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Celebrate the 102nd Birthday VOL. 17 of Charles P. “Lash” Larrowe! ISSUE 37 (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com MSU Economics Professor ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 and Author of several publications or email [email protected] including Lashing Out (1982) PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 5 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz 40 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 City seeks to preserve Cooley Haze House ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR • Ella Kramer [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 PAGE PRODUCTION MANAGER • Abby Kelly [email protected] 7 (517) 999-5066 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino A closer look at City Hall [email protected] Todd Heywood [email protected] Celebrate - Tuesday 5/1 - 11:30 am-1:30pm PAGE SALES EXECUTIVE Coral Gables, 2838 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 10 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Daniel E. Bollman, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence The artwork of Ingrid Blixt Johnson, Eve Kucharski, Terry Link, Andy McGlashen, B/18/048 BOARD UP SERVICES REBID as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Shawn Parker, Stefanie Pohl, The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the City of Lansing, C/O LBWL, Purchasing Office, Dennis Preston, Allan I. Ross, Dylan Tarr, Rich Tupica, 1232 Haco Dr, Lansing, Michigan 48912 unti local time in effect on at which l 2:00 PM May 8, 2018 Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak time bids will be publicly opened and read. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by calling Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197 email: stephanie. Cover Interns: Kelly Sheridan, Shruti Saripalli, [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info The City of Lansing encourages bids from all Sherry Min-Wang vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses. Art Distribution manager: Paul Shore • (517) 999-5061 CP#18-095 By Jonathan Griffith Delivery drivers: Frank Estrada, Dave Fisher, Jack Sova, Richard Simpson, Thomas Scott Jr.

B/18/074 PARKING STRUCTURE REPAIRS 2018 as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the City of Lansing, C/O LBWL, Purchasing Office, 1232 Haco Dr, Lansing, Michigan 48912 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on May 15, 2018 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by calling Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197 email: [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses. CP#18-096 City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION infancy, was beginning to hum along and the city had become a key stop for Wild Last mansion standing West shows and circuses. Some of those shows would have set City looks for transformative proposal for historic home up in the large flat space where the GM Cadillac plant sits today, just across the OF THE WEEK When Eugene Cooley ordered the con- ed Cooley Gardens to the west and south, street from Cooley Gardens and the Cooley struction of the three-story Colonial Scott Park to the east and Malcolm X Haze House. Castanier said the shows and Revival home here in Lansing, the city Street (formerly known as Main Street) to circuses would arrive in town and parade was booming. The home, now called the the north. down Washington Avenue, and the resi- Cooley Haze House, was for his son, and “Very selfishly, I’d love to see it be a din- dents would rush out to see them. sat among rows of palatial estates on Main ing or event space, for my own enjoyment They probably had never seen exotic Street in a neighborhood that was home and for the enjoyment of the community,” to the city’s wealthiest and most elite addresses. Cooley Haze has survived because the city of Lansing acquired and maintained it. But with approval of city voters last year, the city is moving forward with plans Monument to tragedy to sell the historic home and the postage 123 N. Hayford Ave., stamp-sized lot on which it stands. It is accepting proposals for the purchase and Lansing redevelopment of that property until 2 The gray house with weathered plywood p.m. Thursday. skirting its lower floor looms over Hayford The catch? Whoever buys the property Street. Three evergreens, over - will have an historic covenant restriction grown and distorted, shroud the on the deed. That will prevent the owner front of the former home at 123 or future owners from changing the out- N. Hayford on Lansing’s east side. side of structure, such as the roofline, for The former home stands a testament to a at least 30 years, for at least 30 years. tragic fire Nov. 4, 2013. That fire ravaged The Cooley Haze House is on a dif- the downstairs, where the property’s ferent path than its former neighbor, owner James Leach, 65, was bedridden. the Scott House. Built in 1918, the Scott He and his puppy,Trumpet, died in the fire. House was also owned by the city, but it And while family tried to repair the home and sell it, city officials reported in a was torn down last year to make room for Luke Anthony Photography Dec. 6, 2017, meeting of the Lansing City the Central Substation being built by the The City of Lansing, with voter approval, has put the 1903 Cooley-Haze House on the mar- Council Committee on Public Safety that Lansing Board of Water & Light. ket in an effort to preserve the last home left standing in a grand neighborhood largely they had given up and “walked away” from That leaves a 115-year-old Cooley Haze destroyed by the construction of I-496. the house. It requires over $123,000 in House nestled between the deed-restrict- repairs. The city has been authorized to animals such as camels, elephants and big tear the home down sometime this spring. said Veronica Gracia-Wing, who chairs cats brought in by the circuses. It will leave an empty lot that city offi- the Parks Board. “I love the concept of the That history echoes through the Cooley cials believe will eventually end up in the

Whitney in Detroit, and think that model Haze House, albeit muffled by carpeted hands of the Ingham County Land Bank. would suit the space and community well.” walls created for the Michigan Women’s Neighbors have expressed concerns The Whitney mansion, on Woodward History Museum and Hall of Fame during to the city that the home was attract- Avenue, is the former home of lumber bar- its residency in the home. And just as time ing animals and the backyard had on David Whitney Jr. that has been turned has moved on, so has the need to update become a hangout for local teens. into an attraction and restaurant. It’s also the amenities in the building. That means TODD HEYWOOD about four times the size of the Cooley a third floor, which has a stone mantel Haze House, which is 4,188 square feet. fireplace and dark wood paneling, has a floor covered with heating and cooling Echo of history duct works. The north end of the room It’s hard not to imagine the home in is filled with duct works. There are win- its heyday, a quartet playing in the grand dows on all four walls, but the ones on the front room, as guests sat in the sunroom south, west and north are boarded up and watching and listening. The city was Luke Anthony Photography filled with insulation. The one on the west booming in 1903 when the home was is a bay window. The grand staircase in the historic Cool- built, said Bill Castanier, president of the ey Haze House. This beautiful staircase The second floor hints at the former Historical Society of Greater Lansing. living spaces. It’s a series of rooms, now stretches from the former grand foyer on “Eyesore of the Week” is our weekly look at Industrialization was taking off and the carved up as offices. There is a fireplace some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates the west side of the home up to the second city was reaping the economic boom that and mantel in at least one room, while with Eye candy of the Week. If you have a sugges- story. came with it. The auto industry, then in its tion, please e-mail [email protected] or call See Mansion, Page 6 Berl Schwartz at 999-5061. 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

the building, he said he really does not CITY OF LANSING have a grand vision for the former home. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Mansion “We really want to see what other people NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 7:00 have, what they are bringing to the table,” p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, from page 5 MI for the purpose of considering: he said. others have built in shelving units. Dale Schrader, president of Preservation An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend Chapter 608, Section 608.04 of the Lansing, said he believes the building will Lansing Codified Ordinances, restricting sale and consumption of alcohol on public property by To access those former bedrooms, you allowing sale and consumption of alcohol at the South Washington Office Complex (SWOC), walk up a beautiful wooden staircase likely become the home of a law firm or subject to restrictions on sale and consumption of alcohol in parks, modifying the provisions that empties into an area just above what insurance business. related to Fenner Nature Center, and deleting the Scott House as a permitted location. would likely have been the front door. “Whoever buys it will garner a lot of For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend A walk through on Saturday revealed good will,” said Schrader, whose group the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. some water damage in the north end of fought unsuccessfully to save the Scott and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email the building, but otherwise revealed a fair- House. [email protected]. ly sound building, Kaschinske talks about how perfect- ly well set the home is, between Cooley Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Brett Kaschinske, director of Lansing www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk parks and recreation, is overseeing the sale Gardens and the Scott Garden. Just www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope process for the house. beyond Scott Garden to the east, construc-

CP#18-097 He pointed out Saturday that the wood tion is under way on the Lansing Board of clapboard sidings are covered in lead Water & Light’s Central Substation. paint. That’s part of the reason the city, in Schrader, for his part, notes that this consultation with historic preservationist, is an important move to save a vestige of recommended the sale of the home. The Lansing history. cost to address the lead contamination “It really is the last mansion standing,” was put in the neighborhood of $100,000, he said. “It’s important to save it.” he said. And while he is overseeing the sale of — TODD HEYWOOD

Luke Anthony Photography This rustic stone mantel surrounds the fireplace in the third floor of the historic Cooley Haze House. The room in which it is located has been converted into a space for duct work, but two sets of large historic windows, a bay window on the west side of the home and a large square window on the north side, are currently covered up with insulation.

