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LOCAL INKY CELEBRITIES TRY BROADWAY FASHION ON FOR SIZE • P. 15

BWL SALE BERNERO CALLS FOR A STUDY • P. 5 VOCAL RECALL JOSHUA DAVIS REFLECTS ON ‘THE VOICE’ • P. 9 TOP OF THE TOWN WINNERS PARTY VIP TENT AT SECOND ANNUAL FISH RODEO Riverfront Park • Friday, June 12 5 p.m. to close Winners Recognition: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Special Food Tasting Table from Top Restaurants • $10 per ticket at door 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015 City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

Have something to say about a local issue VOL. 14 In brief or an item that appeared in our pages? ISSUE 41 Now you have two ways to sound off: Free eye care clinic 1.) Write a letter to the editor. (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com • E-mail: [email protected] scheduled for Monday • Snail mail: City Pulse, 1905 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-6705 Lansing's Care Free Eye Clinic is tak- • Fax: (517) 371-5800 PAGE CLASSIFIED AD INQUIRIES: (517) 999-6704 ing appointments for free eye exams and 2.) Write a guest column: or email [email protected] Contact Berl Schwartz for more information: 7 free eyewear, both available on Monday, [email protected] EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz or (517) 999-5061 at 3333 S. Pennsylvania Ave., between 8 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Please include your name, address and telephone number so we can ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • Mickey Hirten reach you. Keep letters to 250 words or fewer. City Pulse reserves the Prevailing wage fight pits unions against conservatives There are 150 examinations slots right to edit letters and columns.) [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 available for uninsured patients with ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Ty Forquer PAGE [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 family income of no more than 200 Correction percent of the federal poverty level. Ap- PRODUCTION MANAGER • Angus McNair [email protected] • (517) 999-5066 pointments can be scheduled by calling Due to an editing error, the name of 10 CALENDAR EDITOR • Jonathan Griffith 517-349-8888. Mac’s Bar bartender Craig Doepker was [email protected] • (517) 999-5069 misspelled in last week’s list of Top of the Patients will receive exams from a Summer Solstice Jazz Festival announces packed lineup STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino team of 12 local optometrists who are Town winners. [email protected] • (517) 999-5063 donating their time. Eyeglasses will Todd Heywood [email protected] • (517) 899-6182 be provided by VSP Vision Care at no Due to an editing error, a paragraph PAGE • Shelly Olson & Suzi Smith charge. On site will be VPS's 45-foot, was omitted from “Laughing at death” in May 27-June 2, 2015 ADVERTISING May 13’s Curtain Call section. The second 22 [email protected] • (517) 999-6705 fully stocked mobile eye exam bus. It will [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 supplement the four examinations rooms paragraph should be as follows: LANSING Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Daniel E. Bollman, Capital News Service, Bill at the Care Free's South Lansing clinic. Nola Bistro brings flavors of New OrleansG andET VietnamS to Lansing Patriarch Ben Lyons (Michael Schach- Castanier, Mary C. Cusack, Michael Gerstein, Tom “We will not turn anyone away,” said Helma, Gabrielle Johnson, Terry Link, Andy Dr. Leonard Silverman, Care Free's di- erbauer) is in the final stages of cancer, so McGlashen, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Shawn rector of optometry services. The exami- mother Rita (Carol Ferris) has summoned COVER Parker, Stefanie Pohl, Dennis Preston, LOCALI CELNKYEBRITIES BROADWAY Allan I. Ross, Belinda Thurston, Rich Tupica, Ute their adult children to the hospital to say nations will also screen for other health FASHION ON FOR SIZE • P. 15 Von Der Heyden, Paul Wozniak issues. “If people have medical condi- goodbye. Lisa (Erin Hoffman) is a frantic, ART Delivery drivers: Elijah Burton, Dave Fisher, Tyler Ray, TEASER tions, we will follow up,” he said. sloppy hot mess. The single mom struggles BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH Thomas Scott, Robert Wiche BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH with sobriety, self-image and destruc- Interns: Michelai A. Graham, Asha Johnson, Silverman encourages people to make “KINKY BOOTS” DESIGNTEASER BY ANGUS Mc NAIR, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH Brooke Kansier, Nikki Nicolaou appointments. “We will try to accom- tive relationships. Curtis (Steve Ledyard) BLAH BLAHCOURTESY BLAH BLAH BLA PHOTOSH modate everyone, but we can get over- seems to be the more stable sibling, despite Editor & Publisher whelmed.” being resented and rejected by his father THIS WEEK Berl Schwartz for being homosexual. CITY PULSE on the 7 p.m. Wednesdays State Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. on PUBLIC NOTICES AIR State Sen. Rick Jones CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN LEGAL NOTICE Singer-songwriter Joshua Davis Vegetation Ordinance Amendment 89 FM Ordinance No. 2015-03

Date passed: May 19, 2015 Nature of the ordinance: Amendments to Section 82-26 and 82-27 contained in Chapter 82, Article II of the Code of Ordinances of the Charter Township of Meridian to change the height restriction of vegetation (grasses, weeds, brush) from 12 inches to 8 inches within 75 feet of a structure and reduce the time period to correct a violation from seven days to three business days. Full text available at: Meridian Township Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road Meridian Township Service Center, 2100 Gaylord C. Smith Ct. Haslett Branch Library, 5670 School Street Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Avenue The Township Website www.meridian.mi.us

ELIZABETH LEGOFF BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC SUPERVISOR TOWNSHIP CLERK

CP#15_122

B/15/091 GENERATOR FOR MAINT AND ALARM as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the CITY OF LANSING C/O LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT, PURCHASING OFFICE, 1232 HACO DR., LANSING, MICHIGAN 48912 until 3:00 PM local time in effect on MAY 28, 2015 at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by calling Stephanie Robinson, CPPB at (517) 702-6197, or email: [email protected], or for content and purpose of this bid contact William Oberst at (517) 882-6418 go to www.mitn.info . The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses.

