December 28, 2016-January 3, 2017 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016 URBAN LIVING STARTING AT $575.

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All purchasers must meet these requirements: • Have a total household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. • Complete a Home Buyer Education course. • Qualify for City of Lansing down payment assistance.

*Based on example available to view on file at Land Bank office. Subject Agent: Maggie Gerich 517-303-0527 to borrower qualifications based on program guidelines. Rates, fees and RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals terms are subject to change. City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3

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We extend warm and heartfelt wishes of joy to you and your families during the festive celebrations of light! In the new year let us strive for peace and tolerance toward all people and respect and stewardship of the earth for future generations.

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Closed Dec. 25, 26, 27 and Jan. 1, 2, 3, 4 211 M.A.C. Avenue, East Lansing | 517.351.2211 | mackerelsky.com 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

Feedback VOL. 16 Oversimplification of alt-right sincere, I for one think his message is highly ISSUE 20 In a memo to reporters writing about counterproductive in a social climate where the "alt-right," John Daniszewski, vice accusations of racism are a de rigeur mode (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com president for Standards at the Associated of marginalization...as evidenced by the AP ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-6704 Press, cautioned journalists to be specific directive mentioned above. PAGE or email [email protected] and deliberate when writing about a label Milo Yiannoupolis, another facet, takes that many say is just a euphemism for a more broad view. From a BBC interview: 7 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz white nationalism."Avoid using the term “No, I’m talking about culture not race, and [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 generically and without definition, however, it’s typical of somewhere like the BBC to try ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • Mickey Hirten [email protected] because it is not well known and the term to conflate the two, because what they want The year in jazz and classical music, local and imported ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Ty Forquer may exist primarily as a public-relations to do is suggest that if you’re proud of your [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 country and the ideals on which your coun- device to make its supporters’ actual beliefs PAGE PRODUCTION MANAGER • Allison Hammerly less clear and more acceptable to a broader try is founded that somehow makes you a [email protected] • (517) 999-5066 audience," Daniszewski wrote. "In the past racist — it doesn’t.” 8 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino There are many other facets to the "alt- [email protected] we have called such beliefs racist, neo-Nazi Todd Heywood or white supremacist." right": right-wing populism, traditionalism, [email protected] nativism, men's rights groups, and neo- Local theater provided commentary, catharsis in 2016 'White nationalism' is, as self-defined by ADVERTISING one facet of the "alt-right', Richard Spencer, reactionism. SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR • Rich Tupica president of the National Policy Institute, To paint such a loose confederation with PAGE [email protected]:30 a.m. Saturdays European national- such a broad brush is egregiously over- SALES EXECUTIVES • Mandy Jackson, Liza Sayre, ism. However, Eu- simplistic. The only commonality would 26 Suzi Smith STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF INGHAM rope is not 'white': seem to be far-right views, rejection of [email protected] NOTICE TO CREDITORS [email protected] Decedent’s Estate of Friedrich there are 87 distinct conventional conservatism, and especially A. Buehler, deceased. Date [email protected] of birth: November 20, 1935. rejection of the neo-conservatism of the Looking back on a year of adventurous eating Friedrich A. Buehler Trust, dated peoples of Europe, November 17, 2011 Bush and Clinton cabals. Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, TO ALL CREDITORS: of which 33 form Daniel E. Bollman,$ Capital News$ Service, Bill * NOTICE OF CREDITORS: The "alt-right" has no Svengalis such as The decedent, Friedrich A. the majority popu- COVER Castanier, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Buehler, who lived at 1448 lation in at least the Koch brothers (Tea Party) or George Lawrence$ Johnson, Eve Kucharski, Terry Link, Andy W. Grand River, Okemos, MI McGlashen, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Shawn Parker, 48864, died on October 26, Soros (Media Matters). It is, thereby, the 2016. The decedent established one sovereign state, ART Stefanie Pohl, Dennis Preston, Allan I. Ross, Rich the Friedrich A. Buehler Trust while the remaining first nascent grassroots political movement Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, Paul Wozniak November 11, 2011. Creditors Crowdsourcing of the decedent are notified that of the new Century. all claims against the Trust and 54 constitute ethnic Delivery drivers: Frank Estrada, Dave Fisher, Paul Shore, the Estate will be forever barred It would behoove the political Establish- “Adieu,” by JONATHANA GRIFFITH GUIDERichard TO L Simpson,ANSING-AREA Thomas Scott ONLINE Jr. FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS unless presented to Kimalynn minorities. Mr. Wilson, Trustee of the above ment (and it's 'Ministry of Truth', the MSM) referenced Trust and Personal Spencer employs Representative of the Estate, agitprop rhetoric, to be less interested in demonizing this within four (4) months after the Editor & Publisher date of publication of this notice. CITY PULSE and whether he is movement, and more in trying to under- on the Berl Date of Publication: December 28, 2016. 'trolling'- deliber- stand the vox populii it represents...espe- Schwartz cially in light of it's role in helping a political Trustee/Personal ate use of inflam- AIR Representative: Now airing on Kimalynn Wilson matory rhetoric outsider attain the White House. PO Box 2893 Belfair, WA 98528 to challenge 'PC' CP#16-286 —Gregoiry A. Graham 10:30 a.m. Saturdays standards- or Lansing 89 FM PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of East Lansing in the Counties of Clinton and Ingham

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF BROWNFIELD PLAN #23 FOR THE CITY OF EAST LANSING PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACT 381, 1996, AS AMENDED, OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.

Please take notice that a Public Hearing shall be held before the East Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 on the adoption of Brownfield Plan #23 for the City of East Lansing, within which the Authority shall exercise its powers, all pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, being Act 381 of the Public Acts of the State of Michigan of 1996, as amended.

The description of the proposed Brownfield is:

100-140 W. Grand River Avenue, 303 Abbot Road, 314, 328, 334, 340 and 341 Evergreen Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan, consisting of twelve (12) parcels.

The project includes a complete demolition and redevelopment of underutilized and contaminated sites and functionally obsolete building structures and adjacent thoroughfares. The proposed mixed- use development includes a hotel, commercial and residential uses, and a parking garage.

The description of the property, along with maps and a copy of Brownfield Plan #23, are available for public inspection in the Department of Planning, Building and Development, City of East Lansing, 517-319-6930 and at www.cityofeastlansing.com/539/projects.

Please note that all aspects of the Brownfield Plan are open for discussion at the public hearing, at which all interested persons will be provided an opportunity to be heard, and written communication will be received and considered. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at this meeting, upon notice to the City of East Lansing prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations or services should write or call the City Manager’s Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823, 517-319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-3777.

Marie Wicks City Clerk CP#16-284 City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION

Property: Darius Moon House seriously eroded the porch’s charms. at 116 Logan St. (now Martin Luther Fully Restored Porch, 216 Huron St., Working from century-old pho- King Jr. Boulevard). Unfortunately, the C Lansing tos, a small team of restorers, led by move weakened the porch’s support Amanda Harrell Seyburn of Sedgwick structure and the house’s foundation. OF THE WEEK & Ferwada Architects, set to work in The story goes that sympathetic city People who like to cruise around July 2015, designing new pieces to officials moved the demo order to the looking at Christmas lights might want match missing originals where nec- bottom of the inbox to give them time to start, while it’s still daylight, at 216 essary. Restorers Clayton Shafer and to raise the money. Huron St. on Lansing’s near west side. Jared Browers stripped away 15 lay- The house made it safely to a vacant One of the most beautiful front porch- ers of paint, revealing intricate details lot donated by the city, but the founda- es in the state has been fully restored, that have gone unseen for decades. tion was hastily and carelessly built. painted and decorated for the holi- There’s nothing straightforward about Structural repairs, along with the days by owners Carol Skilling and Tom this porch, built mostly out of highest- fine restoration work, pushed the bill Stanton. quality Douglas fir. The simplest joins for the porch (together with a second The 124-year-old "stick Victorian" turned out to involve over 20 carefully porch toward the rear of the house) style house belonged to Lansing's fore- fitted pieces. Major work was done in over $90,000. most architect, Darius Moon, who lived fall 2015, capped by a painting par- Stanton and Skilling have no kids, there from 1891 until his death in 1939. ty in summer 2016. This is the first however, and (thankfully) love to sit on Moon built nearly 300 buildings Christmas the porch has been seen in the porch. Most important, they take over a 60-year career, only about 30 of full glory since Moon himself wel- their stewardship of one of Lansing’s which survive. His own house was one comed visitors 100 years ago. most significant historic houses very of his best. The porch, a curvy confec- Work wasn’t limited to replacing a seriously. tion of gingerbread with many sculp- few knobs and curlicues. In 1975, the “People are definitely driving by and tured details and its own fancy tin roof, house barely escaped demolition when looking,” Stanton said. was specially baked to entice clients. a grass-roots nonprofit support group Over the decades, normal wear and raised enough money to move it to — Lawrence Cosentino extra damage from previous tenants Huron Street from its original location

efits; Foul! Foul! Foul! ‘Exit, chased by a bear’ Councilmembers did cry Quoth the mayor, I don’t give two — ‘The Winter’s Tale’ shits. Tis private and By TODD HEYWOOD secret, you don’t need to know. Say what you want about the election Sure, it cost the city thousands in de- of Donald Trump, it defied convention. fense, In that spirit, we recount for you 2016’s It’s in city interest, honest Joe Blow, Top Ten local news stories not in boring To pay this cash without offense. old prose but in the style of Shakespeare’s But what about the Charter, it was sonnets. Just to be unconventional. asked. Doesn’t apply, doesn’t apply, damn it, 1. The Brothers doesn’t apply! It’s solid: The contracts are unsur- Dunnings’ Woes dream The Brothers Dunnings, of privilege and passed! But said the clerk, we’ve no way to ‘cross the street towering cranes of Sky- wealth, Vue loom Near the Ides of March did suffer a fall. verify. Council cried for outside legal direction. The backbone develops, says the regime; Their pandering and procuring long The region development does boom! stealth; Bernero said: settle it by election. With a nod, national news highlights Revealed in charges: followed by squall. “Play ball!” says housing o’er the Out- Women exploited, sexuality unsavoury 3. Visions of Development field, The women said: “They smelled of cat Did Dance in Our Heads Local labor signs aloft screams of pee.” punishment. Lindemann’s pollution-prevention slights; AG Schuette with self-righteous fury Stuart was ordered: spend one year in Streams, ponds and marsh water won- Incentives galore for Georgia revealed. Sought charges, charges and charges jail ders invite! School for the Blind waits new life as times ten for all to see In Clinton County he sits; end the tale Mired in lawsuit, Joel avoids rejection — housing In shame Stuart did to Tennessee escape Sort of, from county hampered by fore- But PILOTs and politricks did slow the For his sexual addiction’s treatment. 2. Exit: The City Attorney sight. move. Resignation in July, voters agape $160K for Janene: Why, O’, Why? Red Cedar Renaissance a vision, a Did shake their heads and question the Vacation and sick pay plus health ben- See Sonnets, Page 6 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