Luke Anthony Photography One of the several rooms in the historic Cooley Haze House. City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 Tales from the dripping slab The hidden horrors of Lansing’s City Hall

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO the Police Department in the limestone-front- It’s not Carlsbad Caverns, but it’s bad ed portion of City Hall on the east side of the enough. plaza. Stalactites of calcified minerals ooze down Workers continuously caulk the plaza above the walls and columns of the parking struc- the garage in what Riel called “a perpetual bat- ture underneath Lansing City Hall. Plywood tle.” coffins float overhead, bolted to the ceiling to “Water comes in here, makes its way down keep slabs of concrete from crushing cars. and things are starting to fall apart above and Age is catching up with the glassy slab below,” Kilpatrick said. of mid-century modernism at the corner of The plaza itself is one of many bold features Michigan and Capitol avenues. in architect Kenneth Black’s dramatic design City Hall was a sleek, forward-looking for City Hall. architectural gem when it was built in 1958, Glassy grids of modernist urbanity were but now it’s the subject of a question whis- immortalized in the credit sequence to Alfred pered about a lot of Baby Boomers these days Hitchcock’s 1959 film “North by Northwest,” — what are we going to do with Grandpa? a riff on the geometry of Manhattan’s 650 The city wants to offload the aging equip- Madison Ave. — a ringer for the south face of ment, drafty walls, crumbling plaza and oth- Black’s city hall in Lansing. er headaches and sell City Hall to a private Susan Bandes, an art historian at MSU and developer with pockets deep enough to give expert on mid-century modern architecture, the building a new life, perhaps as a hotel and has championed saving City Hall in many restaurant overlooking the state Capitol. writings and talks, including an August 2017 If the plan works out, the mayor and oth- City Pulse column. er officials would leave their prime views for “Lansing City Hall was built in a modern Lansing’s guests and tourists to enjoy, like style using the latest glass and steel construc- good hosts, and move City Hall into a new tion because then-Mayor Ralph W. Crego spot, downsized to fit smaller payrolls of the wanted to project an image of the future, of 21st century, with centralized services and the forward thinking city government,” Bandes public parking. wrote. By comparison, the old City Hall looked like Abstract and concrete a medieval castle, with turrets and crenella- Lansing property manager Martin Riel is tions for pouring boiling oil on enemies. a building geek. He loves his job so much he Black’s design was a deliberate nod to tours other buildings while on vacation. famous International-style buildings in New A few years ago, he met his counterpart at York such as Lever House and the United the Empire State Building. Nations. “I wouldn’t want his job,” Riel said. “For the time it was built, it was state of the Riel and his team have their hands full art, more advanced than any other building in patching, caulking and duct taping City Hall Lansing at the time,” Riel said. together. The blue panels on the north face of the “This is a very unique building, and we’re building are made of a fiberglass-wood com- trying hard to take care of it,” Riel said. posite that was cutting edge in the 1950s. Riel Photo by Thresa Rosado Last week, Riel, public service director Andy compared them to the fiberglass panels on Water leaks from the plaza in front of Lansing City Hall and Kilpatrick and building services supervisor a vintage Corvette. A lifetime later, they are wreaks havoc with the parking structure below. Laurie Stocker walked through the building, faded and worn in blotches that compromise from basement to roof, to survey its condition. their clean geometry. Mayor Andy Schor joined us in the parking The windows don’t open because in the don’t match. structure under the Michigan Avenue plaza, 1950s, the newly forged gods of HVAC were “They haven’t made this style in 20 years, where a chunk of concrete recently fell onto a expected to attend to all human comforts. and they’re very hard to find,” he said. van. City Hall’s leaky plaza and the cavernous But they have screens anyway — hundreds of Because the windows don’t open, workers garage below are the most dramatic front in an them. Each tinted screen slides in and out of have to hang from scaffolds suspended from accelerating war with entropy. place so windows can be cleaned without leav- cable-anchored roof supports — or they used “The building has got some sizeable needs,” ing streaks. The screens also help to break up to. Nowadays, no structural engineer will cer- Schor said. “We were told when we came in direct sunlight. tify the rails as safe because of the age of the that it needs a comprehensive $55 million The system was innovative for its time, but building, according to Kilpatrick. Booms and worth of work, and that doesn’t even include Riel said they cause “big time” problems with baskets are used now, but they are expensive. the lockup, which also has significant issues.” maintenance. Look harder and you begin to Repairs often wait until enough work is need- He was referring to the city’s jail, housed with see screens that are off-center and others that See City Hall, Page 8 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

warm,” Hollister said. equally grand escalator, to the right of the Station No. 1 when the fire station got an City Hall The windows on the adjoining police staircase, ushered visitors up to the Ingham upgrade. building, perpendicular to City Hall, have a County Circuit Court, visible through a All of these units are reaching the end of different feature-slash-bug. Unlike the City glass wall. their useful life. from page 7 Hall windows, they open, but they swivel Construction of the state legislative offic- In the service floor on top of the build- ed to fill a day or more. from the center, to aid in cleaning and what es next door, to the north, cut this space off ing, thin piping for pneumatic HVAC con- Riel called “quick egress.” like a giant meat cleaver. trols — fascinating to look at but antiquat- Stairway to nowhere And it’s a caulking nightmare. Now the stairway leads to a blank white ed — forms a web going in all directions. Screens or no, City Hall’s entire window “Every time rain comes out of the west, it wall and a closed-off platform that houses (Modern controls are electronic.) system would never pass muster now. leaks really bad,” Riel said. old Christmas decorations. The long-dry Nearby, a bank of steampunk-ish levers “You talk about an Energy Star building “And that’s where it comes from most of fountain is capped by a plywood platform —modulating valves, or “mod motors” — — we’re nowhere near it,” Schor said. “This the time,” Kilpatrick added. and the escalator is a dusty, inert anaconda control the flow of heated air and connect building is very inefficient.” The counterpart to City Hall’s outdoor of rubber and metal sequestered by white to thermostats in the offices. A water pump It was that way when former Mayor plaza is its grand indoor lobby, an impres- partitions because it would cost $80,000 oozes calcifying water between layers of David Hollister, now City Hall’s namesake, sive space graced with red marble columns, to remove it. duct tape. was in office in the early 2000s. Indiana limestone and terrazzo floor. Stocker pointed to the blank wall. The We ducked back into the ninth floor to “Those windows are so flimsy, it’s so But the original design has been bad- space between the city and state offices is poorly insulated, I’d be sitting there as ly compromised. In 1958, a grand double still an odd little DMZ with fuzzy jurisdic- mayor with a heater under my desk to keep staircase overlooking a fountain and an tion. A city-owned vault, now containing court records, is buried under the state’s side of the line. “That’s our stuff, and that’s their stuff, and you sort of have this void in between,” Riel said. “We still can’t turn off one bank of lights because the switch is on the other side,” Stocker said. What do you do? “We leave them on.” Until they burn out? Then what? “Change the bulb.”

Towering inferno Above City Hall’s ninth floor rests a vin- tage set of bulbous elevator cable housings, original to the building, where cables spin at high speeds. Parts for the elevator guts, including the housings, haven’t been fabricated in decades. “We’re cannibalizing them from other people that are replacing theirs,” Riel said. Photo by Thresa Rosado “It’s to the point where we’re going to have Lansing Mayor Andy Schor examines to start shutting down elevators because we the protective membrane atop City Hall, can’t get parts for them anymore.” described as “shot” by public service Stepping onto the roof, Schor and the director Andy Kilpatrick. party gawked at the Capitol dome, as one must, and then bent over to scrutinize the witness the consequences of these slow fail- rubber membrane and loose stones that ures as they creep into Council chambers channel water on top of City Hall. and meeting room. Kilpatrick declared the membrane “shot.” Riel and his crew have been fighting Several hulking hand-me-downs service leaks here for years. Photo by Thresa Rosado City Hall, including a galvanized metal “We’ve tried several ways of doing it with- An escalator decomissioned in 2002 sits idle in the lobby, partitioned off from the public. rooftop cooling tower moved in 1997 from out replacing the entire roof,” Riel said. the Ingham County jail, when the jail got In the hallways, horrid purple and pink a new one. (The previous one was made of 1970s-vintage wallpaper hides dry wall, wood.) In the electrical room sits a heavy 1950s-era generator cadged from Fire See City Hall, Page 9

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ninth floor opens, like Alice’s looking glass, pack of cigarettes that must have been left City Hall into to another world — a giant vertical on top of a utility box years ago, in pre- shaft running all the way up the building. smoke-free times. The air duct in this shaft is wide enough Today’s tall buildings include masonry from page 8 for a horse to plummet freely. Huge pipe walls, door seals, dampers and other bar- which in turn hides the building’s original chases, or housings for all kinds of pipes, riers to seal floors off from each other if a plaster. The plaster blistered several years run up and down the walls. fire breaks out. This shaft does not include ago from humidity and had to be covered We looked down through a series of such safeguards. A shaft like this, Riel up because “nobody fixes horsehair plaster gratings all the way down to the second said, acts as a chimney in the event of fire. anymore,” Riel said. floor. “It’s called the towering inferno effect, A small gray door in a restroom on the Two floors below, we could see an empty and we don’t want that,” he said.

Moving the pieces Schor, Kilpatrick and other city officials are eager to leave all these headaches to a private developer and turn City Hall into a money-making, tax-generating hotel com- plex. “We’re getting there,” Schor said. “We need to move the pieces on the chess- board.” In November, former Mayor Virg Bernero announced that the city had cho- sen a spiffy redesign by Beitler Real Estate of Chicago. The redesign would save City Photo by Thresa Rosado Hall by paying homage to Black’s design Property manager Martin Riel fights a while bringing the building into the 21st never-ending battle with the leaking ceiling century with LEED Silver certification of the City Council meeting room. and a green roof. Schor likes the plan, but in March, he put a hold on any deal until space is found temperature. for the city lockup, where people are held “We have people who park on the street for one to three days between arrest and and get a parking ticket because they are arraignment, and 54A District Court offic- coming to a meeting with the mayor,” es. Schor said, visibly irritated. “People are “When we figure out these two pieces, trying to pay debts, take care of the issues then we can figure out where our depart- they have with the justice system, and ments are going to go, get out of the build- they’re getting parking tickets.” ing and get it to a developer to make some To Schor, taking care of the parking money and get our people into a more problem, and setting up a one-stop pay- workable environment,” Schor said. ment center for city services, would send a Hollister is a big supporter of the plan more practical, powerful message that City to sell, even though his name is on the Hall belongs to the citizens than planting building. a grand glass tower on a concrete plaza. “The value of that building as a high- That’s the kind of thing hotel moguls do end, remodeled hotel, convention center, better, and those guys pay taxes (or they far exceeds what a patched-up City Hall should, anyway). would be,” Hollister said. “If we spend $50-55 million to rehab Both Hollister and Bernero have called this City Hall — we can make that hap- the building “ugly,” but Schor is not that pen,” Schor said. “Or we can spend that kind of a hater. money — hopefully less — elsewhere, and It’s not the debate over the aesthetics of use this place for economic growth. That’s Photo by Thresa Rosado mid-century modern design, and whether the plan, but you have to move the chess City Hall is run largely by original 1950s’ equipment like this duct-taped water pump. they are worth saving, that raises Schor’s pieces.”

