Framing the conversation Over decades, gallery owners new and old have shaped Milwaukee’s artistic community. page 26

May 21, 2015 | Vol. 6 No. 13 Bias bites Campaigns seek to 4 Madison struggles to heal No charges were filed in Tony undo pit bull bans Robinson’s shooting, but page 10 questions still linger.

8 Highway robbery Unneeded road construction pilfers funding for potholes, forcing taxpayers to pay twice for repairs.

24 Summer sippers Bittercube mixologist Mike McDonald suggests a variety of cocktails to embrace the coming summer.

34 The Weepies are back The folk-pop duo kicks off their latest concert tour in Madison to support their first full-length studio album in five years. 2 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015

News with a twist WiGWAG By Lisa Neff, Louis Weisberg & Matthew Reddin Another reason tration Society placed a announcing, Ginsburg’s tion. However, an analysis fiti. The researchers claim to come out sonar device in the Stock- “White Appreci- doppelganger by experts in technology that in the private confines A Nebraska woman who holm archipelago and sent ation Day! June Natalie Portman recent- information based in Bris- of a public bathroom, men claims to be an ambas- a message in Morse code: 11th. Because ly signed on to play U.S. bane and Vienna found and women stick to ste- sador for God and Jesus “This way if you are gay.” all Americans Supreme Court Justice major search engines pro- reotypes. Women’s graf- Christ filed a federal law- The group was responding should be celebrated!!” Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a vided irrelevant informa- fiti refers to love and rela- suit against all homosexu- to calls for re-armament He planned to offer white biopic titled On the Basis tion leading to incorrect tionships a. Men’s graffiti als in the world for breaking after a hunt in October for customers discounts of of Sex, which focuses self-diagnosis and self- centers on sexual acts and “religious and moral laws.” a suspected Russian sub. 10 percent. Edgar Antillon on Ginsburg’s support treatment. The result? A sexual organs and is char- In a seven-page, handwrit- thought, “least we could do for women’s rights. The bad case of cyberchondria. acterized as “crude,” “com- ten petition delivered to Sprayed down is offer one day to appreci- actress and the justice petitive” and “aggressive.” the U.S. District Court in A man is in jail after ate white Americans.” Bad have a lot in common. Like strange bedmates Omaha, Sylvia Ann Driskell authorities say he foiled his idea. He received a bomb Portman, Ginsburg is Jew- A city councilman in scandalous contends that “homosexu- own robbery by accidental- threat and protests shut ish and was a great beau- Bremerton, Washington, Fox News is accustomed ality is a sin and that the ly pepper-spraying himself. down the server for his ty in her youth. Portman said he was surprised to to ridicule, but usually homosexuals know it is a Police allege the 43-year- website. Now he’s offering left her acting career for learn his wife had filed to it’s over factual errors. sin to live a life of homo- old West Virginia entered the deal to all. several years to receive a challenge him for the office New York City’s local Fox sexuality,” according to the a pharmacy wearing full degree from Harvard Uni- he’s held for six years. Kim affiliate, however, came Lincoln Journal Star. “Why camouflage and a paintball Hungry Man versity. While there, Port- Faulkner said she decid- under fire for covering the else would they have been mask. He started spraying Pennsylvania police man was research assis- ed to join the race after breasts of a nude woman in hiding in the closet(?)” pepper spray in an effort to cited a 47-year-old man for tant to famed lawyer Alan watching husband Roy a cubist painting by Pablo take down employees, but disorderly conduct after Dershowitz. Runyon on the council. “I Picasso. “We decided to Rainbow warriors then walked into the cloud he became furious that a just sat down and said I blur the nude portions so How do you keep a Rus- of pepper spray in front Roy Rogers restaurant on Calling Dr. Google think the city of Bremer- that we could show it to sian submarine at bay? of him. Police say security the turnpike was out of When your back aches, ton, District 6, needs more you on air,” said anchor Swedish peace activists footage shows him stag- macaroni and cheese and your eyes itch, your knees qualified people to run for Dari Alexander before “Les staged a stunt earlier this gering out of the business. potatoes. He was left with go weak or your nose runs, office,” Faulkner said. Femmes d’Alger” appeared month, playfully launch- a choice of salad, baked do you go searching for a partially on screen. The ing an underwater defense BBQ blunder apples, baked beans, a cause and treatment on the Restroom research painting recently fetched installation: a gay-themed The owner of Rubbin’ fruit cup or coleslaw. Police Web? You are not alone, Research published $179 million at auction, sonar system. In “Opera- Buttz BBQ and Country were called when the man because Google reports in Gender, Place & Culture making it the world’s most tion Singing Sailor,” the Cafe in Milliken, Colorado, began throwing condi- that one in 20 searches are exposes gender-based dif- expensive painting. Swedish Peace and Arbi- placed a sign in his restaurant ments at employees. for health-related informa- ferences in bathroom graf- WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 3 4 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 No charges in Madison shooting, but doubt remains By Lisa Neff offered condolences to Irwin and said his Staff writer own mother, who is black and who partici- Madison police arrested more than 25 pated in Freedom Summer in 1964, worries protesters the day after Dane County Dis- about his safety because of his skin color. trict Attorney Ismael Ozanne announced He said he understands the pain of “unjust the white officer who killed an unarmed profiling” and that he’s aware of racial biracial man would not be prosecuted. injustice and disparities. The decision came on May 12. However, Ozanne said, his responsibility Demonstrations followed — a peaceful was to determine whether Kenny should march from the scene of the shooting to be criminally charged based on facts. “This the state Capitol on May 12. The next day, decision is guided by the rule of law,” he another peaceful protest, coordinated by said. the Young, Gifted & Black Coalition, drew The Wisconsin Department of Justice an estimated 200 demonstrators to march investigated Robinson’s death under a in downtown Madison. At the Dane Coun- statute that requires an outside agency ty Courthouse, protesters staged a mock to lead probes into officer-involved shoot- trial and convicted the officer of homicide. ings. The evidence consists of reports from Police placed 25 protesters in handcuffs the police department, the crime lab and for allegedly refusing to clear an intersec- the medical examiner, as well as photo- tion near the state Capitol. graphs, squad car video, three 911 calls John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal via AP Otherwise, there were no incidents dur- and interviews with residents, police, para- James Madison Memorial High School student Naomi Makesa, 17, helps hold a banner ing the march. medics and others at the scene. during a rally for Tony Robinson along Williamson Street in Madison on May 13. “I think the people in this city are ... The DA said the 911 calls revealed that cised by police officers? Are police officers pretty good about voicing their emotions Robinson was hallucinating on mushrooms Kenny fell backward into a wall. He said he above the law?” without running around and tearing things and behaving violently, assaulting at least feared losing consciousness and that Rob- He continued, “Furthermore, what will up,” said Andrea Irwin, the mother of Tony two people on a sidewalk before Kenny’s inson might take his weapon, so he shot the Madison Police Department do to Robinson Jr., the 19-year-old man killed on dispatch to an apartment house that Rob- Robinson. Kenny fired seven shots in 3 sec- ensure that Madison police officers stop March 6 by Madison Police Officer Matt inson had entered. onds, all of them hitting the unarmed man. killing unarmed individuals when they Kenny. “I don’t think that’s ever happened The WDJ investigation found that Kenny Kenny said he administrated aid to Rob- have killed three people in the past 11 in Madison.” entered the apartment house, heard loud inson and searched the apartment, finding months? The MPD needs to find ways to Kenny is white. Robinson was biracial voices and what he thought was a fist no one inside. hold officers accountable so that they will and identified as black, like Ozanne, who hitting a wall. The officer then climbed Ozanne said, “I conclude that this tragic know there will be consequences for their reflected on a shared identity when he a stairway with his weapon drawn. Near and unfortunate death was the result of a actions. City leaders need to continue to announced his decision that the officer’s the top of the stairs, Kenny encountered lawful use of deadly police force and that work to make sure that the Madison Police use of deadly force was lawful. Ozanne Robinson, who punched him in the head. no charges should be brought against Offi- cer Kenny.” Department and all its members work to Irwin said she suspects authorities with- protect and serve all residents in an unbi- held information and she disputes Kenny’s ased and professional manner.” account of what happened. The Young, Gifted & Black Coalition At the ACLU of Wisconsin, executive issued a statement encouraging people to director Chris Ahmuty said Ozanne’s deci- “remember Tony and reflect on the com- sion left a cloud of uncertainty over the plex ways state violence impacts Black circumstances of and the responsibility for lives.” The statement also announced “a Tony Robinson’s death. national movement for Black Liberation. “If Officer Kenny did not violate the … It is time to grow and move into spring, law, then is anyone legally responsible demonstrating resistance and resilience for Mr. Robinson’s death?” Ahmuty said. against the assault on Black people in “Does the criminal law protect individuals Madison and across the country.” like Mr. Robinson from deadly force exer- The AP contributed to this report. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 5 Help for women’s shelters arrives by the truckload By Louis Weisberg Staff writer Imagine leaving your home forever with literally just the clothes on your back — without even such basic necessities as a comb or a toothbrush. Every day, countless survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault find themselves in that situation. When the opportunity to flee their abusers or attackers presents itself, they must often take instant action amid life-or- death circumstances. There’s no time to plan or pack a suitcase. Unfortunately, decreased government grants have harmed domestic violence programs. Fortunately, philan- thropists and private charities are generously helping to fill in the gaps. Some of the help has come from unexpected places. Every year, for instance, Two Men and a Truck launches a massive nationwide drive to collect essentials for women’s shelters, which are then distributed around Mother’s Day. The Movers for Moms program is a natural fit for the PHOTO: TWO Men and a Truck company, which lays claim to being the largest franchised Two Men and a Truck employees in San Diego work on their local Movers for Mom program. moving company in the United States and internation- ally. The company already has the moving boxes and the trucks to transport the items. And, despite the company’s name, it’s woman-owned. “The founder of our company nationally is a woman named Mary Ellen Sheets and her two sons, who are the original two men — and her daughter,” said Tim Lightner, who owns the Two Men and a Truck franchises in Dane and Rock Counties. “She was a single mom, and she decided from day one that being active in the community was an important mission for her.” Wisconsin’s TMT franchises participate in the pro- gram, which benefits the YWCAs of Dane and Rock coun- ties, as well as the Women’s Resource Center of Racine. “This is our fifth year with the program, and it has just really exploded very wonderfully for us,” Lightner said. He said his company sets up more than 50 donation sites each March in Dane County and many of them are filled and replaced over and over with items ranging from diaper rash cream to lip balm to shampoo to blankets. “It’s been an educational thing for me — I hadn’t real- ized just how big the need was,” Lightner said. “One of our core values as a company is to give back and participate in the community. Being a good steward in the community is really an important part of what we do.” The Women’s Resource Center of Racine provides shelter to about 350 victims of domestic violence annu- ally. Executive director Cherie Griffin said the donations collected by Two Men and a Truck and other generous people are prompted in part by the fact that so many people know a victim of domestic violence. “Their hearts know the mission, and that’s why they’re so willing to give,” Griffin said. Besides fulfilling survivors’ needs for personal necessi- ties, the donations communicate to survivors that there are “a lot of people out there who want (them) to be safe,” Griffin said. “That’s a powerful message, especially for victims who are so low and have been so isolated from their communities. That’s how abusers become success- ful, by disconnecting victims from their communities. … Domestic abuse is a power and control issue.” People reaching out with aid in the simple form of shampoo and pillows are part of victims’ reconnection with the world at large and with themselves, Griffin said. And receiving that help from “powerful women making use of their resources and leveraging their companies to respond to crises such as these” sends a very important message to victims, she added. 6 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Workers take fight for $15 to McD’s shareholders By Lisa Neff Sharpe and other activists, including Staff writer workers from Wisconsin, say the time After years of lying low, the Hamburglar to rally in the fight for a $15 minimum crept back into McDonald’s ads this wage is now, as 2016 political campaigns spring. That’s fitting for a company that ramp up and with presidential candidates reaps massive profits and pays minimal in both parties talking about income wages, say the workers taking their fight inequality. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has for $15 to McDonald’s shareholders. said wealth inequality “is now reaching Shareholders planned to meet on May obscene levels” and Hillary Rodham Clin- 21 outside Chicago in Oak Brook, Illinois, ton recently commented, “The deck is where McDonald’s employees planned a still stacked in favor of those already at massive demonstration to present inves- the top. And there’s something wrong tors with a petition demanding a $15 with that. There’s something wrong when hourly wage and the right to form unions CEOs make 300 times more than the typi- without retaliation. cal worker.” The petition, signed by more than On May 14, the AFL-CIO released its 900,000 people, states, “No one can annual “Executive Paywatch” report, feed a family on the poverty wages you revealing that Wisconsin S&P 500 CEOs pay. For more than two years, fast-food made an average of $4.7 million in 2014, cooks and cashiers have called for fair 116 times more than the average worker. pay, and I stand with them. McDonald’s Nationally in 2014, the average worker workers deserve $15 an hour and union earned about $36,000 per year while rights. It’s time to pay your people enough CEO pay averaged $13.5 million per year. to survive.” “The massive pay gap between workers “All of us are fighting for a reason,” said and CEOs shows what happens when the Adriana Alvarez, who works for the fast- PHOTO: AP Photo/M. Spencer Green deck is stacked against working families,” food company in Chicago. “Me, I’m out McDonald’s workers and supporters rally outside a McDonald’s in Chicago in April. said Wisconsin AFL-CIO president Phil here fighting for $15 for my son Manny. Recent data on income inequality is fueling the call for raising the minimum wage. Neuenfeldt. He’s 3 years old and, as a single mom, I Former McDonald’s CEO Donald struggle every month to pay for child care sales. ‘progressive’ is about doing what it takes Thompson made the “Paywatch” report, and keep him fed on fast-food pay. I make In April, the company announced plans to be the McDonald’s our customers will receiving $7,288,578 in compensation in $250 a week. No one can live on that. to boost pay for about 90,000 employ- expect tomorrow.” 2014. However, he was nowhere near the My son deserves better. All of our kids ees in its company-owned stores. The Labor activist Melissa Sharpe, of top of the rankings. He wasn’t even in the deserve a world where hard work means announcement made headlines, but the Racine, said she uses “progressive” dif- top 100 on a list that began with David M. a decent living. Where we don’t have to policy change only impacts employees ferently. Zaslav receiving $156 million in compen- worry about hitting the rent check each at 10 percent of U.S. locations, or maybe “We are seeing businesses position- sation from Discovery Communications month and keeping food on the table.” fewer. McDonald’s in May debuted a turn- ing themselves as progressive and mean- and ended with Leonard Bell receiving For the past three years, McDonald’s around plan that involves selling compa- ing employing liberal ideas in how they $20.5 million from Alexion Pharmaceu- workers and their supporters have fired up ny-owned stores as franchises — about conduct business, how they compensate ticals. protests at shareholders’ meetings. Last 32,000 restaurants around the world. workers and safeguard the environment,” “Income inequality is at a crisis point spring, police arrested 101 demonstrators ”My overall vision is for McDonald’s to she said. “I haven’t heard that this is in America. Corporate profits and CEO from among the 2,000 who protested be seen as a modern, progressive burger what McDonald’s means by ‘progressive.’ pay continue to rise as workers’ rights are outside the company headquarters. company, delivering a contemporary cus- But I hope shareholders push on this. eroded and wages are stagnating,” said The labor campaign continues as the tomer experience,” Easterbrook said in McDonald’s isn’t losing business because Stephanie Bloomingdale, Wisconsin AFL- company, under new CEO Steve East- a conference call with investors earlier it doesn’t serve breakfast all day. McDon- CIO secretary-treasurer. erbrook, works to overhaul McDonald’s this spring. “’Modern’ is about getting the ald’s is losing business because it is about Find breaking news at image and menu in order to halt declining brand to where we need to be today, and profits before people.” wisconsingazette.com. Looking for the Wisconsin Gazette?