Bernero: Lansing Mayor For Life. begin. Then came Janene’s pay-out assump- Alas, quoth the opponents: all is folly, Sonnets tion; Island isolation traverse dangerous from page 5 Now facing a mayoral race of strife. Left turns abolished: biz owners not The opponents, they are appearing. jolly. There’s affable Andy Schor, the lawmak- Cyclists and disabled: It endangers us. er ascending, The dream was built on presumptions And Judi Brown Clarke busy engineer- unwise; ing. Opponents say in the political world The polls show Bernero shall be defend- State, local lawmakers cash cows trau- ing matize here. Slithering from the gutters: dark money. When they hack the budgets, the dreams Brown suspended, disciplinary hearing Bernero’s weapon returned two fold. unfurled. set. The campaign attacks will cause agony; Bus Rapid Transit struggles on life sup- With bravado and stealth, he did disap- Statements undersold and uncontrolled. port 4. Sunken Garden Drama pear Simple, quiet sunken garden in the 2017 promises erosions While rich folks treat it like venereal Lenawee Sheriff Welsh saw an asset. And political social corrosions. wart. shadows Brenizer achieved recompense contract; Of neglected house. Bereft of promo- But Brown fumbled and tumbled and tion; assaulted again. Surrendered to power when made ap- Now he’s facing court for another act, pose. Where neighbors in Lenawee did com- Development for harmonic motion. plain. BWL declared: Sweet spot for power! Eaton insurer signed the pay-off Nowhere else can work because: be- Reich reelected and never cut off. cause. Forty-foot walls and fifty-foot tower! There’s a charter with an enabling 6. Bad Politics Rising 9. Housing Woes clause. In January it was presumption: One hundred folks, vulnerable did lose Cried residents and preservationists; Home, hearth and heat when evictions “History! Promises! Landmark trea- issue sure!” For the Homeless Hotel did accuse Pay no attention to isolationists, Landlord absent of lacking tissue Countered BWL mouthpiece with dis- To care and support for the community’s pleasure. Most vulnerable and hidden denizens BWL with graphics and figures to wow Did cry for many immunities; for all 7. Marijuana’s apothecaries As City did move to protect citizens. did convince seven on Council not to Neighbors with petitions, raised up their At 3200, corpses in the hall stall. voices Were linked to non-residents; snuck Dispensaries were proliferating! In by security systems free for all. 5. Deputy Brown’s Council sought an answer that all would Leaders did accuse the media of muck. rejoice; Housing with paint of lead, regulate Big Bad Video Mistake Moratorium came, somewhat placating. The city failed to abrogate. The traffic stop tragic ab initio. By then at least seventy apothecary Irritated County Deputy Greg Brown Throughout the city peddled medical Withdrew Todd Brenizer; caught on pot. video; Ordinance by acts evolutionary; Caused the officer a near meltdown. Stalled, stopped by Planning Board Sheriff Reich declared: Not acceptable which thought Provisions were too restrictive for the PUBLIC NOTICES city. Lansing City Council At Council, the ordinance fell from on 10. Digital Daze 2017 Meeting Schedule high A man with the color of tangerine The blame placed on Council committee Did with help from enemies old, Rus- Monday, January 09, 2017 Monday, July 10, 2017 Now, proliferation suspended Monday, January 30, 2017 Monday, July 24, 2017 sians, Monday, February 13, 2017 Monday, July 31, 2017 Residents and business offended. Screw elections with byzantine Monday, February 27, 2017 Monday, August 14, 2017 Monday, March 13, 2017 Monday, August 28, 2017 Games of hacking — with no repercus- Monday, March 27, 2017 Monday, September 11, 2017 sions. Monday, April 10, 2017 Monday, September 25, 2017 Utility BWL got smacked with a ransom Monday, April 24, 2017 Monday, October 09, 2017 Monday, May 08, 2017 Monday, October 23, 2017 large Monday, May 15, 2017 Monday, October 30, 2017 From an email click it failed to guard Monday, May 22, 2017 Monday, November 13, 2017 against. Monday, June 12, 2017 Monday, November 27, 2017 Monday, June 26, 2017 Monday, December 11, 2017 The result: Restoration for charge; No formal discussion of dispensed Except as otherwise noted, all meetings will be on Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Lansing City Council Cash other than: claim paid by insur- Chambers, 10th Floor, City Hall. ance. At the county holes in the system were Written public comments for Lansing City Council Meetings are accepted at the City Clerk’s Office, 8. BRT Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or by email city.clerk@lansingmi. Transformational avenue: Grow! found gov. Quoth CATA, loud and proud. Michigan Kiddie porn not from worker assurance Drain Commish and FBI did propound. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk Avenue will boom; time savings show www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope Ten minutes: downtown to Okemos Lock your emails, avoid the pain today CP#16-285 Or suffer the cash you will defray. City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO well into overtime, so engrossed were both In 2016, lovers of classical and jazz mu- musicians. At the other end of 2016, newly sic in Greater Lansing were again dazzled minted jazz supergroup, Aziza, led by bass- by dozens of superb local musicians who ist Dave Holland, crackled with the fertile are also national names — or could be, if fusions of adventurous guitarist Lionel they cared to live in a city where you can’t Loueke Oct. 20. Both concerts embodied park anywhere — as well as many visiting, the mix of tradition and adventure so cru- nationally known artists unlucky enough cial to jazz: DeJohnette and Holland are not to hail from Mid-Michigan. both legends who played with Miles Davis, An ambitious mash-up of both catego- but, in the spirit of Davis, neither of them ries hit Michigan State University’s Fair- are interested in settling down. Courtesy Photo The Lansing Symphony and music di- child Theatre early in the year, Jan. 17, with Jazz supergroup Aziza (left to right: drummer Eric Harland, bassist Dave Holland, rector Timothy Muffitt gave us several the world premiere of a new suite of music, saxophonist Chris Potter and guitarist Lionel Loueke) brought a potent mix to the “Do You Know My Name?,” commissioned memorable nights this year, including Wharton Center this year. from composer Billy Childs for MSU’s an- guest appearances by violinist Rachel Bar- nual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute con- ton Pine Nov. 23 and one of the brainiest cal artists, including classroom-cramped the main stage June 17. cert. Vocalist Alicia Olatuja and MSU’s Jazz and most engaging classical pianists in the professors and students from MSU, a vital The end of 2016 was packed with strange Orchestra I fused emotional expressiveness world, Jeremy Denk, Sept. 9. Pine gave a link to the streets and clubs synonymous and wonderful music, including the funny, with superb musicianship to premiere a great folk-fiddle spin to Max Bruch’s violin with the life of jazz. It’s a fool's errand to charming and sneakily masterful Breaking moody, poly-stylistic score that gave voice concerto and Denk crushed the Beethoven single out one night, but a loose, adventur- Winds Bassoon Quartet Nov. 7, who played the plight of victims of human trafficking. “Emperor” concerto. But a sublime, no- ous trio led by trombonist Michael Dease everything from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Over- The Wharton Center can’t offer a con- guest-star March 5 Mozart concert featured on May 10 was extra special. Most of the ture (yes, on four bassoons) to adaptations cert series as generous with genius as, say, the local team, especially the woodwinds, time, Dease is hemmed in, not only by of Common and Adele. New York sent over Ann Arbor’s University Music Society, but to best advantage. The concert was scaled his fellow Professors of Jazz but also by a double dose of artistry in the first week of the jazz and classical artists they do invite down, in part, to keep stars like Pine and his own arrangements. At Mort’s he un- December, beginning with the fierce and are often the among the greatest in the Denk from busting Lansing Symphony’s furled limitless chops while drummer Jeff engaging Brooklyn Rider quartet’s dark world, snagged in fresh phases of their minuscule budget, but the result was a rare Shoup, also the organizer of the series, and mesmerizing concert at MSU Dec. 1. evolving careers, before they harden to and lovely performance of the “Gran Par- channeled straddlers of the avant-garde A new composition by one of the quartet’s museum-piece “icon” status. Tap dancer su- tita,” twining like vines and flowers around and mainstream such as Billy Higgins and members mixed jaw-dropping change- preme Savion Glover and a still-searching everyone’s ears, instead of the usual sym- Elvin Jones. Nimble bassist Aneesa Strings ups and odd effects with old-fashioned, jazz icon, drummer Jack DeJohnette, con- phonic bombast (not that there’s anything sailed with the trio on a free floating odys- gripping musicianship. A week later, the tinued their series of cosmic conversations wrong with that). sey that gradually coalesced into a groove, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Cen- at Wharton Center Feb. 18. The unique The ongoing Jazz Tuesdays series at relaxed into a mood and bubbled back into ter went on a blissful rampage through all concert — almost a ritual cleansing — went Moriarty’s rolled on all year, giving lo- a boil, leaving the Mort’s crowd to close of Bach’s Brandenburg concertos in one their eyes and enjoy the perfect illusion night, bringing a New York tradition to Courtesy Photo that they were in Manhattan and hadn’t Lansing for the first time. Intellectual pianist parked only a few yards away. MSU’s Professors of Jazz worked mira- Jeremy Denk East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz cles all year, most notably with a night of joined the Lansing Festival, burgeoning under the artistic Billy Strayhorn tunes Sept. 9 and an in- Symphony Orchestra direction of MSU Jazz Studies director spired and rich holiday concert Dec. 19. this year to take Rodney Whitaker, served up a three- Separately, the professors’ varied doings on Beethoven’s stage Kozmic Picnic of avant-garde mu- are always worth following, but there’s “Emperor” concerto. sicians June 18, curated by Ann Arbor’s something special about these regular Kerrytown Concert Hall. The afternoon gatherings of the Round Table of Jazz, with concert saw cellist Tomeka Reid and director Rodney Whitaker in the glorious free jazz legend Joe McPhee launching summer of his Arthurian reign. the summer crowd off the lawn into in- Put simply, the flagon of music runneth terstellar regions. The festival proper over in Greater Lansing. We were only was overstuffed with fantastic jazz, most able to blot up a few of the juiciest drops notably from MSU alumnus and bassist with this napkin of newsprint, in hopes of Ben Williams, who brought a passionate, inspiring you to get out more in 2017 and steely set of post-Coltrane stretchers to drink straight from the overflowing cup. 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

thentically aged private school study room, and director Rob Roznowski’s master- ful control over his cast meant that scenes moved seamlessly at a breathtaking pace. Unlike “All My Sons” or “The Women of Lockerbie,” the violent deaths are on stage in “Punk Rock,” and the audience shares in the trauma of the characters. the families. While the deaths described in These shows — and so many others I “The Women of Lockerbie” are extremely didn’t have space to mention here — helped Catharsis traumatic, the women’s tender and empa- audiences understand and cope with the thetic response to the trauma made this world around them. The real world, espe- and coping play hopeful instead of depressing. cially this year, can feel like a dark and un- But 2016 wasn’t all dark and serious. Re- forgiving place. But on the local level, there Local theater helps community Photo by Jessica Steinort member when the Cubs won the World Se- is hope in knowing that the actors and tech- make sense of turbulent year ries? And then there was Owosso Commu- nicians behind every production share the Christina Traister (center) plays By PAUL WOZNIAK nity Player’s nearly sensational production same goal: re-examining and questioning Prospera, a female recasting of Prospero, Oh, 2016. Who knew that the joy and of “Rock of Ages”. From a detailed dive bar the world around them through the power in MSU’s partially gender-swapped pain of theater would be the necessary ca- set that looked ripped from the Broadway of theater. version of “The Tempest.” Also pictured: tharsis to help us process this year? production to a stunning cast of Michigan Jen English as Miranda (left) and Sean In their own way, local productions be- natives who could sing and dance with the McKeon as Ferdinand. came an emotional roadmap for the tumul- energy and range of seasoned professionals, tuous year. In January, two productions ex- so much of “Rock of Ages” was carefree and Gender swaps help but wonder if the play about women plored grief and loss in profoundly different blissful. Even chronic sound and electrical would have had more charm and authentic- ways. First, Riverwalk Theatre’s production issues couldn’t stop the cast and crew from ity if a woman had written the revision. of “All My Sons,” Arthur Miller’s riveting rocking through the night. and gut punches It is already difficult to identify the char- commentary on the power of denial and the Over the Ledge also provided some lighter acters and family connections in Shake- fringes of ethics and personal responsibility. fare, offering great performances in “Matt Unexpected themes emerged speare’s plays, and Michigan State Univer- Jeff Magnuson and Michael Hays played and Ben” and “Goodnight Desdemona (Good in this year’s theater season sity Department of Theatre’s take on “The off each other as son and father, but the morning, Juliet).” “Goodnight Desdemona” Tempest” made the task more complicat- singular force in this production was Eve featured perhaps my favorite performance of By DAVID WINKELSTERN ed. Women played several male roles for Davidson as the matriarch of the family. the year, Anna Szabo as an Amazonian prin- Looking back on the local theater I saw no obvious reason. There was no Prospero, As a woman wrapped in the naïve notion cess version of Desdemona. Like the standout in 2016, I sometimes found myself missing Antonio, Alonso or Stephono. Instead, the that her missing son will return, Davidson’s performer in a lackluster “Saturday Night men and enjoying pain. Hmm … I suppose MSU stage had Prospera, Antonia, Alonsa performance was especially heartbreaking Live” sketch, Szabo committed to her char- I should explain. and Stephona. Fortunately, the November as her character was forced to confront the acter with zeal, cutting through the show’s Two themes appeared over and over in production also had impressive special ef- awful truth. The detailed façade of a large goofiness with dead-on seriousness. It was a the past year. One was gender swapping, fects, monumental sounds, amazing light- country home, designed by Leroy Cupp, master class in character integrity while still and the other was a feeling of intense dis- ing and a massive, multi-level “ice” stage. prompted one audience member to walk being deceptively hilarious. comfort. The switching of male to female Even if the entire cast went by the name up and closely examine the set during the But maybe the most 2016 show of all was roles often left me confused. As for the plays “Bob,” I still would have enjoyed the audio- intermission. Michigan State University Department of that seemed to be intentionally disturbing visual delight. In “The Women of Lockerbie,” also Theatre’s production of “Punk Rock,” where — I felt more comfortable with them. Three other plays I experienced in the staged by Riverwalk Theatre, Jeff Magnu- the ending seemed unthinkable to the In early August, I reviewed the Over the past year were similar in a different way. son and Janet Colson played a husband characters but inevitable to the audience. Ledge Theatre Co.’s production of “Matt & Those were the shows that made me grum- and wife dealing with the horrific loss of This intense, bleak portrait of a disturbed Ben,” which was written by Brenda With- ble, grimace, gasp, groan and gag — but in their son in the Lockerbie airplane bomb- teenager planning to murder several of his ers and “The Mindy Project” star Mindy a way that was ultimately good. ing, desperately searching the wreckage for schoolmates was point-blank drama fired Kaling. Erin Hoffman portrayed Matt Da- Riverwalk Theatre’s black box produc- any piece of their son to bury. Gini Larson directly at the audience. Peter Verhaeghe’s mon and Shannon Bowen, Ben Affleck. tion of “Burn This” had me squirming in played the leader of a group of women who stunning set design foreshadowed the dark The pair shared a rare flair for making me my seat. The early October run featured a washed the clothes of the dead to return to ending to come, with its vandalized and au- care about the duo’s daring affairs. “Matt & script by Lanford Wilson that had all the Ben” also had enough surprises and absurd ingredients of a disturbing show. Annoy- lines to keep me amused, but the casting of ing characters, deep sorrow, anguish and two women who look nothing like the male vomiting might not sound appealing. But icons had me asking, “Why?” the passionate cast ¬— passionately direct- At the end of the same month, Pepper- ed by Michael Hays — made all of it more mint Creek Theatre Co. offered an all-fe- fascinating than troublesome. male version of William Golding’s “Lord of The same week, the MSU Department the Flies.” Directors Devin Faught and Sally of Theatre staged Simon Stephens’ “Punk Hecksel presented an all-female take on Rock.” A cast of talented crazies attacked the intense and metaphorical story about issues like abuse, depression, suicide and stranded boys who became savages. But mass murder in a manner I found grip- some of the ladies seemed too old for the ping. I left feeling like I had witnessed a parts, and the Piggy character wasn’t, well, horrible event, yet with the sensation of a piggy enough. grateful survivor. And the entire — admittedly talented — The first week of November provided cast kept the male names. I left their fake another hurts-so-good production. Pep- wilderness feeling authentically bewildered. permint Creek Theatre Co.’s “Disgraced,” October’s “The Female Version of the by Ayad Akhtar, had a racially driven Odd Couple,” presented by Starlight Dinner storyline. The intense play included in- Courtesy Photo Theatre, was less confusing. The play was fidelity, backstabbing friends, excessive Owosso Community Players’ production of ‘80s musical romp “Rock of Ages” ranks reimagined by Neil Simon, with women re- drinking, violence and betrayal. And yes, among City Pulse theater critic Paul Wozniak’s top shows of 2016. placing his original Felix and Oscar. I can’t I relished it all. City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9