CP#15_124 City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION Bernero: Time to look at BWL sale Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero’s adamant opposition to even “I think that had an impact on the mayor because up until C considering the sale of the Board of Water & Light has softened that point, he wasn’t even willing to consider it, but when he to the point that he is calling on his Financial Health Team to heard that a judge could come in and make such a sweeping OF THE WEEK study the potential mplications of such a sale. decision,” Bernero realized that “maybe we ought to at least look “It’s time to look at it,” Bernero told City Pulse. at what it’s worth and make a judgment.” Former Mayor David Hollister, who heads the mayor’s Hollister said a “thoughtful 18-month to two-year study” Financial Health Team, said Tuesday that Bernero “has ap- — a “depoliticized deep dive” — would be in order. He said as proached us for doing this,” but hasn’t spelled out details on mayor in the 1990s, he looked into the sale of the public utility how he wants it done. after the city was approached by an investor. Ultimately, he de- The Financial Health Team recommended more than two cided it wasn’t necessary at the time. years ago that the sale be studied, which Bernero swiftly shot In an interview Tuesday, Hollister said the study will look at down. “Not on my watch,” he declared in his 2013 State of the "any option." For example, he said, it will consider selling some City Address. of BWL's assets short of ceding majority control. But in an interview at the City Market on Thursday, Bernero He said the study needs to look well down the road. "Thirty confirmed growing rumors that he has reconsidered. years from now, water may be more valuable." On Tuesday, he issued a statement to City Pulse: He said the city valued the BWL at $350 million when he “The BWL is one of the city’s key assets and has served the looked at the sale in the ‘90s. Now it “could be half a billion, region well for many years. The Financial Health Team is care- could be a billion — who knows,” Hollister said about the cur- fully reviewing all assets and liabilities facing the city of Lan- rent value. sing to help chart a viable path forward. That review includes The price paid for BWL would be a consideration in decid- Property: Liberty Hyde Bailey School considering the costs and benefits of potential changes in the ing whether to sell it to private investors. Other factors would Location: East Lansing ownership structure of the BWL as a way to address our long- be the effect on rates and on jobs, Bernero said. term liabilities for pensions and retiree health care and possibly The main reason to sell would be to pay off or at least sharp- This building, like the neighborhood sur- to provide a source of funding for major infrastructure invest- ly reduce the so-called structural deficit, which covers pension rounding it, takes its name from horticul- ments like fixing roads. Any decision on the long-term disposi- and benefit costs for past and current employees. One estimate turalist Liberty Hyde Bailey. Born in South tion of the BWL would be premature at this point.” places the cost at more than $600 million, which is a figure Haven, Bailey graduated from the Michigan In his City Market interview, Bernero said he was influenced Hollister has cited. Agricultural College in 1882 and later con- by a meeting on April 23 with Kevyn Orr, the emergency man- About $45 million of the city’s overall $196 million a year tributed to the founding of agricultural ager who oversaw Detroit’s bankruptcy. The meeting occurred budget is earmarked for the employee pension and benefit costs extension services and the 4-H movement. after Orr spoke at a Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce that contribute to the structural deficit, administration spokes- The building’s exterior is clad with red brick, arranged in a common bond with event. man Randy Hannan said. Flemish headers, where the end of the Hollister, appearing on the “City Pulse Newsmakers” TV Bernero said the size of the structural deficit remains a threat brick (header) alternates with the typically show, said he had attended the meeting, which he described as to the city, even though its coffers have improved for the second exposed long edge (stretcher). Additionally, “private.” year in a row after the 2008 recession. Bernero described the string courses of vertical brick bands (sol- Referring to Orr, Hollister said, “He said you know in a fed- city as “in line” to go bankrupt — “not first in line, maybe 15th or diers) wrap the building above the main lev- eral bankruptcy proceeding, a federal judge can seize your as- 17th,” referring to other communities in Michigan. el and third floor windows. Subtly pointed sets and sell them. “ He said Orr told them that any effort to See Bernero, Page 6 stone Gothic arches grace the main entranc- stop such a forced sale “doesn’t stand a chance.” es, which are further embellished with brick pilasters and carved stone accents. A mod- It's tempting to cast BWL's commissioners as inept. In Jan- ern wing was added to the building later uary, a majority of them voted to fire Lark “for cause,” which and, despite its incongruous appearance, it Right step entailed a modest severance package of six months’ salary — does not detract from the grand main block. Selling BWL would resolve many problems $129,251. It is speculated that Bailey helped design Instead they agreed to a $650,000 out-of-court settlement the nation’s first Horticulture Laboratory at That Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero will consider selling the announced last week, just $250,000 shy of the $900,000 Michigan Agricultural College. The build- city's electric utility is encouraging, if somewhat wrong footed. maximum contract obligation. Clearly, the “for cause” artifice ing, now called Eustace-Cole Hall, can be Bernero finally acknowledges that BWL crumbled during severance negotiations. found along West Circle Drive and is an Eye is a valuable and vulnerable asset. If the Had the dispute gone to court, BWL would have had to Candy in its own right. city were to face bankruptcy — implausible, provide Lark with a detailed list of grievances. BWL Chair- Bailey attended the dedication of the but hardly impossible — a court could man David Price said that settling the matter privately Bailey School building in June 1923. order it sold to pay off Lansing's creditors. eliminated the need to prepare this bill of particulars for Lark Operations in the building were recently Shedding BWL could be a sound defensive or offer the rationale for the decision to the board members — halted and the building was closed. Its strategy, but there is a more pressing and Sandra Zerkle, Tracy Thomas and Vice Chairwoman Margaret future remains in question. by now obvious reason to sell. Bossenbery — who refused to support the firing. Lansing isn't able to manage a busi- The decision to dismiss Lark was a rushed affair lacking —Daniel E. Bollman, AIA ness as complex as an electric utility. It foundation. But firing a chief executive for cause — or anyone, doesn't have the oversight expertise, and MICKEY HIRTEN for that matter — is a taxing and often exhausting process. For the mixing of politics and electric power — most big businesses there are guidelines, steps that managers “Eye candy of the Week” is our weekly look at some of follow to make their case and avoid costly payouts. There are the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eyesore of which is the real reason the utility's commissioners fired BWL the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lan- General Manager J. Peter Lark — is bad for ratepayers and the singcitypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061. city. See Hirten, Page 6 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICES ratepayers, can we get a fair price on the cur- rent market and will the same environmental CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN Bernero concerns that are frankly still there now get NOTICE OF POSTING OF TOWNSHIP BOARD MINUTES from page 5 worse under a private company.” On May 20, 2015, the following minutes of the proceedings of the Meridian Township Board were sent BWL is still burning coal, although it has for posting in the following locations: Bernero also questioned whether he or reduced how much with the addition of its Meridian Township Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road any mayor can exercise his responsibility un- first natural gas-burning electric cogenera- Meridian Township Service Center, 2100 Gaylord C. Smith Court der the City Charter for overseeing the BWL, tion plant. Hope Borbas Okemos Branch Library, 4321 Okemos Road Lansing’s other state senator, Republican Haslett Branch Library, 1590 Franklin Street given all its complexities. He wants the City Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Charter amended to provide the mayor with Rick Jones from Grand Ledge, said, “Every- Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Ave. an inspector general with a background in thing has to be on the table, but I don’t know and the Township Web Site www.meridian.mi.us. utilities to report to him on BWL. The Coun- why they’d want to sell their cash cow.” cil rejected his funding proposal for such a Revenues from BWL, which as a non- May 7, 2015 Regular Meeting position and seems unlikely to agree to put profit doesn’t pay taxes, accounts for roughly such a proposal on the ballot. Instead, the 1/6th of the city’s nearly $120 million Gen- ELIZABETH LEGOFF BRETT DREYFUS Council approved $200,000 for an indepen- eral Fund budget. The city is expecting to SUPERVISOR TOWNSHIP CLERK dent audit of BWL in the coming fiscal year. collect about $21 million from BWL in the current year. A privately owned utility would CP#15_119 Bernero hasn’t decided if he will undertake such an audit. pay significant taxes, perhaps offsetting CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN Asked about a study, state Sen. Curtis Her- BWL’s transfer payments. LEGAL NOTICE Rezoning #15010 tel Jr., D-East Lansing, said, “We can study it all we want. The real concern people would — Berl Schwartz Date introduced: May 19, 2015 have if we were actually going to sell the Nature of the ordinance: A request to rezone approximately 33.73 acres located north of Board of Water & Light is what would it do to Jolly Road, west and north of Jolly Oak Road and north of Farrins Parkway from I (Iindustrial), PO (Professional and Office), RR (Rural employees. “We have a person in charge Residential) and C-2 (Commercial) to C-2 (Commercial) who spent 38 years in the company. He Full text available at: Meridian Township Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road Hirten Meridian Township Service Center, 2100 Gaylord C. Smith Ct. knows how to turn on the lights and water.” Haslett Branch Library, 5670 School Street from page 5 But while Peffley bring to his leadership Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Avenue role a new openness, style alone doesn't The Township Website www.meridian.mi.us meetings, written warnings, personal im- change the utility. Except for the top two provements plans, maybe even suspensions. jobs, the BWL is staffed by the same people ELIZABETH LEGOFF BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC SUPERVISOR TOWNSHIP CLERK It's unlikely that big power company like in the same jobs as they had during the ice CMS Energy, supported by board members storm crisis. It too easy to blame the failed CP#15_120 like William D. Harvey, retired chairman response entirely on Lark. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN and CEO of Alliant Energy Corp.; Debo- BWL faces significant and costly power LEGAL NOTICE rah H. Butler, executive vice president of generation and transmission line issues. Vendors Ordinance Amendment planning and chief information officer The downtown Eckert facility is near the Ordinance No. 2015-04 of Norfolk Southern Corp.; or Stephen end of its useful life. BWL spent $186 mil- E. Ewing, former vice chairman of DTE lion on its new REO Town natural gas-fired Date passed: May 19, 2015 plant, which produces about a third of the Nature of the ordinance: Amendments to Section 38-121, 38-122, 38-123, 38-124, 38-125, Energy, would act so precipitously. They are 38-126, 38-151, 38-155, 38-156 and 38-158 of the Code of Ordinances seasoned business leaders and are very well power that utility coaxes from the Eckert of the Charter Township of Meridian to provide time limitations for compensated with stipends and stock for plant. It must either build big or buy. Either vending (defined as selling goods and/or services) ending at 8:00 PM is expensive. BWL is in the process of from April 1st through October 31st and ending at 6:00 P.M. from their board service. November 1st through March 31st. Minor amendments include To oversee BWL, the city seeks out upgrading its transmission system, which it vending be setback a minimum of 20 feet from any right-of-way line volunteers who willingly invest their time told the Lansing State Journal would cost and property line. Full text available at: Meridian Township Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road and energy to serve their community. They about $101 million to implement over the Meridian Township Service Center, 2100 Gaylord C. Smith Ct. should be commended for their service. But next six years. More money. Haslett Branch Library, 5670 School Street they are amateurs in a game that requires Does it make sense for ratepayers — that Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Avenue professionals. is, the people of Lansing — to undertake all The Township Website www.meridian.mi.us Announcing the Lark settlement, BWL of these expenses? The difference in electric rather breezily asserted that insurance bills for BWL and commercial utilities like ELIZABETH LEGOFF BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC SUPERVISOR TOWNSHIP CLERK would cover most of the payout and its at- Consumers is shrinking. torney fees. But that doesn't mean the BWL And finally, does Lansing really want CP#15_121 won't pay. Price said there was no discus- its power provider closely aligned with city CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN sion in board meetings about how this lat- government? Bernero wants more account- LEGAL NOTICE est claim could affect insurance premiums. ability — an inspector general to inform Rezoning #15020 him about utility operations — and more Ordinance No. 2015-02 Having fired the last three general manag- ers, a carrier would be negligent not to raise share responsibility from BWL for costly BWL's rates. city services. Date passed: May 19, 2015 Nature of the ordinance: A request to rezone three parcels totaling 8.66 acres located north More to the point, shouldn't the issue be Despite appointing all of the voting of Grand River Avenue (1614 and 1622 Grand River Avenue) and east raised by at least one of the board mem- board members and orchestrating the of Central Park Drive (undeveloped parcel) from PO (Professional and bers? Drivers with multiple accidents will purge of Lark, Bernero still isn't satis- Office) and RA (Single Family, Medium Density) to C-2 (Commercial). Full text available at: Meridian Township Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road sometimes pay repairs out-of-pocket to fied that the city has a handle on BWL's Meridian Township Service Center, 2100 Gaylord C. Smith Ct. avoid years of higher premiums. This settle- activities. But should it? Providing power Haslett Branch Library, 5670 School Street ment isn't free. to its residents isn't a core function of city Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Avenue Here is the question for Lansing rate- government, especially as finances tighten The Township Website www.meridian.mi.us payers. It has cost your utility $650,000 to and challenges grow. pay off Lark. How are you better off? It's time to move on. Sell BWL, invest ELIZABETH LEGOFF BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC SUPERVISOR TOWNSHIP CLERK Price said that BWL's interim general the proceeds to cover unfunded pension manager, Dick Peffley, brings stability to the liabilities and invest in assets that make CP#15_123 organization and is respected by the utility's Lansing a better city. City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