Ask the owner/manager of your local supermarket, bookstore, coffee shop or restaurant to add WiG to the other free publications they distribute. Ask them to call 414-961-3240 or send us the name of the location and we’ll call them! WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 7 Johnson faces uphill slog in rematch with Feingold

By Scott Bauer and Dana Ferguson AP writers Almost from the day Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson defeated his Demo- cratic predecessor Russ Feingold five Photo: AP/Jeffrey Phelps years ago, both sides have anticipated a Russ Feingold, left, and Republican Ron rematch. Johnson, right, participate in a 2010 U.S. Feingold, who passed up an open U.S. Senate debate in Milwaukee. Senate seat and two chances to run against Republican Gov. Scott Walker, announced plans this spring to try to of the Wisconsin Legislature. Walker also avenge his five-point loss to Johnson. won election as governor for the first time. For months, while Feingold pondered In 2014, when President Barack Obama his decision, Republicans attacked him, carried Wisconsin for a second time, vot- anticipating he would get in the race. The ers also elected liberal Democrat Tammy National Republican Senatorial Commit- Baldwin for an open Senate seat, picking tee in February blasted Feingold’s support her over former Gov. Tommy Thompson, for the federal stimulus plan approved six a Republican who had won four previous years earlier, saying it was worth noting statewide elections. as he was “plotting his return to power.” Baldwin’s win — a huge victory for The attacks from Republicans picked Democrats — was all the more telling up in March, when Feingold stepped down given that it came just five months after from his position with the U.S. Depart- Walker won a recall election. Feingold, ment of State as an envoy to Africa and whom many Democrats wanted to come began traveling around Wisconsin to talk out of retirement to take on Walker, with voters. passed on that race. Feingold also chose Republicans have tried to paint Feingold not to take on Walker last year when he as a Washington insider with tenuous ties ran, and won, re-election. to his home state, pointing to his recently Another problem for Johnson is that completed teaching job at Stanford Uni- recent polls show that even after six years versity. in office, he remains a blank slate to many “The voters of Wisconsin terminated voters. Thirty-nine percent of respon- Russ Feingold in 2010, but he’s back,” dents to a Marquette University Law Johnson told reporters on May 15. School poll done in April had no opinion of Feingold’s campaign manager Tom Rus- Johnson. Only 26 percent had no opinion sell in a statement said voters were look- of Feingold, who was a state senator for 10 ing for an “independent-minded” candi- years before first being elected to the U.S. date like Feingold. Senate in 1992. “Right now they have a senator that That same poll showed that Johnson’s puts partisan ideology and the needs of favorable rating sat at 32 percent, com- billionaires and special interests ahead of pared with 47 percent for Feingold. And in Wisconsin,” Russell said. a head-to-head matchup, the poll showed The seat is a key target for Democrats Feingold beating Johnson 54 percent to looking to regain control of the Senate 38 percent. who see Feingold as their best chance Johnson called the poll “completely to retake it. Republicans currently hold a meaningless” given that it was done 18 54–44 majority, with two independents months before the election. who caucus with Democrats. Johnson said he expected the race to Democrats see hope for Feingold, be close, but he was optimistic the state’s because he’ll appear on the ballot in a Republican Party would help him win presidential year when Democratic voters using grassroots campaigning. in Wisconsin historically far outnumber Despite the positive numbers, Feingold Republicans. A Republican presidential has the weight of history working against candidate hasn’t carried Wisconsin since him. Only two senators since 1956 have Ronald Reagan in 1984 — when Feingold successfully won their old seat back after was a 31-year-old freshman state senator. losing a re-election attempt. Johnson’s win over Feingold was part of the tea party wave in 2010 that also put Republicans in control of both chambers 8 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 GOP would increase sales taxes to fix potholes while borrowing $1.3 billion for unneeded highway projects By Louis Weisberg a sustainable solution for maintaining its Staff writer transportation infrastructure. GOP state Do the potholes in your neighborhood Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, who has look like they belong in Syria? overwhelmingly supported Walker’s poli- No surprise. The conditions of Wiscon- cies in the past, complained that the bond- sin’s roads rank third worst in the nation, ing plan amounts to kicking the can down according to a recent study commissioned the road, a charge that Democratic super- by the Local Government of Wisconsin visors on the Milwaukee County Board Institute. frequently leveled at Walker. The former The low ratings mark a dramatic decline Milwaukee County executive, Walker left for the state, which ranked 22nd in the the county with more obligations in debt country just 11 years ago. Fewer than half repayment than money to spend on ser- of Wisconsin’s roads rated as “good” or vices, according to current County Execu- better, the report found. tive Chris Abele. According to the study’s researchers, Politics appear to prevent Walker from the poor condition of our roads affects either endorsing the new taxes or cut- almost every industry and motorist in the ting back on highway spending. Conven- state. tional wisdom is if Walker approved a But now Republican lawmakers might tax increase, it would kill his chances of give locals a new mechanism to maintain winning the Republican presidential nomi- their roads — with a new tax. State Sen. nation. At the same time, road builders are Tom Tiffany, R-Halzehurst, and state Rep. among the most generous and dependable since many of the massive new highway “WisDOT is projecting a 23-percent Dean Knudson, R-Hudson, have proposed campaign contributors, and Walker could projects are located on highway corri- increase in traffic on I–94 near (Miller giving voters the ability to increase their have his sights set on their financial sup- dors where traffic use is declining. That’s Park) by 2040,” said Hiniker. “However, local sales tax by one-half cent to pay for port for his presidential aspirations. because projects are based on obsolete actual traffic counts show that traffic has road upkeep. That means people in locali- So he’d rather borrow and, according to WisDOT traffic projections. actually decreased by 8 percent along that ties that adopt the sales tax would then be his critics, leave someone else in charge Automobile use has dramatically stretch of highway. Present trends show paying four separate tax streams for road when the bill comes due. declined as the state’s population is gray- that the WisDOT projections will never be and highway upkeep. But back to those potholes. In the past, ing, car ownership among young people is achieved.” Steve Hiniker, executive director of 1000 property taxes filled in the growing fund- falling and gas prices are volatile. Between Despite these facts, Gov. Scott Walker Friends of Wisconsin, which advocates ing gap between Transportation Fund dis- 1981 and 1991, the number of miles driven wants to issue $1.3 billion in bonds to for responsible land use, says the plan is bursement to local governments and the in Wisconsin grew by a rate of 35 percent. cover the projects already planned. The highway robbery. cost of local road maintenance. But Walker In contrast, the growth rate from 2003 to plan would leave the state that much more Most Wisconsinites believe the fees froze property taxes in his first two bud- 2013 was zero. in debt, even as it faces a current budget they’re charged for license plates, coupled gets, leaving local lawmakers with no way Researchers hired by 1000 Friends of deficit. The $1.3 billion is in addition to with the gas taxes they pay when filling up to raise the money. Wisconsin compared the WisDOT traffic the money that’s already available in the their tanks, go toward keeping their roads Now, faced with the choice of halting projections used for planning 11 upcoming Transportation Fund. in order. Those fees and taxes are col- expensive highway projects, raising road- major highway projects with today’s actual GOP lawmakers have balked at Walker’s lected into the state Transportation Fund. related fees or property taxes, the Legis- vehicle use of those highway stretches. highway borrowing plan, with most seek- The original plan was to have the fund lature has floated the proposal of allowing They found that traffic counts on all of ing to reduce its size at the least. Several reimburse up to 80 percent of the costs local citizens to vote themselves a one-half the projects are unlikely to come close to have instead proposed to increase licens- of local road repairs to the communities cent sales tax increase. Ostensibly, Walker WisDOT’s outdated projections. ing fees and gas taxes, including Walker’s where they were raised. could then claim that he didn’t raise taxes For example, the area of expansion on transportation secretary Mark Gottlieb But times change. Today only about 20 — the people raised their own. I–94 between Milwaukee and Kenosha is last November. percent of the money is returned to the “It’s a hold-up,” Hiniker says. “The peo- experiencing an annual traffic-rate reduc- But Walker has rejected that strategy, localities where it’s paid. Instead, most ple are already paying taxes to maintain tion of 0.88 percent, far lower than the saying that fees are virtually taxes and he of the money in the Transportation Fund local roads, but their money is being used 0.75 percent increase projected by Wis- will not raise taxes. pays for state highway projects, which, of to build highways in other parts of the DOT. At the same time, the expansion Still, legislative Republicans are not on course, do nothing to patch up the pot- state. It’s unreal.” work has caused horrendous traffic delays board, with even Walker’s most ardent holes that throw your car out of alignment. and accidents. supporters saying the state needs to find Nor do they do much to relieve traffic, WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 9 Minn. company hires 500 Wis. workers laid off due to Walker budget proposal A Minnesota home care company plans secretary of the Department of Health and to hire hundreds of Wisconsin employees Human Services, was informed. who are losing their private-sector jobs Elderly and disabled participants in IRIS due to an item in Gov. Scott Walker’s have given emotional testimony at budget budget. hearings around the state, begging law- Walker wants to cut $19 million from makers not to take away their caregivers the program known as IRIS, an acronym and their ability to remain in their homes. for “Include, Respect, I Self-Direct.” IRIS Due to the budget proposal, Gemini- allows elderly and disabled people to Cares, which provides home health work- choose their own caregivers and support ers in Wisconsin under IRIS, announced services within an allotted budget. plans to lay off 700 workers in Slinger, The cut is notable because it doesn’t Adams, Hayward, Eau Claire, La Crosse, save the state a dime, according to a non- Marinette, Neillsville, Reedsburg, Stevens partisan fiscal analysis. It also will cost Point, Whitehall and West Bend. jobs and could raise costs by turning the But a Minnesota company, International program’s functions over to large, for- Quality Homecare Corp., announced it will profit insurance companies. hire at least 500 GeminiCares workers — Republicans and Democrats alike were and possibly more in the future. surprised and upset to learn of Walker’s — The Associated Press plan to eliminate IRIS. It appeared in his budget without prior warning or discus- sion. Not even Kitty Rhoades, Walker’s

Photo: Pixabay Traffic in Hanoi, Vietnam. By the numbers: Wheels around the world About one-third of people surveyed in access to a working auto at home, about 44 countries reported access to a work- 2 percent have access in Vietnam and ing car at home. Bikes are more common, Bangladesh. according to the Pew Research Center, Pew found the possession of a scooter which said about 42 percent of people in or motorcycle is lowest globally, but high 44 countries possess at least one working in South and Southeast Asia. More than bicycle at their residence. 80 percent of people in Thailand, Vietnam, About half of people in the United States Indonesia and Malaysia reported house- said there is a working bicycle at home. But hold ownership of a working scooter or chances are a German garage more likely motorcycle. About 60 percent in China, 47 will contain a bike — eight in 10 Germans percent in India and 43 percent in Pakistan. possess a bike. Other countries with high By comparison, about 26 percent report- rates of bike ownership include: ed household ownership of a scooter or • Japan, 78 percent motorcycle in Italy, 23 percent in Greece. • Thailand, 74 percent In the United States, the percentage is • Poland, 70 percent at 14, still above France, Poland, Russia, • Vietnam, Chile, China and Indonesia, Mexico and Colombia. more than 60 percent. Pew identified some interesting statis- The lowest rates of bike ownership exist tics related to wealth and income. Wealth- in Lebanon at 7 percent and Jordan at 5 ier people are far more likely to own a bike percent. than are others in the United States. Not so Auto ownership is high in the United in other countries, where bike ownership States — 88 percent, just a point behind is more even among the income classes. Italy. Across the European Union, the The trend suggests bike ownership in the median is 79 percent. Pew documented United States remains more a means of a wide disparity in auto access in Asia recreation than a mode of transportation. — about 83 percent in South Korea have — Lisa Neff 10 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Pit bull bans blasted as biased, without merit By Lisa Neff political action committee formed to fight “I knew I was going to get a lot of criticism reads a “dangerous dogs” passage on the Staff writer breed-specific legislation. The Ohio PAC, and I knew I had to be smart when it came website. Eavesdrop on the social circles at the founded by pit bull champions Alisha and to this puppy. If he ended up being poorly Yet, the American Veterinary Medical local dog park. Luke Westerman, operates under the ban- trained, it would have been because I failed Association says no breed or type of dog is The snippet of conversation about dis- ner Ohioans Against Breed Discrimination. as an owner. Just as kids are raised, so more dangerous than another. crimination and bullying might sound like The PAC maintains that breed-specific are puppies. As parents, we have to teach The AVMA says, “Any dog can bite, a discussion of the latest proposal to allow legislation is discriminatory, ineffective, them right from wrong, good from bad.” regardless of its breed, and more often businesses to refuse service to gays. But unenforceable and unconstitutional. Other opponents of breed-specific bans people are bitten by dogs they know. It’s the human companions to the canines may Similar arguments were shared this have adopted the online petition as an not the dog’s breed that determines risk be denouncing breed-specific laws and spring in the Wisconsin community of effective lobbying tool. A year ago, activ- — it’s the dog’s behavior, general size, defending pit bulls. Platteville, where the common council ists defeated a proposed ordinance to ban number of dogs involved and the vulner- “When I walk my pit bulls, I get looks considered a proposal to prohibit Staf- pit bulls in Medford, Oregon, after amass- ability of the person bitten that determines and people cross the street to get away fordshire bull terriers, American pit bull ing more than 8,600 signatures on a Care2 whether or not a dog or dogs will cause a from us,” said Lisa Williams, founder of terriers, American Staffordshire terriers petition. serious bite injury. Dogs can be aggressive Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue, a non- and mixes with those breeds. “It is wrong to discriminate against a for all sorts of reasons. A dog that’s bitten profit that rescues pit bulls and other large The council in April voted 4–2 against breed,” said Aigner. “If you are going to once can bite again and a dog that’s never dogs from animal control shelters. “My continuing a discussion on the matter after go after someone, it should be the owner bitten could still bite. Don’t rely on breed dogs will not hurt anyone, they love peo- hearing from opponents of a ban, which for not training their dog correctly, not the stereotypes to keep yourself safe from ple. But, because of how they look — some lacked an endorsement from the police breed.” dog bites. A dog’s individual history and with cropped ears and tails, cut before I chief and was the focus of an online peti- DogsBite.org is a website and national behavior are much more important than ever got them — people won’t give them a tion drive. organization “dedicated to reducing seri- its breed.” chance. People will look at our pictures on Platteville resident Kieryn Aigner ous dog attacks.” The group maintains The U.S. Centers for Disease Control display at events and say, ‘Oh, you’re a pit launched the Care2 petition campaign in that the number of dog bites in the United and Prevention, the American Bar Associa- bull rescue’ and walk away. March, after Ald. Mike Denn proposed States is under-reported and that certain tion and the American Society for the Pre- making it “unlawful to own, harbor or types of dogs — pit bulls and Rottweilers vention of Cruelty to Animals also oppose Dangerous breeds? keep” a pit bull terrier or a mixed breed — are deadly. The group says from 2005 breed-specific legislation. “So many end up in the shelter because of pit bull. to 2014, pit bulls and Rottweilers caused The ABA “urges all state, territorial and people think they cannot be family dogs. Aigner, who adopted a pit bull in 2013, 74 percent of the human fatalities from local legislative bodies and governmental It is the perception. … My favorite adopt- quickly collected thousands of signatures dog attacks. agencies to adopt comprehensive breed- er was a 70-year-old island woman who and lined up dozens of people to address “Unlike other dog breeds, pit bulls fre- neutral dangerous dog/reckless owner adopted a pit puppy in order to promote the common council if necessary. quently fail to communicate intention prior laws that ensure due process protections them as the wonderful dogs they are,” said “Considering the reputation pit bulls get to an attack (surprise attacks), possess for owners, encourage responsible pet Williams, whose rescue is based in Florida. on being a ‘bully’ breed, I made sure to do a lethal bite style (hold and shake) and a ownership and focus on the behavior of Earlier this spring, the first known my research” before adopting, Aigner said. ruinous manner of attack (gameness),” BANS next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 11