1247 Center St., Lansing. (517) 371-3221, most stylish attire to dance to the sounds of Hoddy and Sugashawn — keep the dance spiraldancebar.com. Dee Jay Butcher and DJ Hollywood. Admis- party going well into 2017. 9 p.m.-4 a.m. $7 City Pulse’s 2016 sion includes food and a champagne toast; for ages 18-20/$5 for ages 21+. Mac’s Bar, NEW YEAR’S EVE YOUR WAY AT KEL- VIP booths and tables are available. 9 p.m.- 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 484- New Year’s Eve LOGG CENTER 3 a.m. $20. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., 6795, macsbar.com. Mix and match your own New Year’s Eve Lansing. (517) 913-0103, theloftlansing.com. experience at the Kellogg Hotel & Confer- NEW YEAR’S EVE CONTRA AND events guide ence Center. Enjoy a special dinner at the KNIGHT CAP NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY SQUARE DANCE From family movies to classy parties to State Room for $75 per person, and/or join Before you take your New Year’s Eve Do-si-do your way into the new year at Ten murder mysteries, Great Lansing offers a the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party, including nightcap, the Knight Cap invites you to a Pound Fiddle’s annual New Year’s Eve Contra wide variety of ways to ring in the new year. appetizers, desserts and a midnight cham- four-course meal. With reservations avail- and Square Dance. The evening of danc- pagne toast, for $25. Hotel packages, starting able for 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m., the two-hour ing features live music, and no partner is re- BOOGIE STOMP! at $325, offer dinner, party admission and an meal offers two to five selections for each quired. The event is preceded by a community AT THE ROBIN THEATRE overnight stay. Dinner available at 5, 7 and course and a full list of beer, wine and cock- potluck. 6:30 potluck; 7:30 beginner’s work- Lansing piano greats Bob Baldori and 9 p.m.; party 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Kellogg Hotel & tails. Call to reserve a table. $75. Knight Cap, shop; 8 p.m. dance. $12/$10 members/$6 Arthur Migliazza offer a dance-filled evening Conference Center, 219 S. Harrison Road, 320 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 484- students and first-timers. Central United that traverses the history of American music Lansing. (517) 432-5090, kelloggcenter.com. 7676, knightcap.com/new-years-eve. Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lan- from the Civil War to today, including blues, sing. (517) 337-7744, tenpoundfiddle.org. jazz, swing, rock ‘n’ roll and more. The duo LANSING NYE AT THE LOFT MAC’S ROCKIN’ NEON NYE AT MAC’S BAR offers a look back at the stories and songs Lansing music venue the Loft targets a Mac’s Bar hosts a vibrant and vivid party BRENT LOWRY AT TEQUILA COWBOY that have shaped our modern soundscape in mature audience with its sophisticated eve- with DJ sets spinning until 4 a.m. The eve- Old school-style country rocker Brent four shows at the Robin Theatre. VIP admis- ning of dance and good food. Partiers aged ning’s DJs — Craig Doepker, Chase, Dylan sion includes bonuses like CDs, DVDs and 30 and above are invited to dress in their Roth, the Don, Bigg Sherm, Lindsay Seal, See New Year's, Page 10 an afterglow party with the artists. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday. $35-$85. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Wash- ington Ave., Lansing. boogiestomp.com.

BALL DROPPER NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH AT LANSING BREWING CO. Raise a pint to 2017 at Lansing Brewing Co.’s Ball Dropper New Year’s Eve Bash. The evening features music by Deacon Earl & the Congregation and DJ Duke, and the brew- ery will be pouring glasses of its Ball Drop- now in progress per Double IPA. Admission includes buffet dinner. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $20. Lansing Brewing Co, 518 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing. (517) 371- 2600, lansingbrewingcompany.com. The finest in men’s fashions since 1865 NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE RAMADA Lansing’s Ramada hotel and conference center offers an evening of New Year’s Eve fun for the whole family. The hotel’s over- night package includes a New Year’s Eve pool party, kids movies and a breakfast buffet on New Year’s Day. Packages start at $119. Ra- mada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center, 7501 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 627-3211, ramada.com.

CAPITAL PRIME AND HYATT PLACE LANSING Capital Prime steakhouse and Hyatt Place Lansing are teaming up this year to of- fer a combination dinner and overnight stay package for New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy a special menu prepared by chef Lisa Ack- year end sale erson, ring in the new year, then walk next door to the hotel. $139. Capital Prime Steaks & Seafood, 2324 Showtime Drive, Lansing. (517) 377-7463, capitalprimelansing.com. Take advantage of savings throughout our store:

BLACK AND WHITE NEW YEAR’S EVE Suits . Sport Coats . Outerwear BALL AT SPIRAL Dance your way into 2017 at Spiral’s Black & White New Year’s Eve Bash. The festivities Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM include DJs, go-go dancers, drag performers, a champagne toast and a midnight ball drop with a mysterious “special twist.” VIP tables and bottle service available. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 113 North Washington Downtown Lansing 517 . 482 . 1171 kositcheks.com $10 for 21+/$15 for 18-20. Spiral Dance Bar, 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

al dishes like a roasted roots platter, truffled p.m.-1 a.m. $125 per couple. Center for So- easy party. Guests who check into the hotel New Year's lobster risotto, pavlova with a orange-carda- cial Dance, 2807 Jolly Road, Okemos. (517) receive a password to join the nightlong soi- mom pastry cream and more. Hotel packag- 242-8494, centerforsocialdance.com. ree, which features dancing, a strolling din- from page 9 es available. 5-10 p.m.dinner; bar open until ner, live entertainment from Root Doctor 1 a.m. Call for prices. Bordeaux, Crowne Pla- MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP 175TH ANNI- and more. The package includes an over- Lowry and his band wrangle in the new year za Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Road, Lan- VERSARY FIREWORKS night stay at the hotel for two. 7 p.m. $295 at Tequila Cowboy in the Lansing Mall. VIP sing. (517) 323-4190, bordeauxlansing.com. Meridian Township kicks off a year of cel- per couple. Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. tickets include food and a midnight cham- ebrations on New Year’s Eve. In honor of its Grand Ave., Lansing. (517) 482-0188, radis- pagne toast. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. $20/$10 adv./$25 NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE BALL 175th year, the community hosts a 6:45 p.m. son.com. VIP. Tequila Cowboy, 5660 W. Saginaw AT THE CENTER FOR SOCIAL DANCE fireworks show at Central Park. Screenings Highway, Lansing. (517) 323-7320, tequila- The Center for Social Dance, which offers of community documentary “The History of THE ENGLISH INN cowboy.com/lansing. lessons in dance styles ranging from Latin Meridian” take place at Studio C, with spe- Start the new year off in style with din- to swing to hustle, hosts a ballroom dance cial cocktails available at the cinema’s bistro. ner at the English Inn. Enjoy a gourmet NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT to celebrate 2017. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., Throughout 2017, the township will host four-course meal, including choice of ap- BORDEAUX and ballroom dance lessons kick off at 8 p.m. several festivals and events to celebrate its petizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Res- Bordeaux offers a special New Year’s Eve At 9 p.m., open dance hours commence, and anniversary. 4-8 p.m. $7.50 movie admis- ervations required. $69. 677 S. Michigan dinner of upscale options, including season- the studio offers a late-night buffet. 7:30 sion; fireworks FREE. Central Park Drive, Road, Eaton Rapids. (517) 663-2500, eng- Okemos. meridiancelebrates175.com. lishinn.com.

TAVERN AND TAP THROWBACK PARTY COUNTDOWN TO MURDER Feeling nostalgic this year? With a 1980s, MASQUERADE BALL AT THE CREOLE ‘90s and ‘00s-themed party planned for New The Creole brings intrigue to New Year’s Eve, Tavern and Tap invites you to dig Year’s Eve with a murder mystery show deep in your closet and pull out some classic and masquerade ball. In addition to the threads. Admission include champagne and show, admission includes a five-course food, as well as a $5 credit to the next day’s meal and a champagne toast. “Elevated at- Breakfast Club Brunch. The partier with the tire” is encouraged. Vegetarian and pesca- best “throwback threads” wins a $100 prize. tarian options are available. The bar opens 9 p.m. $10 in advance/$15 day of. Tavern at 7 p.m.; dinner is served at 8 p.m. and the and Tap, 101 S. Washington Square, Lansing. show begins at 8:30 p.m. Email events@ (517) 374-5555, tavernandtap.com. thepotentpotablesproject.com to reserve your seat. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $117. The Creole, THE SPEAKEASY AT RADISSON HOTEL 1218 Turner St., Lansing. (517) 371-1361, The Radisson Hotel revives the glamor thecreolelansing.com. of yesteryear with its 1920s-themed speak- City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

City Pulse's 2017 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

Capturing the moment Local wedding photographers share tips for getting great off-site photos By TY FORQUER

From Gothic architecture to sleek steel cluster, including the grand Capitol dome, buildings to riverside parks, Greater Lan- gritty urban alleys, a handful of nice parks sing offers plenty of choices for creative off- and the vintage brick walls of early-20th site wedding photos. century churches. If the couple insists on a “When I get hired to shoot a wedding far away site, however, they can always buck in Lansing, I get excited,” said photogra- tradition to buy some more time. pher Khalid Ibrahim, owner of EatPome- “If the couple wants to see each other be- granate Photography, “not just because I fore the ceremony, we have more flexibility,” know the area well, but because there are said Kanillopoolos. so many options.” For local photographer Josh Michels, Those options range from picturesque owner of Josh Michels Creative, the plan- outdoor locations like the Lansing River ning is just as important as the photogra- Trail and Woldumar Nature Center to phy itself. the sleek urban buildings of downtown “Most people haven’t thought about all Lansing. of it — the timeline, locations, transporta- “You can get that New York City wedding tion — until we meet,” he said. “I’m almost feel,” Ibrahim said. doing wedding planning with them, talking Ibrahim takes couples who want a about the logistics of the day.” sharp, ultra-modern look to the Broad Art Michels likes to choose one or two Museum. For an entirely different vibe, he nearby locations for off-site photos to keep can bring them across the street to take ad- things on track. vantage of the Gothic style of MSU’s older “Nothing kills the vibe of a wedding like buildings. a bad schedule,” Michels said. “You can get that Hogwart’s feel,” Ibra- When scouting locations, all three pho- him said. tographers stressed the importance of clean While some couples have a very clear backgrounds and good lighting. vision for their photos, Ibrahim estimates “Your location matters, but the location that 35 percent of couples who come to him shouldn’t do too much of the work,” Ibra- don’t have any plans and are looking to him him said. “I’m looking for simple backdrops, for guidance. Local photographer Heather then I highlight the people.” Kanillopoolos, however, thinks most of her “Everything is about the lighting,” added clients have a basic idea concept but need Kanillopoolos, “which is why it’s a good idea help with the details. to let your photographer choose the space.” “Everybody who comes to me knows But there’s also room for creativity. Ibra- what they want, as far as style,” Kanillopoo- him worked with one couple that had been los said. “But as far as location and timeline, dating for 30 years — he was around 70 they have no clue. They’re looking for help.” and she in her 60s — and they wanted to Both Ibrahim and Kanillopoolos try to do something big. They booked an hour at avoid uber-popular wedding photography MSU’s three biggest sports facilities, Spar- locations like Lansing’s Old Town. Kanillo- tan Stadium, the Breslin Center and Munn poolos goes to spots like MSU’s Lewis Land- Ice Arena, to do MSU-themed photos. Josh scape Arboretum, which won’t be overrun Michels worked with a couple that wanted by photo sessions on a Saturday afternoon. to include their dog in their photos. “I like to look for lesser known spots,” “That was something they were really ex- she said. “The Michigan Hall of Justice cited about,” Michels said. “That was a real is another nice spot, especially for winter challenge, working with a live animal that weddings.” doesn’t listen to you.” Choosing a spot for off-site wedding Kanillopoolos remembers one couple photos is also dictated by the schedule. who loved doing karaoke together. Most couples prefer to do photos between “We went to the bar on their wedding Photo by Heather Kanillopoolos the ceremony and reception, which means day, and I took pictures of them singing Photographer Heather Kanillopoolos took advantage of the sleek, minimalist lines of only an hour or two for travel and photos. karaoke,” she said. “It was cool to incorpo- the Broad Art Museum as a backdrop for Kaitlin Maier Soave (left) and Ryan Soave’s Choosing a location like downtown Lansing rate this specific thing that means some- wedding photos. provides a variety of backgrounds in a small thing to them.” City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