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ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018 Sacred aesthetic: the journey of Romanian-born artist Ingrid Blixt Contemporary work that calls upon esoteric influences

By SKYLER ASHLEY Blixt spent her time exploring the local What continues to draw Roma- churches. Blixt came of age under Ro- nian-born Lansing artist Ingrid Blixt mania’s Communist regime, a secular back to the bygone era of Byzantine art? government that heavily suppressed the “It takes the visible and passes it Eastern European Orthodox Catholic through to the invisible. It takes your Church. prayers, petitions and thoughts from this “During Communism, everything was world and takes them to God — the in- covered up. When I was baptized, it was visible world we don’t see,” she explained. done secretly. It wasn’t at the church, it “All art has a certain function, even if it’s was at the priest’s house. You couldn’t re- just aesthetic, but this is a vehicle for ally express your faith,” Blixt said. “You’d your emotions and prayers.” hear about people disappearing. I didn’t Byzantine artwork is the chief artistic know what was happening.” product of Blixt had the pleasure of experiencing “Open Journey,” the East- Transylvania’s breathtaking Gothic ar- by Ingrid Blixt ern Roman chitecture firsthand. Trough May 31 Empire and The stringent political climate Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is recogniz- East Arbor Architecture couldn’t prevent Blixt’s enchantment 405 Grove St., East Lansing able for its with the archaic Byzantine art she found Free heavy use www.hemingwaysmichigan.com within the various empty church halls. of silver The silver and gold-leaf-encrusted and gold pieces were adorned with handwritten leaf. The crushed metal made the works inscriptions calling on God to help the highly reflective, adorning them with an writer and their loved ones. especially stoic appearance — certainly Though the writing was technical- helping with the godly impression the ly vandalism, the heartfelt anonymous artists intended to leave. messages left behind had a lasting im- Blixt’s creations take on a daunting pact on the young artist. For Blixt, it task of adapting an ancient aesthet- only added to the power of the art, rath- ic— dating back several centuries before er than detracting from it. her birth. “While the monasteries were abol- But for her, it doesn’t register as a fool’s ished, anybody still had access. Under errand to attempt to push the elder art the beautiful murals there’d be messag- form’s boundaries another step beyond. “I am the Way,” by Ingrid Blixt. Courtesy photo es that said ‘help me God, save my life, “I’m trying to show with my art that save my marriage,’” Blixt said. “It was the same sacredness that manifested setting off on a path to become a jack of which she had lived. interesting that through their faith and itself in those early times is still hap- all visual trades. But after spending more than a de- petitions they were ruining the art, but it “The revolution came when I was a cade stateside, Blixt said her work began pening now — we just perceive it differ- wasn’t done with bad intentions.” child, in ’89,” Blixt said. “It was scary, but drawing attention to what makes people ently,” Blixt said. “It’s my life’s work to After the fall of the Communist regime we were protected. Our parents kept us similar, rather than different. continue its tradition.” during Romania’s revolution, Blixt’s pas- calm, I felt safe even though the situation In her work Blixt seems to effortlessly In her youthful days in Baia Mare, a sion for the Byzantine era was able to was not safe at all. There were tanks and channel her memories of the old Roma- Romanian city in Transylvania, Ingrid grow freely. She enrolled in art school, armed people in the streets, but we felt nian churches. Her pieces call upon the OK.” classical tenents of what defines a work College was a diverse and enjoyable ex- of Byzantine art, primarily through the perience for Blixt. It offered her an op- heavy use of silver and gold leaf. The ef- portunity to visit the United States via a fect gives her paintings an ornate look, class trip to Traverse City. as if they belong to a church of Blixt’s Blixt was taken aback by what she saw own creation. as a seemingly universal carefree attitude A strong sample of Blixt’s work is among the people she met — compared viewable in her latest gallery at East Ar- to the more subdued and serious attitude bor Architecture, “Open Journey.” Blixt of her fellow Eastern Europeans. uses a stark and extensive color comib- “It was nothing like Europe. I didn’t anation of black, white, blue and gray. realize everybody was on vacation. Every- But the work curated in “Open Journey” body was happy, I was like ‘oh, my gosh! was not created with a specific theme in What is happening here? Why is every- mind, rather the works were collected body so happy?’” Blixt said. “The one that later by Blixt. thing really surprised me is everybody’s “When I was working, I didn’t think sense of humor. Everybody seemed to be about how the exhibit was going to look funny.” like as a whole. I picked the colors based The decision to move to the United States permanently was difficult. Blixt on what speaks to me,” Blixt explained. received mixed feelings from her peers “It was nothing really planned.” from a cultural animosity against Amer- “Open Journey” also touches upon the ica in general. larger theological themes that tie Blixt’s “I understand how people feel in Eu- body of work together with the Byzan- rope. They kind of have a bad view of tine artists of the past. the United States. There was a building “We are all on a dynamic journey. hatred. You get blamed for leaving your Even established faiths are not stag- country, they say you should stick it out nant,” Blixt said. “We cannot be stuck with everybody else,” Blixt said. in our ways, our beliefs, everything al- Courtesy photo The culture shock initially had Blixt ways changes. The journey means con- “Immaculate Heart of Mary,” by Ingrid Blixt. creating work that seemed to empha- stant change. We have to remember size the clash between the two worlds in that.” City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11 Arts Advocacy Day ends hiatus Rallying the troops as budget deadline approaches By SKYLER ASHLEY for Arts and Cultural Affairs.” After a legislative victory recouped Creative Many and its bipartisan $1.15 million in funding for the Mich- Michigan Legislative Creative Caucus igan Council for Arts and Cultural — founded in 2014 — have the simple, Affairs, Michigan’s creative sector but important, task of lobbying for arts advocacy group Creative Many revived funding. The Creative Caucus boasts an its annual Arts Advocacy Day last week impressive combined membership of from a decade-long slumber. 32 — including five senators and 27 rep- “It seemed like the right time to bring resentatives from various districts across it back. We’ve gotten to a unique mile- the state — a handful of whom spoke at stone moment in our work across the the Capitol. state.” Creative Many’s president, Jenni- “They are working tirelessly to engage fer Goulet, said. “We’re bringing to the their colleagues to sign onto to be a part table the research and data points that of this agenda,” Goulet said. “They are are making the compelling argument trying to really position the creative that it’s critically important to advance industry as a competitive strategy within this agenda in Michigan.” Michigan’s economic development plans Goulet and her team at Creative and priorities.” Many argue that the arts make a The rallying of the troops seen significant enough economic impact Wednesday was no coincidence. The to justify providing a larger portion movement behind Creative Many was of the state budget to the Michigan galvanized upon the Trump Admin- Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. istration’s initial budget draft, which Their numbers make a convincing saw a significant slash into ar ts endow- argument. Research touted by Goulet’s ments — money lost that would have a organization shows that the arts indus- crippling trickle down effect for Michi- try contributed $764 billion to the U.S. gan’s various artistic industries. Skyler Ashley/City Pulse economy in 2015, including $5 billion in According to Triplett, after a nation- Creative Many President Jennifer Goulet spoke at the Capitol Wednesday. wages here in Michigan. al outcry from countless arts organiza- “There’s a bunch of different things tions, much of the money slated to be since 2011. Today’s Michigan Council crease in funding still isn’t enough. that received one-time appropriations removed from the federal budget was For the Arts works with a sum of $11.15 “Any you cut it, we’re not getting last year that the governor is not recom- reinstated. million, which is still a far cry from th e enough money,” said Lansing-based mending this year — everything except Michigan has seen somewhat of a $30.8 million it had back in 1995. artist Kimberly Lavon. “I’ve had for arts and culture,” Sarah Gonzalez turnaround in arts funding. The state Local artists that support Creative people ask ‘are we paying you too Triplett of Creative Many said. “There’s a appropriated an additional total of Many and participated in Arts Advo- much money?’ I don’t think any other deepening understanding of the impor- almost $10 million from its budget cacy Day argue that the recent in- tance of funding the Michigan Council profession is treated that way.”