BANS from prior page States rethinking bans PHOTO: PIXABAY In Ohio, after passage in 1987 of a law both dog owners and dogs, and to repeal that identified pit bulls as “vicious,” some any breed-discriminatory or breed-specific dog owners faced difficulties finding hous- provisions.” ing or securing liability insurance. Law- In its review of the issue, the CDC notes makers removed the language three years Recognizing the pit bull that data collection related to bites by ago, but a number of Ohio communities Dogs called pit bulls include breed is fraught with the potential for error still label pit bulls as “vicious.” the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in identifying the type of dog, especially Forfeiture of animals also results in American Staffordshire Terrier, among mixed-breed dogs. A 2009 study crowded shelters or increases in killings and the American Pit Bull Ter- supports this point, noting a significant by animal control. In Ohio in 2004, animal rier, as well as mixes of those discrepancy between visual determination control agencies killed at least 7,400 pit breeds. of breed and DNA determination of breed. bulls. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, The ASPCA’s position statement says 80 percent of the 500 to 600 dogs seized the organization “is not aware of credible and killed under a ban on pit bull terriers evidence that breed-specific laws make are “nice, family dogs.” communities safer either for people or Williams said, “It is heartbreaking when other companion animals. There is, howev- dogs are labeled dangerous and they really er, evidence that such laws unfairly target are not. … Many dogs that have been responsible pet guardians and their well- labeled ‘dangerous’ or ‘aggressive’ have socialized dogs, are inhumane and impede been rescued or adopted and turn out to community safety and humane sheltering be just the best dogs ever, once they feel efforts.” safe and secure. We want them to have a In its lengthy statement, the ASPCA chance to shine, if they can.” says breed-specific laws ignore factors And animal welfare advocates stress an or people,” said animal welfare advocate a Rottweiler or a Chihuahua, for that mat- known to affect a dog’s tendency toward unintended consequence of breed-specific Shelaghla Donohue of Madison. “Instead ter, is like saying, ‘We don’t like that kind aggression: early experience, socialization, legislation. As one type of dog is banned, of more communities passing bias legis- of person,’” said Green Bay animal rights training, sex and reproductive status. those who exploit and abuse animals train lation, I think Wisconsin should prohibit advocate Laura Lippert. “And we just don’t Breed-specific laws also “can cause others to be aggressive, to fight. breed-discriminatory legislation. Probably do that.” hardship to responsible guardians of prop- Breed-specific laws exist in 55 Wiscon- that won’t happen anytime soon.” Said Williams, “Give pit bulls a chance, erly supervised, friendly, well-socialized sin communities, according to DogsBite. States with measures against enacting you won’t be disappointed. Help out at dogs. … Although guardians of these org. Thirty ordinances ban pit bulls, while breed-specific legislation include Califor- shelters so the dogs can be more social- dogs may have done nothing to endan- other measures place restrictions on own- nia, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Illi- ized and have a chance to find homes. Ask ger the public, they nevertheless may be ership of pit bulls and Rottweilers, such as nois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, to pet a pit bull, you will most likely end up required to choose between compliance prohibiting pit bulls declared “dangerous” New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, covered in kisses.” with onerous regulations or forfeiture of or “vicious.” Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, their beloved companions,” according to “No good comes from discrimination, Texas, Utah and Virginia. the ASPCA. whether it’s discrimination against dogs “The way I see it, outlawing a pit bull or 12 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Wisconsin puppy mill breeders exposed in new report By Lisa Neff Repeat offenders inspector noted “lice nits in the fur of several dogs,” mat- Staff writer Among the Wisconsin breeders exposed in The Horrible ted dogs, dogs with fur “dirtied with excrement due to How much is that doggie in the window, the one with Hundred, John Zeiset, operator of Lone Pine Kennels in unsanitary conditions,” a dog with nails so overgrown the waggly tail? The cost — measured in suffering — is Thorpe, is classified as a repeat offender in the report. the animal could not properly walk and a “significant and high if a puppy mill supplied the dog to the store. Last June, a USDA inspector found a Cavalier King unacceptable accumulation of excrement in whelping The Humane Society of the United States in May issued Charles spaniel at Lone Pine Kennels in Clark County with enclosures.” The Horrible Hundred: Puppy Mills Exposed, with a state- an “open and discharging laceration on the bottom of The inspector also observed a Siberian husky with three by-state breakdown. It is not a comprehensive list of bad its neck,” which appeared to be caused by an embedded puppies kept in an outdoor enclosure with only a cracked breeders, but rather an annual report that offers a sam- chain collar. The gash was untreated. igloo-type shelter and other puppies housed in a corncrib, pling of the problems in the breeding industry. In December 2014, a state inspector found at the kennel with no other protection. In Wisconsin, this means it’s likely there are more excessive feces, unsafe conditions and more dogs in need The report said Bontrager was selling puppies whole- puppy mills than the four identified in the report. of veterinary care, including an underweight 15-week-old sale without the required USDA license. “There are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the Maltese puppy with one eye “completely sealed shut from At the Nolts’ facility in Clark County, federal and state U.S. and they exist in every state,” said Melissa Tedrowe, dried mucus.” inspectors repeatedly found problems with sanitation Wisconsin state director for The Humane Society of the In New Holstein, federal and state inspectors repeat- and animal care, according to The Horrible Hundred. Last United States. “Although Wisconsin is not one of the top edly cited Brooknook Puppies, operated by Herman Gin- November, a state inspector noted piles of feces, dogs five puppy mill states, it still has a significant number. gerich, for issues related to unsanitary and unsafe con- without adequate protection from the cold, puppies with And for every one that The Humane Society of the United ditions. USDA inspectors reported excessive cobwebs, their feet falling through holes in wire flooring and several States is aware of, there may be twice as many that are debris and rodent droppings, excessive piles of feces and dogs in need of veterinary treatment. One dog later was operating in the shadows, unlicensed and unreported.” euthanized due to “several tumor-like growths” near the ear, along with a wound that was open and bleeding. In Canines for commerce March, a USDA inspector said the kennel was now com- A puppy mill is a dog-breeding business in which the pliant. physical, psychological, and/or behavioral needs of the Several animal welfare watchdogs contacted WiG to dogs are neglected due to inadequate housing, shelter, report the four breeders in Wisconsin are Amish, and that staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, vet- conditions at their facilities were indicative of how the erinary care and inappropriate breeding. Amish treat animals, as resources rather than pets. The Humane Society compiled The Horrible Hundred Lisa Williams, founder of a Florida-based rescue shel- report from inspections by federal and state agencies, ter, worked as an investigator for a national animal rights such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Wis- group. “I investigated three puppy mills, two of them consin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Amish,” she said. “Depending on how many dogs they Protection. have, they can make around $100,000 per year just by The report reveals widespread problems in the U.S. selling puppies. I went to a farm with over 400 dogs in two puppy breeding industry, as well as gaps in laws and small barns. They think nothing of keeping them in small enforcement. wire cages and never letting them out for their entire lives. Missouri and Kansas continue to shelter the greatest Trucks come to the farms in the night and pick up puppies number of problem dealers for the third year in a row — to move to pet stores. I watched them do that. It broke 23 in Missouri and 16 in Kansas, followed by Nebraska at excessive temperatures. State inspectors noted similar my heart.” 14, Iowa at 11 and Arkansas at seven. problems. The most recent state report, dated December Tedrowe said, “No one should neglect the proper care Partly as a result of greater public scrutiny and stronger 2014, indicated improvements but feces remained an of their animals, Amish or otherwise. There is no excuse laws, nearly two dozen problem breeders identified in issue, as well as a lack of adequate grooming at the Calu- for animal cruelty. That being said, The HSUS has found 2012 and 2013 closed down. met County facility. puppy mills with dreadful conditions operated by people Still, puppy mills continue to be relicensed year after The report identified two other problem breeders in of all creeds. We really need to place the focus on the year in the United States. Many dogs in these facilities Wisconsin: Mose Bontrager in Hillsboro, and Alvin and conditions that animals are living in, not the lifestyle of are inbred and overbred, receive minimal veterinary care, Esther Nolt in Thorp. the owners.” poor quality food and water and little socialization and In a February inspection, officials determined Bon- Efforts to reach the Wisconsin breeders were unsuc- exercise. trager’s kennel in Vernon County had not been cleaned cessful as of WiG’s deadline on May 20. for a week, apparently because the owner left town. The MILLS next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 13 MILLS from prior page denied three applications and other cases and details about health care involved facilities that either went out of Meanwhile, some animal welfare advo- • If the animal is being sold on the Internet cates responding to The Humane Society business or reduced the number of dogs • If a seller or an advertisement fails to report said more must be done to close sold to less than 25 per year. have a license number from the state. the mills. On the first anniversary of the law, “We’ve accomplished a lot in the past Yvonne Bellay, animal programs leader A license does not guarantee a breeder five or six years, but we must do more. We for DATCP’s animal health division, said, is providing humane conditions for dogs, can always improve,” said activist and dog- “We’ve taken a great first step this year as evidenced by the four Wisconsin breed- rescuer Monette Barrett of Milwaukee. toward protecting the welfare of dogs in ers listed in The Horrible Hundred. But a Wisconsin.” license means the breeder is inspected Law and enforcement Still, animal welfare advocates want and being monitored, making it possible to Legislation signed in 2009 by Demo- more protections for future pets, specifi- identify problems and expose bad opera- cratic Gov. Jim Doyle went into effect in cally tools enabling the rapid removal of tions. mid-2011 and set minimum standards of dogs from unsafe and unsanitary condi- “The HSUS estimates that across the daily and veterinary care for dogs and tions and putting repeat offenders out of country there are as many as two unli- established a licensing program for breed- business. censed breeders for every one that is ers and sellers that annually market more But they also stress the important role licensed,” said Tedrowe. “That is why we than 25 dogs from more than three litters consumers play in either propping up recommend that no one ever purchase and prohibited the sale of puppies less puppy mill operations or closing them a puppy without personally visiting the than 7 weeks old unless sold with their down: Puppy mill operators breed dogs for breeder to see where the puppy was mothers. The law provides for an inspec- the money, not the love of breeding dogs. raised. And, of course, we always encour- tion process and requires that certificates “It isn’t easy for the USDA or the state age adoption from an animal shelter as the of veterinary inspection or health certifi- Department of Agriculture to simply shut very best way to find a best friend.” cates accompany dogs sold or adopted for down a breeder just because they had a fee. The inspectors evaluate the gen- some violations,” Tedrowe said. “Often Action alert they have to go to court in these cases, eral care of animals, conditions of indoor People who suspect a puppy mill which can be a costly and lengthy process. and outdoor enclosures, transportation of should report the operation to the That’s why the public really has to take dogs, animals’ ages, record keeping and Wisconsin Department of Agricul- part of the responsibility.” health certificates. ture, Trade and Consumer Protection The Department of Agriculture, Trade, Consumer watchdogs at datcp.wi.gov. If you witness cruel and Consumer Protection website says the or inhumane treatment of an animal, Animal welfare advocates caution peo- intent of the law “is to protect the welfare you can also report the issue to the ple against purchasing a puppy from a pet of dogs and to protect consumers who buy local animal shelter and law enforce- store or over the Internet, because the or adopt them.” ment. Also, HSUS operates the Puppy dogs commonly come from puppy mills. Act 90, dubbed “The Puppy Mill Bill” as Mill Tipline at 1-877-MILL-TIP and, for And the only way for potential buyers to it moved through the Legislature, passed information, a micro site at apuppyis- know if they are purchasing from respon- with unanimous support in both cham- notaproduct.com. — L.N. bers. Doyle’s signature on the measure sible breeders is to visit breeders in person was hailed as a milestone. Before passage, and see how and where their puppy was Wisconsin was one of the few states with raised, according to The HSUS. no regulation of dog sellers or shelter “If every person who purchased a puppy operators. The federal Animal Welfare Act took the time to visit the breeder and also requires minimum standards. ensure that the dogs are living in good con- “But the standards are just that — mini- ditions, puppy mills would cease to exist,” mal survival standards,” said Tedrowe. Tedrowe said. In the first year, the DATCP inspect- In Wisconsin, people should be wary of ed 339 breeders, dealers and sellers purchasing a dog: and reported that 289 earned a state • If they are denied access to where ani- license. Concerns resulted in 35 facilities mals are sheltered receiving conditional licenses. The state • If the seller cannot provide a certificate 14 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Editorial Please recirculate & recycle this publication. WEDC agency shows why the state lags In his 2010 campaign for governor, Scott Walker pledged businessmen were showered with booze, iTunes gift cards to create 250,000 jobs. At the center of his pledge was the and Badgers tickets at taxpayer expense through WEDC, P r o g r e s s i v e . A l t e r n a t i v e . creation of a new public-private agency called the Wiscon- according to the latest audit. The Wisconsin Gazette is published every sin Economic Development Corporation, which replaced The primary purpose of WEDC was to grant loans sup- other week and distributed throughout the the state Commerce Department. Right-wing media were porting companies’ efforts to grow and hire more workers Milwaukee area, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, overjoyed to bring in private business people to grow the in the state. But the 2013 audit found that money was being and 40 other cities statewide. To have state’s economy instead of relying on wonky government handed out without any such agreements. Since that audit, WiG delivered to your address, contact types. large loans have been made to companies that outsourced [email protected] or call 414- Unfortunately, none of WEDC’s boosters seemed con- jobs to places such as Tijuana, Mexico. We’d love to hear 961-3240, ext. 101. cerned about oversight and accountability. Yes, govern- Walker explain the thinking behind that plan. WiG Publishing, LLC. © 2015 ment regulators are annoying, with all those pesky little The more recent audit found that loan recipients are still 3956 N. Murray Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211 boxes to check on compliance reports and taking care to not contractually required to submit information showing dot every “i” and cross every “t.” that jobs were created and/or retained. It also showed that CEO/Principal But all that boring paperwork serves an important pur- WEDC has continued not to comply with state laws or to Leonard Sobczak pose, as WEDC ultimately proved by dispensing with it. collect information about the numbers of jobs created and [email protected] Left alone to run amok, that’s exactly what WEDC did retained as a result of its handouts. publisher/Editor in Chief the minute it left the station. Millions of dollars in loans In his 2015–17 budget, Walker proposed fixing the mess Louis Weisberg were made without any terms attached. Technically, they he created by combining WEDC with the Wisconsin Hous- [email protected] weren’t even loans — they were handouts, because they ing and Economic Development Authority — in other Senior Editor were granted without stipulations or payback terms. Many words, bringing it back under government control. But Lisa Neff, [email protected] were not recorded, so they can’t be tracked and will never after the latest audit, he sent an SOS to the Legislature, be repaid. Those were among the shocking findings of a asking lawmakers to step in and handle it. It takes an ARTS EDITOR 2013 audit of the agency. Changes were promised following incomprehensible amount of gall for the man who set up Matthew Reddin the audit, but a follow-up audit this month doesn’t suggest the agency and serves as its chair to turn it into someone [email protected] overall improvement. Since 2013, more than $4 million in else’s problem. Business development loans were written off by WEDC because they were only People who wonder why Wisconsin’s economy lags the Manager 90 days behind in their payments. What sort of creditor rest of the nation need look no farther than WEDC. It’s Mark Richards forgives a loan that’s only three months in arrears? Does emblematic of the Walker administration’s arrogance, [email protected] Walker think if he stopped paying his Sears bill the com- incompetence and disregard for the rules. It illustrates Business manager/ pany would say, “That’s OK, forget about it,” after three not just ignorance of the most fundamental workings of Production coordinator months? government but also a complete lack of interest in them. Kaity Weisensel WEDC has continued to treat taxpayer money like play It reveals a character that cannot accept responsibility and [email protected] money. Walker, who chairs WEDC, says he’s horrified by whose only leadership strategy is to spin his failures into Graphic Designers the prospect that a food stamp recipient could buy lob- someone else’s problem. Eric Van Egeren, Maureen M. Kane ster with taxpayer money. But he didn’t bat an eye when COPY EDITOR Stephen DeLeers SALES information [email protected] or call 414.961.3240 Account executives Kim Jackson, [email protected] WiG’s WEB PICKS Jeff Kerr, [email protected] Logan McDermott, [email protected] Laurie Verrier, [email protected] Larry Zamba, [email protected] Circulation [email protected] 414-961-3240 Distribution Andy Augustyn, Shaunna Boswell, Shawanda Collins, Thomas Now, Robert Wright CONTRIBUTORS Maddy Hughes, Jamakaya, Bill Lamb, Kat Miner- ath, Mike Muckian, Jay Rath, Kirstin Roble, Some of Anne Siegel, Gregg Shapiro, Julie Steinbach our favorite recent pictorials from cyberspace WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 15 ON THE RECORD Lawmakers: Stop harassing the poor paternalism. Politicians at prove their sobriety in order conservative values and phi- “It’s not something I’m proud the local, state and federal to receive the vital social losophies, but politics has of but it’s something that hap- Opinion levels have set behavioral services necessary for sur- once again trumped policy. pened. (John Lindsay) and I had a standards as a condition to vival. Despite outcries from We don’t drug-test little fling one night and the next U.S. REP. GWEN MOORE receive public assistance, local lawmakers and Wis- wealthy CEOs who receive morning, I woke up and I had these ranging from ridiculous to consin’s faith community, federal subsidies for their creatures and I had no idea (what they were). He When you’re trying to feed your family and stretch outright unconstitutional. the governor stuck to his private jets, nor do we tell sent me flowers the next day and apologized. And Implemented under the discriminatory policies. Pell Grant recipients which of course, I never really saw him again.” a dollar, steaks and short ribs don’t make it to your guise of fiscal responsibility Walker claimed his propos- degrees to pursue. We don’t — FLORENCE HENDERSON, the ageless enter- and self-sufficiency, efforts al wasn’t meant to hinder dictate how senior citizens tainer who’s most famous as Carol Brady on TV’s grocery list. As one of nine siblings in a low-income to regulate the activities of the ability to receive critical should spend their social The Brady Bunch, telling The Huffington Post that low-income Americans have government assistance. In security checks, nor do we she caught crabs from former New York Mayor household in Wisconsin, my mother made a habit emerged all over the coun- his own words: “I’m making force judges or public offi- John Lindsay. The story is included in her new tell- try. it easier to get a job.” cials to prove their sobri- all memoir Life is Not a Stage. of buying inexpensive stew- ing meat for us. These In 2011, Florida Gov. Rick Gov. Sam Brownback ety to earn their paychecks. Scott required Temporary upped the ante in Kansas by Attaching special demands “Something I want you all to think about is that tough cuts of beef came in handy when shopping on Assistance for Needy Fami- signing legislation that aims to government aid exclu- the next president of the United States, whoever lies applicants to submit to prevent welfare recipients sively targets our country’s that individual may be, could choose up to three, a budget, but if Missouri lawmakers have their way, to mandatory drug testing. from spending their assis- most vulnerable individuals maybe even four members of the Supreme Court. After years of litigation, not tance on items like tattoos, and families. The implica- (This election) isn’t about who’s going to be the stewing meat will be off the menu for the working class. only did two federal courts body piercings, spas, linge- tion that those battling pov- president of the United States for just the next rule Scott’s policy uncon- rie, theme parks and for- erty are more susceptible four years. This could be about individuals who Republican state repre- sentatives have recently stitutional, but the state tune-tellers — a remedy to to substance abuse is as have an impact on you, your children and even also failed to produce any a trend that simply doesn’t absurd as it is offensive, and our grandchildren. That’s the weight of what this introduced legislation that would regulate the kind of reliable results of drug use exist. Adding insult to inju- forcing people to choose election is really about.” among those tested. The ry, the law also sets tighter between feeding their fami- — RICK PERRY, former Texas governor and groceries one can purchase with taxpayer money, ban- program did prove to be a welfare eligibility require- lies and protecting their likely Republican presidential candidate, speaking colossal waste of time and ments, cuts time limits for constitutionally protected to an audience in South Carolina. ning sales with food stamps for “cookies, chips, energy taxpayer money. how long one can receive rights is disgraceful. drinks, soft drinks, seafood Wisconsin governor and benefits and restricts ATM In this ongoing compe- “Arctic sea ice is undergoing a striking, closely likely Republican presi- cash withdrawals from Tanf tition of Republican one- monitored and highly publicized decline.” or steak.” Impoverished Americans dential candidate Scott accounts to $25 a day. upmanship against the poor — Opening line of a new study by SCRIPPS Walker upped Scott’s ante One would think that there are no winners. If we INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPY that found the and the social safety net programs they depend on by proposing that recipi- Republicans would be first abandon the idea that each Arctic sea may go ice free in the summer faster ents of both food stamps to reject such government of us is worthy of dignity, than previous models had projected. have increasingly become the target of forced political and unemployment benefits overreach as anathema to we all lose. “New research from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography says that predictions of an ice-free Arctic are based on ‘oversimplified’ theories.” In support of Young, Gifted & Black — CLIMATE SCIENCE DENIERS spinning the Scripps Institution’s study cited above. Their In the aftermath of Paul temic problems within and justice system, those who icy on how and when to use response appeared on the Daily Caller. Heenan’s shooting on Nov. around the MPD. Sadly, have known homelessness, force. The present standard 9, O2012,pinion a group of residents just over two months into have known food insecurity, — individual fear (Graham “People are frustrated that they want to see from the Madison com- 2015, our community is have felt the hand of state v. Connor) — cannot be the munity, former and current again grieving the loss of violence on their necks. standard of a professional, more women, doing more things, in superhero Community Response Team movies and because we don’t have as many law enforcement officers, yet another unarmed resi- These human rights cham- democratic police agency. It women as we should yet, they’re very, very sensi- representatives from social dent killed at the hands of pions are the voices of some is far too low. tive to every single storyline that comes up right service agencies, mental police. Only this time, state of the most impacted — and Until there is actual data now. But I think what’s beautiful about what Joss health experts and aca- violence has ended the life among those to whom we to show that officers incur did with Black Widow. I don’t think he makes her demics formed a group that of young, unarmed Black look for leadership within greater injuries or fatalities any weaker, he just brings this idea of love to a called itself the Community teenager. our community. due to increased restraint, superhero, and I think that’s beautiful. … I think Response Team. What’s his name? Tony The Community Response the present standard must that what people might really be upset about is We were deeply shaken Terrell Robinson. Team is offering its resourc- be raised and training the fact that we need more superhuman women.” by the police culture, policy Another mother’s child es and strong support for adjusted accordingly if we — Kenosha native MARK RUFFALO saying in and training that led to the has been taken from her and the leadership of the Young, are a community commit- a Reddit interview that people are wrong to criti- actions taken that night and the pain seems bottomless. Gifted and Black Coalition. ted to the moral idea that cize Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon for his that continued throughout We all urgently feel things We share their concerns Black lives, and indeed all handling of the Black Widow character. He called the year. We worked tire- must change. We must pre- and stand behind them in lives, truly matter. Leader- Whedon a “deeply committed feminist.” lessly to examine the cul- vent this from happening making their demands. We ship must be proactive and ture, motives, policies, again. hope our efforts comple- any new system must be “The only thing you can think of as an artist is management and incentives A bright spot within all ment theirs and that togeth- carefully monitored in order try to come up with something where you explain that led, not only to Paul of this tragedy is the emer- er we can move our criminal to be held accountable. to people why life is worth living, and is a positive Heenan’s fatal shooting, but gence of the Young, Gift- justice system, our govern- This is what professional thing, and does have some meaning. Now, you to the damaging and dys- ed & Black Coalition, an ment and our community to police do in a free and dem- really can’t do that without conning them. You functional communication energized group of youth- higher ground where edu- ocratic society. can’t be honest and do that. Because in the end, from the Madison Police ful thought-leaders who cation, safety, health and This is what our commu- it has no meaning. You’re living in a random uni- Department to the commu- are amplifying the ideas of prosperity are equitable nity expects and demands verse. You’re living a meaningless nity after his death. people from whom we hear opportunities for all. and we will accept nothing life.” Two more fatal, officer- least in our community. In order to provide this less. — WOODY ALLEN speaking with involved shootings during These are the voices of quality of life to all resi- We are committed to The AP at Cannes, where he’s pre- the next several months LGBTQ, Black, and Brown dents, we believe that the helping MPD meet this high senting Irrational Man. strengthened our drive to residents: those touched MPD must overhaul several calling. identify and address sys- personally by the criminal policies starting with its pol- 16 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015