the average wedding in Manhattan cost couples slightly more than $82,000, while the average Alaskan wedding cost just over $17,000. Venues within the How to build same city can vary greatly with regard to pricing and offerings as well, so cou- ples should give themselves ample time your wedding budget to gather quotes and find an affordable venue they like. Couples engaged to be married have gifts, counting on such windfalls is a a lot on their plates as they begin plan- recipe for accruing debt. Do not build • Build extra costs into your budget. ning their weddings. Whereas tradition potential wedding gifts into your wed- When determining a budget you can once demanded parents of the bride pay ding budget. If you do so and your ex- live with, remember to include a little for a couple’s wedding, nowadays more pectations fall short, you could be facing extra for unforeseen costs. Weddings and more engaged couples are com- considerable debt upon returning home are large undertakings, and it’s reason- pletely or partially financing their own from your honeymoon. able to expect some unforeseen costs nuptials. That means prospective brides to arise. Building such costs into your and grooms must develop wedding bud- • Gather quotes before choosing initial budget will make these unfore- gets that won’t ensure their first act as where to tie the knot. Where couples seen circumstances that much easier to Mr. and Mrs. is paying down debt. In its get married will have a great impact on handle. Budgets can help couples stay 2015 Real Weddings Study, online brid- how much money they will spend on on track and avoid debt as they plan al resource The Knot found that many their weddings. For example, the Real their weddings. couples still receive substantial financial Weddings Study found that, in 2015, support from their parents to pay for their weddings. The survey found that, on average, the bride’s parent’s contrib- uted 44 percent of the overall wedding budget in 2015, while couples financed 43 percent (the remaining 13 percent was financed by the groom’s parents and additional sources). Couples who hope to follow that for- mula or pay for their weddings on their own can heed the following tips to build wedding budgets that won’t break the bank but will still ensure a day to re- EVER AFTER member forever. BEGINS HERE. • Examine your collective finances. Few couples know the details of each other’s finances before getting engaged. While some may still hesitate to share their personal financial information upon getting engaged, an open and hon- est discussion and examination of each person’s finances is the only way to devel- op a realistic wedding budget that both partners can live with. Once couples know what they can contribute, they can then consult their parents to determine if their mothers and fathers are intend- ing to contribute.

• Develop a preliminary guest list. A preliminary guest list can give couples an idea of how large and expensive their weddings will be. According to the Real Weddings Study, the average cost per wedding guest in 2015 was $237. While that cost can vary greatly depending on geography and other factors, couples should keep that figure in mind when drafting their guest lists. If need be, keep costs down by trimming the guest list so it includes only close family members and friends.

• Don’t count on gifts. Many couples justify runaway wedding budgets by tell- ing themselves that they will ultimately get the money back via wedding gifts. While many guests will give financial 517.663.2500 | www.EnglishInn.com | 677 South Michigan Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

How to organize wedding planning Weddings require a lot of planning. events they will remember and cherish Couples hosting large weddings or even forever. Staying organized when plan- intimate gatherings can easily be over- ning a wedding is a tall task. It’s wise to whelmed by the amount of planning they expect the unexpected when organizing must do to make their weddings into a wedding, and the more organized cou- ples can stay, the more fun they can have during the planning process and the bet- ter they can handle the unforeseen cir- cumstances that are bound to arise in the months leading up to the wedding. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Create separate filing systems for each aspect of the wedding. Rather than maintaining one massive file with in- formation about various elements of the wedding, maintain separate files for each aspect of the wedding. For example, when receiving quotes from prospective florists, keep all florist quotes in a single folder that remains separate from infor- mation about other parts of the wedding. Separate filing systems make it easier to find quotes and contracts when you need to, saving you the trouble of digging through pages upon pages of quotes, notes and other information you store. • Maintain a spending spreadsheet. Many couples plan weddings on care- fully constructed budgets. But couples also can advise couples on ways to save can easily exceed those budgets if they money and which areas of the wed- are not routinely monitoring and record- ding should not be bargain basement. ing their spending or the spending they Couples planning destination weddings are committing to upon signing con- should inquire about resort-affiliated tracts with vendors. Create a spending wedding planners before choosing a spreadsheet that allows you to track how venue to host their ceremonies and/or much you have already spent, how much guests. you are committed to spending and when wedding bills are due. Update the • Start early. According to The Knot spreadsheet whenever you write a check 2015 Real Weddings Study, the aver- or sign a new contract, and periodically age length of engagement for couples examine the sheet so you can make sure who wed in 2015 was 14.5 months. That you are still on track to remain at or un- means today’s average couples have more der budget. than a year to plan their nuptials. By starting their wedding planning early, couples can avoid having to plan every- • Hire a planner. If wedding plan- thing at the last minute, which can be ning is proving especially overwhelming hectic, nerve-wracking and unorganized. or if you simply don’t have time to do all In addition, starting early affords couples the legwork necessary to plan on your more time to find great deals and stay own, hire a wedding planner. Wedding within their budgets. Staying organized planners are invaluable resources that when planning a wedding can make for can help couples quickly connect with more enjoyable planning and a happier vendors who can meet their needs while wedding day. staying within their budgets. Planners City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

Creating a wedding reception playlist

Many elements combine to make tra- ite songs. Make this list during different ditional wedding receptions special. But days and at different times and moods so many veteran wedding guests would agree you get a good cross-section of your favor- that the right playlist once guests hit the ite tunes. But remember not every song is reception hall dance floor can turn an ordi- a good fit for a wedding reception. Melan- nary wedding reception into something far choly songs or those that include sugges- more memorable. The majority of couples tive lyrics are best left off the playlist. choose between a live band and a disc jock- ey to provide the music for their wedding • Aim to get as many guests on the receptions. Entertainment is often one of dance floor as possible. Well-known the more memorable aspects of a wedding songs and upbeat dance music will in- reception, as the right band or disc jockey spire more guests to cut a rug than lesser can help to establish a jovial mood that known tunes you may be fond of. Mu- • Give the music vendor some leeway. The playlist can set the tone for a positive makes it easy for everyone to have a good sic that spans the decades and various Disc jockeys and bands have no doubt reception, but don’t stress out if you’re time. Couples can leave their wedding re- genres will appeal to guests from all age performed at many a wedding before struggling to come up with songs you ception playlists to the professionals, but groups, encouraging dancers young and yours, and they may have a better feel want to hear. Your vendor is no doubt they should also know that they have a old to cut a rug. for crowds than you do. Let them know capable of creating a playlist that will en- say in which songs are played. In addition, they have some leeway to play songs that sure everyone has fun. couples can have a "no play" playlist that • Avoid songs that are difficult to did not make it onto the playlist if guests prohibits certain songs they dislike from dance to. Some songs just are not meant seem to be avoiding the dance floor. That • Another option is hiring a band or being played. When mulling the musical to be danced to. If your favorite songs fit professional expertise is why you hired disc jockey to perform at your wedding choices for your wedding reception, con- that bill but you still want to hear them them, and it can make for a more memo- reception – it’s a great way to make sure sider the following advice. on your wedding, ask the DJ or band to rable night for everyone. everyone enjoys a fun night. Adding your play them during the cocktail hour or own favorite songs to the playlist can • Begin by making a list of your favor- while everyone is eating dinner. • Don’t stress out about the music. make the reception even more special. 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

mality in an off-beat way. Think about arrangements. Encourage friends or fam- serving fast food, such as fried chicken or ily to contribute a favorite menu item to pizza, on fine china. Those wearing tux- the food offerings. A home-baked dessert Throw a casual wedding edos and gowns can opt for casual foot- can be delicious and budget-friendly. wear, such as athletic shoes. Place wild- flowers in crystal vases. These are just Wardrobe to remember some methods to give a rich feel without Clothing often indicates the formality Elegant, lavish weddings provide mo- forming the festivities into a casual affair removing the fun element. of an occasion. Everyone from the wed- ments couples will remember for years to can help keep the overall budget low while ding party to the guests can dress down. Sundresses can replace taffeta brides- come. But while such storybook ceremo- still allowing for an exciting and enjoyable Personal touches nies and receptions remain popular, ca- event. To put casual plans into motion, Menus or wedding programs printed at maids’ gowns. Guys can opt for tailored sual affairs are gaining popularity. consider these ideas to help the wedding home in a fun font can set the casual tone sports coats with jeans. Guests may feel According to the bridal resource The vision come to fruition. couples are looking for. Look for eclectic comfortable in less formal attire that fa- Knot, more and more couples are opting fabrics to use as gift tags or napkin hold- cilitates dancing and mingling. Casual for less pageantry and more laid back pa- ers. Hand-painted signs or a hodge-podge weddings are becoming more popular as Venue nache when planning their weddings. For Catering halls and other reception sites of picture frames can display pertinent many couples are playing down the party those who prefer something more inti- do a wonderful job of meeting the needs information, such as itineraries or seating for various reasons. mate and more personalized, casual wed- of their clientele. However, food and bev- dings may be right on target. erage costs are often the most expensive There are many advantages to having wedding expense. To reduce the per-guest a “luxe with less” wedding, including the cost and also incorporate some variety into ability to break molds and impart more of their wedding days, couples can consider the couple’s personality into the event. a venue change. Look for public locations Another advantage is the price tag. The that allow couples to hire their own caterer, average U.S. wedding, according to The which may be a favorite restaurant or spe- Knot 2014 Real Weddings Study, costs cialty food shop. The cost per person may $31,213. In some urban areas, particular- decrease dramatically from the venue costs. ly New York City, average costs are three Changing the venue also enables couples times that amount. Golden Girl Finance, a to pick unique spots that may hold special leader in financial digital media, has found meaning to them. For example, couples can that Canadian weddings average $31,000 choose the site of their first date or the loca- with honeymoon included. Although wed- tion where their proposal took place. ding costs have gone up, the average num- ber of wedding guests has gone down. As Contrast such, certain couples might look to rein Enjoy a casual, free-spirited wedding in other aspects of their wedding. Trans- that incorporates some aspects of for- City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

Weddings and nontraditional families Families come in all shapes and sizes. ing it work despite their differences or the During special events, particularly those awkwardness that can result when brides steeped in tradition, such as weddings, or grooms have parents and stepparents in blended families may have to employ attendance. Although this scenario might certain tactics to ensure the events go off not play out for all, find ways to impart without a hitch. When planning their wed- a special touch, especially if you’re close dings, couples must give consideration to to both your biological parents and your the needs of their families. Even though a stepparents. For example, your biological wedding is about the union of two people, father may walk you down the aisle, while oftentimes couples engaged to be married your stepfather may enjoy the first dance. must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if • Order flowers and gifts for all. Purchase and how to incorporate stepparents and flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the stepsiblings into the ceremony and cel- special people in your lives, including your ebration. There are no traditional rules re- stepfamily. Weddings can be complicated garding how to handle blended families, so affairs when factoring in blended families. brides- and grooms-to-be can customize With patience and compassion, such fami- their decisions based on their own unique lies can enjoy a beautiful and happy day. situations. Even when families have been happy through the years, the unique cir- cumstances and traditions surrounding the nuptials can dredge up former insecu- rities, and certain aspects may require ex- tra patience and tact. Here’s how to navigate the process.

• Consider stepparents and stepsiblings VIPs. Brides and grooms who are not par- ticularly close to their stepfamilies still have to recognize the role they play in the family dynamics. These people are still family, so re- spect and courtesy should be offered. If there is any lingering animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let anyone be made to feel as if they are unimportant. A simple announcement of whose stepparents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

• Put others’ needs before your own. While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and stepparents may act defensively if they feel uncomfortable or hurt, and that can cre- ate an air of negativity to the day. Try to avoid this by considering potential areas of conflict. For example, mothers might be hurt if their ex-husbands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo. Instead, select separate times to have ev- eryone included. Remember to give par- ents and stepparents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding.