Ingham County Animal Shelter Who is Tim the Music Man? To adopt one of these pets from the ICAS call (517) 676-8370. 600 Curtis St., Mason, MI, 48854. Lansing musician’s own brand of ‘edutainment’ ac.ingham.org By ALLISON CONTRERAS ship and community events specialist with Imagine you’re a performer about to take the Hannah Community Center. “It gives Hannah is going to make a great dog for just about any family. She loves to play and the stage. Your guitar is ready in hand as parents and caretakers something fun and to snuggle and would enjoy a couple of stur- you warm up your vocals and prepare to free to do in the middle of winter when dy kids or another dog who wouldn’t mind sing original songs for a wild kids are starting to get her exuberant attitude. crowd. Fans chant your antsy about not being name, anxiously awaiting able to go outside in Sponsored by Soldan’s Pets the performance of a life- the cold.” https://soldanspet.com/ time. Marzorati has also One Lansing resident encountered many re- plays for a wild crowd week- warding moments. ly — just not that kind. Tim “I will never forget Marzorati sings, plays guitar the day that I brought and writes original songs. a cello to school to play When he takes the stage, he’s it for a student that I had never heard utter Vinny is a bouncy, is a happy looking over a crowd of chil- Zola is a very sweet Gold sh outgoing guy looking for active gal looking for a single word,” Mar- older gal looking for a dren. a home where he can get her new home. She loves new home. She would “I like to think of it as zorati said. “The mo- lots of mental stimulation just about everyone and do best in an adult only and exercise. He would probably wouldn’t mind ‘edutainment’,” said Mar- ment he saw me and home where she’ll get love another dog to romp children or other dogs plenty of love and atten- zorati, who performs as Tim the cello, he exclaimed around with. in her new home to play Marzorati tion. the Music Man weekly. “I try ‘what’s that?’ It may with..Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by to educate through an inter- not sound like much, Schuler Books Linn & Owen Jewelers Dale Schrader active musical experience by writing and but it was a gateway for this student.” Oscar is a Jade is a performing original and classic children’s ‘The Green Caterpillar,’ ‘Get Movin,’ ‘The sweet older guy super sweet music with a bit of a twist.” Itty Bitty Kitty’ and ‘I Want Underpants’ looking for a and loving gal new home. He’s looking for Marzorati, 50, graduated from Michigan are just some of the titles that Tim the Mu- super friendly a new home. State University with a bachelor’s degree in sic Man has in his arsenal of songs to per- and will gladly She’d do well snuggle up with in just about social science in 1991. When he became a form for the children. anyone willing any laid back father in 2004, he began writing songs for “One of my favorite songs to play is to. He’d make a home since and about his two children. called Next Big Something,” he said. “It’s great addition In memory of she is so easy Sponsored by to just about Rodica’s cats going. “I try to come up with songs and stories all about possibilities that everyone has the Golden Harvest any home. that would be relevant to children,” he said. potential to be amazing.” “I work hard to make my performances en- Marzorati says his favorite part of a per- STORE HOURS Sam is a very sweet formance is watching the children’s inter- shy guy looking for a Mon 8am-9pm gaging to everyone that I play for. It’s so Tue 8am-9pm new home. He takes a Wed 8am-9pm nice to see children respond to the various actions and their genuine appreciation for little time to warm up, ur 8am-9pm rhythms and tempos.” the songs he performs for them. but once he does he’s a Fri 8am-9pm very loving and cuddly Sat 8am-9pm He performs at the annual Children’s “It’s safe to say that this is my career. I guy. He does have Sun 9am-8pm longer hair so regular 2655 East Grand River Concert Series hosted at the Hannah Com- hope to inspire future musicians or at least brushing is required East Lansing, Mi, 48823 munity Center in East Lansing. music enthusiasts,” he said. “I don’t do this to keep this big guy (517) 324-9010 Sponsored by Foods for Living looking healthy and “The Children’s Concerts are a month- job because of the income, it’s the outcome. foodsforliving.com happy. long series of concerts in the middle of It’s the way a child blossoms though the Sponsor a pet on the next Adoption Page for only $35 — $6 goes to the shelter. winter,” said Heather Surface, a steward- power of music.” To sponsor, call 999-5061 now!! Adopt a pet on this page and Soldan’s will thnk you with a $10 gift certificate. Contact (517) 999-5061 after you adopt. 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

Comic absurdism in ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ By TOM HELMA Vanya. Spring has arrived and along with it, We quickly discover that this is not going the latest Owosso Community Players big to be an “On Golden Pond” moment. As rev- musical, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and erie turns to conflict, Sonia is seriously dis- Spike,” written by famous turbed that Vanya has violated the ritual of Review Russian novelist Anton Che- who makes the morning coffee. Escalation kov ensues as Vanya analyzes the tastes of two The cast of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Courtesy photo Wait. This is not a musical, different cups of coffee, and Sonia responds Sonia take turns standing and sitting and years of emptiness appear to be over. nor is it written by Chekov? It’s a seriocomic by hurling both cups across the room. Who demonstrating the sluggish aspects of their Vanya, meanwhile, decides to mentor drama written by the absurdist Christopher are these people? seemingly pathetic lives. the young neighbor Nina who aspires to Durang? Thus the play unfolds with Sonia be- Each of these three siblings are portrayed be an actress. This prompts him to drag Yep. Owosso moaning lives not lived, paths not taken distinctly by the three actors; Bloss, in par- out a long- forgotten script, in which Nina “Vanya and Sonia and is surprising its and the twilight of their years. She and ticular, brings a subtly nuanced observa- gets to be …a molecule. Spike ignores this Masha and Spike” core audience Vanya have spent much of their adult life- tional quality to his role as Vanya, who takes play-acting scene, fooling with his phone, Friday, April 27, 8 p.m. with a poignant times attending to their aging parents, both it all in, absorbing events in a long-suffer- giving Bloss, as Vanya, the opportunity to Saturday, April 28, 8 p.m. reflective tale of whom were afflicted with dementia. The Sunday, April 29, 3 p.m. ing manner. Vanya has aged beyond his engage in the longest rant soliloquy in the $11.50 children, $16.50 senior, about aging and siblings perceive themselves as not so beau- chronological years. Encountering the lithe, history of theater. $18.50 adult the roads not tiful losers. Owosso Community Players slender and insufferable Spike, Vanya finds It would be remiss not to comment on 114 E. Main St., Owosso traveled. The plot thickens as we discover there is a himself longing for a past in which he was the featured comic role of Cassandra, who www.owossoplayers.com Doak Bloss, third sibling. The much younger Masha is a young and gay and proud. comes and goes on stage as the gypsy psy- as Vanya, opens world traveling actress of stage and screen, Masha is invited to a costume party, in chic housecleaner, whose stage movements up the play and pays the mortgage on the ancestral which she will attend as Snow White. She and dramatic persona are worthy of a spin- shuffling on to the stage out to an enclosed home in which Vanya and Sonia live for free, directs her siblings to be two of the seven off play entirely about her. veranda overlooking a large pond. He is albeit in a state of bored existential despair. dwarfs. Sonia rebels, surprises everyone, One wonders if Durang was imagining clutching a coffee cup in two hands, seem- She arrives on the scene with a chirpy showing up, looking like Cinderella in a in this play, his own post-theatrical descent ingly enjoying the silence of a quiet morn- theatrical flair and narcissistic aplomb, her dazingly elegant sequined gown, effecting into an empty and meaningless life. Vanya ing. He is soon joined by Anna Owens in young lover Spike in tow. Ruppert glides an English accent. et al, alerts us all to attend to ourselves as the role of his sister Sonia, carrying a second effortlessly across the stage pontificating Sonia is transformed, resulting in a phone well as others, to embrace and celebrate life, cup of coffee she has made especially for on the joyful life of theater while Vanya and call and a subsequent dinner date. Her long one day at a time. Carpe Diem. Pure charm: ‘Bud, Not Buddy’ successfully adapted for stage By TOM HELMA adults to pull it off. Along the way, he 1936, in the African-American com- making his way to Chicago. What is most unique about Riverwalk bumped into Christopher Paul Curtis, munity, reminiscent of the Depression Along the way, there are ghost-en- Theatre’s current production of “Bud, the writer of the novel. Ferris managed era that immediately preceded the 30s. counters with a deceased bio-mother, Not Buddy” is that the back story is as to talk him into a book-signing and talk Those of us old enough to have heard who comes and goes, imbuing him with good as the story of the play itself. back experience. firsthand from parents and grandparents rules for life — e.g. “Rule number 67, Director Tom Ferris is more of an im- He then developed a collaboration with of that time of abject poverty, can easily live in the moment because forevers are presario than a the Lansing School District’s Reading is imagine how much more difficult it must composed of nows.” “Bud, Not Buddy” director, having Fundamental program and arranged a have been for African-Americans experi- Bud’s conversations to the audience Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m. been nudged by free performance for 250 Lansing school encing it. are filled with these rules, some of Friday, April 27, 8 p.m. Riverwalk’s Sandy students. “Bud, Not Buddy” is the story of just which are lessons learned along the way. Saturday, April 28, 8 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m. Norton to check Meanwhile on opening night, Norton one child, the aforementioned Bud, Whereas Act One begins with the Riverwalk Theatre out the script. He pulled together a cadre of volunteers for who has been recently orphaned. Bud 228 Museum Dr., Lansing orphaned children, Act Two belongs Tickets start at $12 then embarked on a pre-performance feast of appetizers is played convincingly by Kavares Luck- primarily to the adults in the cast, spe- www.riverwalktheatre.com a year-long journey and desserts. Kudos to all on the concept ett-Brown. He brings swagger and con- cifically the jazz band players—one of of finding a cast of of collaboration. viction, and an entirely appropriate whom Bud suspects is his bio- father. young people and The story itself is set in Michigan, late high-pitched squeaky pre-adolescent This is the meatiest portion of the play voice to the role. where several male actors shine. Guy He is occasionally joined on stage by Thomas is Herman E. Calloway, the sus- an elder-Bud, Chance Boyd, the narra- pected father figure who wants nothing tor who, by contrast, adds gravitas to the to do with Bud. Thomas is outstanding. story line with a basso profundal reso- His interactions with Luckett-Brown nant voice. are crisp and finely tuned. In an early scene, young Bud arrives Eric Smith, another band member, to live at an orphanage and encounters is Steady Eddie, who mentors and pro- a scattered smattering of other orphans tects Bud from the overt hostility of of indeterminate age and with wary hos- Calloway. Smith is a natural in this role, tility. fatherly and gentle, making up for Cal- Fight scenes ensue, and while dialogue loway’s brusqueness. is sparse and the children are effective in All the band members contribute their roles. much to the solidity of the script. Janell Costume designer Ashley Hampton Hall, as the jazz singer Ms. Thomas, has taken great care to create authentic Depression era clothing for these chil- holds the group together with fine stage- dren, suspenders and knickers-like pants craft movement. with paperboy caps for their heads. Bud A plot twist resolves Bud’s search for quickly sizes up the situation and decides a father. The play ends with Bud being he wants nothing to do with it. presented with a saxophone. This is a He leaves the orphanage, a small suit- coming-of-age moment, a window of case in hand, a single blanket inside for opportunity into a whole new world of when he sleeps outside in the cold. He meaning and purpose. is on an existential journey, a search Audiences love talk-backs, especially Courtesy photo Kavares Luckett-Brown excels in the titular role of “Bud, Not Buddy.” for a biological father. He overnights in with authors, and in this instance Chris- Owosso and Grand Rapids, eventually topher Paul Curtis charmed everyone. City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 Unboxing memories: intimate letters from World War era soldiers Local authors share communications from enlisted family members