NATIONAL Briefs

Survey: 40 percent of beehives died in past year More than two out of five American honeybee colonies died in the past year, and, sur- prisingly, the worst die-off was in the summer, according to a federal survey. Register online, vote early Since April 2014, beekeepers lost 42.1 percent of their colonies, the second highest Come 2016, when the nation picks loss rate in nine years, according to an annual survey conducted by a bee partnership its next president, a record number that includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture. of Americans will have the option of “What we’re seeing with this bee problem is just a loud signal that there’s some bad registering online and voting early, things happening with our agro-ecosystems,” said study co-author Keith Delaplane at according to Pew Charitable Trusts, the University of Georgia. “We just happen to notice it with the honeybee because they a nonpartisan public policy group. are so easy to count.” When President Barack Obama was first elected in 2008, only two states Feds close insurance loopholes on preventive care — Arizona and Washington — offered From contraception to colonoscopies, the Obama administration on May 11 closed a a website where citizens could regis- series of insurance loopholes on coverage of preventive care. ter. By 2016, a majority of states may The U.S. Department Health and Human Services said insurers must cover at least one offer that service. birth control option under each of 18 methods approved by the FDA — without copays. Also, insurers can’t charge patients for anesthesia services in connection with colo- noscopies to screen for cancer risk. Independent experts and women’s groups had recently found insurance coverage gaps for some of the preventive care mandated in the Affordable Care Act. Indiana rethinks tourism slogan An Indiana tourism slogan could get the boot as part of an effort to repair the state’s public image, which was battered by an anti-gay religious objections law. In other national news … A New York public relations firm is expected to look at the “Honest to Goodness • PETA PROTESTS: In a lawsuit filed in U.S. Dis- • BLOOD BAN REVISITED: The FDA on May Indiana” slogan as part of a $2 million review of the impact of the Religious Freedom trict Court in Alexandria, Virginia, the People 12 released proposed guidelines for screening Restoration Act, signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in March. When the tourism slogan for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleges blood donors at increased risk of carrying HIV. was adopted last year, some critics dismissed it as too wholesome and even judgmental. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sanction- Under the proposal, the current blanket ban That could prove counterproductive to efforts to reboot Indiana’s brand as more wel- ing a massive loophole in the Endangered on donations from gay men would be replaced coming, although the slogan was already in place as the state’s summer season tourism Species Act. The law allows exceptions in the with a policy barring donations from men who campaign got underway. import or export of endangered species when have had sex with another man in the last In the wake of the RFRA, many companies canceled travel to Indiana amid concerns granting a permit aids the species’ survival. year. The Obama administration previously that the law was anti-gay. Although the law was modified to address discrimination PETA says the agency is granting exceptions announced the policy shift in December. concerns, tourism officials told the Indianapolis Business Journal that meeting planners for applicants making donations as small as are still reluctant to schedule events in the state. — from WiG and AP reports $500 to conservation groups. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 17 REGIONAL Briefs

• RESTITUTION AND REHABILITATION: The • OPEN RECORDS REQUESTED: A Milwaukee Chicago City Council in May passed land- County Circuit Court has heard oral argu- mark legislation providing reparations for ments concerning a lawsuit brought by Voces torture committed by former Chicago Police de la Frontera, an immigrant rights group, Commander Jon Burge and his detectives. against Milwaukee County Sheriff David Forty-three years after Burge’s reign of torture Clarke under Wisconsin’s Open Records began, a resolution providing compensation, Act. The group wants information regard- restitution and rehabilitation to survivors ing requests from the federal government to passed with overwhelming support. the sheriff’s office ordering detention and deportation. Clarke provided documents that • PROFILING CHICAGO: During recent years, redacted information. the Chicago Police Department has set up far more roadside sobriety checkpoints in minor- • JEOPARDY CHAMP: Green Bay Packers ity communities than in predominantly white quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned $50,000 ones, according to a Chicago Tribune investiga- for childhood cancer research by defeating

Photo: Courtesy tion. Out of 152 roadside sobriety checks set astronaut Mark Kelly and Shark Tank’s Kevin SMALLER IS BETTER: The town of Bayfield in northern Wisconsin is one of “the 20 up between February 2010 and June 2014, 127 O’Leary on Celebrity Jeopardy. Rodgers’ chosen Best Small Towns to Visit in 2015,” according to Smithsonian.com. In a news release — or 84 percent — were in black or Hispanic charity is Midwest Athletes Against Child- from the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau, Bayfield Mayor Larry J. MacDonald said, police districts. Fewer than 4 percent of the hood Cancer. “The recent designation from Smithsonian reinforces all the qualities of the place we checkpoints were in majority-white districts. call home.” — from WiG reports Milwaukee delays decision on marijuana measure Milwaukee aldermen on May 12 voted to delay a final decision on a proposal that would greatly reduce the fine for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Ald. Nik Kovac took the proposal to the full council for a vote, saying his goal is to “make the fine so low that it wouldn’t be worth writing the ticket.” The proposal would lower the maximum fine from $500 to $50 for possessing as much as 25 grams of marijuana. Four members of the Common Council joined Ald. Terry Witkowski in voting to delay the change until the council could gather more information from law enforcement officials and the courts. A Wisconsin law enacted last year gives local governments more control over regulating marijuana.

In other regional news … • MOMS’ RIGHTS: A same-sex couple from Madison filed a federal discrimination law- • OUTFITTING OFFICERS The University : suit because the state failed to put both of Wisconsin-Madison’s police officers are their names on their baby’s birth certificate. expected to be wearing body cameras this fall, Chelsea and Jessamy Torres say the state’s but the police chief first wants to get public 4:30-6:30PM practice of listing opposite-sex parents on input on how officers should use them. The birth certificates, but not same-sex parents, department has ordered 10 cameras at $400 is discriminatory. The couple listed both their each, but Chief Susan Riseling said the devices names on their son Asher’s birth certificate are back-ordered because so many depart- after Chelsea gave birth March 15. The couple ments are buying them. was married in New York in 2012. 18 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Walker Watch tins Walker aides pressed for SCOTUS rejects conservatives’ COMMUNITY Bulle $500K loan to major donoR appeal to halt John Doe probe Gov. Scott Walker’s top aides pressed The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a for a taxpayer-funded $500,000 loan to a petition from conservative groups seeking now-defunct Milwaukee company that was to halt a probe into whether Scott Walker’s collapsing and created no jobs, according 2012 recall campaign illegally coordinated to a newspaper investigation. activities with the Koch brothers’ Club for Walker’s economic development agen- Growth and other GOP organizations. cy, the Wisconsin Economic Development The right-wing groups seeking to end Corporation, awarded an unsecured loan the investigation did not argue they were to Building Committee Inc., owned by Wil- innocent of the charges, but rather that it liam Minahan, according to records the infringed on their constitutional rights to Wisconsin State Journal obtained through free speech and free association. an open records request. Earlier in May, the Reporters Committee The 2011 loan is among several recently for Freedom of the Press and four other questioned by state auditors in a report journalism groups won a lengthy battle for that led Walker earlier this month to ask access to documents concerning Walker’s lawmakers to scrap the loan program. second so-called John Doe probe. The first, Paul Jadin, the former head of WEDC, which concerned his 2010 gubernatorial said Minahan and then-Administration campaign, resulted in the convictions of Secretary Mike Huebsch pushed for a several Walker staffers on charges of cor- $4.3 million loan to Building Committee, ruption, embezzlement and working on but the agency couldn’t justify more than campaign activities on Milwaukee County Photo: Pixabay.com BIKING BENEFITS: Milwaukee area businesses partnered in Bike! Bingo and Bicycle $500,000 — which Jadin said he consid- time. Benefits to promote cycling this spring and summer. Cyclists place Bicycle Benefits ered “fairly risky.” The documents show that Walker stickers on helmets and find discounts at participating businesses.I n Bike! Bingo, riders Minahan had given Walker’s 2010 was planning to argue that his coordina- cycle to participating businesses to complete a bingo on their card for a prize. For more, gubernatorial campaign a $10,000 dona- tion with Club for Growth was not illegal go to bicyclebenefits.org. tion on Election Day — the maximum because it happened before he was an individual contribution allowed under law. officially declared candidate in his 2012 Walker spokeswoman Laurel Patrick recall race. Progressives unite against income inequality said the likely 2016 presidential candidate The case now goes to the Wisconsin Progressive leaders, including Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan, in mid-May wasn’t aware of the donation. Patrick also Supreme Court, which is expected to rule united to launch The Progressive Agenda to Combat Income Inequality. said the governor, who chairs the WEDC by the end of June whether the investiga- “The Progressive Agenda shifts the national conversation to creating an economy board, “has not met with Mr. Minahan, nor tion can proceed. The court is almost cer- which serves hardworking Americans by reforming our tax code and supporting work- was he involved in or aware of any part of tain to rule in Walker’s favor. Its conserva- ing families,” said Pocan. “This agenda addresses the root causes of income inequality the loan process concerning The Building tive majority received millions of dollars in in America and puts meat on the bone of our progressive values.” Committee Inc.” campaign donations from Club for Growth For more, go to progressiveagenda.us. But Jadin said in this letter of intent and some of the other same right-wing that he was writing “on behalf of Governor groups involved in Walker’s case. Marcus Center hosts Flag Day events Scott Walker” and noted “cc: Scott Walker, The Republican lead investigator has Milwaukee’s Marcus Center for the Performing Arts hosts its sixth annual Flag Day Governor” at the bottom. called on the justices to recuse themselves Celebration on June 12.The festivities are at the Marcus Center’s Peck Pavilion at 11 a.m. Documents also show that in June 2011, from the case, but Chief Justice Patience New this year will be a naturalization ceremony, followed by the presentation of col- lobbyist Eric Petersen, who represented Roggensack has ruled that justices don’t ors, the singing of the national anthem by Hmong American Peace Academy Students BCI and Minahan, and Keith Gilkes, the need to recuse themselves from cases in and an invocation by Lt. Colonel Carl H. Krueger of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. governor’s chief of staff at the time, met which there’s a real or perceived conflict The master of ceremonies is Paul Mathews, president and CEO of the Marcus Center. with Huebsch and Minahan — a member of interest, including campaign donations The keynote speaker is retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Shua P. Yang, recipient of two Bronze of the WEDC board — to discuss the loan. from one of the parties in a case. Stars. For more, go to marcuscenter.org.

Other community bulletins … • POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE: The Women’s • GOOD GIVING: Cream City Foundation International League for Peace and Freedom announced $48,000 in grants to nonprofits in recognized Milwaukee native Annette Jacobi Southeast Wisconsin: AIDS Resource Center of Roberts, who died in 1986, for her lifetime com- Wisconsin, Milwaukee LGBT Community Cen- mitted to world peace during a celebration at ter, Milwaukee Gay Sports Network, Milwau- The Hauge. Roberts was one of the 38 women kee Pride Inc., Fair Wisconsin Education Fund, who witnessed the birth of the U.S. Section of Diverse and Resilient, Planned Parenthood of Women’s International League for Peace and Wisconsin and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Freedom. For more, go to peacactionwi.org. For more, go to creamcityfoundation.org.