• Recognize that some families break the mold. Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pull- ing the bride’s stepfather up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral. This was a wonderful image of families mak- 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

City Pulse's 2017 Bridal Guide

Your DIY wedding guide

OVER 2,000 GOWNS IN STOCK 1,000 MOTHER OF THE WEDDING DRESSES

AMONG THE NATION’S OLDEST BRIDAL SALONS As the cost of the average wedding can look beautiful, but not everyone has HOME OF THE MAGIC ROOM AND continues to rise, it’s understandable the budget for embossing or engraving MICHIGAN’S PREMIERE MOTHER’S that some couples ready to tie the knot and expensive paper stock. Thanks to SALON SPECIALIZING IN YOU may be seeking any and all ways to save graphic design and page layout software, money. computer-savvy couples can design and While some aspects of a wedding are print their invites right from home. That Now offering designer samples at a discount at our better left to the professionals, others makes it easy to create a new invitation new outlet sudio in Okemos! are primed for a little do-it-yourself cost if you miscounted or if you have a last- cutting. By handling some of the work minute addition to the guest list. 5100 Marsh Road, Ste. E • 517.708.0808 themselves, couples can save a consider- Open Tuesday-Friday : 11-7 • Saturday & Sunday : 11-4 able amount of money. A do-it-yourself Favors: 155 South Main Street • Fowler, MI 48835 • 989.593.2595 approach also may foster feelings of Create favors that work with the Monday & Thursday : 10 - 7 • Tuesday & Wednesday 10 - 5 Friday & Saturday : 9 - 5 pride in a job well done. theme of your wedding and make them Couples should just be sure they have yourself. These can be candles, fruit pre- the skills and resources available to han- serves, soaps, baked goods, or anything dle portions of their weddings on their else that appeals to you. The cost of mak- own. Otherwise, the cost savings may be ing them in bulk may turn out to be less negated by trial and error. than purchasing manufactured items. We've helped brides The following are some areas that Plus, guests get to take home something may be a good fit for couples looking to that came directly from you. try their own DIY techniques. smile for over 100 years! Video: Enlist a friend or family member to cap- Floral centerpieces: While floral bouquets and bouton- ture the wedding and after-party on video niéres are probably best left to profes- for you. You can use video-editing soft- sional florists, couples may want to try ware available through popular apps to making their own reception table center- piece together your own wedding video pieces. Such centerpieces can be simple memento. displays of fresh flowers in vases or more intricate designs. Test out any ideas prior to the wedding. Remember to keep ar- rangement height in mind. You do not want to obscure the views of seated guests.

Cake: Ask a pastry chef or bakery to make you a small cake that can be used for cake- cutting traditions and photo opportuni- ties, but have your own cake available to serve. Sheet cakes are much less expen- sive than more intricate tiered cakes, but We offer a full range of We’d love to put a smile on they can be just as delicious. Guests may wedding and reception your face! Call us today to not even know the difference if the cake flowers that will make your set up a consultation. is sliced and served out of the reception wedding uniquely yours. site’s kitchen. Purchase the cake or make Voted 2008, 2009, 2011 Best Pick by The Knot. it on your own. Ranked in the top 100 Telefloraflorists in the nation.

(517) 484-5327 | 1124 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing | www.smithfloral.com | friend us on Facebook Invitations: Professionally designed invitations City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

and/or built more than a 100 structures is (D-Georgia) — with the help of trusty in the Lansing area, is one of the most aide Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, an The year prominent Mid-Michigan architects. artist with local ties — has not disap- The Rogers-Carrier House on the cam- pointed. The autobiographical “March: pus of Lansing Community College is a Book Three” continues the story of one in books great example of his work. of the most important leaders of the Civil Another book that jumped out at me Rights Movement. The book was hon- From sneakers to spies, this year was “Out of the Box: The Rise ored this year as a National Book Award 2016 produced good reads of Sneaker Culture” by Elizabeth Sem- winner in young adult literature, the first melhack. The book, which is filled with graphic novel so honored. By BILL CASTANIER photographs of classic shoes, will make For writers — or those who like to read Like a lot of readers, I’m seduced by sneaker heads jump out of their Jordans. about writers — Richard Cohen’s “How pretty pictures in books. So it should One of the best “best of” collections to Write Like Tolstoy: A Journey into the be no surprise that three of my favorite this year is the New Yorker’s “The 60s: Minds of Our Greatest Writers” is a gem books this year were absolutely crammed The Story of a Decade.” The anthology that explores what makes good writing. with photographs of architectural won- features fascinating articles on every- Cohen explores why Lolita was chosen ders and musicians. thing from pop culture reviews to poli- as the name for a coquettish young girl “Michigan Modern: Design that tics. in the novel of the same name and why Shaped America” is a striking look at the And be sure to check out Jim Har- Kerouac agreed to revise “On the Road.” post-World War II trend of Modernism, rison’s last book, the slim but powerful Cohen, a longtime publisher and editor, which had us leaning toward a futur- book of poetry, “Dead Man’s Float.” Pub- provides a demanding structure for eval- istic look in everything from architec- Courtesy Photo lished in January, the book foreshad- uating great writing. ture to consumer products. As you page “Out of the Box,” by Elizabeth owed the author’s death in March. through the book, you’ll find spectacular Semmelhack, made City Pulse book critic Two must-read mysteries from rela- photos of sleek automobiles, geometric Bill Castanier’s list of top books of 2016. tive newcomers are “IQ,” by Joe Ide, and housing and commercial structures and The fascinating book explores the rise of Viet Than Nguyen’s “The Sympathizer.” space-age looking chairs. But this 352- sneaker collecting. “IQ” features a street smart kid who page book is more than just a collection helps solve urban mysteries. With “The of photographs. It showcases, through Escapes” can help you make plans for Sympathizer,” Nguyen did something in-depth essays, Michigan’s critical role vacations or day trips to Michigan’s hun- no other author has ever accomplished, in shaping the worldwide Modernism dreds of islands. This book was written winning both the Pulitzer Prize for fic- trend. Another book released this year, from years of personal, on-site experi- tion and the Edgar Award for best mys- “Mid-Michigan Modern: From Frank ence, not from a quick Google search or tery in 2016. The book provides an in- Long Live Lloyd Wright to Googie,” examines the Wikipedia entry, like so many modern sider’s look at the Vietnam War through architectural diversity in homes and travel guides. Another guidebook worth the eyes of a spy for the other side. Gra- commercial structures in Mid-Michigan. checking out is “Darius B. Moon: The ham Greene’s “The Quiet American” the Indie! The book shares the stories behind Mod- History of a Michigan Architect 1880- comes to mind. ernist buildings you might drive by every 1910,” by Capital Area District Librarian In the final installment of his three- Every purchase you make day. (Or in my case, the Modernist home James MacLean. Moon, who designed part graphic novel series, Rep. John Lew- I can see from my kitchen window.) at your local bookstore Another of my absolute favorite books helps ensure that it will be from 2016 is “Motown: The Sound of there for you in the future. Young America.” You will “ooh” and “aah” over the hundreds of photographs of Motown acts, including the local act Stop by today for new and Rare Earth, which had the huge hit “Get used books, music, films, Ready” for Motown Records. And while the photos alone are worth the price tag, US 127 & Lake Lansing Rd eBooks, or to eat in the this book is no slacker when it comes to www.NCGmovies.com Chapbook Cafe! content. (For more on this book, grab a copy of next week’s paper.) (517) 316-9100 I am also a sucker for guidebooks, and LANSING - OFF SOUTH CEDAR AT 1-96 Student Discount with ID We Thank You Maureen Dunphy’s “Great Lakes Island VISIT CELEBRATIONCINEMA.COM OR CALL 393-SHOW ID required for “R” rated films for supporting your local, independent bookstore!

307 E. Grand River ✽ East Lansing Visit SchulerBooks.com to ✽ 1/2 OFF 332-0112 We validate parking ALMOST EVERYTHING shop for books and ebooks Mon - Sat 10-7 pm, Sun 12-5 pm www.curiousbooks.com 24-7, and for a calendar of Commercial & 20% OFF in-store events for both of EVERYTHING ELSE our Lansing-area locations, Residential Today through January 3! Today through January 3! Located in the Fully Insured (Closing at 3 pm New Year’s Eve) eastwood Towne Center 519 W. Grand River ✽ East Lansing and the Meridian Mall Call Joan at: 332-8444 ✽ Free parking Mon - Sat 11-6 pm, Sun 12-5 pm For more information, visit (517) 881-2204 [email protected] www.schulerbooks.com 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016 Boogie in the new year

ON THE

TOWNEvents 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 Allison at (517) 999-5066.

Wednesday, December 28 Events Drop-in New Year's Eve Craft. Make a New Year's Eve hat (while supplies last). 10 a.m.-9 p.m. FREE. CADL Holt-Delhi, 2078 Aurelius Road, Courtesy Photo Holt. Bob Baldori (left) and Arthur Migliazza jam Wonder Wednesday — Drop-in LEGO Club. during a performance of Boogie Stomp!, Ages 4 and up play. 4-5 p.m. FREE. CADL Leslie, their musical and theatrical journey through 201 Pennsylvania St., Leslie. (517) 589-9400. Allen Market Place — Indoor Season. the history of American music, which comes Locally grown, baked and prepared foods. to the Robin Theatre this week. 3-6:30 p.m. FREE. Allen Farmers Market, 1629 E. Dec. 29-31 Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999-3911, ow.ly/Bol 1303O4VE. Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed step It started with a movie. piano players that are basically they were both meeting. 6 p.m. Donations. Pennsylvania Ave. Boogie Stomp! December 29-31 Church of God, 3500 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Local piano legend Bob Baldori, anonymous,” Baldori said. “We try to playing, plan to former keyboardist for the Woolies shine some light on that history and travel more in the 7:30 p.m. Thursday- Lansing. (517) 899-3215. Friday; 7 and 9:30 p.m. ICACS Whisker Wednesday. Pet adoptions. and go-to harmonica and piano player how it evolved from the end of the near future. The Saturday All animals spayed/neutered, vaccinated and for Chuck Berry since the late ‘60s, Civil War through the ‘20s and ‘30s.” duo has booked $35/$55 VIP Thursday- microchipped. Noon-6 p.m. Ingham County made a documentary on the origins of In the show, the duo talk about and an off-Broadway Friday; $45-55/$75 VIP Saturday early show; Animal Control, 600 Curtis St., Mason. (517) American piano music. He also began play piano pieces from the late Civil run in New York 676-8370. $85 Saturday late show The Robin Theatre Festival of Trees. Showcase of holiday trees. performing duo shows with boogie- War era, progressing from ragtime to shortly after their woogie pianist Bob Seeley, a Detroit- boogie-woogie into blues, swing, jazz Lansing stop, and 1105 S. Washington 1-7 p.m. $5/kids FREE. Turner-Dodge House, 100 Ave., Lansing N. East St., Lansing. based musician and protégé of pianist and big band. From there, the duo they have offers for boogiestomp.com Winter Break Popcorn & Movie. Enjoy a composer Meade Lux Lewis. After explores two branches of post-World international shows G or PG-rated movie. 2-4 p.m. FREE. CADL winning several awards for the film, War II piano music: modern jazz and in the works. Dansville, 1379 E. Mason St., Dansville. (517) Baldori decided to turn the film into a rock ‘n’ roll. “Arthur and I are lucky to be doing 623-6511. Wonder Wednesday: Drop-in LEGO Club. live show for two pianists. “We bring it right through to it,” said Baldori. “It’s a privilege in a lot Ages 4 and up play. 4-5 p.m. FREE. CADL Leslie, “I evolved the stage show out of the Macklemore, showing where of ways.” 201 Pennsylvania St., Leslie. (517) 589-9400. movie,” Baldori said. “We designed it contemporary music really has its New work is also on the horizon. to be a theater piece, about not just roots,” Baldori said. “We’re still developing this whole Classes and Seminars the origins of American piano music Baldori and Migliazza have taken idea of under-the-radar anonymous Gentle Yoga. Relaxing pace class suitable for but also the roots of blues, jazz and their show around the world. The duo creators,” Baldori said. “We’re beginners. 11 a.m.-noon. First class FREE/$5/$3 more.” just finished their fifth tour in Russia. working on a sequel.” members. Williamston High School, 3939 The show comes to REO Town’s “We played all over,” Baldori said. The pianists hope to help Lansing Vanneter Road, Williamston. Mindfulness. Meditation for beginners and Robin Theatre for a three-night stand “All the way to Vladivostok, which is ring in the new year by taking a step experienced. 7-9 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. starting Thursday, including two shows closer to Seattle than to Moscow. But back into the past. Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S. Washington Ave., on New Year’s Eve. Baldori is joined by we always start in Moscow.” “This is a really fun show,” Baldori Lansing. (517) 420-5820, ow.ly/CIHU305nMqx. his latest duo partner, pianist Arthur In Russia, the two have found said. “We want to make people smile. Migliazza. captivated audiences. We want to make them dance. If a Thursday, December 29 In the production, Baldori and “They really appreciate American show doesn’t make you dance, the Migliazza hope to highlight some of roots music,” Baldori said. “They musicians aren’t doing their jobs.” Classes and Seminars Lunch at the Senior Center. Call day before the unknown figures who have played sometimes get it better than some of to order meal. Noon-1 p.m. $5.75/$3 suggested important roles in shaping the music. our American audiences.” — ALLISON HAMMERLY “One of the subthemes of the show Baldori and Migliazza, who met and See Out on the Town, Page 22 is the incredible genius of American became friends at a music festival City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 A Very Krampus Xmas at the Avenue Cafe

Friday, Dec. 30 @ The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lan- sing. 21+, $10, 8 p.m. Lansing-based roots-punk band the Devil’s Cut, along with a full slate of edgy Americana-rock outfits, perform Friday at the Avenue Café. The event, dubbed A Very Krampus Xmas, benefits the relief fund to aid residents affected by the wildfires in Tennessee. In addi- tion to the music, the show features an auction of art donated by lo- cal artists and “disturbing comedy” from Kerry McCabe. Sharing the bill are Call Me Bronco, a Louisville-based rock ‘n’ roll/psychobilly band. The group describes its sound as “American folk poetry” that’s A survey of Lansing’s suitable for moshing. Saint Christopher Webster, a country-blues- Musical LAndscape punk artist from Nebraska, Lansing’s own Piss Poor Players and the fri. dec. Grand Rapids-based solo act Dead Eye Zack round out the bill. For By RICH TUPICA more information on the show, visit the Avenue Café on Facebook 30th Devil's Cut at facebook.com/avenuecafe2021.