By BILL CASTANIER It wasn’t until she read the book of a his training and ultimately becoming an In one letter to his sister Tina, he writes Letters often provide an intimate win- good friend of hers, Mary Jane Wilson, expert in training other soldiers. “Today is probably the most famous day of dow into a person’s thoughts, personalities which detailed her own husband’s experi- “I was surprised by his descriptive pas- all to soldiers — pay day.” and quirks — especially if they were not ence in World War I, sages,” she said. Other letters reference how the $21 a sent to you in the first place. did Foster become in- The first thing she discov- month pay doesn’t go very far when you That window opened for Lille Foster of terested in her father’s ered about her father was factor in having to buy your own uniforms. Holt when she finally decided to read her letters. Wilson’s book, that he couldn’t spell. At Christmastime 1941, he ends a letter father’s World War II era letters. Foster’s “In His Own Words: “My father never learned to his parents with the line, “There’s some- father, Theodore Pattengill Foster, had the Freeman McClin- the spelling rule, ‘i before e thing about Northern Michigan that just sent hundreds of letters home — mostly tock Story,” details her except after c,’ and wrote ‘re- can’t be found anywhere else.” to his mother and father — detailing his husband’s work as an ceive’ hundreds of times in Foster said that after compiling the let- activities at numerous postings across the automobile mechanic his letters.” ters she let Mary Jane Wilson read them. United States. during WW I. In addition to indicating Her response: “I feel like I know him.” In the letters, he tells his family and Reading her father’s the correct spelling, Foster “That’s exactly what I hope to accom- friends about military life, social events letters for the first also used more than 280 plish by publishing his letters,” Foster said. and the tedium of training while the war time, Lille’s opinions footnotes to provide more “To me, it’s very important people are rages on across the ocean. about him changed. context for readers. So if not forgotten,” she said. Pattengill Foster, after being drafted at The letters revealed there is a popular culture ref- 28 years old in 1941, spent much of the to Foster that he was erence pertaining to the ‘40s, war stateside. Foster’s role saw him train- perfectly suited for Theodore Pattengill Foster it is detailed in a footnote. ing and preparing soldiers in the areas of Army life and that he For example, when Pattengill quartermaster duties and transportation flourished there. Foster mentions the movie “Star Span- and logistics. “Army was his life and he reveled in it,” gled Rhythm,” she details the 1942 morale In 1943, Foster, before being shipped she said. boosting movie. overseas to Australia and New Guinea, His letters clearly represented his drive One particular inside ball-game ref- married an Army nurse, Joyce Rosalind and ambition. “He was always the first to erence that readers wouldn’t have un- Long Live Capper. chosen for something,” she said. derstood was Pattengill-Foster’s writing Following the war, Foster returned to Lille is a librarian, but she has always about a Zippity Zooker. Zookers were re- his hometown of Lansing to work for the been interested in history and geneal- sorters who summered at Roaring Brook, Liquor Control Commission. He was then ogy. This interest can be traced to her an exclusive resort at Little Traverse Bay the Indie! called upon in 1948 for another war perco- great-grandfather, Henry R. Pattengill, on Lake Michigan founded in the late lating in Korea. who was Michigan’s first superintendent 1800s by Lansing residents. Every purchase you make He spent the next 16 years in the mil- of public education and publisher of text- The resorters would cry “Zippity Zook at your local bookstore itary hopscotching to bases across the books and educational material. In 2014, Zippity Zook! We’re the gang from Roar- world. Along the way, he would ultimately Foster helped spearhead an effort to erect ing Brook.” Foster would later marry a fel- helps ensure that it will be be promoted to the rank of major. Lille, a state history marker in Ithaca to recog- low Zooker, Win Stebbins. The Stebbins there for you in the future. along with her two sisters, were Army nize her great grandfather. cottage was next to Foster cottage at the brats until his retirement in 1963. Now, she has published a compilation resort. Stop by today for new and Circuitously, the letters would end up in of her father’s letters in a new book, “U.S. Early in the book, a letter home details possession of local archivists and histori- Army Life 1941-1945: In the Letters of how Pattengill Foster found himself in the used books, music, films, ans, Geneva and George Wiskeman. The Theodore Pattengill Foster.” “doghouse” after writing the secretary of eBooks, or to eat in the pair put the letters away until the time was The book offers more than 200 letters war complaining that there was no flag to Chapbook Cafe! right to pass them onto family members. and postcards which contain Patten- fly on the base. Foster said she and her father were nev- gill-Foster’s observations of Army life. Like every GI, his letters are peppered er close and she took little interest in read- The letters are well written and are both with references to food, both good and We Thank You ing the letters. funny and serious as the soldier goes about bad, KP and getting passes for leave. for supporting your local, independent bookstore! Tom Wolfe, Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill led the New Journal- Visit SchulerBooks.com to ism movement in New York in the 307 E. Grand River ✽ East Lansing 1960s and ‘70s. Their counterpart, Mon - Sat 10-7 pm, Sun 12-5 shop for books and ebooks Joan Didion, set the standard on We validate parking! 24-7, and for a calendar of www.curiousbooks.com the West Coast with her slim 1968 in-store events for both of volume, “Slouching Towards Beth- lehem.” Members of the City Pulse our Lansing-area locations, Book Club, which is open to all, will tackle it at 7 p.m. Thursday, May Located in the 3, at Schuler Books & Music in the Meridian Mall. The club, which eastwood Towne Center meets monthly, is spending the en- and the Meridian Mall tire year reading books about 1968 519 W. Grand River ✽ East Lansing or published that year. This book is 332-8444 ✽ Free parking available at Schuler. Mon - Sat 11-6 pm, Sun 12-5 pm For more information, visit [email protected] www.schulerbooks.com 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

The Political Jesus

ON THE TOWN Events must be entered through the calendar at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. Charges may apply for paid events to appear in print. If you need assistance, please call Ella at (517) 999-6704.

Wednesday, April 25

CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION. From 7 to 9 p.m. Chua Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S. Washington Lansing.

OPEN STUDIO LIFE DRAWING. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. Model fee: $2 students (LCC, MSU, High School), $5 all others. Room 208,. Kresge Art Center, 600 Auditorium East Lansing.

PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH. From 7 to 8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 April 27 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.

EVENTS By SKYLER ASHLEY research. States and first century Rome,” Bills said. GAMES AT THE MERIDIAN SENIOR CENTER “This one discusses Jesus in the 1st Bills draws further parallels between (See Descriptions for Dates and Times). Where would the historical Jesus Century’s social, historical and political the time of Jesus of Nazareth and the From 12:30 to 4 p.m. Bingo and Bridge- $1 - $2 per person to play. Meridian Senior of Nazareth fit in today’s disjointed matrix. It explores the parallels between modern U.S. through the doctrine of Center, 4406 Okemos Road Okemos. political climate? A seminar led by the 1st and 21st Century church,” said the Pax Romana — a period of relative Arthur J. Dewey — the Rev. William C. Bills, East Lansing peace in the Roman’s empire history — MONEY SMART WEEK: SENIOR FINANCIAL Xavier University University United Methodist Church’s which Bills calls merely a “lull between WELLNESS WITH MSUFCU. From 10:30 to The Political theology professor — lead pastor. “Those parallels include wars.” 11:30 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, Jesus 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351- Sessions begin at $20 and Celene Lillie of the living in the most powerful nation If these ideas come across radical 2420. Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. Boulder First United on Earth — in the 1st Century the or contrarian to one’s own beliefs of Saturday, April 28, 9:30 Methodist Church will Roman empire and in the 21st Century, the politics of Jesus of Nazareth, Bills TEEN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM. From 2:30 a.m. attempt to answer America.” attributes that to a cultural removal of to 6 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, East Lansing University UMC that question. Bills said the political nature of the Bible from its historical context. 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351- 1120 S. Harrison Road, 2420. East Lansing “The Political Jesus” the Bible is often overlooked and “It is shocking for people, because www. universitychurchhome. is an entry in a series underestimated. He calls the seminar they have become so comfortable with TEEN JOB INTERVIEW WORKSHOP. From 3 to org of seminars put an opportunity for people to get a the gospels. We take these stories 4 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351- together by Oregon’s “fresh perspective” on the nature of about Jesus and his disciples and kind 2420. Westar Institute, “The the gospels, which Bills believes could of domesticate them,” Bills said. “We’ve Jesus Seminar on be referred to as “resistance literature heard them so many times, they’re Thursday, April 26 the Road,” which has been hosted in from within an empire.” divorced from their context. We hear CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS Methodist churches nationally for more “If you were to locate Jesus and them as little stories about morality, than a decade. his disciples as poor people within an when in fact they were addressing (TOPS) TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY . At 6 The two sessions, one taking place imperial system that used absentee people’s everyday realities.” p.m. First meeting FREE.. Haslett Middle Friday evening and the other early landlords, militarism and taxation to Bills doesn’t believe it’s a partisan School, 1535 Franklin St. Haslett. Saturday morning, explore the political extract wealth from the majority of the issue and that both ends of the political GOOGLE DRIVE - WORKING IN THE CLOUD. context of Jesus of Nazareth and the citizens to facilitate lavish wealth styles of spectrum could be surprised after From 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free - to register Bible’s teachings through the lens of the upper 1 or 2 percent, you could begin taking a deeper dive into the history of to see the parallels between the United Jesus of Nazareth. See Out on the Town Page 16 various theological scholars’ historical City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny April 18 - 24, 2018