"This appropriation is the height of po- ers as much as $250 million annually in the contractors association sued the city over litical cowardice," Sen. Curtis Hertel, D- educational construction sector alone,” said its local ordinance requiring prevailing Prevailing East Lansing, said during the floor debate association President Chris Fisher. “The wages for city supported projects. Circuit last week. "You're afraid of what the voters fact that the bills are the first introduced in Court Judge Clinton Canady III struck the will do. You're afraid they will go to the bal- the 2015 session indicates the importance law down, but the state Appeals Court re- lot and vote this down." of prevailing wage reform to easing the versed that ruling. The association argued wage ban Supporters of repeal, like Sen. Rick strain on state and education budgets.” the law was a violation of Michigan’s Home Measure advancing; Snyder will decide Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said the prevailing Byrd, however, said the association is Rule law because the municipality usurped wage law artificially inflates the cost for tax- not interested in workers, but rather in the the state’s control and influence. The war between the state GOP and or- payer-funded building projects. A repeal, contractors who hire them. In a union city like Lansing, prevailing- ganized labor is being fought in Lansing he said, would lessen the costs to taxpayers. “ABC advances an agenda for the econ- wage requirements are popular, and Mayor again. After their success with so-called “All indications are that it will create omy where they can pay the least and get Virg Bernero is an advocate. Right to Work legislation, Republicans in more jobs,” Jones said in a phone inter- the shoddiest job done, the fastest,” Byrd The association “has filed an appeal to Lansing have set their sights on prevailing view. “Maybe a city will spend less money alleges. He also notes that while the group the MI Supreme Court, and we are hope- wage laws. on a new city hall or courthouse or police claims it is about American workers, na- ful that the state’s high court will sustain Those laws require government-funded department, and can do more with roads.” tionally the group is advocating to import the appellate court decision,” said Berne- projects to pay skilled workers wages that Jones said citizens don’t want to pay more foreign-born workers under guest- ro spokesman Randy Hannan via email. are indexed to union pay rates. more for government construction projects worker visas designed to allow foreign na- “Mayor Bernero arrived at his position on The difference can be significant. Na- and are angry about it. He said he would tionals with needed skills for the U.S. econ- this issue as the son of a working class fam- tionally, the average hourly rate of carpen- support encouraging able-bodied persons omy to immigrate and work in the states ily and as a public official who is deeply ter is $19, according to payscale.com. But on welfare to train and take the skilled jobs legally. concerned about economic issues that im- the second quarter 2015 prevailing wage necessary for construction. Prevailing wage controversies are not estimate from the state of Michigan Li- “Skilled workers will have no problem new to Lansing. In 2013, the builders and See Wage ban, Page 8 censing and Regulatory Affairs wage hour under a change from prevailing wage,” program places the required payment in Jones said. “Skilled trades like pipe fitters, Ingham for a prevailing wage contract at crane operators, and electricians will have $41.17 an hour. A 2007 report from the no problem. The unskilled labor worker free-market Mackinac Center found pre- would not be paid as much.” vailing wage requirements increased hourly Jon Byrd of the Michigan Laborers’ rates by nearly 40 percent. Council disagrees with Jones and offers this While the legislation is expected to pass twist on the measure. He said repealing both chambers of the Legislature, Republi- the law will allow out-of-state contractors NewsmakersTHIS WEEK: can Gov. Rick Snyder has made it clear he to underbid Michigan companies and em- WMU-COOLEY opposes the change. He has not expressly ployees for Michigan tax-funded projects. HOSTED BY BERL SCHWARTZ LAW SCHOOL threatened a veto, as he did with the Re- As a word of warning, he notes a situ- INNOCENCE ligious Freedom Restoration Act, but he is ation that occurred in 2010, during the PROJECT considered likely to reject the bill if it lands cleanup operations of Enbridge Inc.’s mas- on his desk. sive pipeline oil spill in Marshall. Hallmark To counter a likely veto from Snyder, Industrial, a Texas company, was hired as supporters have submitted — and the State a subcontractor for Enbridge’s cleanup op- Board of Canvassers on Tuesday approved erations, which were overseen by Garner — ballot language for a citizen initiative. Environmental Services of Texas. Byrd ar- The initiative is being pushed by Pro- gued that because there were no prevailing- tect Michigan Taxpayers, the coalition that wage requirements, Hallmark was able to On Thursday, May 7, five championed the “Right to Work” legislation transport dozens of Central American im- individuals who were in 2012.It will have 180 days to collect over migrants who were in the country illegally wrongfully convicted, along 250,000 valid signatures from registered to the state. There they toiled on the river with their families and Michigan voters. Once that happens, the for 12 to 14 hours a day being paid about attorneys, joined Michigan state Legislature will have the option to ap- half what other workers were being paid. State Senator Steve Bieda prove the initiated law — and Snyder would The situation was revealed after an investi- as he introduced legislation not have an option to veto it. If the Legisla- gation by Michigan Messenger. that provides compensation ture rejects the initiative, it will go the bal- “[Prevailing Wage] was originally to Michigan citizens who lot and Michigan voters will have their say. passed as a disincentive to out-of-state con- have been wrongfully Right to Life used the initiative process tractors from undercutting in-state and lo- convicted. Pictured several years ago to circumvent Snyder’s cal contractors,” Byrd said. “If it is repealed, (left-right) Michigan veto on controversial abortion insurance what happened there could happen all over exonerees Raymond Highers, MARLA MITCHELL-CICHON Donya Davis, Thomas requirements. Rather than allowing the the state.” WMU-COOLEY LAW SCHOOL INNOCENCE PROJECT DIRECTOR initiative to go to a vote of the people, the Former Rep. Mark Schauer, the Demo- Highers, Julie Baumer, and Republican-controlled Legislature ap- cratic candidate for governor last year, con- Kenneth Wyniemko. proved the law. That mandate was labeled curred with Byrd. If prevailing wage laws rape insurance by opponents since it would are repealed, he said, “You get untrained, have prohibited an insurance company unqualified workers doing work wrong and from paying for abortion services unless a dangerously.” He said companies that pay a person had purchased a special insurance prevailing wage are more likely to invest in rider to cover such services. safety training. MY18TV! Unlike the Right to Life initiative, Pro- On the other side of the issue, the Asso- tect Michigan Taxpayers late on Tuesday ciated Builders and Contractors of Michi- 10 A.M. EVERY SATURDAY added an appropriation of $75,000 to the gan has hailed the repeal move. language. With enough signatures and “A repeal of the outdated law will mean legislative approval, under the Michigan school and university budgets, as well as COMCAST CHANNEL 16 LANSING Constitution it still may not be eligible for all state government, will not be forced to a referendum because of the appropriation. overspend on construction, saving taxpay- 7:30 P.M. EVERY FRIDAY 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

really exciting.” a beta version in classrooms, said that the past as well. The app allows educators at the uni- despite early bugs, he thought the app “It’s been fun to stay in touch, and as A new tool for versity or primary school level alike to worked well in the classroom. much as they’re getting something from step outside the typical lecture of talk- “It’s a less confusing way of rethink- me, I get plenty from giving back as well.” ing with a PowerPoint slide in the back- ing the PowerPoint model, which is stan- Since leaving 20th Century Fox in MSU educators ground. Teachers can add in easy-to-ac- dard in a lot of foreign language classes 2011, Stougaard has worked on his in- cess videos and image slideshows to give in terms of presenting materials, images, novative video startup ActivateTV, and Student snoozing through a boring students a visual on a particular topic, texts,” he said. “It had this richer func- also as a developer with Moonbeach Inc., lecture might be a thing of the past in where he developed PopBoardz. classes offered by Michigan State Uni- Courtesy of Mike Jenkins While he is very happy with his app, versity’s College of Arts and Letters. LEFT: PopBoardz Stougaard said educators were never the PopBoardz is an innovative, interac- developer Peter target audience he had in mind when de- tive new app that gives educators and Stougaard veloping PopBoardz. students alike a new presentation tool explains some “I just made this app for me, because — but this isn’t your typical slideshow. specifics of I wanted it, and I couldn’t find anything Created by budding software developer his app to a out there that did it.” Moonbeach Inc., the app allows users to student while on Stougaard thinks his app is so popu- create a single-page presentation com- MSU’s campus. lar with educators because it gives them prising 16 “tiles.” Each tile can hold a BELOW LEFT: a blank slate, something easy to use and piece of media, from PDFs to webpages, Assistant free-form that can be filled with custom to image slideshows and videos. Think Professor Matt content. He said that many teaching PowerPoint meets Pinterest. Handelman (left) apps in comparison try to help teachers The best part of the software for discusses some create a curriculum — something many MSU’s College of Arts and Letters, how- of the PopBoardz teachers have told him they already have. ever, might be its price. The department app’s features “Teachers discovered us more than we recently received 4,000 donated soft- with another discovered them,” he said. “They know ware licenses for the complete version of College of Arts what they’re going to teach these kids, the iOS/OS X app. and Letters they don’t need you to break these down The gift from Stougaard, a former professor. into different lessons that are already out MSU alum and PopBoardz developer, there, they want to make their own, and came up to about $100,000. In a phone have it be personalized, and updated as interview, Stougaard said the app has often as you want.” grown to be a popular teaching tool. MSU, along with many other insti- “Teachers love it because they make tionality which was really, really helpful tutes throughout the world, has tested ‘presentations,’ but they don’t make a with students and included being able to beta versions of the app in the past. beautiful PowerPoint or those kinds of live-access websites. Stougaard said his app has been in use presentations,” he said. “They have a The university previously tested a beta in schools around the world, with pilot little lesson plan and they wish they had version in some classrooms. Stougaard programs in Texas and even Australia. some examples, and they’re able to jump said the app not only keeps classes inter- “It’s pretty spectacular and I’m pretty around.” esting by including different types of me- proud, and [their use] says more than I The app is initially free to download dia, but also gives teachers the ability to can possibly say about it,” he said. off the app store, but requires in-app move around the presentation fluidly, so The version MSU will receive will in- purchases for a complete experience. if a student has a question, the tile with clude tools for developers to track usage, The college’s marketing director, Ryan the answer doesn’t have to be searched data that will help further improve Pop- Kilcoyne, said the full version that fac- for as it would in a PowerPoint presenta- Boardz as a teaching tool in the future. ulty and students will soon use typically tion with 30-plus slides. Stougaard said this most recent ver- runs about $24.99. “Rather than calling it presentation sion of PopBoardz should make it to the The College of Arts and Letters, which software, I’m sort-of calling it discussion university by the end of this week, fol- Stougaard graduated from in 1981, in- software,” Stougaard said. “You can have lowing a bit of maintenance and some cludes majors ranging from philosophy all of your relevant content right at your bug fixes. and studio art to a variety of foreign lan- fingertips at any moment.” “I certainly didn’t want to send that to guages. Matt Handelman, an assistant Stougaard, who once worked at Michigan State with things that become German professor, has tested earlier ver- DreamWorks as well as 20th Century bugs,” he said. “The last thing I need is sions of the app in his classes. Fox, said he is just excited to be helping 4,000 haters, right?” “It really worked to decentralize the students at his former university. In the classroom, and took me out of a teach- and include website pages so students past, he has given studio tours to MSU — Brooke Kansier ing role and into a helping role and en- following along can access more infor- students and said he tries to meet up abled the students to be the own arbiters mation on a subject during class. whenever a student group is in L.A. He of their education,” he said, “which was Handelman, who previously tested has made multiple donations to MSU in

cerns of organizers like Byrd. locality or the state, but even in those cases — Todd Heywood Wage ban “He believes that all government juris- our prevailing wage requirements should dictions should make their best efforts to still apply.” hire local workers and companies,” Han- from page 7 nan said. “When this is not possible, work- ers and companies from within the state pact the middle class. He believes that the PUBLIC NOTICES prevailing wage is important because it should be preferred over those from out- spreads the benefits of economic develop- of-state, provided that they deliver com- Ingham County seeks proposals from architectural and engineering consultants for the design and parable value to taxpayers at a comparable construction of a new exposition center at the Fairgrounds. Info: http://pu.ingham.org, under Current ment to working families across the metro Bids link, Pkt 70-15. Lansing region and across the state.” cost. There will be times when a product or Hannan said Bernero shares the con- service can only be obtained from outside a CP#15_125 City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9

ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER By TY FORQUER We only get a glimpse into the Joshua Davis’ improbable run on behind the scenes work that goes “The Voice” ended on May 19’s sea- into “The Voice.” What is your son finale, with the former Lansing daily schedule like? resident and Steppin’ In It front- The last couple weeks, I was man finishing in third place behind pulling 18-hour days. I was more champion Sawyer Fredericks, a CATCHING HIS BREATH exhausted than I’ve ever been, and 16-year-old folk singer from upstate I have two kids. It was incredible, New York, and country singer joshua davis reflects on ‘the voice,’'looks to the future but it was really crazy. There would Meghan Linsey. be days when I’d gotten three hours His run on the reality TV singing of sleep, and I’m pulling an 18-hour competition began three months day, and then I get four hours of ago, with Davis' performance of Bob sleep … I pulled a 26-hour day at Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” in a one point. It’s totally wild. blind audition on the show’s Feb. 23 We had two minors in the final debut. Davis narrowly escaped elim- four, so they had regulations where ination on April 21’s results show, they could only work a certain but he safely sailed through the next amount of time. They have to have three rounds en route to the show’s certain days off, and they have to final round. have a lot of breaks. We had to work City Pulse caught up with the around that, so we always got stuck singer at his Traverse City home with the really strange hours, the Thursday afternoon, just two days all-night shifts. It was intense, but it after the final episode. He discussed was good. Once I get a couple days his experiences on “The Voice,” his of sleep, I’m going to look back on it friendship with Fredericks, his rela- with a lot of fond memories. tionship with celebrity coach Adam Is there any one thing about Levine and his future plans. your time on the show that you are You posted on Facebook earlier particularly proud of? today that it feels like you are wak- One of the things I’m really ing up from a dream. Was there thankful about is that they allowed any one point during your time on me to do one of my songs on the “The Voice” that was particularly show. I think that’s something they unbelievable? have never done before, and I had to Really, the whole thing. And it fight really hard to get them to agree kept getting weirder and weirder as to it. I pushed it and pushed it until, the whole thing went on. But then at the last minute, they caved. It was again, just being there for so long, a battle, and I feel like it really paid it got to be like, “This is what we’re off. And hopefully it will be really doing.” Now you’re going to sing a good for the show — and good for duet with Sheryl Crow. OK, cool. me. It’s something that I’m really But it’s still amazing. The whole proud of. That’s a big win for me. thing was so bizarre that I still can’t “The Voice” just ended a few believe that it happened. And I think days ago, but have you started to it takes me a little while to process think about your next steps? things — I’m kind of slow in that Photo by Jessica Cowles I’m going to cook some dinner way — so it will be interesting to see Traverse City-based singer Joshua Davis finished in third place on the eighth season of “The Voice.” here at the house. Have a couple how this all catches up with me. It’s beers, maybe. Take a nap at some such a crazy experience. Non-stop. point. (laughs) To be able to step back now and have a little with the Earthwork Music crowd. They live He grew up on the same stuff that I grew We’re planning some big shows for perspective from it, it’s going to be interest- on a farm, they have the same kind of ethics up on. He loves roots music, he loves folk Michigan for the summer. And then I’m ing to see how it all comes together. we do — very community based, all about rock, he loves the songwriters of the ‘60s working on putting together a team, a book- It seems like you developed a great having positive messages in their music. and ‘70s. We share a common love, so con- ing agency at least, because I’m inundated friendship with Fredericks. How did that He’s a very sweet kid, and I still feel very necting with him was really easy. He’s really with offers — which is lovely, but kind of develop? protective of him. I wasn’t seeing my kids curious about music. If he likes something, overwhelming. When I went out (to Los Angeles) and that much, so to be around him, and fulfill he wants to know why he likes it, he wants There’s a lot writing that I need to do met him for the first time, we immediately a little bit of that dad role that I have, it was to know where that artist came from, who that’s kind of on the tip of my tongue, a lot hit it off. And then shortly after he came to great to get to know him. their influences are. And that’s me 100 per- of stuff I’ve written over the course of this. me and asked, “Are you the Joshua Davis that You and Levine come from very differ- cent. I’m a person that digs in, in a big way. There will be new songs coming out, and plays on Seth Bernard and May Erlewine’s ent genres of music, but you seemed to So we connected over that. a new album, eventually. I’m really excit- records?” And I said, “Yeah. How do you have a good working relationship. What And he’s got this relentless energy. He’s ed for what the future holds, and I’m also know those guys?” He had known them was it like working with him? constantly pushing, constantly working, really excited to use this exposure to shine from a friend of a friend who had lived in It was interesting. We do play very dif- constantly looking for the next thing. He’s a light on what we have going on here in Michigan and brought some of their albums ferent kinds of music. He’s very involved in a fun person to be around, and he’s kind of the Michigan music scene. I don’t know out (to New York), and he was a huge fan of the mainstream pop realm, and I’m not, but wild to be around. But we connected very what the future is going to hold, and that’s theirs. You know, he would fit in really well we both love very similar kinds of music. easily, it was fun to work with him. exciting. 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

Photo by Tom Stryker and one of the top musicians in Concordia jazz, Peter Bernstein. Bernstein, also based A lot of that jazz Young in New York, came to MSU as a guest artist East Lansing’s Summer Solstice Jazz trumpeter in March and recently did a stint with saxo- Bria phone colossus Sonny Rollins. Festival announces diverse lineup Skonberg “He’s an amazing player and a giving spir- By LAWRENCE COSENTINO is one it,” Whitaker said. From gutbucket thumps to gossamer of the For something completely different, tones, guitar chords to vocal cords, straight- highlights Chicago vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz will ahead to way-out-there, the 19th annual in this make his East Lansing debut at the second East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival year’s jazz annual Kozmic Picnik. The 1 p.m. event at has announced its most diverse, high-caliber festival the Broad Art Museum kicks off Saturday’s lineup yet for June 20-21. lineup. slate of music. “Our goal is, in an incremental way, to Adasiewicz’s avant-garde sound, a diffuse make it one of the premier festivals of the twinkling that sounds like dancing ants with Midwest,” said Rodney Whitaker, the fes- bells around their necks, will suit the sur- tival’s artistic director and MSU jazz stud- roundings of a contemporary art museum ies chief. “We have people from all over the perfectly. world calling us, wanting to be a part.” “People will get here and realize they like bassist Esperanza Spalding and vocalists At 2:30 p.m., the festival will shift to party Latin, big band, traditional, avant-garde, a genre of music they didn’t even consider Cécile McLorin Salvant and Cyrille Aimée. mode as the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys blues and unclassifiable happenings are all before,” Hall said. Whitaker was impressed with Skonberg leads a classic Second Line parade, complete in the mix — about 14 hours of live music in “We don’t want all the same sort of mu- when they played together at Centrum Jazz with beads and costumes, from the Broad all — from local, regional and national artists sic,” Whitaker agreed. Festival in Port Townsend, Wash. Museum to the festival site in downtown on two stages. A top priority for Whitaker was to see all “She plays traditional jazz, and she’s East Lansing. The festival is blossoming into a regional kinds of faces on stage. good,” Whitaker said. “Her heroes are Louis (The Swamp Donkeys have a familiar event under Whitaker, a world-renowned “This is our national music,” he said. “It Armstrong, New Orleans musicians.” name in the lineup: sousaphonist Wessell bassist and educator with connections to just shouldn’t be all black folks or white folks, On stage and in the classroom, Whitaker Anderson IV, or “Quad,” son of former about everyone in jazz, and with the backing and women should be represented.” wants to make jazz more attractive to wom- MSU saxophone professor and alto saxman of Wharton Center director Michael Brand, Canadian trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skon- en. He hopes to get a female instrumentalist Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson.) the MSU provost’s office and a coalition of berg, headlining Friday at 7:30, is the latest on MSU’s jazz faculty soon. Last year’s inaugural Kozmic Picnik and other university entities. in a series of rising young jazz stars spon- “Go to an orchestra concert and 40, 50 parade were mobbed and turned into instant “We have a very motivated board,” said sored by a big festival partner, the Wharton percent of the orchestra is female,” Whitaker traditions. Hall said this year’s will be “even Benjamin Hall, festival coordinator. “MSU’s Center. said. “Go to a jazz group and they’re still 99 bigger and crazier,” with costumed partici- increased involvement has the most to do Skonberg will follow up her festival gig percent male. We’re just behind.” pants from the Renaissance Festival in the with the festival expanding.” with an appearance at the Wharton Center Another festival highlight is Saturday’s mix, just for extra color. (Sing the blues, Sir Whitaker and Hall have pushed the festi- April 16. The festival-to-Wharton pairing headliner, a “guitar summit” with MSU’s val to diversify its lineup. has scored big already, with gigs by superstar Randy Napoleon, New York guitarist Dave See Jazz, Page 11