Do or Die at the Loft

Saturday, Jan. 7 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18+, $20/$15 adv., 8 p.m. Do or Die formed on the west side of Chicago in 1995. A year later, the gangsta-rap group’s multi- platinum single, “Po Pimp,” reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group’s debut LP, “Picture This,” reached gold status. Following this success, the trio, comprising emcees AK, Belo Zero and N.A.R.D., signed to Houston’s Rap-A-Lot Records and continued to release LPs through 2006. In 2015, the group released its first proper full-length album in nearly a decade, the “Picture This 2” LP, along with the “With- sat. jan. drawal” EP, which featured Twista. Over the years, Do or Die has also recorded tracks with the likes of 7th Kanye West, Bun B and R. Kelly. Booked by area promoters Lionheart Ent. and C.E.P., the hip-hop trio Do or Die headlines an 18-and-over concert Jan. 7 at the Loft. DJ E-NYCE will also perform.

Tell Yo Mama at Mac's Bar

Thursday, Dec. 29 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. $8/$7 adv., 8 p.m. Back in November, local vocalist Lucas Holliday made national news after a video of him singing went viral. The video, shot while he was working as a Dollar General cashier, racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Holliday, a member of local soul-funk group Tell Yo Mama, was belting out a cover of “Ascension,” a Maxwell single. Soon after, he appeared on “Good Morning America” and was invited to perform the song live on stage with Maxwell at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The story was picked up thur.dec. by major news outlets across the country, include ABC News and People magazine. Thursday, his band performs at Mac’s Bar. Opening the show are Fried Egg Nebula and Chemical Edge. 29th Tell Yo Mama

v Contact [email protected]

LIVE & LOCAL Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat u r day The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Service Industry Night, 3 p.m. '80s Karoke Krampus X-Mas, 8 p.m. GTG Show (FREE), 8 p.m. Buddies - Holt, 2040 N Aurelius Rd Mark Sala, 9 p.m. Buddies - Okemos, 1937 W Grand River Ave Joe Persico, 9 p.m. Joe Persico, 8:30 p.m. Classic Bar & Grill, 16219 Old US 27 Lee Groove, 9 p.m. Champions, 2440 N. Cedar St. Lee Groove, 7 p.m. Colonial Bar, 3425 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Open Mic, 9 p.m. Homespun, 9 p.m. Homespun, 9 p.m. Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Eaton Rapids Craft Co., 204 N Main St. Steve Cowles, 6 p.m. Alistair, 6 p.m. Esquire, 1250 Turner St. Karaoke with DJ Jamie, 9 p.m. NYE Glow Party, 9 p.m. The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Live Blues w/ The Good Cookies, 8 p.m. Mike Skory & Friends, 8:30 p.m. Avon Bomb, 9:30 p.m. Avon Bomb NYE, 9:30 p.m. Gallery Brewery, 142 Kent St. Open Mic, 7 p.m. Grand Cafe/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River Ave. Karaoke, 7:30 p.m. Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. "Johnny D" Blues Night, 9 p.m. Karaoke Kraze, 9 p.m. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Mr. Denton on Doomsday, 8 p.m. Lansing NYE, 9 p.m. Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Tell Yo Mama, 8 p.m. Neon New Year's Eve, 9 p.m. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Open Mic w/ Jen Sygit, 9 p.m. Kathleen and the Bridge St. Band, 9 p.m. Rotations, 9 p.m. Twyla Birdsong Band, 9 p.m. Reno's East, 1310 Abbot Road Last One Out, 8 p.m. Last One Out, 8 p.m. Reno's North, 16460 Old US 27 The New Rule, 8 p.m. The New Rule, 8 p.m. Reno's West, 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy. Hidden Agenda, 8 p.m. Hidden Agenda, 8 p.m. Tavern & Tap, 101 S. Washington Square Tavern House Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m. Throwback Party, 9 p.m. Tequila Cowboy, 5660 W. Saginaw Hwy. Brent Lowry & the Drifters, 4 p.m. Brent Lowry & the Drifters, 6 p.m. Unicorn Tavern, 327 E. Grand River Ave. Frog Open Blues Jam, 8:30 p.m. Live Music, 9 p.m. Live Music, 9 p.m. Watershed Tavern and Grill 5965 Marsh Rd. Trevor Compton, 7 p.m. Mark Sala, 8 p.m. Capitol City DJs, 10 p.m. Capitol City DJs, 10 p.m. Waterfront Bar and Grill, 325 City Market Dr. Alex Mendenall, 8 p.m.

To get listed email [email protected]. Only submit for the upcoming week's shows. LivE & Local lists upcominG gigs! 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

or those curious about Reiki. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Festival of Trees. Showcase of holiday trees. 1-7 Out on the town Donations welcome. Willow Stick Ceremonies, 1515 p.m. $5/kids FREE. Turner-Dodge House, 100 N. East Saturday, December 31 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Suite 3, Lansing. (517) 402-6727, St., Lansing. Music willowstickceremonies.com. Mason Codependents Anonymous. 7-8 p.m. Boogie Stomp!. History of American music by Bob from page 20 FREE. Mason First Church of the Nazarene, 415 E. Baldori and Arthur Migliazza. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $20- Maple St., Mason. donation for ages 60 and up. Meridian Senior Music $55. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave., 12-Step Meeting. AA/NA/CA all welcome. In room Center, 4406 Okemos Road, Okemos. (517) 706- Boogie Stomp!. History of American music by Bob Lansing. boogiestomp.com. 209. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. Cristo 5045, meridianseniorcenter.weebly.com. Baldori and Arthur Migliazza. 7:30 p.m. $20-$55. New Year's Eve Contra and Square Dance. Rey Community Center, 1717 N. High St., Lansing. (TOPS) Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh-in 5:15 The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Potluck, workshop and dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. boogiestomp.com. CADL Family Storytime at Whole Foods $12/$10 members/$6 students and first-timers. p.m.; meeting 6 p.m. First meeting FREE. Room 207, Market. Stories, songs and activities encouraging Haslett Middle School, 1535 Franklin St., Haslett. Open Mic @ The Colonial Bar & Grill. Weekly Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol bring-your-own-instrument open mic. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. early literacy. 4:30-5 p.m. FREE. Whole Foods Ave., Lansing. (517) 614-5858, tenpoundfiddle.org. (517) 927-4307. Market, 2750 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. Celebrate Recovery. For all hurts and hang-ups. FREE. The Colonial Bar & Grille, 3425 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing. (517) 882-6132. (517) 319-2000. Events 6 p.m. Donations welcome. Trinity Church (Lansing), Drop-in LEGO® Club. For ages 4 and up. 3-4:30 Festival of Trees. Showcase of holiday trees. 3355 Dunckel Road, Lansing, (517) 492-1866. p.m. FREE. CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Road, Events Noon-6 p.m. $5/kids FREE. Turner-Dodge House, 100 Lansing Reiki Share. Meetup for all practitioners Okemos. (517) 347-2021. N. East St., Lansing. Ladies Silver Blades Figure Skating Club. All New Years Eve Bash. Family-friendly party with skill levels welcome. 9:30-11:20 a.m. $5 and yearly Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones early ball drop and activities. 5-8 p.m. FREE. 242 dues fee. Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Blvd., East Community Church, 2600 Bennett Road, Okemos. Lansing. (517) 881-2517, ladiessilverblades.com. (810) 231-0190, 242community.com/new-years. Mason Codependents Anonymous. Support "Keep Dividing" group. 7-8 p.m. FREE. Mason First Church of the — the pieces Nazarene, 415 E. Maple St., Mason. get smaller and Sunday, January 1 smaller. Classes and Seminars Matt Jones Friday, December 30 Charlotte Yoga Club. Beginner to intermediate. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $5 annually. AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence, Classes and Seminars Across Charlotte. (517) 285-0138, charlotteyoga.net. Gentle Yoga. Relaxing pace class suitable for 1 "Better Call Saul" Juggling. Learn how to juggle. From 2 to 4 p.m. beginners. 11 a.m.-noon. First class FREE/$5/$3 star Odenkirk FREE. Orchard Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., members. Williamston High School, 3939 Vanneter 4 BLT spread East Lansing. (517) 371-5119. 8 Keeps from hap- Road, Williamston. Kendo Martial Art Class. Martial arts practice pening group. 10-11:30 a.m. $5. Westside Community YMCA, 14 "The Simpsons" Events character with an 3700 Old Lansing Road, Lansing. (269) 425-6677, Festival of Trees. Showcase of holiday trees. koyokai.wordpress.com/about. 18-letter last name Noon-8 p.m. $5/kids FREE. Turner-Dodge House, 100 15 Common fresh- N. East St., Lansing. Events water bait fish New Year's Eve Eve Party. Ball drop at noon Annual New Year Peace Prayer Service Pax 16 Outcast along with fun activities and refreshments. 11 a.m.- Christi Lansing. Interfaith services on nonviolence 17 50% of an ice noon. FREE. CADL Dansville, 1379 E. Mason St., cream dessert? and community. 2 p.m. FREE. St. Therese Parish, 102 Dansville. (517) 623-6511, cadl.org. 20 "The Zoo Story" W. Randolph St., Lansing. (517) 321-1773. dramatist Lansing Area Sunday Swing Dance. 6 p.m. $8 21 As of this time Music dance/$10 dance & lesson. The Lansing Eagles, 22 Look to be Tell Yo Mama. With Fried Egg Nebula, Chemical 4700 N. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 490-7838. 23 Spock's domi- Change. 8 p.m. $7-8. Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan nant feature 60 Sweater, say 9 "Batman Forever" star pies Ave., Lansing. macsbar.com. 26 Blow the socks off 62 Deck that all epi- Kilmer 49 City where the Boogie Stomp!. History of American music by Bob 28 One of many on a sodes of Hulu's "Shut 10 Cultural periods Batmobile is driven Baldori and Arthur Migliazza. 7:30 p.m. $20-$55. Monday, January 2 serialized TV show Eye" are named after 11 Gain altitude 51 "The Jerk" actress The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Classes and Seminars 32 Indiana-Illinois 66 12.5% of a push-up 12 Withstand Bernadette boogiestomp.com. Gentle Yoga. Relaxing pace class suitable for undergarment? 13 Pillow cover border river 52 "Bearing gifts, we A Very Krampus Xmas. Rock, country, comedy beginners. 11 a.m.-noon. First class FREE/$5/$3 70 Cat or goat type 18 "Dogs" 37 James Bond novel- traverse ___" and art. Proceeds to benefit wildfire victims. 8 members. Williamston High School, 3939 Vanneter ist Fleming 71 Poker couple 19 Drops in the grass 54 Use blades on p.m. $10. The Avenue Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Road, Williamston. 38 Capitol Hill figures, 72 Capital attach- 24 Mature blades Lansing. avenuecafelansing.com. Support Group. For the divorced, separated and slangily ment? 25 Angry bull's sound 56 Affirmative votes widowed. 7:30 p.m. St. David's Episcopal Church, 40 Mythical monster 73 What many gam- 27 Pedestrian path 57 Crawling with creep- that's part woman, blers claim to have 28 Excite, as curiosity ers See Out on the Town, Page 23 part serpent 74 "___ Like the Wind" 29 Dern of "Jurassic 58 Frittata needs 41 25% of property to (Patrick Swayze song) Park" 59 Chance play in? 75 "Help wanted" 30 Lighted sign at a 61 Destroys, as bubble SUDOKU BEGINNER 45 "David Copper- sign? radio station wrap field" villain Heep 31 Be rude in a crowd 63 MLB stat, incorrectly TO PLAY 46 Stir-fry ingredient Down 33 Howl at the moon but commonly 47 Number that looks 1 ___ Men ("Who Let the 34 Cremona violinmak- 64 "... ___ I'm told" like itself repeated, Dogs Out" group) ing family name 65 Bagpipers' caps Fill in the grid so that every when expressed in 2 Flashy gem 35 It'll make you pull 67 One less than quat- row, column, and outlined binary 3 Flower bed planting over tro 48 Insect with two 4 Titular TV attorney of 36 "I ___ thought about 68 "Yeah" opposite 3-by-3 box contains the pairs of wings the '90s-'00s it" 69 D20 or D8, in D&D numbers 1 through 9 exactly 50 Maintenance sign 5 "Now I understand!" 39 Late "60 Minutes" games 53 Jacques or 6 Big guffaw reporter Morley once. No guessing is required. Jeanne, par exemple 7 Just say yes 42 Bitterly cold 55 Scuba spot 8 "Bridesmaids" pro- 43 Watered-down The solution is unique. 56 The "Y" in YSL ducer Judd 44 Like a litter of pup- Answers on page 24 ©2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords • For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Ans wers Page 24 City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23