"Elements of Aries (March 21-April 19) Imagine you're one of four to build up your hunger for vivid adventures and bring Surprise"--it's all on porcupines caught in frigid weather. To keep warm, your fantasies at least one step closer to becoming the table. you all have the urge to huddle together and pool your concrete realities. Whisper the following to yourself Across body heat. But whenever you try to get close, you as you drop off to sleep each night: "I will allow myself 1 Field official prick each other with your quills. The only solution to to think bigger and bolder than usual." 4 Ensembles that problem is to move away from each other, even Libra (September 23-October 22) The bad news is 9 Tarzan creator ___ though it means you can't quell your chill as well. This that 60 percent of Nevada's Lake Mead has dried up. Rice Burroughs scenario was used by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud The good news -- at least for historians, tourists, and 14 NASDAQ newcomer as a parable for the human dilemma. We want to be hikers -- is that the Old West town of St. Thomas has 15 "Gone With the Wind" intimate with each other, Freud said, but we hurt each re-emerged. It had sunk beneath the water in 1936, surname other when we try. The oft-chosen solution is to be when the government built the dam that created the partially intimate: not as close as we would like to be, 16 "___ Doone" (1869 lake. But as the lake has shrunk in recent years, old but only as much as we can bear. Now everything I historical novel) buildings and roads have reappeared. I foresee a just said, Aries, is a preface for better news: In the 17 Phobic of element comparable resurfacing in your life, Libra: the return coming weeks, neither your own quills nor those of #4? of a lost resource or vanished possibility or departed 20 Transition the people you care about will be as sharp or as long as usual. influence. 21 ___-majestÈ Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Simpsons is the longest- Scorpio (October 23-November 21) I hope the next 22 "Rent" heroine running American TV sitcom and animated series. seven weeks will be a time of renaissance for your 23 State trees of But it had a rough start. In the fall of 1989, when most engaging alliances. The astrological omens North Dakota and producers staged a private pre-release screening suggest it can be. Would you like to take advantage Massachusetts of the first episode, they realized the animation was of this cosmic invitation? If so, try the following 25 Feel bad mediocre. They worked hard to redo it, replacing 70 strategies. 1. Arrange for you and each of your 27 Sign for Daniel percent of the original content. After that slow start, close companions to relive the time when you first Radcliffe and Chris met. Recall and revitalize the dispensation that Hemsworth the process got easier and the results got better. When the program completes its thirtieth season in originally brought you together. 2. Talk about the 28 Giant legend Mel 2019, it will have aired 669 episodes. I don't know if influences you've had on each other and the ways 30 Shortened aliases your own burgeoning project will ultimately have as your relationship has evolved. 3. Fantasize about the 33 Paddle enduring a presence, Taurus, but I'm pretty sure that, inspirations and help you'd like to offer each other 35 "Element #33? That's like The Simpsons, it will eventually become better in the future. 4. Brainstorm about the benefits your unlikely!"? than it is in the early going. Stick with it. connection has provided and will provide for the rest 71 Bring together 10 School housing 45 ___ out a profit 40 "Today" co-anchor Gemini (May 21-June 20) The coming weeks might be of the world. Hoda 72 Barinholtz of "The 11 Quest object in a 46 Fast-food drink size an interesting time to resurrect a frustrated dream Mindy Project" Monty Python movie Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Now is 41 Kennel noise 47 Civil War side, for you abandoned in a wasteland; or rescue and restore one of the rare times when you should be alert for 42 Call 73 Satchel Paige's real 12 "Dragon Ball Z" genre short a moldering treasure you stopped taking care of a first name the potential downsides of blessings that usually 44 The odds that it's 13 Part of NPR 48 Tributes while back; or revive a faltering commitment you've 74 Magnet ends sustain you. Even the best things in life could require element #102? 18 Brynner of the 52 Standard Windows been ignoring for reasons that aren't very high- adjustments. Even your most enlightened attitudes 75 "On the Road" original "Westworld" sans serif typeface minded. Is there a secret joy you've been denying 49 Genre for the and mature beliefs may have pockets of ignorance. Specials narrator Paradise 19 List appearing once 53 He played 007 seven yourself without good cause? Renew your relationship So don't be a prisoner of your own success or a Down each in a supervocalic times with it. Is there a rough prize you received before you 50 Currency in Colombia slave of good habits. Your ability to adjust and make 1 Barbecue specialty 24 Hit the slopes 54 Computer were ready to make smart use of it? Maybe you're 51 Hawaiian instrument, corrections will be key to the most interesting kind for short 2 Olympic dueling 26 Statute programmer finally ready. Are you brave enough to dismantle a bad weapon 56 Arise habit that hampers your self-mastery? I suspect you of progress you can achieve in the coming weeks. 52 "Fear the Walking 28 Bourbon barrel wood Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Capricorn Dead" network 3 Doesn't remember, as 58 "... or thereabouts" are. 29 1980s Disney film author Simone de Beauvoir was a French feminist 55 Joule fraction with a task 60 "The Flintstones" pet Cancer (June 21-July 22) The Hollywood film industry 31 Smoothie berry relies heavily on recycled ideas. In 2014, for example, and activist. In her book A Transatlantic Love Affair, 57 "Lucky Jim" author 4 Gary of "Diff'rent 62 "That's a shame!" Strokes" 32 Dessert bar option only one of the ten top-grossing movies -- Interstellar she made a surprising confession: Thanks to the Kingsley 63 Garden material 5 Minor league rink org. 34 Rapper Flo ___ -- was not a sequel, remake, reboot, or episode assistance of a new lover, Nelson Algren, she finally 59 Crucifix symbol 65 "___ silly question ..." 6 Cruise 36 Recedes in a franchise. In the coming weeks and months, had her first orgasm at age 39. Better late than never, 61 '80s-'90s cars 66 Christmas song right? I suspect that you, too, are currently a good 7 Answer that won't get 37 "For the life ___ ..." Cancerian, you'll generate maximum health and 64 From Bhutan or 68 Dissenting vote wisdom for yourself by being more like Interstellar candidate to be transported to a higher octave of Brunei you an F? 38 It may require 8 "The Metamorphosis" antibiotics to treat 69 Salt Lake City than like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Transformers: pleasure. Even if you're an old pro at sexual climax, 67 Element #53 knew collegian Age of Extinction, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and the there may be a new level of bliss awaiting you in some what was up? character Gregor 39 Break in illegally six other top-ten rehashes of 2014. Be original! other way. Ask for it! Seek it out! Solicit it! 70 Concert venue 9 One of the main 43 Author Harper players in "Gauntlet" Leo (July 23-August 22) Long ago, in the land we Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Can you afford now call Italy, humans regarded Mars as the divine to hire someone to do your busy work for a while? ©2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords • For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to protector of fields. He was the fertility god who If so, do it. If not, see if you can avoid the busy work your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Ans wers Page 16 ripened the food crops. Farmers said prayers to for a while. In my astrological opinion, you need to him before planting seeds, asking for his blessings. deepen and refine your skills at lounging around and But as the Roman Empire arose, and warriors doing nothing. The cosmic omens strongly and loudly SUDOKU BEGINNER began to outnumber farmers, the deity who once and energetically suggest that you should be soft served as a kind benefactor evolved into a militant and quiet and placid. It's time for you to recharge champion, even a fierce and belligerent conqueror. your psychospiritual batteries as you dream up In accordance with current astrological omens, Leo, TO PLAY new approaches to making love, making money, and I encourage you to evolve in the opposite direction. making sweet nonsense. Please say a demure "no, Now is an excellent time to transmute aggressiveness thanks" to the strident demands of the status quo, my Fill in the grid so that every and combativeness into fecundity and tenderness. Virgo (August 23-September 22) You sometimes get dear. Trust the stars in your own eyes. row, column, and outlined superstitious when life is going well. You worry about Pisces (February 19-March 20) I believe it's a favorable 3-by-3 box contains the growing overconfident. You're afraid that if you enjoy time for you to add a new mentor to your entourage. yourself too much, you will anger the gods and jinx If you don't have a mentor, go exploring until you find numbers 1 through 9 exactly your good fortune. Is any of that noise clouding your one. In the next five weeks, you might even consider mood these days? I hope not; it shouldn't be. The truth, mustering a host of fresh teachers, guides, trainers, once. No guessing is required. as I see it, is that your intuition is extra-strong and coaches, and initiators. My reading of the astrological The solution is unique. your decision-making is especially adroit. More luck omens suggests that you're primed to learn twice as than usual is flowing in your vicinity, and you have an much and twice as fast about every subject that will enhanced knack for capitalizing on it. In my estimation, be important for you during the next two years. Your Answers on page 16 therefore, the coming weeks will be a favorable time future educational needs require your full attention.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018 Out on the Town EVENTS Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Saturday, April 28 BABY STORYTIME (AGES UP TO 18 MONTHS). From Friday, April 27 CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS from page 14 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. FREE. CADL Foster Library, 200 N. Foster Ave. Lansing. (517) 485-5185. CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS BRUSH LETTERING & SNAIL MAIL WORKSHOP. From call (517) 483-1921. Small Business Development 1 to 3 p.m. $40. Aviator Jayne, 110 W Main St From 6 to 8 p.m. Free or TRY CURLING. From 9:45 to 11:59 p.m. $25, all Center, LCC, 309 N. Washington Sq. Suite 110 LANSING REIKI SHARE. Owosso. Lean In Lansing. From 9 to 11 a.m. FREE. donation. Willow Stick Ceremonies & Healing Arts, equipment provided. Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Lansing. Grand Traverse Pie, 1403 E. Grand River Ave. East 335 Seymour Ave, Suite D Lansing. 517-402-6727. Blvd. East Lansing. Lansing. (517) 203-3304. SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP. From 7 to 8 p.m. LUNCH AT THE SENIOR CENTER. From 12 to 1 p.m. EVENTS FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road MAKER MANIA: BRUSH BOT WARRIORS. From 7 to 8 suggested donations of $3.00. If you are age 59 East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. p.m. Cost: tinkrLAB Members - $20.00 and under, there is a charge of $5.75 (this is not a VERMONTVILLE MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL. Not Yet Members - $30.00. tinkrLAB, Meridian suggested donation). Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Vermontville is the "granddaddy" of them all! We LITERATURE-AND-POETRY Mall, 1982 W Grand River Okemos. 517-233-1524. Okemos Road Okemos. are the home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. Our festival starts Friday evening, EAST LANSING HIGH SCHOOL BOOK GROUP. From PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR ARTWORK. From continues through Saturday and Sunday and is 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public MONEY SMART WEEK: TEENS AND MONEY WITH 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Gallery members pay $10 and MSUFCU. From 3 to 4 p.m. FREE. East Lansing always held during the last full weekend in April. Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351- non-members pay $15.. Keys to Creativity, 5746 W. Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) We have something for everyone — Mid-America 2420. Saginaw Highway Lansing. Putting Your Best Face 351-2420. rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, Forward. From 1 to 2 p.m. Keys to Creativity, 5746 two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, FOUR POETS READ. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. free. W. Saginaw Highway Lansing. From 11 a.m. various displays, games, free entertainment, a East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East PRESCHOOL STORYTIME IN WACOUSTA. to noon Grand Ledge Area District Library , 131 E. pancake derby, and arm wrestling. Our syrup Lansing. (517) 351-2420. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY Jefferson St Grand Ledge. 517.627.7014. producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever IPAD STORYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. BLACKOUT POETRY JOURNALS. From 1 to 2 p.m. From 7 to popular maple syrup cotton candy. Visit http:// East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East SOLARIZE MERIDIAN PRESENTATION. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road 8 p.m. free. Okemos Library, 4321 Okemos Rd. www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org for more Lansing. (517) 351-2420. East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Okemos . information. LOCAL POETS READING EVENT. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. MUSIC BUILDING FUTURES FUNDRAISER. From 6 to 9 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road ARTS Tickets are $25 per person and includes dinner East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. KIDS JAZZ CONCERT. From 11 a.m. to noon FREE. From 8:30 to 9:30 and one drink ticket. You can pay at the door or BALLROOM LESSONS (FOX TROT). East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East p.m. $42 per couple purchase on-line at: THE HYENA SCIENTIST. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lansing. (517) 351-2420. $21 individual. Jackson School of the Arts, 634 N. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-futures- FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road Mechanic St. Jackson. (517) 784-2389. fundraiser-tickets-42245890596 East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. EVENTS . The Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave Lansing. (517) 798-6175. KIDS ART WITH IRINA. From 5 to 6 p.m. FREE. CAKE DECORATING FOR BEGINNERS (ADULTS). From East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East 2 to 3 p.m. FREE. CADL South Lansing Library, HOWL AT THE MOON: GUIDED WALK. From 8:30 to 3500 S. Cedar St. Lansing. (517) 272-9840. 9:30 p.m. $3/person. Harris Nature Center, 3998 THURSDAY, APRIL 26 >> MICHIGAN COMEDY CO-OP AT THE ROBIN THEATRE Van Atta Road Meridian Township. (517) 349-3866. *INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION (ADULTS). From 10 to 11 a.m. FREE. CADL Okemos Library, 4321 THRIFT/RUMMAGE SALE. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Michigan Comedy Co-op is a group of Lansing-based comedians. Thursday’s includes Will Green, Okemos Road Okemos. (517) 347-2021. Aharon Willows, Nick Leydorf and Detroit-comedian Sam Rager, who is described as charmingly dark. Mayflower Congregational Church, 2901 W Mount Rager has been doing comedy across the Midwest since 2012. The night will also feature Zach Martina, Hope Ave. Lansing. (517) 484-3139. *MEET "BEHOLD THE DREAMERS" AUTHOR IMBOLO who has performed all across the country, including with Dave Chappelle. MBUE . From 4 to 6 p.m. FREE. Lansing Center, 333 ARTS E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. Thursday, April 26, 8 p.m. FUSED JEWELRY. From 6 to 8 p.m. $45 Each. Delphi The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing 3D PRINTING WORKSHOP. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Glass, 3380 E Jolly Rd. Lansing. 1-800-248-2048. $10, www.facebook.com/michigancomedycoop/ See Out on the Town Page 18