The story of “Kinky Boots” centers around heart,” Carrasco said. “And I’m really grate- Charlie Price, heir to a failing shoe factory. ful that I did that. Your job is not who you Bringing it home The straight-laced Charlie forms an unlikely are, certainly, but it is what you do and that’s partnership with Lola, a drag queen, and the such a huge part of your life. And I’m very ‘Kinky Boots’ dance captain two of them hatch a plan to save the flagging proud to say that I don’t feel like I’ve worked business. In the process, they discover that a day in my life.” has Lansing roots they have more in common than either first A dance captain is a crucial part of tour- By TY FORQUER suspected. The transformative power of this ing shows, overseeing the dancers and mak- For most Broadway performers, a na- message, said Carrasco, is what makes this ing sure the show stays true to the original tional tour means many nights on the show so special to him. choreography. In addition to being dance road, sleeping in unfamiliar cities. For one “There’s always that one man in the front captain for this production, Carrasco is also member of the “Kinky Boots” touring cast, row, who has clearly been taken to the show what known in Broadway as a “swing.” He however, the musical’s stop in East Lansing by his wife. And that man, the second all doesn’t have an assigned role each night, but brings him back home. of the drag queens come out, he’s terrified. he understudies the male dance ensemble Dance captain Stephen Carrasco was He’s absolutely petrified to be in the audi- and a few of the featured male roles. That raised just minutes away from the Wharton ence,” said Carrasco. “But by the end of the way, he is able to step in quickly to fill one of Center stage. An Okemos native, the New show, that same man has a huge smile on his the dancer’s roles, or tracks, in case of injury York-based dancer graduated from Okemos face. He’s leaping to his feet, clapping along. or illness. High School in 2002. That’s the coolest thing ever.” “I don’t have to do the same thing every While Carrasco, 30, has been in four While Carrasco has enjoyed a great run night, which is very fun for me,” he said. “I Broadway shows (including the Broadway on Broadway, pursuing this career wasn’t think I’ve done 11 of the 12 male tracks in Courtesy photo run of “Kinky Boots”) and a few national a given for the dancer. When he graduated our show. I love the variety in that.” Stephen Carrasco, dance captain for the touring shows, this musical is a special from high school, he faced a tough decision. Despite performing the same show eight touring production of “Kinky Boots,” was achievement for him. He was accepted into the musical theater times a week for months at a time, Carrasco raised in Okemos. “’Kinky Boots,’ for me, marks a whole program at Syracuse University, but he was doesn’t find it hard to stay focused. bunch of dreams I had and never fully ac- also accepted at the University of Michigan “It’s easy to do over and over again be- relates to every single person’s life. All of us, complished,” he said. “I performed on the where he could pursue a more traditional cause, no matter how many times I’ve done no matter how open-minded we are, have Tony awards with ‘Kinky Boots.’ I was on career. it, there’s a person watching it for the first looked at something or someone in our lives the cover of the New York Times’ arts sec- “Am I going to go, spend all of this mon- time,” he said. “As long as you can remember and judged them. Without knowing them tion with ‘Kinky Boots.’ So to be able to bring ey, to major in something that makes me that, it’s very easy.” and without understanding them,” he said. that piece back to my hometown — I’ve nev- happy, or am I going to spend maybe less Carrasco also finds motivation in the “’Kinky Boots’ can really take you on a jour- er been so proud of something in my whole money, and major in something that I don’t transformative power of the musical's mes- ney, and show you that you can change the life. And I’m thrilled I get to share it with the really care about? And, thank goodness, at sage. world when you change your mind. And people I grew up with.” the age of 18, I was wise enough to follow my “This is a musical that tells a story that there’s nothing more powerful than that.” City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

the clock and taking a few extra choruses. despite his engagement to Nicola. Chambers Jazz East Lansing’s festival measures up in that only gets one solo number, but she milks the department as well. ‘80s-soaked “The History of Wrong Guys” for maximum comedic appeal. from page 10 Last year, late-night “afterglow” perfor- mances at Peppino’s Sports Grille, headlined Lola does get a show-stopper, and he Lancelot. Gratuitous anachronism is never by saxophonist Diego Rivera and trombon- makes the audience wait for it. But the payoff amiss at a Kozmic Picnik.) ist Micheal Dease, turned into wild jam ses- It’s gotta is worth the wait. The final notes of “Hold Festival highlights include veteran drum- sions. Me in Your Heart,” the show’s penultimate mer Jeff “The Hammer” Hamilton and his “For me, the club stuff was the highlight number, practically shook the brick walls of trio (6 p.m. Saturday) and Whitaker’s ebul- last year,” Whitaker said. “Both nights, all the the Great Cobb Hall. And, without revealing be the shoes too much, suffice to say that the brief scene lient current group, Soul-R-Energy (6 p.m. festival guests came and sat in. That’s when Friday), both on the Main Stage. it all comes together.” ‘Kinky Boots’ packs a powerful punch that follows packs a strong emotional punch. Latin music will be represented by the This year, festival organizers aren’t even The show’s sound and production were Afro-Caribbean ensemble Grupo Aye (9:15 bothering to say “afterglow.” By TY FORQUER solid, and the dancing was crisp and clean — p.m. Friday) and Orquesta Ritmo (9:15 p.m. “It’s just part of the festival,” Hall said. When the musical is named “Kinky Boots,” even the backflips executed in 6-inch heels. Saturday), both on the Main Stage. A festi- Expect anyone under the sun to show one shouldn’t be surprised when it kicks Clever set design allowed the stagehands to off with a tribute to footwear. transform a shoe factory to a cabaret in a val favorite, Detroit blues legend Thornetta up and crash gigs at Peppino’s by trumpeter Review Davis will return at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Etienne Charles Friday and Organissimo After the opening “Price & matter of seconds. The only time the curtain With all that talent filling two stages, who Saturday. Son Theme,” the full ensemble comes down is to transform the set into a are the sleepers? Next year, the festival’s 20th anniversa- launches into a high-energy rendition of “Check out Ari Teitel,” Whitaker said. ry, will be even bigger, Hall said. Whitaker “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World.” “He’s bad.” is already planning a “Chicago night” with (Spoiler alert: The most beautiful thing in Teitel, a blistering guitarist and third- powerhouse sax player John Wojciechowski the world is a shoe.) year student at MSU, is already making a and other Windy City stalwarts such as bass- The shoes and boots, of course, are mark in jazz, both as a leader and sideman. ist Kelly Sill, whom East Lansing audiences metaphors. For Charlie Price (Steven Local organist Jim Alfredson will join him 7 haven’t heard yet. Booth), heir to the failing Price & Sons shoe p.m. Friday on the MSU Educational Stage. To crown all, Whitaker said he is working business, the sturdy, unfashionable shoes Whitaker also thinks people will be sur- on his old boss from Jazz at Lincoln Center, made at the factory represent the dying of prised by New Orleans vocalist Cindy Scott, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, to bring a quin- an era, as reliability is cast aside in favor of appearing 7:30 p.m. Friday on the MSU tet, if not the whole Lincoln Center band, to cheap thrills and disposable fashion. Educational Stage. East Lansing. His fiancee, Nicola (Grace Stockdale), Like a jazz musician absorbed in a solo, “We’d have to get a bigger tent,” Whitaker pines for a pair of high-fashion heels. For big-city jazz festivals have a way of ignoring said. her, the shoes represent an escape from smalltown life and elevation into society’s upper echelon. Photo by McShane For drag queen Lola (Kyle Taylor Parker), Photography his stiletto heels represent his real self. Not Photo by Matthew Murphy New face in Old Town Austin a transvestite and not, as far as the play lets Austin Ashley named Old Town Commercial on, a homosexual, Lola is nonetheless most Kyle Taylor Parker steals the show as drag Ashley has queen Lola in "Kinky Boots." Association executive director been named himself in the trappings of women’s clothing. The story gets rolling when Charlie is By TY FORQUER executive Austin Ashley, who most recently served as director of knocked out during a run-in with some mod-influenced Milanese fashion show for marketing manager at Astera Credit Union, the Old Town street thugs and awakens to find himself the musical’s finale. begins Monday as the new executive director Commercial recovering in Lola’s dressing room. “Kinky Boots” is a joyful romp that of the Old Town Commercial Association. Association. Realizing that Lola is performing in transforms into a powerful story of empathy “I’m excited to get started,” said Ashley women’s shoes and friendship. It’s a rock ’n’ roll sermon Ashley, a 25-year-old resident of “Kinky Boots” that aren’t built on self-acceptance, delivered by a priest in Lansing’s Westside neighborhood, has a May 27-31 to support a leather boots — or, as Lola would call them, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday- man’s weight, “Two and a half feet of irresistible, tubular history with the Old Town Commercial supporters will really help that effort,” Stefl Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 Association. He worked as an intern for the said. p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 Charlie hatches sex.” p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday a plan to save his organization in 2011, and has continued to Ashley said another issue he is hoping Tickets starting at $34 stay involved with Old Town by serving on to tackle is the lack of parking options, Wharton Center failing factory. festival committees, volunteering at events especially when popular festivals such as 750 E. Shaw Lane By combining (517) 432-2000, his knowledge of Short and sweet and maintaining friendships with business Lansing JazzFest and Michigan BluesFest whartoncenter.com One-act plays shine at Ixion Theatre owners. He is looking forward to returning draw thousands of extra visitors to the shoe construction to the neighborhood in his new role. neighborhood. with Lola’s fashion By TOM HELMA “I’m excited to spend every day in Old “It’s a great problem to have,” said Ashley. sense, he can create a product that serves They are like tapas, a variety of appetiz- Town,” said Ashley. “It’s such an energetic Many of those festivals also take up the an untapped niche in the shoe market. ers. Three short plays, tasty, unrelated — and place.” parking spaces in Lot 56/Cesar Chavez Reliability meets fashion, old becomes new. yet somehow connected. Ixion Theatre, a Karen Stefl, partner at Old Town-based Plaza. Ashley looking for sustainable parking While Booth gets most of the meaty vocal young theater company full of parts — and executes them in impressive media company Such Video, is excited solutions, including partnering with CATA Review surprises, invited local writers to have Ashley back at the Old Town to offer festival shuttles and better utilizing manner — Parker is the real star of the star to submit scripts and selected Commercial Association. the adjacent Lansing River Trail. of the show. In his opening number, “Land the most promising of them to “He has an energy and enthusiasm that Ashley is replacing Megan Barrett, who of Lola,” Parker exudes confidence and present to audiences for their consideration. are contagious,” she said. “It’s a perfect fit.” had held the position since September. sexuality, evoking some mix of Diana Ross “Enough is Enough” written by Terry Stefl is also president of the Old Town Barrett left to accept a position as marketing and vintage Donna Summer. Palczewski, focuses on helicopter parent Commercial Association board of directors manager with CASE Credit Union. In fact, Parker is almost too good. His Agatha (SaDonna Croff). Agatha is given the and was on the hiring committee that selected Even with the change in leadership, Stefl least convincing moments are when he uses “gift” of a heart pain by the goddess Phoebe Ashley. She sees his business experience as doesn’t expect a drop-off in the association’s his “natural” voice, like when he reveals his (Rikki Perez) to stop her from obsessing a major asset as the neighborhood tries to efforts. gender to unsuspecting factory worker Don about her daughter’s life and take a minute diversify its fundraising and become more “We have some great momentum from (Joe Coots). to consider her own. Phoebe, invisible to financially self-sufficient. last year,” she said. “Austin is going to pick up Lindsay Nicole Chambers plays Lauren, “His understanding of our patrons and that ball and keep running with it.” a worker at the factory who falls for Charlie See Curtain Call, Page 12 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