coda.org. Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Overeaters Anonymous. You are not alone. Out on the town Get support in your weight loss. 7 p.m. FREE. Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett ARIES (March 21-April 19): Donatello was a poet Jane Hirshfield. I suspect that these words are from page 22 Road, Okemos. (517) 819-3294. renowned Italian sculptor. His favorite piece was "Lo important for you to hear as you prepare for 2017. My Zuccone," a marble statue of the Biblical prophet sense is that in the past few months, your true self has 1519 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 323-2272, Habakkuk. As Donatello carved his work-in-progress, been making its way back to the heart of life after a time stdavidslansing.org. he addressed it. "Speak, damn you! Talk to me," he was of wandering on the outskirts. Any day now, a long-silent heard to say on more than a few occasions. Did the Wednesday, January 4 bell will start ringing to herald your full return. Welcome Events stone respond? Judging from the beauty of the final home! Classes and Seminars Social Bridge. Come play bridge and meet new product, I'd have to say yes. One art critic testified that Gentle Yoga. Relaxing pace class suitable for SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In accordance with people. No partner needed. 1-4 p.m. $1.50. Delta "Lo Zuccone" is a "sublimely harrowing" tour de force, a beginners. 11 a.m.-noon. First class FREE/$5/$3 your astrological omens for 2017, I've taken a poem that Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, triumph of "forceful expression," and "one of the most Shel Silverstein wrote for kids and made it into your members. Williamston High School, 3939 Vanneter important marble sculptures of the 15th century." I sus- Lansing. (517) 484-5600. horoscope. It'll serve as a light-hearted emblem of a Road, Williamston. pect you will have Donatello-like powers of conversation challenging but fun task you should attend to in the com- Mindfulness. Meditation for beginners and in 2017, Aries. If anyone can communicate creatively with ing months. Here it is: "I've never washed my shadow experienced. 7-9 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. stones — and rivers and trees and animals and spirits out in all the time I've had it. It was absolutely filthy I Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. and complicated humans, for that matter — it'll be you. Tuesday, January 3 supposed, so I peeled it off the wall where it was leaning See Out on the Town, Page 24 TAURUS (April 20-May 20): According to Japanese and stuck it in the washtub with the clothes. I put in soap Classes and Seminars novelist Haruki Murakami, "A certain type of perfection and bleach and stuff. I let it soak for hours. I wrung it out Capital Area Crisis Rugby Practice. All can only be realized through a limitless accumulation of and hung it out to dry. And whoever would have thunk experience levels welcome. 7-8 p.m. $3. Gier the imperfect." Let's amend that thought so it's exactly that it would have gone and shrunk, for now it’s so much Community Center, 2400 Hall St., Lansing. crisisrfc. suitable for your use in 2017. Here's the new, Taurus- littler than I." com. specific version: "A messy, practical, beautiful type of Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Have a support SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Walk your wisdom perfection can be realized through a patient, faithful, system, lose weight. Wheelchair accessible. 6 p.m. walk in 2017, Sagittarius. Excite us with your wisdom dogged accumulation of the imperfect." To live up to the FREE first visit. St. Therese Church, 102 W. Randolph songs and gaze out at our broken reality with your promise of this motto, make damn good use of every St., Lansing. tops.org. partial success. wisdom eyes. Play your wisdom tricks and crack your wisdom jokes and erupt with your wisdom cures. The GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini gymnast Marisa Music Dick has created a signature move that has never been world needs you to be a radiant swarm of lovable, Jazz Tuesdays at Moriarty's. Featuring Bill Heid. used by any other gymnast. To start her routine, she unpredictable wisdom! Your future needs you to conjure leaps up off a springboard and lands on the balance up a steady stream of wisdom dreams and wisdom 7-10 p.m. FREE. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave., 40 beam doing a full split. The technical term for this bold exploits! And please note: You don't have to wait until the Lansing. (517) 485-5287. maneuver is "a change-leg leap to free-cross split sit," wisdom is perfect. You shouldn't worry about whether although its informal name is "The Dick Move." The it's supremely practical. Your job is to trust your wisdom Events International Federation of Gymnastics has certified it gut, to unleash your wisdom cry, to revel in your wisdom 12-Step Meeting. AA/NA/CA all welcome. In room in its Code of Points, so it's official. During the coming magic. 209. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. Cristo months, I expect that you will also produce one-of-a-kind CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): As I was ruminating Rey Community Center, 1717 N. High St., Lansing. innovations in your own sphere. on your astrological omens for 2017, I came across a LCC West Toastmasters. Public speaking CANCER (June 21-July 22): I hope you will be as well- wildly relevant passage written by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. group. 5-6:30 p.m. LCC West Campus, 5708 grounded in 2017 as you have ever been — maybe even It conveys a message I encourage you to memorize and Cornerstone Drive, Lansing. (517) 483-1314, lccwest. since your past life as a farmer. I trust you will go a long repeat at least once a day for the next 365 days. Here it toastmastersclubs.org. way toward mastering the arts of being earthy, practi- is: "Nothing can hold you back — not your childhood, not Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. 5:45 cal, and stable. To do this right, however, you should the history of a lifetime, not even the very last moment p.m. FREE. Everybody Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 also work on a seemingly paradoxical task: cultivating a before now. In a moment you can abandon your past. E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 515-5559, vigorous and daring imagination — as perhaps you did in And once abandoned, you can redefine it. If the past one of your other past lives as an artist. In other words, was a ring of futility, let it become a wheel of yearning your ability to succeed in the material world will thrive as that drives you forward. If the past was a brick wall, let it you nurture your relationship with fantasy realms — and become a dam to unleash your power." vice versa. If you want to be the boss of reality, dream AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Naturalist John Muir big and wild — and vice versa. regarded nature as his church. For weeks at a time LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Even if you don't think of your- he lived outdoors, communing with the wilderness. self as an artist, you are always working on a major art Of course he noticed that not many others shared his project: yourself. You may underestimate the creativity passion. "Most people are on the world, not in it," he THIS WEEK you call on as you shape the raw material of your expe- wrote, "having no conscious sympathy or relationship to rience into an epic story. Luckily, I'm here to impress anything about them — undiffused, separate, and rigidly upon you the power and the glory of this heroic effort. Is JAZZ alone like marbles of polished stone, touching but sepa- there anything more important? Not for you Leos. And I rate." Is there anything about you that even partially fits trust that in 2017 you will take your craftsmanship to the that description, Aquarius? If so, I'm pleased to inform highest level ever. Keep this advice from author Nathan W. Morris in mind: "Edit your life frequently and ruth- you that 2017 will be an excellent year to address the lessly. It's your masterpiece, after all." problem. You will have immense potential to become more intimate and tender with all of the component VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): French painter Henri parts of the Great Mystery. What's the opposite of loneli- This week’s guest Matisse (1869-1954) turned out to be one of the supremely influential artists of the 20th century. But he ness? was still struggling to make a living well into his thirties. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Seven Chilean poets RODNEY The public's apathy toward his work demoralized him. were frustrated by their fellow citizens' apathy toward At one point, he visited his dealer to reclaim one of his the art of poetry. They sarcastically dramatized WHITAKER unsold paintings. It was time to give up on it, he felt, their chagrin by doing a performance for baboons. to take it off the market. But when he arrived at the Authorities at the Santiago Zoo arranged for the poets' Director of Jazz Studies, gallery, his dealer informed him that it had finally been safety, enclosing them in a protective cage within the bought — and not by just any art collector, either. Its baboons' habitat. The audience seemed to be enter- Michigan State University new owner was Pablo Picasso, an artist whom Matisse tained, at times listening in rapt silence and at other revered. I think it's quite possible you will have compa- times shrieking raucously. I'm sure you can empathize rable experiences in 2017, Virgo. Therefore: Don't give with the poets' drastic action, Pisces. How many up on yourself! times have you felt you don't get the appreciation you LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): "The self in exile remains deserve? But I bet that will change in 2017. You won't the self, as a bell unstruck for years is still a bell," writes have to resort to performing for baboons.

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. 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016

ICACS Whisker Wednesday. Pet adoptions. All animals spayed/neutered, vaccinated and Neck Out on the town microchipped. Noon-6 p.m. Ingham County Animal Control, 600 Curtis St., Mason. (517) 676-8370. from page 23 or ESOL Reading Group. Practice English reading Back and speaking skills. Noon-1:30 p.m. FREE. CADL Pain? (517) 420-5820, ow.ly/CIHU305nMqx. Okemos, 4321 Okemos Road, Okemos. The MSU Center for Orthopedic Research is conducting Free Photography Clinic. Professionals provide Family Storytime. Ages 6 and under enjoy stories, a series of research studies to understand the guidance through mini seminars. 6-9 p.m. FREE. songs and activities. 10:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. CADL mechanisms of manual medicine in treating pain. First Presbyterian Church (Lansing), 510 W. Ottawa Williamston, 201 School St., Williamston. St., Lansing. (517) 626-2814. Read to Scout. Ages 6-18 read to visiting therapy Who can participate? dog. Call to register. 3-4 p.m. FREE. CADL Leslie, 201 Pennsylvania St., Leslie. (517) 589-9400. Those with neck pain. Literature and Poetry Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs and activities Those with low back pain. Wharton Center Circle Book Club. "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie. 3:30-5 p.m. for toddlers and their caregivers. Call to register. Those who have not had spinal surgery. Schuler Books & Music, 1982 Grand River Ave., 10:30-11 a.m. FREE. CADL Foster, 200 N. Foster Ave., All participants must be between the ages of 21 and 65. Okemos. whartoncenter.com. Lansing. (517) 485-5185. Wonder Wednesday: Minute to Win It. Ages 8-18 Participants will be compensated and play mini-games. 4-5 p.m. FREE. CADL Leslie, 201 receive up to 4 treatments of manual medicine. Events Allen Market Place — Indoor Season. Locally Pennsylvania St., Leslie. (517) 589-9400. grown, baked and prepared foods. 3-6:30 p.m. Interested? Call, email, or visit our website FREE. Allen Farmers Market, 1629 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999-3911, ow.ly/Bol1303O4VE. (517) 975-3301 [email protected] orthopedicresearch.msu.edu Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed step meeting. 6 p.m. Donations. Pennsylvania Ave. Church of God, 3500 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 899-3215.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 >> FREE PHOTOGRAPHY CLINIC

Looking to become the next Ansel Adams? The Mid Michigan Photography Club THE FRIENDS OF helps budding photographers get their start Wednesday with a free photography clinic. Held as a series of mini-seminars, the clinic teaches beginners and Turner-Dodge House amateurs how to use both new and old cameras. Local pros are on hand for & Lansing Parks and Recreation discussion and Q&A sessions. 6-9 p.m. FREE. First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. (517) 626-2814. PRESENT 5TH ANNUAL Festival of Trees

SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION From Pg. 22 From Pg. 22