FRIDAY, APRIL 27 >> LCC ROCK BAND CONCERT FRIDAY, APRIL 27 >> BUILDING PEACE THROUGH THE ARTS

A variety of interfaith, intercultural and international viewpoints will be intertwined into a musical LCC presents this concert series which consists of original music written by LCC students and features performance by two classically trained artists, Karim Wasfi and Alvin Waddles. Wasfi, world famous for covers of Pink Floyd, Blue Oyster Cult, Vulfpek, Amy Winehouse and more. Chris Rollins will direct the his work with the Iraqi National Symphony, knows firsthand the immense power of music. He’s performed band in classic and contemporary rock standards. for children that have been displaced by ISIS and will discuss his experience with “overcoming the Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., LansingFree, ugliness of killings by beauty, music and creativity.” www.lcc.edu/cma/events 5 p.m., Free, University Club, 3435 Forest Road, East Lansing www.facebook.com/lansingsis SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION From Pg. 22 From Pg. 22 City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

A survey of Lansing’s Musical LAndscape TURN IT D WNBy RICH TUPICA Drinking Missy Raines Fri., April 27 Mercury Fri., April 27 Diana Jones Sat., April 28 & The New Hip

GTG band makes rare appearance Nashville songwriter at ‘The Fiddle’ Raines returns to East Lansing

Friday, April 27, @ The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Friday, April 27, @ MSU Community Music School, Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Pump Michigan Ave., Lansing. 21+, FREE, 9 p.m. 4930 Hagadorn Road, East Lansing. All ages,$18, House Concerts, 368 Orchard St., East Lansing. $15 members, $5 students, 7:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Three Michigan bands perform a free show Friday at The Known internationally for her haunting yet strikingly clear Accomplished bassist and vocalist Missy Raines, along with Avenue Café—the diverse bill includes sets from Jackpine voice, singer-songwriter Diana Jones has been praised her all-acoustic ensemble the New Hip, headline Saturday Snag (a local heavy-blues power trio) and Dirty Deville (a by the likes of Steve Earle, who hailed her “one of the at the Pump House. Raines, a West Virginia native known Ypsilanti-based prog band). Drinking Mercury, a sometimes- best songwriters I’ve heard in a long, long time.” Folk for her rootsy hybrid of jazz, folk and bluegrass, has been inactive atmospheric alt-rock outfit with Ionia and Lansing icon Janis Ian said Jones’ songwriting and deep vocals named “Bass Player of the Year” by the International roots, also makes a rare appearance. When Drinking Mercury are “completely her own—a rarity in this world.” Friday, Bluegrass Music Association seven times over. Her past formed in 2000, the band was simply a duo and comprised Jones brings that distinct sound to a Ten Pound Fiddle- endeavors include fruitful stints in the Cloud Valley, the guitarist Tommy McCord (of the Plurals) and drummer Kevin hosted show at the MSU Community Music School. Claire Lynch Band, the Brother Boys and time as a smoky- Adams. By the spring of 2002, after the addition of guitarist/ The New York and Nashville based troubadour has five voiced solo artist. The New York Music Daily praised Raines vocalist Michael Boyes, the group expanded into a trio. With albums to her name, including 2006’s “My Remembrance as “not only a superb bassist, but also an excellent singer all members sharing songwriting duties, Drinking Mercury of You,” her breakthrough debut LP. From there, she with a matter-of-fact, low-key delivery that’s sometimes debuted in 2004 with “The Virgin” EP and followed that with earned a nomination as “Best Emerging Artist” at the hushed, sometimes seductive, sometimes channeling a the “Way” EP. In 2008, Timmy Rodriguez (formerly of the Folk Alliance Awards and has had legends cover her simmering unease.” And while her sound remains rooted Break-Ups) was added on bass and vocals. In 2011, via GTG material, including Joan Baez’s take on “Henry Russell’s in old-fashioned bluegrass, Missy Raines and the New Hip Records, the band issued its “Words” EP and the moody Last Words.” In 2016, she issued her latest record, “Live delivers the sonic energy of contemporary folk-rock and “Orcades” LP— its only full-length album. in Concert.” newgrass outfits like the Avett Brothers and Churchill.

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Service Industry Night Free GTG Show Free GTG Show Free GTG Show

LIVE Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Coach's, 6201 Bishop Road DJ Trivia Double Wide Ride DJ Carter Esquire, 1250 Turner St. Karaoke, 9 p.m. AND The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. The Good Cookies, 8 p.m. Mike Skory & Friends Open Mic, 8:30 p.m. The New Rule The New Rule Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Johnny D Blues Night Karaoke ROOT DOCTOR Cardboard Bullies Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E Shiawassee St. Big Dudee Roo, 8pm The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Spring Forward Comedy Show, 8pm Ron Jeremy Comedy Show, 8pm EGI, 9pm Laugh & Lyrics, 9pm LOCAL The Unicorn, 327 Cesar E Chavez Ave. UPCOMING SHOW? CONTACT UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St. Jazz Thursdays with Happenstance, 7pm [email protected] Watershed Tavern and Grill, 5965 Marsh Rd. Capital City DJ's Capital City DJ's 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