for another actor, delivers a droll, dead- Curtain Call pan delivery that suggests an uncon- scious hopelessness. Meanwhile, 8-year- from page 11 old granddaughter Elie (Isabella Croff), is unfazed and excited by the adventure Agatha, works through the Oracle of Delphi that occurs in the aftermath of a tornado. (Erica Beck) to convey her messages. Croff displays a sense of theatrical timing Beck does a great job as the interme- unusual for a child, perhaps the result of diary in this transaction, and has some growing up in one of Lansing’s premiere of Palczewski’s best lines. Perez is also theatrical families. Rachel Wilder, as Elie’s good as an agitated, mother, steps into the middle of this tri- Mother’s Nature impatient goddess angle, adding the frustration of a woman Ixion Theatre who clearly has who cannot understand the bad luck that 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30; more on her mind follows her mother’s visits. 7 p.m. Sunday, May 31 $15 than the trivialities Winding it all up, “Family Traditions” AA Creative Corridor of a tourist looking is a delightful dessert, the tastiest of the 1133 S. Washington Ave., Lansing for life’s answers three treats. Writer O.G. Ueberreth gives (517) 775-4246, in all the wrong us a Latin American tale exploring how a ixiontheatre.com places. Costuming mother determines whether a man is the plays a large part correct mate for her daughter. The writing in this three person scenario. The Oracle sizzles here, especially as mother Abuela and Phoebe are dressed in appropriate (Oralya Garza) delivers her well-written psychic garb, while Croff wears the perfect lines. Jacob Crosby plays the soon-to-be- thrown-together, mismatched outfit of a tested Anglo named Morgan, and he gives lonely mother on vacation. a strong performance of a young man from Next is “Generations,” written by a very straight-laced culture. Andrew Head, in which grandmother Give credit to director Jeff Croff for Sandy (Sue Chmurynsky) seems to attract good stage direction in these three short tornados — nine of them in a lifetime — plays. Working with a small set and few perhaps hoping to be swept off to Oz, but props, he manages to convey a sense of only seeing her dreary life go from one time and place. Brief, but entertaining, destroyed house to another. Chmurynsky, these plays reveal a new dimension in who stepped into the role late to cover Lansing’s theater options.

Listen to Tim Barron 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays at timbarronsradiomichigan.com. And tune in at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays to hear Berl Schwartz of City Pulse call him an ignorant slut... or worse.

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MICHIGAN’S LEADING CERTIFICATION CLINIC IS OPENING A NEW OFFICE IN LANSING

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WHAT MAKES US THE BEST EXPERIENCE WITH SECTION 8 DEFENSES NO CASES OVERTURNED — EVER HIGH-STANDARDS CLINIC PRACTICE DEFINED THE BONA FIDE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WE OFFER MARIJUANA-FRIENDLY PAIN MANAGEMENT NARCOTIC ADDICTION THERAPY CALL OFFICE FOR APPOINTMENTS

“DR. BOB” TOWNSEND CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT • 989-339-4464 WWW.DENALIHEALTHCAREMI.COM WWW.MICHIGANMARIJUANAFORMS.COM 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

Knobler, now based in New York, has Courtesy Photo his average against a specific pitcher. covered professional baseball for most of his ‘Numbers Knobler says his book can be broken into Baseball by adult life, including 18 years as a sportswrit- Don’t Lie’ eras, and some fans are lucky enough (and er for Booth Newspapers. He knows what he explores old enough) to have watched three distinct is talking about when he says, “Baseball has some of eras: the 1968 World Series, the 1984 World the numbers always been about numbers. From the start the most Series and the recent Cabrera-Verlander era. ‘Numbers Don’t Lie’ looks at the of the game, people have always looked at interesting There is no surfeit of number in Knobler’s numbers behind Detroit Tigers baseball the numbers.” statistics book, and readers can turn to any page and What’s different now is what he calls in Detroit easily find decipherable statistics, from Ty By BILL CASTANIER “access.” Tigers Cobb’s lifetime batting average (.367) to the ERA, RBIs and OPS have always been a “When I started, I carried around a lot of history. numbers on Al Kaline, who has been with big deal in baseball. The numbers don’t lie, stuff to look up stats. Each team had huge the Tigers organization for 62 years and won and these numbers bags filled with a collection of old media the American League batting title at 20. Danny Knobler allow fans to con- guides they called ‘the franchise’ to consult,” Not all of the stats are worthy of cel- Talks Tigers Stats tinue evaluating the he said. “Today all you need is Wi-Fi. You ebration. Some, like when Aloysius Travers Author talk past and predicting can now look at any game in Tigers history allowed 24 runs in a 1912 game, will make 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Schuler Books (Meridian the future of baseball. and search for statistics within seconds.” you cringe. Mall) That’s one of the con- To prove the point, Knobler looked up — Knobler started covering the Tigers in 1982 W Grand River Ave, Okemos clusions readers will in less than a minute — the number of times As an example, he cited the relatively new 1990, during one of their ebbs, but he said (517) 349-8840, come to after devour- that Tigers great Al Kaline faced certain term called “pitch framing,” which essential- there were some amazing statistics that year, schulerbooks.com ing baseball writer pitchers, such as Baltimore Orioles pitcher ly rates a catcher on how well he helps the including Cecil Fielder hitting 51 home runs. Danny Knobler’s Jim Palmer, in his career. umpire get a good look at the pitch. “Cecil had come from Japan, and there new book “Numbers Don’t Lie: The Biggest If the online statistics are nearly inex- “There was really no way of quantifying were tons of Japanese writers. It was almost Numbers in Detroit Tigers History.” haustible, I asked Knobler, why would that skill,” he said. “That was before cam- as if he was going for the record ( of Maris’ 61 someone need his book? eras were put in every major league park to home runs),” he said. “In May, Cecil hit three “It’s really a simple answer,” he said. “You evaluate the pitcher. Not only did the video home runs in a game and one month later wouldn’t know what to look up.” show the pitcher, it showed how the catcher he hit another three home runs in a game. For example, how many people know that received the pitch, and some bloggers dis- At that point it became a big deal.” statistics are kept for each player’s batting covered that some catchers were better at it The 1990 season, he said, started dif- averages in day games versus night games? than others.” ferently, since it was the year of the spring Bloggers, he said, who are using statis- “Numbers have not only made the game training lockout. tics to analyze everything from bat speed better, but also more enjoyable for fans at the “I went to Lakeland (where the Tigers to spray charts, have made Major League stadium,” said Knobler, who in his heyday hold spring training) and there were no Long Live Baseball look at the game in a different way. attended and wrote about 130 games a year. players and no replacement players,” he said. If you are a baseball fan, you’ve likely seen “Spring training started late, waiting for the or heard many of these numbers. Every time lockout to end. The players had no idea who the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera comes to bat, fans I was and I didn’t know who they were.” the Indie! both at home and in the stadium are inundat- Today, Knobler has trimmed back the ed with numbers, from how he hits against number of games he watches in person to Every purchase you make right hand versus left hand pitchers, down to about 40, mostly in New York. He can watch at your local bookstore teams from both leagues play at home. For the avid Detroit Tiger fan — and even helps ensure that it will be the casual fan — “Numbers Don’t Lie” will there for you in the future. sharpen how they watch the game while also providing strong dose of nostalgia. Knobler still believes, even with the Stop by today for new and LANSING - OFF SOUTH CEDAR AT 1-96 public’s unprecedented access to numbers, used books, music, films, VISIT CELEBRATIONCINEMA.COM OR CALL 393-SHOW US 127 & Lake Lansing Rd reporters have a leg up on the average fan eBooks, or to eat in the or blogger. www.NCGmovies.com “We have the experience and knowl- Chapbook Cafe! edge to find the statistics, along with access (517) 316-9100 behind the game to discover what hap- Student Discount with ID pened,” he said. We Thank You ID required for “R” rated films for supporting your local, Commercial & Residential independent bookstore! Fully Insured Visit SchulerBooks.com to shop for books and ebooks 24-7, and for a calendar of in-store events for both of our Lansing-area locations, Located in the eastwood Towne Center and the Meridian Mall Call Joan at:

For more information, visit (517) 881-2204 www.schulerbooks.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

MIKE BRAND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHARTON CENTER

FLASHY FOOTWEAR Last year, shortly after the Wharton Center announced that “Kinky perfectly." Boots” would close its 2014-15 season, the producers sent a pair "What a compliment,” said Provenzano, with a touch of sar- of the musical’s iconic shoes to Lansing. The boots traveled casm. all across town, adorning the feet of Lansing area fix- But even with the perfect fit, Provenzano still found tures such as radio hosts Tim Barron and Parker (of the boots difficult to move around in. WLMI’s “Parker in the Mornings”), TV news anchor “They were very hard to wear,” he said. “I think Chivon Kloepfer and even the Wharton Center’s the ones in the play are better built.” executive director, Mike Brand. Most of our footwear models agreed that the The musical only sent one set of boots, how- experience gave them a new appreciation of ever, and Barron found the one-size-fits all ap- the Broadway performers who dance and sing proach to be not so fitting. their way through several performances a day “Being the wearer of the kinky boots requires in the sequined shoes. smaller feet than I possess,” he said. “If you look Berl Schwartz, City Pulse publisher and edi- closely at the photo, I’m barely in the boots.” tor, found the boots so difficult to work with Despite the ill-fitting footwear, Barron found that he needed to be rolled out to the sign in the experience transformative. front of the City Pulse building in an office chair “The moment I put the boots on, I began to for his photo. hum showtunes and pine for Liza Minnelli,” he “There was no earthly way I could walk in those said. things,” he said. “How people perform in them is WILX meteorologist Andy Provenzano had a much beyond me.” different experience. His moment with the “keeper of For more on “Kinky Boots,” see our interview with the boots” was a “Cinderella”-esque moment. dance captain and Okemos native Stephen Carrasco on He said he was told, "You’re the first person that the boots fit page 10 and our review of the touring production on page 11. 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

