended varieties include Aji habanero, which ripens in about 70 days and is not quite as hot as regular habaneros; Tiburon, a poblano type that is mildly hot and matures in 65 days; Mariachi, another mild with a 65-day maturation; Holy Moly, a pasilla type that provides smoky, raisin and plum flavors when dried.

Another Tip: while many people are obsessed with having the hottest pepper, such as ghost peppers, they generally are hot with little flavor.

Out and About WI MAY 2020 23 Marketing is essential for every business. But let’s face it, some days are a struggle to keep up with everything you are currently doing. Beyond that, in the digital age it can be downright confusing and intimidating to sort through your options. How can you keep up with the chaotic pace of doing business in an increasingly digital world? Let us help...