• CELEBRATING CONSERVATIONISTS: The • ARTS ENDOWMENT: The National Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters’ Con- Endowment for the Arts announced a $10,000 servation Victory Fund is the beneficiary of a grant award to Milwaukee’s Present Music to celebration set for June 2 at the Lussier Family support ComposeMilwaukee, a new community Heritage Center in Madison. The 2015 Conser- engagement project with local composers. For vation in Action Awards will be presented and more, go to presentmusic.org. WLCV board member Tom Thoresen and for- — from WiG reports mer program director Anne Sayers will be hon- Send announcements to Lisa Neff at lmneff@ ored. For more, go to conservationvoters.org. wisconsingazette.com. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 19 ut on the town May 21 – June 4 A curated calendar of upcoming events

World’s Largest ‘Dirty Dancing’ May 26 to 31 Photo: Joe Viles/FOX Brat Fest May 22 to 25 Some stage adaptations of classic films take wide liber- Events like the World’s Largest Brat Fest are nice because ties with the source material, reinventing it for better or they’re exactly what they say they are — the world’s big- worse. Not Dirty Dancing. There are tweaks, to be sure — gest celebration of a quintessential Wisconsin sausage, in some new songs, some stagecraft to suggest the scenes this case. But there’s more to the Memorial Day weekend that might otherwise only work on film, and of course, more festival than the 3.5 million brats sold since 1983, or the dancers. But this version of the 1987 film (billed as “The $1.4 million raised for more than 100 charities. The event Classic Story on Stage”) stays true to its roots. It’s a faith- also will feature a carnival midway, charity run, kids’ play ful, nostalgic look at one of the greatest films of the 1980s. area and musical guests, including classic rock artist Bret Because nobody puts Baby in a corner. At Overture Center, Michaels of Poison. On Willow Island at the Alliant Energy 201 State St., Madison. Tickets range from $40 to $99 and Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison. Admission is can be ordered at 608-258-4141 or overturecenter.com. free. Visit bratfest.com for more details.

Wurst Times Festival 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 23 There’s something nice about a festival that wears its affection for Dickens puns right on its sleeve (it was the best of times, etc.), but the real reason to like this Madison event is for its commitment to a single day of celebrating Madison through song and brats and beer. In its fifth year, John Mulaney 7 and 9:30 p.m. May 29 the fest again will partner with the Madison Area Music Association, bringing local artists, including The Mascot OK, so maybe Mulaney didn’t work for its titular comic, Theory, Stop the Clock and Rodeo Burns to the adjoining who played a version of himself trying to make it big as venues of High Noon Saloon and The Brass Ring, as well a stand-up comic. But that’s fine because John Mulaney as an outdoor stage. At 701 E. Washington St., Madison. already has risen up the comedy ranks in real life, both in $10 donation requested. Visit wursttimes.com for more the world of stand-up and as an acclaimed writer on SNL. information. It’s not clear where Mulaney goes next in the abstract sense, but in the physical sense, the next place he’ll be is right here, for two shows in Milwaukee. At the Pabst The- atre, 144 E. Wells St. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at 414-286-3663 or pabsttheater.org.

The Black and Brown Comedy Get Down 8 p.m. May 29 Seeing six comedians in one night already sounds like a fantastic evening. When those comedians are Cedric “The Entertainer,” Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez and Charlie Murphy, you’re getting way more than your money’s worth. They’ve been touring the country as part of the Black and Brown Comedy Get Down, and they’ll be passing through Milwaukee one night only. At the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St. Tickets are $50 or $72, and can be ordered at bmoharrisbradleycenter.com or Photo: Matthew Murphy 414-227-0400. 20 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 ut on the town

‘That Sixties Show!’ 7:30 p.m. Photo: Rick Ebbers/McDill Design May 29 (Madison) and May 30 (Milwaukee) Madison and Milwaukee’s all-male gay and gay-friendly vocal ensembles will team up for this spring concert reflecting on a long-gone time period. In That Sixties Show!, Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus and City of Festivals Men’s Choir will perform a vari- ety songs as diverse as the decade, from the British Invasion and Broadway musical numbers to Motown and music of the pro- test movement. At First Union Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, and Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Lynden’s Fifth Craig Ferguson Milwaukee. Tickets are $20 and can be Anniversary 8 p.m. May 30 ordered at perfectharmonychorus.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 30 Craig Ferguson had to cancel his last Five years ago, the Lynden Sculpture Gar- Milwaukee gig to film a pilot. But now den opened its doors to the public, allow- he’s back, and the former Late Late Show ing everyday people to see the dozens of comedian and current Celebrity Name sculptures collected by Peg Bradley, the wife Game host will be making up for lost of Allen-Bradley Corp. co-founder Harry time. He may not have the same nation- Bradley. This year, they’re celebrating with al platform, but his Hot and Grumpy a day of outdoor adventure, kite flying, Tour retains its best — and funniest — butterfly garden planting and refreshments elements. At the Riverside Theater, 116 from Falafel Guys. John Riepenhoff’s “Beer N. Wisconsin Ave. Tickets are $46 and Endowment” for artist-run organizations can be purchased at 414-286-3663 or will offer the first taste of its Green Gallery pabsttheater.org. beer, brewed by Company Brewing. At 2145 Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee. Admission is $9, $7 for seniors, students and children. Visit lyndensculpturegarden.org for details.

UPAF Ride for the Arts Photo: UPAF May 31 The average bike ride doesn’t do anything for the arts. UPAF’s does just about every- thing for the arts. This annual fundraiser, where riders gather pledges and donations before embarking on one of five different routes (from 5 to 66 miles), is responsible for a large portion of the United Performing Arts Fund’s annual campaign — the money that keeps the arts companies you love creating, educating and inspiring. Routes are run throughout the day and all end at the Finish Line Party at the Summerfest grounds, with live entertainment and food. Visit events.upaf.org for more details. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 21 ut on the town A curated calendar of upcoming events May 21 – June 4

‘Camino Real’ June 3 to 14 Jazz in the Park 5 to 9 p.m. Off the Wall Theatre loves a polarizing on Thursdays June 4 to Sept. 3 play. Among the many works of Tennes- see Williams, Camino Real may be one that One of Milwaukee’s greatest tradi- truly fits the bill. Set in a vaguely Latin tions, Jazz in the Park, returns with American country and featuring an eclectic a sizzling lineup. This free summer cast of characters including many famous music series in Cathedral Square Park from literature, Camino Real creates a poetic regularly brings regional and national atmosphere of romance and dreams that artists to Milwaukee. This year’s line- clashes with the corrupt world around it. up includes flamenco-influenced LA Off the Wall director Dale Gutzman has band Incendio, newly-formed Midwest reworked the various versions of Williams’ act Wifee and the Huzz Band, New show, which met with mixed success in his Orleans soul band Davina and the lifetime, making it more palatable for his Vagabonds and Chicago-based salsa/ audiences. At 127 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. merengue group José Valdez & the Tickets are $25 and can be ordered at 414- Mambo All-Stars. Performances start 484-8874 or offthewalltheatre.com. at 6 p.m., but happy hours begin an hour earlier each week. Admission is free. More information can be found at easttown.com.

‘Ziegfeld Girl’ 7:30 p.m. June 3 Once upon a time, Judy Garland, Hedy Lamarr and Lana Turner were all showbiz hopefuls looking to get a big break. So it makes perfect sense that they’d be cast as showbiz hopefuls in Ziegfeld Girl, a 1941 film that chronicles their characters’ efforts to join the Ziegfeld Follies. Chill on the Hill Kickoff 6:30 p.m. June 2, 6 p.m. subsequent Tuesdays The Charles Allis Art Museum will screen the film in conjunction with its current exhibit: Bay View’s summer concert series will get a better-than-usual jumpstart with a top-tier More on Less: The History of Burlesque in America from Lydia Thompson to Amber Ray. At 1801 local guest: the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. They’ll play the inaugural installment of N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee. Tickets are $7, $5 for seniors and students. Visit charlesallis. this weekly live music series, their first appearance at Chill on the Hill to date. Guest con- org for more information. ductor Brett Mitchell will lead the ensemble in a variety of works, by composers including Wagner, Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington. Future Chill on the Hill performances will take place Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. At Humboldt Park Chalet, 3000 S. Howell Ave. Admission is free. Visit bayviewneighborhood.org for more details.

Photo: Ross Zentner

Elsewhere in WiGOut…

‘Into the Woods’: An adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale epic hit the big screen last year, but if you want the whole story, you need to see the real thing, com- ing to Milwaukee’s Skylight Music Theater. Through June 14. See page 30.

‘Held’: Two Madisonians wrap up Broom Street Theatre’s 45th season with this musical tale about three friends whose relationship is tested when one’s extraordi- nary powers strand them in a timeless land. May 29 to June 20. See page 31.

‘Present Music Nation’: Present Music gives its audience the power in its conclud- ing concert, where everything on the program has been selected via popular vote. June 5. See page 33. 22 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 23

Order up! It’s National Hamburger Day! By Mike Muckian Grilling up a Milwaukee Ramping Up a Classic Sweet, Savory, But Not Contributing writer original I’m not one for burgers with a lot of fixings. Altogether Strange Fire up the grill and uncork the condi- It was a brisk morning as the last of 2014’s Give me a bun, meat, cheese, ketchup — May starts the season of road trips, and ments. May is National Hamburger Month snow melted when some friends and I decid- maybe lettuce if I’m feeling healthy. our first this year was to Wollersheim Win- and May 28 is National Hamburger Day, ed to spend a Sunday enjoying brunch and But I make exceptions when the mood ery just south of the Wisconsin River and a a time when even the healthiest among then taking a trip to the Mitchell Park Hor- strikes me, and there’s one exception that short 30-minute jaunt north of Madison. us honor the great American tradition of ticultural Conservatory, aka “The Domes.“ still stays with me. Ironically, it’s from a brat But before sampling the latest vintages, meat and bread and a whole stack of con- After reading several “Best Bloody Mary” house, not a burger joint. The Milwaukee we stopped for lunch at The Blue Spoon diments between them. reviews, we were off toSobelman’s Pub and Brat House (1013 N. Old World Third St., Creamery & Café (550 Water St., 608- Many claim credit for inventing the Grill (1900 W. St. Paul Ave., 414-931-1919). 414-273-8709), to be specific, home to a 643-0837) in Prairie du Sac just north of hamburger, but one of the earliest honors The hunt was on for the greatest “bloody.” variety of non-sausage items including a the river. goes to “Hamburger Charlie” Nagreen. In What we found with it was The Big SOB. monstrous offering called the Wisconsin Part of Culver Franchising Systems Inc., 1885 he started selling meatballs tucked For $12, you can get a three-patty burger, Burger. For $9.95, it’s a deal for its sheer size. the Blue Spoon is a sort of uber-Culver’s, between two bread slices to attendees which contains a mountain of American, The Wisconsin Burger still fits my usual with creative cuisine, craft beer and an of what was then called the Seymour Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, fried onion, style of minimal toppings, but the ones it enviable wine list. That afternoon, one dish Fair, now the Outagamie County Fair, in bacon and diced jalapenos. The taste of the puts on its half-pound ground steak patty are stood out from the intriguing menu — the Seymour, southwest of Green Bay. The burger was juicy, each bite exploding with perfectly selected. A slice of cheddar cheese, Peanut Butter-Caramel Onion-Pickle Burg- Seymour Community Historical Society jalapeno flavor because they dice rather savory sautéed red peppers and, best of all, er. A combination like that just begged to explains that Nagreen named his creation than slice the pepper. The different cheeses, a hearty helping of Wisconsin cheese curds, be tasted. At $8.99 with one side, it teased the “Hamburg steak,” a dish with which melted and oozy over the patties, made the so many they’re spilling out of the bun. me out of my comfort zone. he felt the local German immigrants were sandwich sharp and juicy. I ordered sweet Making my way through that burger was We sat in anticipation on the Blue familiar. potato fries as a side. like climbing a mountain — I wasn’t sure I Spoon’s outdoor terrace overlooking the But as Nagreen first proved, hamburg- I was nervous watching my friends order was going to make it to the proverbial top river and breathing the warm spring air, ers are as unique as the person who makes but, once consumed, the burgers brought and I haven’t had the fortitude or fortune to waiting for the burger to arrive. them. Cooks — amateur and professional contented smiles to our faces. Needless to attempt it again. But every bite was worth The 7-ounce patty arrived on a whole alike — vie for the title of burger master say, after reaching the Conservatory, I spent the journey. grain bun spread with creamy peanut but- (or mistress) by offering their own unique my time napping in the desert dome. Sometimes you aren’t looking for an every- ter, topped with caramel onions and full- spins on an all-American favorite. — Logan McDermott, account executive day burger. You’re looking for an adventure. sized dill pickle spears and slathered in And we all have our favorite burgers, — Matthew Reddin, arts editor Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. My side of made in the style that we grew up with, or choice was baked beans with fresh apple some exciting variation we discovered at chunks. a pivotal point in our life. To some burger My burger was both sweet and savory, lovers, more is less, while for others it’s with creamy peanut butter spread across definitely the bigger the better. an all-beef patty for a hint of sweetness We polled some Wisconsin Gazette fam- and complexity. The caramel onions ily and friends, asking them to conjure up bridged the gap to the savory side, with the their best burger memories. Hopefully, pickle spears adding a vinegary tartness to they’ll give you some better ideas about the flavor profile. The slightly spicy BBQ where to celebrate this May 28. sauce held it all together. For more hamburger recommendations, The burger was moist and the bun was go to wisconsingazette.com/dining. in tatters when I was done, but it was well worth the extra napkins. — Michael Muckian, food and wine writer/ contributor 24 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Greet warm weather with a selection of summer sippers

By Michael Muckian Contributing writer Warm weather chases away the winter blues and so should summer cocktails, according to Mike McDonald, a mixologist with the Milwaukee firm Bittercube Bitters. He says there’s no time like the present to polish up the glassware, start grating citrus fruits and get down to some serious cocktailing. “Characteristically, warm-weather cock- tails are lighter, brighter and often feature fresh fruits, vegetables and floral com- ponents that are starting to reach the markets once again,” says McDonald, a Milwaukee native. “I don’t think there is anything I would completely stay away from when designing spring and summer cocktails.” McDonald gained his mixology mastery working with Bittercube founders Nicholas Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz, who he says admired his enthusiasm and interest. Bit- tercube produces six types of cocktail bitters from all-natural ingredients and uses distillates from Madison’s Yahara Bay Distillery. The pair began creating small-batch bit- ters, an essential cocktail ingredient, by hand in 2010. Bittercube also has consult- ed with bars and restaurants throughout the Midwest to create unique cocktail pro- Photo: Bittercube grams. Representatives have been known Mixologist Mike McDonald of Bittercube says that any cocktail made with high-quality to lend their spirited prowess to trade ingredients, properly balanced and properly presented should be successful. shows, speakeasy nights and other cock- tail events throughout the Midwest. to tell you a story about how it came to gist’s pace, McDonald says. “Good warm- What is the secret to a successful cock- be,” McDonald says. “All of the ingredi- weather cocktails are the ones that can tail? McDonald would tell you it’s the use ents should be thoughtful and work well deliver us from winter,” he adds. of high-quality ingredients blended in a together. Understanding flavors and how McDonald favors cocktail classics balanced format. Presenting those ingre- they interact with our sense of taste and that have stood the test of time, blended dients in the proper cocktail glass doesn’t smell is essential.” with new and exciting flavors for a more hurt, either. In case of warm-weather libations, the nuanced approach. Different gins and “A successful cocktail should be able drinkers’ mood should help set the mixolo- rums impart different flavors to the blend, and selection by brand also should be a primary consideration in cocktail creation. “I think the next trend in cocktails is updating and improving classic concepts like bottled cocktails, complex soda syr- ups and other aspects,” McDonald says. “Herbal extracts, acids and other com- pounds commonly found in the kitchen are quickly becoming new tools for bartend- ers and those at the forefront of product creation.” During the warm weather, the drink you will find most often in McDonald’s glass is the classic daiquiri. A high-quality rum, blended with fresh lime juice and a sweet- ener of some kind, goes down very easy, he says. “It may be obvious by now, but if the cocktail is balanced and the flavors of the ingredients play well together, chances are I’d enjoy it,” McDonald says. Here are some classics redefined and updated by Bittercube to add just the right spirit to your next warm weather gather- ing. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 25

Daiquiri 2 oz. Twisted Path White Rum Shake, strain through tea strainer. .75 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice Glass: coupe, sidecar .75 oz. simple syrup Garnish: lime wheel Welcome PrideFest!