JIM GEYER ALLAN I. ROSS METEOROLOGIST, WLNS CHIVON KLOEPFER CONTRIBUTING MORNING NEWS ANCHOR, WLNS WRITER, CITY PULSE

BOB HOFFMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS TIM BARRON MANAGER, RADIO HOST, BERL SCHWARTZ WHARTON CENTER PUBLISHER AND EDITOR, CITY PULSE TIMBARRONSRADIOMICHIGAN.COM City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17 PARKER RADIO HOST, 92.9 WLMI

GARY BAXTER VICE PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER, FOX 47 NEWS

STEFANIE POHL WEB CONTENT PRODUCER, FOX 47 NEWS ANDY PROVENZANO METEOROLOGIST, WILX 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015 Lansing staycation

ON THE

TOWNEvents must be entered through the calendar at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Thursdays for the following week’s issue. Charges may apply for paid events to appear in print. If you need assistance, please call Jonathan at (517) 999-5069.

Wednesday, May 27 Classes and Seminars Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes and activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 p.m. FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 351-5866. Story Art Time. Make art inspired by storybooks. Ages 2-5. 10-11 a.m. $5/adults FREE. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Saturday, May 30 Ave., Lansing. (517) 999-3643, reachstudioart.org/ events/storytime. Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed step meeting. 6 p.m. Donations. Pennsylvania Ave. Church of Remember that restaurant you ago with just 18 attractions and will stamp your passport, and if you God, 3500 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) have been meaning to try? What concentrated on just downtown collect at least 10 stamps you can 899-3215. about that museum you have Lansing,” she said. “Over those submit your Walk-In Wednesdays. Drop-In Art Class. All always meant to visit? The Greater years we have grown and expanded passport for the Be A Tourist In ages. 4-5:30 p.m. FREE ($5 suggested donation). Your Own Town Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave., Lansing Convention & Visitors to our 21st annual event, which drawing. Saturday, May 30 Lansing. (517) 999-3643, reachstudioart.org. Bureau is giving Greater Lansing will have over 90 attractions “Those (Various times and Knit & Knot So Much. Knitting and Crochet locations, see web for residents a chance to re-discover participating spread throughout the prizes range details) Group. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE, donations accepted. $1 Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave., their hometown with its 21st annual Greater Lansing region.” from overnight lansing.org/events/batyot Lansing. (517) 999-3643, reachstudioart.org. Be a Tourist In Your Own Town Historically, crowd favorites stays at our event. Popular Lansing businesses include Impression 5 Science local hotels, to Events and destinations will offer free Center, Potter Park Zoo and the gift cards for local restaurants and Allen Market Street Farmers Market. Locally grown, baked and prepared foods. 2:30-7 admission, tours, special events and State Capitol, said Padot, but quite other great prizes,” Padot said. p.m. FREE. Allen Street Farmers Market, 1619 E. more to curious explorers. a few new attractions have joined Kids will have a chance to learn Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999-3911. This is how it all works: the roster this year. Be A Tourist about the election process this Open Workshop. Bike repair, bike safety and biking as healthy exercise. 6-8 p.m. FREE. Kids Participants purchase a $1 passport, is family friendly, but there will be year at special polling stations Repair Program, 5815 Wise Road, Lansing. (517) which also includes event details attractions for all ages — even coordinated by the Lansing City 755-4174. and locations, that will grant free some for those 21 and older. Clerk’s office. Participants can cast Practice Your English. Practice listening to and speaking English. 7-8:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing access to over 90 local attractions, “American Fifth Spirits, which is their vote for most popular mascot Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) including Absolute Gallery, Fenner a new distillery here in downtown in Lansing (Sparty or Big Lug) using 351-2420, elpl.org. Nature Center, MSU Bug House, R.E. Lansing, has joined the tour,” Padot real voting equipment and ballots. Senior Discovery @ ANC. Coffee and Olds Transportation Museum and said. “The Runway at the Knapp’s Voting “precincts” will be located at presentation with guest speaker. 10 a.m.- noon, FREE. Allen Neighborhood Center, 1619 E Lansing Public Media Center. building will be open, and Forest REACH Studio Art Center, Michigan Kalamazoo St. Lansing. (517) 367-2468. Tracy Padot, vice president of Akers Golf Course is joining us for Historical Museum and Capitol Area Teen Crafternoon: DIY Comics. Teens create marketing for the Greater Lansing the first time this year, so we have District Library’s downtown branch. their own comic books. Grades 6-12. 3-5:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, Convention and Visitors Bureau, lots of stuff for various interests.” East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. has watched the festival grow from You can visit your favorite Knitting and Crochet Group. All ages and a small, Lansing-focused event to a locations or seek out new favorites, levels welcome. Now at the library. 5:30-7:30 p.m. thriving regional event. and you can even enter a prize See Out on the Town, Page 22 “The event started 21 years drawing. Each participating location —MICHELAI A. GRAHAM City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

E-40 at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, 6810 S. Cedar St., Lansing. 18+, $20, $30 VIP, 5 p.m., Sunday, May 31 Bay Area rap legend E-40 headlines Sunday at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, with Stevie Stone opening the show. E-40, who comes to Lansing on his “Choices Tour 2015,” debuted in 1990 when his group, the Click, released the “Let’s Slide” EP on E-40’s Sick Wid It Records. By 1994, the group had earned a national following and signed to major label Jive Records. In 1993, E-40 dropped his first solo LP, “Federal,” which reached #80 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “In A survey of Lansing’s a Major Way,” his follow-up solo disc, was released in 1995 and features Musical LAndscape a cameo by 2Pac. The album hit #2 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart and reached #13 on the Hot 200. E-40’s output hasn’t By RICH TUPICA SUN. MAY slowed over the years. Earlier this year he released the fourth install- 31ST ment of his latest project, the “Sharp on All 4 Corners” album series.

Uke-Hunt at the Avenue CafE The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $10, $8 adv., 8 p.m., Saturday, May 30 Fat Wreck Chords-signed band Uke-Hunt, a ukulele-centric punk band, performs an all-ages show Saturday at the Avenue Café. The outfit is somewhat of a super group; it is led by ukulele/vocalist Spike Slawson (of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes) and features percussionist Biff O'Hara (of Biff Bam Boom), saxophonist Jamin Barton (of the Titan Ups), upright bassist Joe Raposo (of Lagwagon and the Real McKenzies) and Doug Hils- inger (of Bomb) on bass and backing vocals. Uke-Hunt plays “outsider pop tunes, country standards, '80s new SAT. MAY wave hits and tender love ballads.” Opening the show are the Whoopi Goldblum Xperience, a Lansing-based alt-rock band, and local punks the Hunky Newcomers. Last year, the Hunky Newcomers released its ultra- 30Th hooky LP, “The Secret of the Booze,” on 500 slabs of vinyl.

Turkuaz at the Loft the Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 18+, $13, $10 adv. 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 3 Brooklyn-based nine-piece band Turkuaz plays a modernized version of soulful funk, incorporating a wall of horns and four vocalists. The band’s stimuli range from legends like Sly & the Family Stone and Rick James to the Beatles and Talking Heads. June 3 the band headlines at the Loft, opening are Dave Menzo and the Cave of Wonders and Sweet Earth. Turkuaz, a self-described “dance band,” has become known for its powerhouse rhythm section. The band’s tight compositions feature soaring guitar and horn solos and, according to the WED. JUNE band’s bio, they “leave no room for noodling.” For over three years, the band has toured from coast to coast while releasing a string of albums. Last month the band dropped its “Stereochrome” EP. The disc was record- 3rd ed with vintage/analog equipment and released on Techne Records.

v Contact rich tupica at [email protected] >>> to be listed in live & local e-mail [email protected]

LIVE & LOCAL Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat u r day The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Service Industry Night, 3 p.m. Mindguards, 8 p.m. Sounds of Passion, 9 p.m. Uke-Hunt, 8 p.m. Black Cat Bistro, 115 Albert Ave. Chip Christy, 9 p.m. The Black Rose, 206 S. Washington Sq. Mark Sala, 9 p.m. Blue Gill Grill, 1591 Lake Lansing Rd. The Tenants, 7 p.m, Steve Cowles, 7 p.m. Capital Prime, 2324 Showtime Dr. Paulie O, 8:30 p.m. Bob Schultz, 8:30 p.m. Coach’s Pub & Grill, 6201 Bishop Rd. DJ Trivia, 9 p.m. DJ, 9 p.m. Colonial Bar, 3425 S. MLK Blvd. Open Mic w/Pat Zelenka, 9 p.m. Copper, 2874 E. Lake Lansing Rd. Darin Larner, 6 p.m. Dublin Square, 327 Abbot Rd. Rob K., 5 p.m. Rob K., 10 p.m. The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Good Cookies, 9:30 p.m. Skoryoke live band karaoke, 9:30 p.m. Showdown, 9:30 p.m. Showdown, 9:30 p.m. Grand Café/Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River Ave. Karaoke w/Joanie Daniels, 7 p.m. Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Johhny D Jam, 9 p.m. Karaoke Kraze, 9 p.m. Global Village, 9 p.m. Soulstice, 9 p.m. Gus's Bar, 2321 W. Michigan Ave. Karaoke Henry's on the Square, 229 S. Washington Sq. Steve Cowles, 8:30 p.m. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Faultered Step, 6:30 p.m. Kyle Kinane, 8 p.m. Log Jam, 110 W. Jefferson St. Darin Larner Band, 9 p.m. Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. You, Me, and Everyone We Know, 6:30 p.m. Ribcage, 8 p.m. Tay Rhodes, 8 p.m. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Hopening Quartet, 9 p.m. Greg Nagy, 9 p.m. Acme Jam, 9 p.m. Peppino's, 213 Ann St. Reggae Lou, 5 p.m. R-Club, 6409 Centurion Dr. Hot Mess, 8:30 p.m. Hot Mess, 8:30 p.m. Reno's North, 16460 Old US 27 Kathy Ford Band Karaoke, 7:30 p.m. Reggae Lou, 7 p.m. The New Rule, 6 p.m. Root Doctor, 6 p.m. Reno's East, 1310 Abbot Rd. Don Middlebrook & Rush Clement, 6:30 p.m. Chris Lasko, 6 p.m. Tell Yo Mama, 6 p.m. Well Enough Alone, 6 p.m. Reno's West, 501 W. Saginaw Hwy. Greg Smith, 6 p.m. Steve Cowles, 6 p.m. Kathy Ford Band, 6 p.m. Bobby Standal, 6 p.m. Tin Can West, 644 Migaldi Ln. Waterpong, 11 p.m. Unicorn Tavern, 327 E. Grand River Ave. Frog's Open Blues Jam, 8:30 p.m. Untamed, 8:30 p.m. Untamed, 8:30 p.m. Waterfront Bar & Grill, 325 City Market Dr. Joe Wright, 7 p.m. Watershed, 5965 Marsh Rd. Steve Cowles, 7 p.m. Dan McLachlan, 8 p.m. Capital City DJs, 10 p.m. Capital City DJs, 10 p.m. Whiskey Barrel Saloon, 410 S. Clippert St. DJ, 9 p.m. DJ, 9 p.m. To get listed just email us at [email protected] or call (517) 999-5069. LivE & Local lists upcominG gigs! Only submit information for the following week's paper. 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