Mall, 1982 W Grand River Okemos. 517-233-1524. ARTS Sunday, April 29 Out on the Town JUGGLING. From 2 to 4 p.m. FREE. Orchard Street CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS WILLIAMSTON POP UP ART & CRAFTS SHOW. From Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St. East Lansing. from page 16 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Keller's Plaza Upstairs, 107 DROP IN: SCRIBBLE BOTS. From 12 to 3 p.m. Cost: S. Putnam Williamston. 517-325-3097. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road tinkrLAB Members - $20.00 Not Yet Members - $30.00. tinkrLAB, Meridian East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. 67TH MICHIGAN ANTIQUARIAN BOOK & PAPER SHOW. From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 admission, kids DROP-IN MINECRAFT FREE PLAY (GRADE 3 & UP). SUNDAY, APRIL 28 >> UM-FLINT CHAMBER SINGERS AT LCC 13 and under free. Causeway Bay Hotel, 6820 S. From 2 to 4 p.m. FREE. CADL Okemos Library, Cedar St. Lansing. (517) 694-8123. 4321 Okemos Road Okemos. (517) 347-2021. LCC’s music program will host the UM-Flint Chamber singers during their West Michigan concert tour. The ensemble consists of a 16-member group of both music and non-music majors conducted by Gabriela MUSIC GOING SOLAR PRESENTATION. From 12 to 1 p.m. Hristova, Daniel Steenson and UM-Flint voice faculty Joshua May free. The Islamic Center of East Lansing, 920 S LANSING SYMPHONY CHAMBER 4: PIANO TRIO. Sunday, April 28, 12 p.m., Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave. Harrison Rd East Lansing. From 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets: $20; student pricing Free, www.lcc.edu/cma/events available. Molly Grove Chapel of First Presbyterian LANSING CHILDREN'S CHOIR FUNDRAISER. From Church, 510 West Ottawa St. Lansing. 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25.00 per FRIDAY, APRIL 27 >> MEN OF STEEL BY QUI NGUYEN person and may be purchased in advance through EVENTS our website or at the door the night of the event.. Turner Dodge House and Heritage Center, 100 E. Created at New York City’s Vampire Cowboy’s Theatre Co., “Men of Steel” comes from the playwright AERIAL SHOWCASE. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets North St. Lansing. 517-483-4220. who drafted “She Kills Monsters” and has been described as a “superhero story for adults.” can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stilettos-steel- PETTING FARM (ALL AGES). From 2 to 3 p.m. FREE. Friday, April 27, 8.p.m. spring-showcase-tickets-43424463740 CADL Haslett Library, 1590 Franklin St Haslett. Saturday, April 28, 8 p.m. Or at the door for $10/person. Country Creek (517) 339-2324. Reception Hall, 5080 Michigan Road Dimondale. LCC Black Box Theatre, Room 1422 Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, Donations suggested BIRD WATCHING IN OUR PARKS. From 8 to 9 a.m. Free. Hartrick Park, 3685 Hulett Road Okemos. Family Day at The Grid. From 12 to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Kid friendly. The Grid Arcade & Bar, 226 E THURSDAY, APRIL 26>> JAZZ THURSDAYS WITH HAPPENSTANCE Grand River Ave Lansing. 517-885-3010.

UrbanBeat Event Center is hosting local jazz trio Happenstance. The group will be accompanied by two Monday, April 30 special guests, guitarist Nathan Borton and traditional bassist Kazuki Takemura. Food and drinks will be served. Free. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY Featured on: From 7 to 9 p.m., UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner St., Lansing BABYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Try our Tuesday, May 01

Fish, Burgers & Steak CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS

PROSTATE HEALTH. From 6 to 7 p.m. Free. Dawe Fresh off the Grill! Auditorium, 2720 S. Washington Ave. Lansing. Vote for us again in MUSIC the upcoming JAZZ TUESDAYS AT MORIARTY'S. From 7 to 10 Top of the Town p.m. FREE. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Awards Lansing. (517) 485-5287. and make us the TUESDAY IS BLUES-DAY AT URBANBEAT. From 7 to 10 p.m. UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner St. Best FRIDAY, APRIL 27>> GUIDED MOON WALK AT FENNER NATURE CENTER Lansing. Attendees can enjoy the full moon while taking a guided walk through the Fenner Nature Center's night EVENTS Fish Fry time woods. Dogs on a non-retractable leash and flashlights are welcome. The group will meet in the parking lot. Be prepared for a three mile long walk. SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALK. From 8 to 10 a.m. Free. Capital City Bird Sanctuary, 6001 Delta River 3 Years in a 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Drive Lansing. 5175807364. Row! (517) 349-3866 TUESDAY GAMES. From 1 to 4 p.m. Euchre, Free Voting starts Bridge, $1 - $2 per person. Meridian Senior March 28! Center, 4406 Okemos Road Okemos.

2018

CONTEST 2417 E. Kalamazoo Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 993-5988 www.eastsidefishfry.com The only American owned & operated fish fry in Lansing City Pulse • April 25, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19 Back of house: Zane Vicknair of Street Kitchen By MEGAN WESTERS if the sandwich is so big or if you just have Although he was born in California, tiny hands. We try to have fun with it. chef Zane Vicknair considers Lansing his This restaurant has the same, laid-back, home and is no stranger to the local food arts-y feel that you find whexn you go to scene. He and his team create unique and Golden Harvest. Would you say that that exciting options for greater Lansing food- is something you are trying to create with ies, with his food truck-turned restaurant this restaurant? called Street Kitchen, inspired by in-sea- I think, it’s more about, a reflection of son produce and childhood memories. the people who come in here and make a How did you get into the restaurant space for this. You know? It’s just commu- business? nity, and that’s what I want it to be. I want I started when I was 13. I needed a job, everyone to come in here and feel com- as all 13 year olds need a job. I showed up fortable here and comfortable to be them- at the neighborhood Italian restaurant selves. It doesn’t matter where you come and I asked the owner if I could work for from or who you are, this is your table, this him and he said, ‘get out of here kid, you’re is your home too. If you give people room too young.’ But I was persistent. Within six to be themselves, then I think you get a lot months I was cooking. It was something more from each experience. That’s what I that I loved doing, I loved the pace of the would like. kitchen, I liked the intensity, I like taking care of people, I wasn’t afraid to work. I’ve been in the restaurant business ever since. La Señorita’s You aren’t new to Lansing’s restaurant Vicknair (back left) and his Street Kitchen crew. Courtesy photo Cinco de Mayo scene – didn’t you used to own Golden Harvest? When did this project start for you and call this part of the project People’s Kitch- Party 2018 I was at Golden Harvest for about 15 what are Street Kitchen’s plans for the fu- en, the restaurant. And knowing that the Taco Tuesday - May 1st years. Best experience of my life. ture? food truck was going to be like phase one Ground beef, shredded chicken, beef and When I was younger, I worked for Ker- We’ve only been open as a food truck for of it, I named it StreetKitchen. pork tacos only $2 all day! ry Heffernan in San Francisco. I did an about eight months. We opened in August Your menu is quite dynamic offering nd apprenticeship and she sent me to work Wacky Wednesday - May 2 and we tried to predict how busy we would ingredients that are new to the area like Come in and take your selfie the La Señorita at fancy restaurants and fancy hotels to be, we tried to predict how much space we Tempeh and Cashew Cheese. What is your Cinco way! #LASCinco18 develop technique and get a lot of experi- would require. We thought three picnic inspiration in your dishes and the busi- rd ence. What I loved was that I could take tables would be fine, but we quickly out- ness as a whole? Thursday, May 3 that fine dining experience and bring it to grew that. So right now we are looking at We definitely try to use what’s available Habitat Charity Fiesta the shelter meals. I liked to pay meticulous turning this into a full-service restaurant seasonally. So my farmer just brought me Help La Señorita support attention and detail in creating meals and inside. We’re working with the planning the very first vegetable that he’s grown all Habitat for Humanity! dishes for people who were without. department on getting approval so that we year, he brought me some spinach today so th It was the same thing at Harvest. I had a Frozen Friday - May 4 can go ahead and make plans to do that. we put that on the menu. I’m inspired by Liters of our Famous Frozen Margaritas for $9! lot of farmers who provided us with beau- Why the name Street Kitchen? what is seasonally available, I’m inspired th - tiful produce that was picked that day or Street Kitchen’s are the most accessi- by what I see at the farmers market. After Saturday May 5 CINCO!! picked the day before and we could offer ble food throughout the world. If you go working with these farmers for 18 years, Keeper glasses at that beautiful produce without charging to Bangkok, there are areas where there they send me texts, [saying] ‘the peppers all locations! an arm and a leg because we were in a ca- are markets and then along the way of the look amazing this week, these are the best LIVE: Don Middlebrook 5-8 PM sual setting. We tried to keep things com- markets, there are all of these vendors. It’s peppers ever,’ and I try to write a dish or Amazon Giveaway! fortable and casual and not pretentious. a guy with a folding card table and a little a few dishes that are based around those It’s a fantastic place, best thing that’s ever hibachi, cooking for you. Same idea here. peppers. My process is usually, I find one $2.50 Select happened to me. And we’ve been able to We’re in a truck on the side of the road, or two ingredients and try to find ways to Mexican Bottled carry over a lot of that casual attitude over but we’re not just doing burgers and fries, showcase those ingredients. I want the Beer All Week! here. I mean we’re eating at a picnic table we have a full commercial kitchen, and we food to be comfortable, unless it’s like in an abandoned office building. have the skills and the ability to really just childhood memories or something like What brought you to Michigan? make almost anything that you can get in- that. Something that is fun and delicious, I worked in San Francisco from the time side a restaurant. but also simple. I was 18-21. At 21, I left San Francisco. I It also ties into, in the 60s, on the cor- So, while you do offer lots of vegan, veg- gave away my possessions and was going ner of Cedar Street and Michigan Avenue, etarian and dairy free options, you also do to hitchhike to New York, some friends of there was a restaurant called The People’s work with meat and dairy products, cor- mine were involved with the housing riots Kitchen. And I did some research and it rect? on the lower east side of New York so I was was very much the neighborhood diner Right. And we take a lot of pride in the actually going out to do that. And I met where you could go in for a couple bucks tempeh and other products that we use my wife, my ex-wife. We ended up being and get a square meal and a coffee and because they’re made in Michigan at a lo- inseparable for 21 years. It was a really it wasn’t pretentious. It was open for ev- cal manufacturer. But we also do like, pork good journey with her. Her family is all eryone, right in the middle of skid row. It belly, braised pork shoulder. Right now we from out here so we stayed here. We have made me recall the very first shelter pro- have this Korean brisket sandwich that’s two children together, this is where they gram that I ever worked with in California on Stone Circle focaccia with this amazing grew up, this is where they were born, so in San Luis Obispo, and it was called Peo- fennel and lime slaw and a sesame may- yeah, it’s a special place for us. I love Lan- ple’s Kitchen. That was something that, as onnaise. And it’s huge, it’s so big that we sing. She still runs Golden Harvest. a teenager, stuck with me. So I’m going to called it tiny hands because you can’t tell 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • April 25, 2018

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