Tom Collins 2 oz Rehorst Gin .75 oz. lemon juice Shake, strain through tea strainer. .75 oz. simple syrup Glass: collins/highball 2 oz. seltzer Garnish: lemon twist 1 dropper Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters

Hemingway Daiquiri 1.75 oz. Plantation 3 Star White Rum .75 oz. grapefruit juice Shake, strain through tea strainer. .5 oz. lime juice Glass: coupe, sidecar .75 oz. Luxardo maraschino liqueur Garnish: lime wheel .5 oz. simple syrup

French 75 1 oz. Citadelle Gin Shake first three ingredients, plus .5 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice bitters. Add sparkling wine and .5 oz. simple syrup double strain into fluted glass. 3 oz. sparkling wine Glass: flute 1 dropper Bittercube Jamaican Garnish: long lemon twist #1 Bitters

Old Fashioned 2 oz. Twisted Path Vodka (80 Proof) Stir, strain .25 oz. *lavender syrup Glass: rocks with ice 2 droppers Bittercube Jamaican Garnish: lemon peel #2 Bitters

Lavender Gimlet 2 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin Shake, strain through tea strainer. .75 oz. fresh lime juice Glass: coupe .75 oz. *lavender syrup Garnish: lemon wheel 1 dropper Bittercube Jamaican #2 Bitters

*Lavender Syrup Steep lavender in hot water for 24 grams dried lavender five minutes covered. Strain with a 2 cups hot water chinois (a fine mesh conical sieve) 2 cups granulated sugar and measure back up to 2 cups. Whisk in 2 cups of sugar slowly. 26 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015

FramingWiGOUT! the conversation Milwaukee’s gallery owners build an art community

By Kat Minerath Contributing writer “Everyone has to do their own bit. Not sit back and wait for other people to do it. Get up off your ass and do it yourself, you’re an artist for f**k’s sake. Get creative.” So says Clive Promhows, owner of Milwaukee’s Live Artists Studio, one of several galleries in the city’s artist com- munity. It’s advice that illuminates the energy of that community, unified by tenacity and passion. The Milwaukee art scene is rich with a diverse array of galleries and art venues, but there are distinct changes afoot. The closing of the DeLind Gal- lery of Fine Art after 46 years, and the forthcoming shuttering of Elaine Erick- son Gallery this June will create voids Photo: Courtesy in the wake of their long-established Each of Milwaukee’s independent galleries has its own feel — be it traditional, presences. Yet, there are new locations DIY or, like the modular, multi-room Portrait Society Gallery, a little bit of both. for exhibitions that suggest transfor- mation in the way art intersects with a Ward. She has remained there for the like coming into my own little chapel. public audience, and other established past 25 years. You get visual stimulation from the work. galleries are changing too. She attributes her longevity to the I spend time with the pictures and every- But regardless of change, one thing deep sense of enrichment visual art gives day see them anew.“ remains the same: Each gallery has its her. “It makes life so enjoyable,” Folliard The longest-running gallery in the city own distinct feel, an individual expres- says. “It inspires you, it makes you happy, is the David Barnett Gallery, now in its sion of its owners’ vision. it changes everything. I can’t imagine a 48th year. Initiation into the art business blank wall. It just makes your life full in a came early for Barnett. When he was The Gallery Tradition different way.” 16 years old, his family’s factory closed, Most conventional, in Milwaukee, are Jensen came to gallery ownership derailing his assumed future with the the Tory Folliard Gallery and Dean Jen- from a different direction. Originally a business. His interest in art took over; sen Gallery. These two mainstays devel- newspaper reporter, his life took a sud- three years later he opened his gallery. oped in the Third Ward in the late 1980s, den shift after a yearlong fellowship at Initially, Barnett’s focus was on local growing as the neighborhood did. the University of Michigan, studying artists. But several years in, he took out Folliard’s interest in art was nurtured Renaissance painting. Returning to his a loan and flew to New York, where he by her work as a docent, and she started newspaper job, he had an awakening: purchased works by Pablo Picasso, Joan to take her work home with her — her “From the instant I got off the elevator Mió, Salvador Dalí and more: an invento- earliest shows, featuring the work of the first day after that wonderful year ry to grow from in subsequent decades. Guido Brink, took place in her own house. in Ann Arbor, I made the decision that I Barnett’s gallery is in a Victorian house When things got to the point that she didn’t want to do that anymore,” he says. on the East Side, and visitors will note was moving furniture to make room for “Before the year was out I had a gallery.” the extraordinary diversity of works on more art, it became clear that a dedi- Jensen’s career as a novelist also view — from historical pieces to contem- cated space was in order. demands his attention, but the gallery porary art. After several successful exhibitions in remains important. “This has been won- He says these works serve as a reflec- Fox Point, Folliard moved to the Third derful coming in here each day, sort of GALLERIES next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 27

GALLERIES from prior page five-and-a-half years, Promhow has hosted relevant to what is going on in all the big art tion of his individuality, rather than diver- 45 to 50 shows in the studio, on the fourth centers, too.” sity for its own sake. “It’s based on my own floor of an old industrial building in Walker’s Six shows are held at Usable Space yearly, personal beliefs in collecting, philosophy, Point. It intrigued him from the start. “I monthly from April to September. The loca- instinct and passion. ... It’s perhaps not a thought, I have no idea what’s going to hap- tion’s logistics (the gallery is a converted very business-like model but it’s the honest pen here, but I’m going to do my best,” he garage) preclude winter exhibitions. one for me which is why I have such a big says. Equally inventive is the new gallery space collection.” Being outside of a formal gallery structure opened by Mike Brenner, a veteran of the is also a point of liberation. Promhows says, local scene still known for his edgy Hotcakes Bending Conventions “We’ve got nothing to lose, we’ve got no one Gallery, which was open from 2004 to 2008. In 2008, the Portrait Society Gallery filled to please. There’s so much hidden talent in Brenner’s recent ambitions offer another a 300-square-foot office on the fifth floor this town. Huge. With art, with music, with alternative for the promotion of art. He’s of the Marshall Building in the Third Ward. acting, with film. It’s just a question of elevat- opened a new brewery in Walker’s Point, Director Debra Brehmer helped it grow, ing people’s attitude.” Brenner Brewing Company, that features and pushing her exhibitions out of that room and facilitates an adjoining art gallery and studio sending them sprawling into the hallway. Recent Ambitions space: The Pitch Project. As they continually increased in scope, they Making a physical location for things to Overseen by Jason Yi and Sonja Thom- eventually made the leap into adjacent areas happen also motivates some of the newer sen, The Pitch Project serves as a network as they became available for rental. galleries on the scene, including Usable of 22 artists’ studios, as well as exhibition These spaces have coalesced into a flex- Space, initiated by Keith Nelson about two space. It’s an effort by them and Brenner ible, multi-room venue, all dedicated to years ago in Bay View. to integrate art spaces into the community. Photo: Courtesy Brehmer’s expansive interpretation of por- His background as an artist, as well as Brenner is also incorporating original, con- David Barnett Gallery, now the city’s old- traiture. “I curate the shows out of my own 10 years spent as a preparator at the Mil- temporary art into the packaging of his beer, est, is a diverse gallery in a Victorian house interests and that’s the way it’s always been,” waukee Art Museum (where he still works with designs by artists including Sue Law- on the East Side of Milwaukee. Brehmer says. “I think it’s the only thing you freelance), gives Nelson a unique curato- ton, Erin Paisley-Steuber and James “Jimbot” can really do to grow and get people used to work looks like until we’re actually in the rial approach. He calls himself a “facilitator,” Demski on new products. the idea that there is a sort of a center and a space. The opening is happening and there’s offering exhibition opportunities for others. Brenner says there are challenges to this vision. It gives the gallery an identity.” a certain kind of presence in the air and in “I started Usable Space knowing that it’s joining of art and commerce, but he sees this Other art venues take a different approach. the work. Sometimes it’s years later that I not going to be a profitable business that as something more than product promotion. Green Gallery, now located on the East Side really learn about the depths of what a show can generate its own funding,” Nelson says. “You hope that eventually people do see the after a fire destroyed its primary space, has was about. For us it’s about a nowness, being “Another thing that was important to me value in it and it pays off. And then we can expanded considerably since its establish- very current, being present, and very open to was to have artists curate, and bring in continue to do it and grow it and make even ment in Riverwest in 2004. Director John the possibilities of what art can be and not artists from outside of Milwaukee. I didn’t more good for the community.” Riepenhoff began the endeavor while still a what our expectations have been.” want it to just be a local scene thing. I’ve It’s a mission that echoes the missions of student at UWM. “In essence, no one was Clive Promhows’ Live Artists Studio is had artists from New York, Chicago and so many other gallery operators throughout doing the type of gallery I wanted to see so driven by a model of deliberate scarcity. L.A. alongside artists from Milwaukee, so it the city, even as each frames their galleries I just made it happen,” he says. “My brother Promhows embraces visual culture, drama, shows that what is going on in Milwaukee is in their own individual way. started a recording studio in one room, the music and all manner of creative endeavors, gallery was in another room and a music but many of them are only held for a single venue was in another room.” day or a couple of nights. “The real good One of the guiding principles of Green stuff, you gotta get in there quick,” he says. Gallery is to create a sense of commu- These single-night and limited-run nity, and to form a place where ideas can be engagements, growing more common explored and developed. among other galleries and groups as well, “For the Green Gallery we don’t narrow have become important for showcasing his what it can be, we open it up,” Riepenhoff work and promoting many other artists in says. “Sometimes we don’t know what the often monumental exhibitions. In the last Current/Upcoming Gallery Exhibitions Tory Folliard Gallery Green Gallery 233 N. Milwaukee St. 1500 N. Farwell Ave. ‘Mark Forth: Modern Ballads’ ‘Kim Miller’ ‘Harold Gregor: Midwestern Master’ ‘“Democrats, Republicans, Capitalists May 29 to July 4 and Creeps” … and You’ Through June 13. Dean Jensen Gallery 759 N. Water St. Usable Space ‘Great Impressions IV: An Exhibition 1950b S. Hilbert St. of Contemporary Prints’ ‘Where Does It Go Now? New Paint- ‘Gérard Sendrey: Constantly Incon- ings by Annie Hémond Hotte’ stant ‘ Exhibition opens May 22. Through June 14. Live Artists Studio David Barnett Gallery 228 S. First St., Suite 302 1024 E. State St. ‘The Carol Show 2: Pastel Drawings ‘Kiki’s Paris’ by Carol Rode-Curley’ Through July 18. Exhibition opens May 22.

Portrait Society Gallery Brenner Brewing Company 207 E. Buffalo St., Fifth Floor The Pitch Project ‘Wis-Con-Sin’: Eugene Von Bru- 706 S. 5th St. enchenhein, J. Shimon & J. Lindemann, ‘Pyrite Suns, Miner’s Dollars’: An Charles Van Schaick Installation by Aspen Mays June 12 to Aug. 30. June 12 to Sept. 12 28 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 ‘Wisconsin Pastorale’ depicts a regional artist’s earliest successes By Michael Muckian Wisconsin Pastorale: The Early Paint- Contributing writer ings of Lois Ireland consists of 20 of Ire- Even standing at the back of the Madi- land’s works, filling one of the galleries at son Museum of Contemporary Art, the MMoCA, located inside Overture Center viewer can’t help but be drawn to “The for the Arts. The works will be on display Homestead,” an oil painting by Wisconsin through July 19. regional artist Lois Ireland. The work lacks Now 87 and living near the Twin Cities, the inner luminescence of Ireland’s other Ireland is still painting, these days mostly works, but the clarity of the objects against pastels. However, the MMoCA retrospec- the pallid landscape draws the eye for that tive focuses exclusively on Ireland’s pas- exact reason. torals painted during the 1940s, a time The 1944 painting evokes the country- when regional art was at its height — just side of Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton before it would be eclipsed by the abstract and John Steuart Curry, the latter of whom works of Jackson Pollack and other artists was instrumental in forwarding Ireland’s of the 1950s. career. A man and his dog walk through Ireland was just 14 in 1942, when Curry pale fields that brown with the season first saw her paintings on display inside a toward a simple farmstead that stands steakhouse in Westport just north of Mad- out against the white clouds and barely ison. Ireland was already part of the Wis- blue sky. consin Rural Arts Program and Curry was Photo: MMOCA The colors are pale, yet the lines are the artist-in-residence at UW-Madison. Lois Ireland’s “The Homestead” is a prime example of her regional art style, with its strong and surprises of detail, like a broad Ireland enrolled in the UW’s art depart- detailed yet simplistic depiction of life in the American countryside. tree’s shadow on the russet-colored shed, ment after graduating from high school speaks to a world complete in its simplic- and, under Curry’s mentoring, developed a ity and wonderful sense of color,” says the Fanny Garver Gallery on Madison’s ity. All are characteristics of American distinct style as a regional artist. MMoCA curator Richard H. Axsom. “Her State Street. Her talent remained, as did regional art, in which Waunakee-native “From the start, Ireland’s style pos- subject was the rural countryside and its her distinctive regional style. Ireland’s paintings of her home state play sessed a freshness typically associated seasonal calendar, whose bucolic charac- Regionalism of the type that Ireland a distinct, if not remarkable role. with folk and naïve art in its visual simplic- ter she lyrically celebrated.” painted is still around, but it is not consid- Ireland’s celebration of the Wisconsin ered mainstream art, Axsom says. Wis- countryside was part of a school of real- consin remains a hub for it, and examples ism that emerged during the ‘30s and of it are frequently featured in an annual ‘40s, Axsom says. In 1949, Ireland moved Art Calendar produced by the Dane Coun- to New York for a year to enroll in the Art ty Arts Commission. Students League, but returned to Wiscon- “They pretty much always sell out,” sin a year later to pursue her career as a Axsom says of the calendars, “which regional artist. means there is still a fondness for region- However, regionalism’s prominence alism. This is often good art.” began to fade in the 1950s, making it more difficult for a small-town Wisconsin girl whose mentor had passed away (Curry ON DISPLAY died in 1946). She turned away from art Wisconsin Pastorale: The Early Paint- and, in 1958, she married John Zwettler, an ings of Lois Ireland will be on display Oconomowoc barber. With him she raised at the Madison Museum of Contem- two children and assumed the duties of a porary Art, 227 State St., through mid-20th century housewife. July 19. For more information, visit But in the 1970s, Ireland returned to mmoca.org. painting, exhibiting some of her works at

Tickets available at: WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 29 Fantastic fandoms get the museum treatment at RAM By Larry Zamba Contributing writer Most art exhibitions show works from a movement or artist of the past, or perhaps a contemporary portrait of what’s going on in the world of art today. In comparison, the Racine Art Museum’s new exhibit is literally out of this world. A Whole Other World: Subculture Craft is a show that orbits around fantastic fan- doms in the realm of speculative fiction, like science fiction, superheroes and steampunk. The works included in A Whole Other World, by 26 artists (nine from Wis- Doctor Who’s scripts believe in embracing consin and one international artist), re- the differences that make you unique, and envision pop-culture sci-fi icons or explore emphasize intelligence over brute force to their own fantasy world. win the day. Lena Vigna, the curator of the exhibi- A reimagining of familiar characters tion — herself a fan of Batman, Wonder and artifacts from both franchises can in his life. His Uberdad costume is an Woman and Doctor Who — says, “I’m be found at the museum. Jamie Kratz- example that asks, ‘What does it mean to holding up a lens to the human condi- Gullickson of Beaver Dam creates felted be a man? If I put this costume on would I tion, trying to provide a framework of art Star Wars characters from local sheep’s feel like a hero?’” that doesn’t feel esoteric — rather more wool. Thomas Richner presents a new appealing to the general public.” 5-foot long cardboard replica of the Mil- STEAMPUNK lennium Falcon alongside an almost-to- Originating as a role-playing fantasy, sci-fi scale papier-mâché R2-D2. Whovians will “steampunk” is defined as a stylistic genre Photos: Courtesy Science fiction is an important artistic probably delight in Kristy Daum’s 6’ x 8’ inspired simultaneously by Victorian Eng- Thomas Richner’s replicas of Star Wars genre, because its ripple effect can predict stitched quilt, “The Tenth.” (If you have to land, the Wild West and futuristic tech- iconography, Marcia Docter’s Spider-Man- future innovations in science and engineer- ask, you’re obviously not a fan.) nology. Steampunk outfits overflow with themed painting and Creek Van Houten’s ing. At its best, science fiction forces us to overly mechanized devices and feature “Steampunk Capelet” are just a few of the ask, “How do we create a positive future by SUPERHEROES intricate design aesthetics. Tesla coils, works on display at RAM’s new exhibit. retro-engineering a social or technological Many have a love affair with superhe- multiple gears and pressure relief valves future that hasn’t happened yet?” roes — endowed with extraordinary pow- that may or may not have some important will have work featured in the exhibition, Science fiction is always painted against ers, we may love them more than we love function are common artistic choices. although he is exploring “reverse steam- a background of change, but the actions its ourselves, for they are who we want to be. Steampunk embraces a broad lifestyle punk” — re-contextualizing antiquated protagonists take to change their world for They inhabit an emotional world and a and creative vision, occasionally mixing technology in a modern context. “I believe the better can differ. destiny that only few can truly understand. the digital with the handmade. It is a that regressing technologically will allow Doctor Who and Star Wars could fall on Subtlety rarely enters the storyline. All fashion and lifestyle movement — sustain- us to progress socially,” Westbrook says. opposite ends of that. An action movie that’s needed are lots of primary colors, able, gritty, analog and salvaged, a fantasy Westbrook’s contributions to the exhib- series at heart, Star Wars celebrates com- bold type, love, fear, hate and a few explo- often imagined by artists to exist in a post- it include four gowns created from re- bat and strife as the way to vanquish evil. sions. apocalyptic or dystopian world. purposed materials, three of which were Artist Mark Newport flies against cli- But steampunk is different for each recently on display at the Pfister Hotel ON DISPLAY chéd superhero concepts. He constructs individual creator. Steampunk-influenced in Milwaukee. “What I’m suggesting is in A Whole Other World: Subculture Craft full-body superhero costumes, both for fashion designer Silversärk (aka Stephanie 2220 we could be using items from the at the Racine Art Museum runs May 24 traditional heroes and his own creations: Schultz) says that, “To me, (steampunk) past to create a more sustainable present,” through Sept. 6. RAM admission is $5, the Sweatermen and friends like Argyle- is about taking inspiration from every Westbrook says. “My work examines the $3 for students and seniors and free man. resource imaginable, and making a tan- expiration date of stuff. For example, I’m for children under 12 and members. Vigna says the suits pose the question gible, wearable piece of art to reflect the into using cassette tape, eight-track and Guests who visit in cosplay (dressed in of “Where do we look for heroes?” and time period or event, or encapsulate the reel-to-reel audio-tape as a woven fabric. character) will receive free admission ventures her own guess at an answer. “We designer’s thoughts and emotions, much I’m rescuing these abandoned memories throughout the exhibit’s duration. Visit look at superheroes as strong, but these like a painting.” to reincarnate them into elegant wear- ramart.org for more information. (costumes) are saggy. He calls them real Milwaukee fiber artist and Project ables.” heroes and compares them to real people Runway alum Timothy Westbrook also 30 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Skylight journeys ‘Into the Woods’ to end its season