Saturday, December 3rd thru Sunday, January 1st ADMISSION AT THE DOOR $5.00 per person Children 12 & under FREE Virg Bernero, Mayor please call 483-4220 for admission times www.lansingmi.gov/938/Turner-Dodge-House City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

authentic Chinese dishes. And enthusiasts The mobile kitchen trend kept rolling of “Americanized” Chinese food can opt in 2016 with several new food trucks. Pie for Panda Express, which opened in East Hole Pizza Truck, which deals in gourmet Lansing this fall. personal pizzas and creative desserts, set East Lansing also got new locations up its home base near Eastwood Towne for two local success stories. The Tin Can Center. Other new additions were Daddy’s East Lansing is the fifth iteration for the Little Grill, which has a “global street food” Lansing-based “world-class dive bar” theme, and the Plateful Spread, which concept, and Lou & Harry’s Bar & Grill fuses the flavors of from the Far East and marked the return to the college town for south of the border with its Japanese-style the longtime Greek-American diner/bar burritos. And Big Daddy’s lil Donuts deep mini-chain. fries donuts fresh to order. Another local success story is restau- The area also saw the arrival of some rateur Nick Gavrilides, who celebrated the high-profile national chains, led by Whole tenth anniversary of his signature Lansing Foods, which finally opened in East restaurant, Soup Spoon Café, with a pair Lansing last spring. Georgia-based fast of new projects. In July, he bought Gracie’s food chain Chick-fil-A set up shop on the YEAR IN REVIEW Place in Williamston and refashioned it as city’s west side, not too far from Wayback Allan I. Ross/City Pulse Gracie’s Contemporary Bistro, tweaking Burgers, a hamburger chain headquar- In 2016, Dicker and Deal store manager Stacey Potter completed a $1 million renovation both the menu and the service to be more tered in Delaware. British-style sandwich project to move and expand his flagship store. The new location includes a jewelry counter, a in line with what made Soup Spoon a hit. store Sarnie Shoppe became the newly gun section and a taxidermied animal display room. He also launched a new deli meat produc- minted Knapp Centre’s first food vendor, tion company out of Soup Spoon, Wolfe just two blocks over from Nashville-style By ALLAN I. ROSS Company Salon in REO Town. And Meats, which makes artisan roast beef, chicken chain Hot Chicken Kitchen, which A rash of restaurant closings in 2016 Matthew Ryan Salon & Spa moved into a corned beef, roast turkey and pastrami for opened in September. And Nashville-based fueled fears that the Metro Lansing dining new expanded space in a renovated histor- both in-house sandwiches and carry-out. chain Gigi’s Cupcakes started slinging scene was dying, contributing to the year’s ic Old Town building. All three businesses This year also saw the transformation of sweets in the fledgling Trowbridge Village overall depressing vibe compounded by boast a team of professional hair stylists longtime Lansing pawn shop Dicker and Shopping Center. an ugly, surreal election cycle and a slew and an ever-expanding list of side services, Deal into a bona fide destination location, So stop with all the negativity — 2016 of celebrity deaths. (Rest in peace, George ranging from mani/pedi stations to mas- as it moved into its new location featur- wasn’t that bad. And make sure to come Michael and Carrie Fisher, and that only sage therapy rooms. ing a massive showcase of taxidermied back next week for a preview of some of covers the last four days.) But business is “We’re always going to be doing the lat- Michigan animals. the big projects that will be new in town in booming in the capital city, with plenty est techniques and services,” said Matthew "We want to create a more positive 2017. of good news for fans of Asian cuisine, Ryan. “If we stop growing, things get medi- atmosphere where a family can have a upscale contemporary dining and tradi- ocre and stale and people get bored.” unique experience," said store general Metro Lansing businesses tional American comfort food — as well In the dining world, more than twice as manager Stacey Potter, whose father, Gary we lost in 2016: as aficionados of secondhand shopping, many restaurants opened than closed in Potter, founded the business in 1973. "We West side: swing dancing and day spas. Here’s a look 2016, keeping in line with the area’s grow- want people to be in awe." Fire Mountain at some of the more noteworthy new busi- ing foodie culture. French cuisine lovers In 2016, Old Town joined the area’s nesses in town this year. will soon be able to choose between For flourishing craft beer and coffee cultures. South side: In May, the Nook opened in REO Town, Crêpe Sake in downtown Lansing and In August, the father-and-son team of Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge dedicated to selling upcycled home décor EnVie, which is slated to open any week Dan and Kyle Malone opened Ozone’s Famous Dave’s and furniture, and Old Town got two now. Bridge Street Social in DeWitt has Brewhouse, with a concentration on low- new vintage shops: Metro Retro, which an eclectic, pan-continental menu, as well to-moderate alcohol level “session” brews. North side: deals mostly in apparel from the ’60, ‘70s as an extensive wine list. And the wine bar And Bloom Coffee Roasters expanded Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza and ‘80s, and the Gallery in Old Town, a Capital Vine in Lansing Township’s Heights into a full-service café, featuring coffee that Max & Erma’s brick-and-mortar version of the 9-year-old at Eastwood kept the focus on wine and is roasted on site and locally made pastries. Wonder Women Estate Sales business. small plates. New barbecue joints and pizza places East side: And in Okemos, Kellie’s Consignments In February, East Lansing’s Sapporo emerged for diners more interested in Holden-Reid Clothiers moved into a 24,000-square-foot space Ramen & Noodle Bar became Mid- traditional American staples. Blaze Pizza Cosi where it more than doubled its sales floor, Michigan’s first ramen shop, introducing in Frandor lets customers build pies that which is filled with gently used women’s local diners to a style of Japanese cuisine are fast-fired within three minutes, and Downtown Lansing: and men’s clothing, furniture, home décor, that’s exploding in other parts of the Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar arrived Tom + Chee jewelry, shoes and accessories. country. Williamston’s Thai Nation Bistro in Eastwood Towne Center. And joining the Clara’s Lansing Station And if you’re looking to treat yo’ self, brought a traditional home-cooking style bustling barbecue scene were Gump BBQ, Henry’s on the Square you gained two new options this year: of Thai cuisine to the area, while the menu just east of REO Town, and Lil’ BBQ Shack, Crafty Palate Laurel Salon in Okemos and the Artisan at Chun Chi near Frandor is loaded with on the city’s south side. Beer Grotto 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016 HE ATE SHE ATE A year of dining adventures The joy of food The tao of tacos lished culinary icon. Both are like gid- loved their food so hard and for so long By MARK NIXON By GABRIELLE JOHNSON LAWRENCE that they were one of three food trucks we Restaurants, like people, have per- dy teenagers gobsmacked by their first Last summer, my husband and I set out hired to cater our April wedding reception. sonalities. In 2016, two restaurants love — but in this case, their romance is on a quest to find the best tacos in Lan- (The other two, in case you were wonder- stood out because they exude a cheery rooted in the joy of cooking. sing. These are the extremely unscientific ing, were Good Truckin’ Food and Detroit playfulness, both in what they serve They make the ordinary extraor- results of our delicious research. Frankie’s Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza.) and who is doing the serving. The dinary, as in Bridge My criteria for a These tacos also feature a double layer of French call it joie de vivre, the joy of Street’s panko-encrust- perfect taco are few corn tortillas, which is so important when living. ed smoked potato or but crucial. I need a the tortillas are thin and threaten to break Soup Spoon’s Dijon-en- Bridge Street Social in DeWitt is corn tortilla. Flour under the weight of their delicious filling. hanced pork schnitzel. new to the local restaurant scene. Soup tortillas are for bur- El Oasis also has a wide selection of meat, Spoon Cafe in Lansing is an estab- The prevailing ritos and enchiladas and my favorites are chorizo and al pastor happy-to-be-here at- only, and on this (pork.) The pork is seared just a bit until titude among waitstaff point I am strict. My crispy, and the moist and juicy meat is per- in both places seems preferred toppings fectly complemented with the bite of the part of the DNA. Either are minimal, but onion and chorizo. that, or they have all they must include In a surprise twist, a BBQ joint in Reo graduated with honors chopped cilantro, Town boasts the third-best tacos in my taco from acting school. onion and possibly bracket. Saddleback BBQ (1147 S. Wash- In September, I Gabrielle Johnson Lawrence/City Pulse crumbled queso. ington Ave.) has quickly become a fam- wrote that Bridge Shredded cheese and ily favorite, catering everything from our The taco dinner at Pablo’s in Old Town Street’s decor included iceberg lettuce do housewarming party to my sister’s wedding tops Gabrielle Johnson Lawrence’s a picture frame, empty not belong on a taco. to my school board campaign fundraiser. list of Greater Lansing’s best tacos. except for smaller, also I want to taste the Everything that we eat at Saddleback is empty frames, “as if meat — whether it a flavor punch in the face, and when they they are awaiting an artist.” Curiously, be chicken, beef, pork or chorizo — and started serving burnt ends on Fridays, we framed windows hang over the bar area I definitely don’t want to taste wimpy let- had to have them. Burnt ends are chunks of Soup Spoon — windows awaiting tuce and waxy cheese. of Saddleback’s already luscious, smoky our gaze and inviting thoughts of what Pablo’s in Old Town (311 E. Grand brisket that are cut off and re-smoked to lies beyond. River Ave.) has the best Mexican food in deepen the flavor even further. During a Am I reading far too much into the town. We knew that Pablo’s was going nightly chat about what we would eat the decor? Perhaps. All I know is that the to be a strong contender, and we started next day (isn’t that what all married people food, the service and the vibe in both visiting the restaurant early in our mis- do?), my husband and I came up with the places add up to something upbeat in sion. This was both a blessing, because we idea to go to Saddleback for lunch and ask these downbeat times. Joie de vivre. got to eat dozens of delicious tacos, and a our girl Rachel to taco the burnt ends. She curse, because then we didn’t want to go enthusiastically accommodated us, placing anywhere else. The taco dinner setup at them in tortillas and throwing some queso Pablo’s is ideal, because you can choose dif- and cilantro on top. She politely and awk- ferent meats for your three tacos. My ab- wardly chuckled when we reacted to the Hot Deal solute winner at Pablo’s is the chorizo taco deliciousness of the tacos by asking her to — slightly spicy sausage in a double-layer become our new best friend. corn tortilla topped with chopped onion As far as honorable mentions, Cancun and cilantro. Rice and beans on the side. in Okemos serves a perfectly acceptable Heaven is a place on earth. taco, as does Famous Taco on Saginaw My close second is the El Oasis taco Highway. Rest easy Lansingites and know truck, which parks at 2501 E. Michigan that whatever quadrant you live in, fabu- FREEFRIED CHEESECAKE with any meal purchase Ave., just east of Foster Street. We have lous tacos are just a short drive away. Limit one coupon per customer, per visit. Coupon must be presented when ordering and retained by the shop. No cash refunds. No substitutions allowed. May not be used with any other offers. Valid only at participating Hot Chicken Kitchen locations. Expires 1/31/17. CITPUL110316 fast food, cooked slow. 123 South Washington, Lansing (517) 203-5176 940 Elmwood Rd, Lansing 1979 Aurelius Rd, Holt (517) 203-5728 (517) 906-6402 hcknashvillestyle.com zaytoonlansing.com zaytoonholt.com City Pulse • December 28, 2016 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27

The Old Town eatery uses brown sugar ham, that puts it over the top. Croque madame apple chutney and triple cream brie on crusty Trends come and go, so take advantage of bread, and, of course, they put an egg on it. all the new egg-enhanced entrees while you This is a hearty knife-and-fork sandwich. can. Then again, the croque madame has — the Creole The apple chutney is not overly sweet, but it survived half a century, so maybe this trend If “put a bird on it” is the unofficial motto offsets the saltiness of the ham in a perfect is here to stay. of twee hipsters selling hand-knit beanies way. The creamy brie fuses it all together, and organic handbags on Etsy, “put an egg and the egg provides that savory element — TY FORQUER on it” is its culinary counterpart. (I suppose you’re still putting a bird on it, in a sense.) THE And I don’t mind. I love a TOP FIVE DISH good runny fried egg, and I’m glad that it’s showing up out- side of breakfast menus. Pizza? Put an egg on it. Hamburger? Put an egg on it. Pork chop? Put an egg on it. DINING GUIDE The French pride themselves on being at the cutting edge of cooking, and on this Top 5 sandwiches/deli trend, they have #1 Jersey Giant (See web site for more locations) The Creole us beat by a good Lansing-based chain specializing in 134 S. Washington Square, Lansing giant sub sandwiches (517) 485-3300 Kitchen hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 50 years. The jimmyjohns.com (lunch) and 5-10 p.m. (dinner) croque monsieur (See web site for more locations) Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 3700 W. Saginaw St., Lansing 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 11 p.m. (brunch) and 5-10 p.m. sandwich, which (517) 323-6800 a.m.-3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday (dinner) Saturday-Sunday; bar first appeared on jerseygiantsubs.com opens at 4 p.m. daily Samuel Mancino’s Italian Eatery 1210 Turner St., Lansing French menus in 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 #4 Sandwich shop known for its baked (517) 371-1361, the early 1900s, is a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday thecreolelansing.com grinders a baked or grilled Soup Spoon CafE 401 N. Clippert St., Suite B, Lansing sandwich made #2 (517) 351-7492 City Pulse readers love Soup Spoon’s with sliced ham and Swiss cheese. Sometime mancinosoffrandor.com breakfast options, soups and sand- 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; in the 1960s, someone decided to put an egg wiches closed Sunday on it, and the croquet madame was born. 1419 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing For a good local take on the croque ma- (517) 316-2377 soupspooncafe.com #5 Frandor Deli dame, swing by the Creole around lunch time. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7 Deli with large selection of subs that a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-11 p.m. also serves Mexican food and pizza Saturday; closed Sunday 300 N Clippert St #8, Lansing, (517) 351-9342 Jimmy Johns Frandordelilansingmi.com #3 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sandwich chain known for its “freaky closed Sunday fast” service and delivery Want more City Pulse? Follow us on

What’s your social media favorite dish/drink? Do you have a go-to dish or drink at your favorite local restaurant? We want facebook.com/lansingcitypulse to know about it. Email your favorite dish/drink and a short explanation about @citypulse @lansingcitypulse why you love it to food@lansingcity- pulse.com, and it may be featured in a future issue. If possible, please send a photo along with your description — a nice smartphone photo is fine. Cheers!

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