By Matthew Reddin structure that makes the musical so effec- Staff writer tive on comic and dramatic levels. “If you For an entire season, Skylight Music The- haven’t seen the movie, and it’s just brand atre has been building a strong foundation of recognition, that’s great for getting people fairy tales, where Cinderellas and Dorothys to see us. But if you did see the movie and can set out on an adventure with pure hearts you thought, ‘It was good, but I don’t know and return having unequivocally vanquished if I want to revisit that movie again,’ I would the evil in their midst. highly suggest (you) come and see this. So With their final show, Into the Woods, much was distilled.” things aren’t so simple anymore. The musi- More to the point, Cahill had his vision for cal, composed by Stephen Sondheim with the piece in place long before Sondheim’s James Lapine writing the book, depicts a score spilled forth from projectors nation- variety of characters from classic fairy tales wide. A longtime fan of Sondheim who was — Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, the arche- fortunate enough to work with him as an typal Witch and Jack (of beanstalk fame) to actor in the 2005 revival of Sweeney Todd, name a few — as they work to make their Cahill has had his eye on Into the Woods for a wishes come true. Then it shows what hap- long time, and is directing it for the first time pens next. with the mostly local Skylight cast. “The first act is seeing the traditional He says his production could be seen as fairy tale characters pursuing their wishes centering around the message of “No One selfishly,” says director Edwin Cahill, mak- Is Alone,” one of the show’s songs. “For ing his first appearance with the company me, (that’s) the thesis of this whole show … since serving as the associate director with and not in the traditional, mawkish sense, Skylight artistic director Viswa Subwaraman of reassurance. But in the sense of, ‘Your on Fidelio in 2013. “The second act is actions have direct effect on your Photos: Ross Zentner actually what happens after ‘ever neighbors, your family and your Into the Woods depicts an eclectic cast of fairy tale characters — and a modern Midwest- after,’ and discovering that if community.’ And that’s a really ern couple (center and inset left) — as they chase their wishes, with catastrophic results. you only focus on yourself, powerful message.” catastrophic results arrive.” Community was at the visual callouts to co-ops like Outpost in their integrated children, it’s better for them to If the story sounds famil- forefront of Cahill’s deci- costumes. see how people can go awry, but if you make iar despite you not being sion about how to present Also important to Cahill was exploring good choices, you can get yourself back on a Sondheim buff, that’s Into the Woods’ only non- exactly what fairy tales mean to a communi- track. It’s not all over.” probably thanks to the fairy tale characters: the ty, and why they’ve persisted over hundreds, That’s part of the reason he believes any Disney film adaptation Baker and Baker’s Wife. even thousands of years. “I think the magic child who can sit through the two-and-a- that hit movie theaters In the original Broadway that both fairy tales and musicals hold for half hour musical is well-equipped to see at the end of 2014, star- production, he says, the an audience is understanding oneself better, the dark, serious second act as well as the ring major actors like Anna couple was presented both by laughing at oneself and also seeing happier first act, the only one included in the Kendrick, Emily Blunt and as an urban couple of the some of the faults that we all have, the weak- so-called “Junior” version often performed Meryl Streep. time — aka: New Yorkers, nesses,” he says. by high schools or amateur theaters. But don’t think having seen Upper West Siders perhaps, The problem, he says, is in most modern Without its second half, Into the Woods that means you should avoid the very much unlike 21st century fairy tales, which sanitize the dark, violent has no moral core — and everyone knows Skylight’s production. Cahill says Midwesterners. His duo (Jonathan elements in favor of the happy moments — it’s the lesson you learn that’s the important the cinematic adaptation, while good, Altman and Karen Estrada) are much in Disney’s classic Cinderella, for instance, part of any fairy tale. takes notable liberties with its source mate- more like the Milwaukeeans of today, com- there’s a handsome prince and a beautiful rial — jettisoning important characters and plete with stand mixers, a touch of empha- gown, but no sawing off of toes in the effort ON STAGE songs while abandoning the binary, two-act sis on their Middle American accents and to squeeze wicked stepsisters’ feet into slip- Skylight Music Theatre’s production pers. He sees it as a particularly American of Into the Woods runs through June 14 instinct to protect children, but one that at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 ironically leaves them unexposed to the evils N. Broadway. Tickets start at $23 and of the real world and unable to act morally can be purchased at 414-291-7800 or as adults. skylightmusictheatre.org. “I would argue,” he says, “that to have fully WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 31 New Broom Street musical aims for emotional impact

By Michael Muckian partnerships, we have to allow for change. Contributing writer The idea of a lifelong friendship or a lifelong Madison’s Broom Street Theater is cel- love is seductive and beautiful, but people ebrating the end of its 45th season with an need to grow. True friends should be like original musical by two veteran Madison art- sunlight for each other, encouraging growth. ists taking their first few steps into theater. The other is the importance of effec- Held tells the tale of three friends, one tively expressing anger. Personally, I have with extraordinary powers. They find them- had trouble with this for as long as I can selves trapped in a place where time stands remember. Something pisses me off and my still and the only way out is unthinkable. The anger sits there in the center of my abdomen play explores the nature of relationships like acid, churning and hot, until eventually and what holds the trio together, following a my body just absorbs it. Sometimes I feel like twisted timeline to its inevitable conclusion. all the rage I have ever felt is still present in This is only the second original production my body. I don’t think I ever learned how to for the play’s creators, Kelly Maxwell (book be mad and sometimes that’s just what we and lyrics) and Meghan Rose (music). But need to do to get the rage out. the pair has a history of working together:

They are half of Little Red Wolf, an all-female Do the two of you, singly or collectively, Photo: Courtesy indie rock quartet (Maxwell plays guitar, have a personal creative ethos? Meghan Rose (left) and Kelly Maxwell are collaborators on Broom Street’s Held. Rose plays piano). Meghan Rose: We are both fans of har- With their background in theatrical per- mony, literally and figuratively. In Little Red their best friend, but is not anymore. We seem morbid, but my goal is to not have a formance and composition, the pair has Wolf we always prided ourselves on our shared the stories of our friendships and why dry eye in the house. I want the audience taken its creative muse in new directions at vocal harmonies and writing for the musical they ended. This is a potent subject, one with to have those kind of silent tears that fall Madison’s oldest experimental theater. was no different. which I think most of our audience will be because something is beautiful. It means Maxwell and Rose recently filledWiscon - In the figurative sense, to keep harmony able to identify. something really resonated, which is what sin Gazette in on the particulars of the pro- within our friendship and our work was very Rose: The audience can expect to be very theater is all about. duction and their creative process. important and guided our process. Trusting moved by the emotions in the story and each other is huge, too. We had an advan- the music. I hope they fall in love with the ON STAGE How did Held first come about? tage knowing each other so well that trust characters, the songs, and I hope they are Broom Street Theater’s production of Kelly Maxwell: The show originated as was already there, but it’s a different thing transported to another world for the hour Held by Kelly Maxwell and Meghan Rose one of five short musicals that were con- when it’s just two of you. and fifteen minutes they are in the theater. runs May 29 to June 20 at 1119 William- ceived, written, rehearsed and performed Maxwell: I believe in saying yes. I believe Admittedly, I always want to make people son St. in Madison. Tickets are $11 and within just one week’s time for Are We Deli- in discovering the story, rather than creating cry with my songwriting, and the story defi- can be purchased at bstonline.org. cious?: Musical Fantasy. In that production, it. I believe in collaboration, and in choosing nitely serves that purpose as well. It may everybody wrote, everybody acted, and my collaborators very carefully. I see myself nobody rested until the final curtain. as a student, always. I learn from everyone. Meg and I were randomly paired up by the draw of a card, and the moment we were What would you like the audience to take matched I felt a spark of excitement light up away from Held? inside of me. I knew something special was Maxwell: We are hoping for emotional about to happen. resonance. We are trying to pluck those strings of poignancy running through peo- Does Held have a specific message? ple’s souls, and I hope our audiences are Maxwell: There were two themes that truly moved. were important to me as I wrote the show. When we got the cast together for the The first is the idea that within our most first time, I asked them to each bring photos intimate relationships, our friendships and of themselves with someone who was once 32 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 33 Present Music lets its ‘Nation’ pick its latest program

By Kirstin Roble staff members didn’t know what would be excited to have the Calamity Contributing writer a part of the concert until recently. Janes onboard,” says Woehlke. This June, Present Music will end its Present Music’s voting process took “They’re a great group that season with a great evening of music. The place largely online in late April and produces fantastic music twist? None of the audience members early May, with the group posting pos- — it’s an added bonus have any idea what they’ll be coming to sible selections on its Facebook page and for audience members see. sending out information to mailing lists as to have them performing Present Music Nation is the ensemble’s well. Fans had the opportunity to listen to with us.” second version of this “choose-your-own- all the pieces suggested and then vote for Woehlke was able concert” format. They first tested it with their favorites in an online forum, unable to divulge another small Choose, a concert in June 2012 that also to see the results or even what pieces clue though: The con- featured a program of audience-selected were currently leading the votes. cert will include a piece by pieces. June’s concert will showcase the vot- Present Music’s new com- Audience development manager Erin ing results, as well as create a show that munity engagement project, Woehlke said in a recent phone inter- reflects the audience Present Music has ComposeMilwaukee. view that the good reception of Choose cultivated over the last 33 years. “As for anything other selections or gave artistic director Kevin Stalheim the “Present Music Nation is a great embodi- how voting turned out,” Woehlke says, encouragement to plan for a similar show, ment of the organization,” explained “I am not allowed to say. You will have to when the time came. “The concert fit the Woehlke. “So much of what we do is com- attend the concert yourself and find out!” theme of this season, so we decided to go munity-centered. We pride ourselves on ahead with it,” she says. really being a community within the Mil- Present Music Nation will cap Present waukee scene. Present Music Nation lets Music’s 33rd season. The company was our audience, our community, become founded in 1982, and works with contem- involved with the development of a con- porary composers to develop and create cert and that is really special.” ON STAGE new music for Milwaukee. Despite being There is one thing those attending can Present Music Nation will be per- a locally driven music organization with a count on seeing for sure. The concert formed at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 5 at large Milwaukee fanbase, Present Music will include a performance by the Calam- Hot Water Wherehouse, 818 S. Water has grown to perform both nationally and ity Janes and the Fratney Street Band, St., Milwaukee. Tickets are $35, $25 internationally, and has won numerous a Milwaukee-based folk and bluegrass and $15, with a half-off discount for stu- accolades and honors in recent years. ensemble. dents. Visit presentmusic.org to order. Concerts like Present Music Nation The group has been on a brief hia- require a very different sort of prepara- tus, and Present Music Nation marks one Present Music Nation will conclude the tion than a regular show — after all, even of their first performances back. “We’re company’s 33rd season. 34 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 The Weepies turn a year of struggle into a powerful return to form

By Bill Lamb friends. Years prior, as they had their first Contributing writer children, Tannen says the couple joked that Celebrated folk-pop duo The Weepies, “(they) should just buy a house in Iowa.” composed of married couple Deb Talan and When they actually started looking, after Steve Tannen, will kick off their latest concert Talan learned she was pregnant with the tour May 29 at Madison’s historic Majestic couple’s third child, they weren’t so single- Theatre. It’s a tour in support of Sirens, their minded. They visited eight cities, considering first new full-length studio album in five the pros and cons of each. But when they years. And it’s been a hectic five years. experienced a “magical vibe” pulling up to Since releasing Be My Thrill in 2010, the their new home and found themselves talk- couple has moved to Iowa, had a third child ing to neighborhood children about items and faced Talan’s diagnosis of breast cancer as specific as where the best sledding hill in 2013. But with her cancer in remission, the was, Iowa City became the obvious choice. band is back on the road and showing their Shortly after they moved in, they set up a talents in new venues — including, unex- studio in the attic and recorded Sirens. pectedly, the BMI Pop Awards. The Weepies have stated in previous They were there, Tannen says, at the interviews that they associate the sound of request of pop artist Pink, who was being their albums with their cover art and Sirens is honored by the licensing organization with no different. While she was battling cancer, the President’s Award at this year’s event, Talan investigated how other cultures deal held on May 12. She got to pick the acts that with such a huge life issue. One of the cul- opened for her, and the Weepies, along with tures she studied was of the island of Bali, in Brandi Carlile, were the ones to get the call. Indonesia, and she found herself increasingly Tannen says it was a stressful experi- interested in Balinese sirens, or mermaids. ence, especially considering he doesn’t “get” It’s common for her to doodle or create etch- Photo: Robert Sebree Married duo Steve Tannen and Deb Talan will kick off their new tour in Madison. award ceremonies, but he and Talan acquit- ings during the recording process and, as ted themselves well on a performance of time passed, her drawings of them became tion, or that you can dream ahead of time. Attractions (who also is featured on Sirens), Pink’s “F**king Perfect.” a visual theme that defined their recording Still, he says the experience has changed and will have a six-person band in total — But now that the show is behind them, he process. the way he’ll look at songwriting going for- just for fun. “We wanna have fun,” Tannen and Talan can focus on their own work — While Talan’s battle shaped much of the ward, deciding that he’ll only write about says. “We feel like it’s a return to the world … considered by critics to be a strong return album, the couple wrote many of its songs “where everyone’s happy, there’s always and we’re going to go for as long as they will to form. Tannen says he and Talan recorded before her diagnosis, although that didn’t peace, and we all live forever.” let us on stage.” Sirens in their new home, a welcome change keep the occasional strange coincidence With Talan being declared cancer-free last from years of renting apartments in New from peeking through. In “No Trouble,” for year, Tannen says the group is in a celebra- ON STAGE York or Los Angeles. example, Talan sings “I don’t need no trou- tory mood. “Deb is fighting trim,” he says. The Weepies will perform at Madi- Tannen says the couple are “hermits by ble, but sometimes trouble needs me” — lyr- “She’s in such great shape.” son’s Majestic Theatre at 8:30 p.m. on nature” and the big cities where they spent ics written only weeks before her diagnosis. He expects that will carry through to the May 29. Tickets are $25, $28 day-of- the past 15 years weren’t conducive to that. “It still keeps me up at night,” Tannen says, mood of the tour, of which Madison is the show,ONLY and can be ATpurchased HALL at 608-255- Iowa City was always on their radar, a place although he adds that while he’s spiritual, he first stop. They’ll be joined by Pete Thomas, 0901 or 2015majesticmadison.com. JeTTA S where they’d performed frequently and had doesn’t truly believe the lyrics were a predic- the drummer for Elvis Costello’s band The $187/mONTH LeASe*

The Golf and GTI wanT To InTroduce

Ask for “VW Jake” TheIr newesT famIly member, The Golf sporTwaGen!

We take

19809 W. Bluemound Rd • Brookfield in our customers!  262.782.5300 • www.hallcars.com [email protected]

Hall-16sq-042315.indd 4 5/20/15 10:13 AM WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 35 The Sets List Music reviews John Mellencamp Brandon Flowers :: ‘The Desired Effect’ 7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Over- Brandon Flowers is best known as lead vocalist for The ture Center, Madison. $43 to Killers, but he’s gone solo before, on 2010’s Flamingo. For $129. overturecenter.org. his second effort, he enlisted producer 7:30 p.m. June 5 at the River- Ariel Rechtshaid, who worked with side Theater, Milwaukee. $43 Vampire Weekend on Modern Vam- to $119. pabsttheater.org. pires of the City. The Desired Effect is an Heartland rock just sounds like America, and album of big pop-rock anthems about John Mellencamp is one of the genre’s top trou- questions of morality and ambition. badours. He might have risen to prominence after One of the album’s best moments is The Boss became its primary voice, but he’s been the appearance of the Pet Shop Boys’ able to say more than a few things in his time, Neil Tennant via a voicemail message. with hits like “Hurts So Good,” “Pink Houses,” The segment is brilliantly worked into Lake Street Dive “Small Town,” and “Jack & Diane.” Although his “I Can Change,” built on an instrumental sample from Bron- 8 p.m. May 27 at Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee. $20, biggest hits may have come at the beginning of ski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy.” The Desired Effect is filled with $22 day of show. pabsttheater.org. his near-40-year career, he’s still talking, touring the hooks we expect from Flowers but Rechtshaid helps him If you love the Beatles as much as Motown but your in support of his 20th album Plain Spoken straight take the next step: to be memorable and, frequently, exciting. musical skills run more to jazz, you might be in Lake through the heart of America. Tickets come with Street Dive. This quartet has been performing together a digital download code for a free copy of Plain Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell :: off and on for more than a decade, but it’s only in the Spoken. ‘The Traveling Kind’ last few years that they’ve prioritized this work over Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell first joined forces their other bands. It’s paying off: They’ve learned to when he performed in her Hot Band in the 1970s. Since, put together a heck of a live show, backed by enviably both have become Americana lead- groovy tunes. The Congress, another rock and roll act ers in their own right. They reunited known for strong live shows, will open. two years ago, for the Grammy-winning album Old Yellow Moon. The Travel- ing Kind serves as a follow-up. It’s not flashy; instead it’s a deeply satisfying collaboration between two unassum- ing legends. Highlights include the old- fashioned honky-tonk of “If You Lived

abe Here, You’d Be Home Now,” a rock- C edged cover of Lucinda Williams’ “I Just Wanted To See You So Bad,” and the warmly engaging title song, co-written with Appleton’s Cory Chisel. The Mowgli’s Hot Chip 8 p.m. June 4 at the Majestic Theater, Madison. $20. 8 p.m. May 31 at Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee.

, Jarrod Mc , Jarrod Father John Misty :: ‘I Love You, majesticmadison.com. $25. pabsttheater.org.

gm Honeybear’ Britain has a long tradition of talented electron- They may have three members originally from points Three years ago, Joshua Tillman left Fleet Foxes and ic, synthpoppy music artists who don’t always get further east, but The Mowgli’s are quintessential Cali- evolved into Father John Misty. But he says the change the attention they deserve: Pet Shop Boys, Gary fornia. Making their mark with the peppy single “San was actually him shedding his sad

Francisco” in 2013, the band has developed a sunshine Numan, Brian Eno. Consider adding Hot Chip to a, Paradi

n songwriter persona to be himself. If the list. The band was leading the charge for a pop sensibility that they refine with each successive that’s so, I Love You, Honeybear is like synthpop revival long before the real revival hap- album and show. Increasingly, their music is taking on a concept album about Father John the tone of the journey they’re on, especially with new pened. So 15 years after their founding they’ve got eh Gha Misty. Its material is highly personal six albums to their name (including Why Make n single “I’m Good,” a percussive, unforgettable anthem. and highly arresting, from the weeping Sense?, released in the U.K. earlier this month) Milwaukee indie-electronic band Vinyl Theatre will string section on the title song to the open. and a cult fanbase that’s sure to tune in for their

cy, Poo cy, laugh track welded onto “Bored In the

Turner Hall show. n

e USA.” Sarcastic humor is everywhere

Ag — including a swipe at his previous Archie Powell & The Exports stage incarnation, “The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our 9 p.m. May 29 at the Frequency, Madison. $6, $8 day of show. madisonfrequency.com. dish Apt.” I Love You, Honeybear is the exciting sound of a gifted Power pop is alive and well and living in Archie Powell & The Exports. Composed of the titular lead singer n artist setting himself free. and three Export brothers to round out the lineup, the Chicago-based quartet has been rocking out since 2009, fueled by beer and a passion for honest lyrics and noisy riffs. They’ll bring their high-energy live act Paul Weller :: ‘Saturns Pattern’ north of the border for a spell, with Madison acts Heavy Looks and Little Legend opening. Paul Weller is a pop legend who remains little known this side of the Atlantic. As leader of The Jam in the ‘70s, he helped bridge punk and new

Cage the Elephant Wi ublic records, wave. Then he put together the jazz- p

8 p.m. June 5 at the Orpheum Theater, Madison. $30, $33 day of e pop lounge band Style Council in the R show. madisonorpheum.com. 1980s, earning his biggest U.S. suc- ht: ht:

The word “melophobia” means “fear of music,” so it was really g cesses. Since 1992, he has released 11 i R

strange to see it as the title of Cage the Elephant’s newest album. consecutive top 10 albums in the U.K. p

But for the band, it was more about fear of making music for the o Saturns Pattern varies wildly, but it all T has the feel of a mature legend at work. wrong reason, after the group took a few months off and reunited to m discover they had completely opposite visions of what their musical The heavy rock of “White Sky” could direction should be. The album reflected those dichotomies, branch- please Jimi Hendrix. “Going My Way”

ing out from Cage the Elephant’s core sound with bluesy rhythms, ise fro sounds like a 1970s AM pop radio outtake. “Long Time” soulful sounds and occasionally pure, raw energy. With almost two w suggests Weller has been listening to Iggy and the Stooges. years of touring to support it and a new record planned, it’s safe to There is no better time for discerning U.S. pop music fans to lock say Cage the Elephant isn’t afraid anymore. C discover this living legend. — Bill Lamb 36 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 Rhinelander arts workshops build community By Jay Rath “One of the things that we’ve been able Jerry Apps was first a student, then a Contributing writer to continue through all these years is this teacher, and today is one of Wisconsin’s One of Wisconsin’s oldest arts educa- underlying sense of community,” says pro- best-known authors. A documentary based tion programs, the Rhinelander School of gram director Lynn Tarnoff. “It’s a great on his book, A Farm Story, aired on PBS in the Arts, soon will begin its 52nd year. The space for people to really take risks and 2013. July 17-19 weekend will feature workshops in share their souls with one another.” “I taught various nonfiction courses from visual, culinary, writing and performing arts. As much a summer artists’ colony as an article writing to book writing and lots of This program is no ordinary weekend organization, the Rhinelander School of the other topics from 1971 to 2003,” he recalls. workshop. Over five decades, the north- Arts has drawn participants and instructors “I met hundreds of wonderful writers from woods getaway has helped draw power- from across the country. Its former artist all walks of life. Some would become well- house authors to its faculty, including Robert in residence, the late August Derleth, is known writers. Others were happy to write Bly, Archibald MacLeish, Studs Terkel, Dale perhaps best known today for rescuing the something for their family.” Wasserman and Marc Connelly, the play- works of H.P. Lovecraft from obscurity, and The goal always has been to encourage wright and a member of the legendary New for expanding Lovecraft’s “Cthulu mythos,” the artist in everyone. Today arts workshops York circle of wits, the Algonquin Round an elaborate series of stories in the genre of are everywhere but when it was founded Table. Gothic fiction. in 1964, the Rhinelander School of the Arts Photo: Courtesy The Rhinelander School of the Arts has was a rarity, nationally and certainly in Wis- been teaching students for half a century. consin. Want to advertise for The school is operated by the UW-Exten- around writers.’” sion. For many years it was two weeks long, Financial aid is available. For more infor- WiG invites any business or non-profit organization to join our but modern students prefer a shorter sched- mation, visit continuingstudies.wisc.edu/ ule. Workshops are pitched at varying levels, conferences. so participants can create at the pace that’s FREE ONLINE DIRECTORY right for them. Everyone is welcome, from newcomers to professionals. Find your category, create a profile, And then there are those who attend for reasons other than learning. and enjoy FREE advertising “I remember fondly the Twin Cities woman who was in my class one year,” says Apps. “I asked students to say a word or two about what they hoped to gain from my workshop — why they were enrolled. Most said some- thing about their writing goals, large and small. But the Twin Cities woman said, ‘Oh, I don’t want to write anything, I just like being WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 37 G i Astro Logic with Dr. Sterling Asterix W CLASSIFIEDS I spilled coffee on my star chart this week, but it helped me come to a realization: you never know SALES & MISCEllaneous Wanted to Buy when a planet’s going to surprise you. . One Bar SERVICES Man Cave Starter Kit CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! I mean, not like it’s going to move out of its with two matching bar stools. Leather Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant orbit, as ordained by the gods and “measured” padding. Two Aquariums, 55 gal and offer: 1-800-864-5784 by “astronomers” over “centuries.” But when, 30 gal completely equipped with deco- All signs: AUTOMOTIVE Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 for example, you see that Mars is charging into rations and fish. More miscellaneous CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unex- Gemini while Mercury is already in retrograde tables and bookshelves available, call pired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, there, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be hit for inquiry 414-217-0766. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: by a car. Maybe you’ll be hit by a bus! 1-800-454-6951 Airborne Heating & Cooling No mark up on appliances, parts, or mate- REAL ESTATE HEalth and Fitness rial for service or installations. Beats all competitor pricing. Customer satis- & RENTALS faction guaranteed FREE ESTIMATES Relaxation, MasterWork Massage 414-439-6540. Deep Tissue, Energy, Spiritual Healing. Apartments for Rent Over 9 years professional experience. FREE Home Satellite, Free Instal- $65/60min. and $85/90min. Joseph lation, Free HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Premium East Side Location. (414)839-6682. In calls only. Milwau- Starz For 3 Months All For $19.99/ 2114 N. Woodstock Pl. (Between Pros- kee based. milwaukeemassagehealer. Month w/24mo. Agreement. ACT pect Avenue. and Lake Drive). Clas- blogspot.com You’ve never felt so NOW, Receive $50.00. (888) 662- sic Tudor Style Building. Beautifully good! Peace 6040 landscaped courtyard. Private entrance and incredibly spacious. 1 Brdrms Avail TAKE VIAGRA? SAVE $500! 100mg,/ Make a Connection. Real People, 7.1. $850/mo heat incl. Showing by Cialis 20mg. 40+4 FREE, PILLS .Only Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! appt: 414-202-7600. $99.00. Save $500! 1-888-797-9024 Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: eastmore.com ​ 1-888-909-9905 18+. VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! Walking Distance to Miller 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Park. 1602 South 55th. Upper guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1-866-312- Boeing, Delta and others — start here 3-bedroom plus garage. Small 6061 with hands on training for FAA certi- bonus room. Heat included. $975/ fication. Financial aid if qualified. Call mo plus security. Call: 414-217- VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866- 0766. tabs +10 FREE, $99 includes FREE 453-6204 SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or Metro- Downtown 1950s Art Deco Meds.net Dish Network - Get MORE for High Rise 1029 E. Knapp St. Walk- LESS! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 ing distance to lake & Cathedral months.) PLUS Bundle & SAVE (Fast Square. 1 Bdrms Avail ASAP. $700 INSURANCE Internet for $15 more/month.) CALL - $995 cable & internet Incl. City and Now! 1-800-615-4064 lake views. Premium apts. include granite, stainless steel and Pergo Auto-Insurance-Help-Line. Help- DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for flooring. Showings by appt: 414-759- ing you find a Car Insurance Payment 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $34.99 1154 eastmore.com​ You can afford. Toll Free 1-800-231- Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installa- 3603 Auto-Insurance-Helpline.org tion! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 Heart of Shorewood 4480 N Oakland Ave. Located across the street WANTED from Colectivo. Beautiful building with OLD JAPANESE wood floors that was constructed in 1931 and has never looked better. One MOTORCYCLES bdrm Avail June 1st, $750 Heat, water, KAWASAKI-- Z1-900(1972-75), internet, cable included. On-site man- KZ900, KZ1000(1976-1982), Z1R, ager Call: 608-778-6187 KZ1000MK2(1979,80), W1-650, eastmore.com H1-500(1969-72), H2-750(1972-1975),

S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI--GS400, GT380, HONDA--CB750K(1969-1976), Solution on page 38 CBX1000(1979,80)

AIRLINE CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. $$ CASH $$ Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. 1-800-772-1142 Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-310-721-0726 800-481-7894 [email protected] 38 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 The ‘80s ACROSS 55. ____-been 31. Navy commando 1. Inhabitant of Aleutian 57. *Often carried on 32. Like Boy Scout’s badge Islands shoulder 33. Organ swelling 6. “____ alive!” 61. *19080s Olympic city 34. *Youngest heavyweight 9. William McKinley High 64. Sac enclosing embryo, champ School’s famous club pl. 36. Small quantity, especially 13. Caterpillar to butterfly 65. Anger or wrath of a liquid 14. Ribonucleic acid 67. Less wild 38. Stiff hair 15. Members of Christian 69. Soil for cultivation 42. Bantoid language community 70. Sailor’s assent 45. *”Rock the ____” by The 16. More so than fine 71. Clear the blackboard Clash 17. Banking convenience 72. Eye affliction 49. Government Printing 18. Matter of debate 73. Albanian money Office 19. *Elected twice in the ‘80s 74. As opposed to owns 51. Resurrection Sunday 21. *Popular along with 54. Relating to axis shoulder pads DOWN 56. Close call 23. *___ Zeppelin, broke up 1. *TV’s friendly alien 57. *”Harvey’s Wallbangers” in 1980 2. Den were good with them 24. Mountain lake 3. Marine eagle 58. Bypass 25. *Blake Edwards comedy 4. Relating to uvea 59. *For Your Eyes ____ with Julie Andrews 5. Walmart competitor 60. Dust allergy trigger 28. Editor’s oversight 6. *Location of hostage crisis 61. They will inherit the 30. Fate 7. *Ted Turner’s TV addition earth? 35. Like a devoted fan 8. Brazilian dance 62. Middle Eastern sultanate 37. *1981 flick with George 9. Deep wound 63. Used to be wild? C. Scott and Timothy 10. *____ Whelchel of Facts 66. Marbled bread Hutton of Life 68. Hi-___ 39. Clingy one 11. Purse to match a gown 40. Famous French couturier 12. Ogler Solution on page 36 41. Highest point, pl. 15. Woody polymer 43. Greek god of war 20. Temples’ innermost 44. Clown act sanctuaries 46. Japanese stringed 22. Aggravate instrument 24. At or near the top 47. Stretched ride 25. *Assassinated Egyptian 48. Twinings package President 50. Fill to excess 26. Sheep-like 52. Goes with sin and cos 27. Plants and animals 53. Argument 29. *”Brat ____” We posted... you commented... Wisconsin FoodShare fraud Barbara Jakopac: Shame Shame on thing? It’s like, “Oh, hey! That’s a thing. I’m crackdown questioned Walker and the Wis. legislators. Have them going to stop that thing. Oh, and that too. I’m live on your income for a month. going to just put an end to ALL the things!” Jan Ettlinger Tymorek: I wonder how much is the salary of the person recently Pam Martin: We have money to investi- Sharon Trianoski: Of course he will cut hired to do these investigations into “fraud” gate “fraud” in the food stamp program but public radio. It broadcasts true commentary. compared to how much he is “saving the no money for education. This is so sad. taxpayers” Kathy Johnson: His plan is to gut this Feedback from our Polly Cisco: Walker has defunded the state and then try to be elected president digital platforms. Kathy Anderson Olson: While (Scott breeder/seller enforcement in Wisconsin (this will never happen) to gut the country Walker) travels the world on the backs of leaving only 2 inspectors for the whole state. so his wealthy donors can run it from behind facebook.com/ Wisconsin taxpayers. A crook and liar. He couldn’t repeal the law so he just cut out closed doors. wigazette their budget. Mary Olson Quam: Can someone explain Mark Graffenius: Because of his trickle why sharp cheddar is a no-no while medium Walker budget cuts threaten down … only for the rich policies he’s stran- @wigazette cheddar is o.k.? We can take a pound of AMBER and emergency alert gling Wisconsin to death. Again I’m ashamed steak and make 3-4 meals from it. And this to say I live in Wisconsin. is the group that nominally opposes govern- systems ment interference in people’s lives. Duane Bunno De Lorme: I do not think he Julie Lindberg: What tax breaks? My knows or even cares what the consequences taxes went up. Paid in this year for the first Ben Zoltak: Wisconsin›s most corrupt of all his cuts are. Walker thinks to cut will time. Local school referendum passed. I voted administration in our history is cracking down make him look powerful and important. yes to it, the schools are struggling! on our poorest people ...what a pathetic joke. So where is the tax break Walker boasts Ryan Larsh: Is this guy simple or some- about? WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015 39 40 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | May 21, 2015