When Sunday, June 7 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Where Lake Lansing Park North, Oak Knoll Pavilion (6260 East Lake Drive, Haslett, MI 48840; thatʼs across the street from the Lake Lansing Boat Launch).

ELFCO will supply soft drinks and snacks as well as paper plates and plastic flatware. We will also fire up the grill and keep it hot for anyone who wants to bring a burger to cook. Bottled beer and wine are permitted on the site. Bring your frisbees or other outdoor games if you wish!

Come with or without a dish to pass - we will be happy to see you either way! Parking fee is $3.00 per car Please call ELFCO 517-337-1266 with questions

4960 Northwind Dr., East Lansing | 517-337-1266 | Mon–Sat 9-9, Sun 10-8 | www.elfco.coop City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21

Thursday, May 28 (517) 321-4014 ext. 3, dtdl.org. 7:30 p.m. FREE. Small Business Development Center, Out on the town Take Off Pounds Sensibly. 5:15 p.m. $5. New Hope LCC, Suite 110, 309 N. Washinton Square, Lansing. (517) Classes and Seminars Church, 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett. (517) 349-9183, 483-1921, sbdcmichigan.org. from page 18 Container Gardening. Learn tips from master newhopehaslett.com. Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. 7-8 p.m. gardener Sylvia Colles. 6:30-7:30 p.m. FREE. Delta Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh-in 6 p.m., meeting FREE. Community Mental Health Building, room 214G, FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing. 6:30 p.m. FREE. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1519 812 E. Jolly Road, Lansing. (517) 515-5559, coda.org. East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 882-9080, stdavidslansing.org. Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes and SBA 3 C's Presentation. SBA explains services. 6- Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society. Family See Out on the Town, Page 22 history: sharing your research online. 7 p.m. FREE. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand THURSDAY, MAY 28-31 & JUNE 4-7 >> ‘BEST FRIENDS’ AT RIVERWALK River Ave., Lansing. mmgs.wordpress.com. Theater Riverwalk’s Theatre’s production of “Best Friends” takes a comedic PREVIEW Music look at the steady decay of a once promising relationship. The play Fusion Shows presents. Live music. 21-up. 10 p.m. features two married couples who get along swimmingly — until a mishap occurs FREE. Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. (517) 351-2506, crunchyseastlansing.com at a dinner gathering. What ensues is a domino effect of malicious actions as the Ukulele Play-Along. Learn how to play chords and two couples compete at severing the friendship for good. “Best Friends” is written songs on the ukulele. 6 p.m. FREE. Marshall Music, 3240 E. Saginaw St. Lansing. (517) 337-9700, marshallmusic.com. by actor Jeff Daniels, who recently starred in the HBO drama “The Newsroom” and You, Me, and Everyone We Know. With guests is the founder of Chelsea’s Purple Rose Theatre. 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Fri-Sat; Future Crooks and Daisyhead. 6:30 p.m. Tickets start 2 p.m. Sunday. $15/$12 students and seniors. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., at $10. Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-6795. fusionshows.com. Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com.

Literature and Poetry Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Books to Love Reprise. Titles that amuse, inform and inspire. 6-7 p.m. FREE. Pilgrim Congregational "What If?"--oh, that United Church of Christ, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-7434, pilgrimucc.com. if. Matt Jones

Across 1 Baymax's friend in a Disney movie 5 Art Spiegelman graphic novel 9 Dress like 13 More put-together 14 Convention center event 15 Banish from office 16 Members of the peer- age who stay that way forever? 18 "Close My Eyes For- Thursday, June 4th 11a to 7p ever" singer ___ Ford 19 Test that's all talk 1701 E Saginaw St., Lansing, Michigan 48912 20 "Jaws" sighting 21 Irregular way to get 48 Actress Tomei 5 Badge justification 31 Airer of the Triple paid 49 1040 expert 6 Impulse transmitter Crown and the Summer DRIVETHROUGH SERVICE 23 Come calling 50 "Game of Thrones" 7 "Buffy the Vampire Olympics 25 Singer Josh Tickets available Online @ www.holytrinity-lansing.org actress Chaplin Slayer" station 32 "Scream" actress 26 Aid in finding the 53 "Little Things" singer 8 "My apologies!" Campbell Greek Chicken Kebab, Greek Rice, Homemade Tsitziki, Hummus, Titanic India.___ 9 "Jurassic Park" actor 33 '01 and '10, e.g. Pita, Spanikopita (Greek spinach pie), Baklava - $14 27 Go door to door, 54 Device for process- 10 Board for fortune- 35 "Heavens to Betsy!" perhaps ing flour in the distant seekers 39 As desired, in recipes 28 2, 3, or 4, usually, in future? 11 ___ Martin (Bond's 40 1960s U.N. ambassa- SUDOKU ADV ANCED miniature golf 57 Caliph's title car) dor Stevenson 29 Robot comedian's 58 Racing pace 12 Semi-educated guess 44 Prank performed on TO PLAY scanning command? 59 Vegas table option 13 ___-mo someone in a headlock 34 Wear down 60 Bull, for one 17 "Hearts ___" ('90s TV 45 Word in a Lennon title Fill in the grid so that every 36 Clumsy bumpkin 61 "Happy Motoring" series) 46 Common font variety 37 "Raw" pigment company of yore 22 Numskulls 47 Probably will, after row, column, and outlined 38 Places that are lush 62 ___-majestÈ 24 Demonstrates fuel "is" 3-by-3 box contains the to the max? efficiency 48 Mangle 41 Walgreens alternative 25 Blunder 49 Companies' money numbers 1 through 9 exactly 42 Marketplace in Down 26 Indian woman's attire execs once. No guessing is required. ancient Greece 1 Salon sweepings 27 R&B singer of "Oh" 51 Handle 43 Blockheaded 2 Pro and "Promise" 52 Pro vote The solution is unique. 45 Gold measures 3 Catch, as a fish 28 "As ___ instructions" 55 Auditing gp. 47 Journalist Joseph 4 Round figure 30 Pride sounds 56 Lightning org. Answers on page 25 ©201 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 25 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

Euchre. No partner needed. 6-9 p.m. $1.50. Delta Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, NOLA BISTRO PHO & PO-BOYS Out on the town Lansing. (517) 484-5600. from page 21 Allan I. Ross/City Pulse Karaoke. With Atomic D. 9 p.m. LeRoy’s Classic Bar Nola Bistro Pho & & Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 482-0184. activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Lansing Po-Boys opened 8-Ball Tournament. Bring your pool game to Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363, cadl. near the corner the Avenue. Call to confirm because it is cancelled org. of Waverly Road occasionally. 7 p.m. $10. The Avenue Cafe, 2021 Tarot Study Group. With Dawne Botke. 7 p.m. FREE. and Saginaw Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 492-7403. Triple Goddess New Age Bookstore, 2019 E. Michigan Highway earlier this Capital Area Crisis Men's Rugby Practice. month. It features Ave., Lansing. (517) 883-3619, triplegoddessbookstore.net. Weather permitting. All experience levels welcome. authentic cuisine Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-8:30 6-8 p.m. FREE. St. Joseph Park, 2151 W. Hillsdale, Lansing. from New Orleans p.m. FREE. Quan Am Temple, 1840 N. College Ave., Teen Game Haven. Play a variety of games; board, and Vietnam. Mason. (517) 853-1675, quanamtemple.org. card and video. 3-5:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing

SATURDAY, MAY 30 >> REO EATS By ALLAN I. ROSS to open two more Sugar Berry just before serving. You can I can’t imagine there’s a locations — in Okemos and choose between brisket, Lansing’s mobile eateries will convene in REO Town for the last Saturday of each huge crossover between New across from the Lansing Mall sausage, meatballs or round month this summer in the new REO Eats events. The first installment of the outdoor Orleans cooking and Asian — but a real sit-down place steak, or go with the Pho Dac party will feature such food trucks as Good Truckin’ Food, Good Bites, Saddleback cuisine. Sure, there are prob- was always simmering in the Biet, which includes all of the ably lots of folks out there back of Pham’s mind. above. barbeque, MI Pops and more. There will also be an open air bar featuring brews who appreciate a nice bowl “This was Sarah’s dream The Vietnamese side of from Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale. To help with digestion, there will be an art activity of gumbo and/or a bánh mì to own a restaurant, so we the menu also has authentic sandwich, but to have both on decided to stick to the cuisine noodle dishes, dumplings where guests can paint monsters onto thrift store paintings, or you can kick back the same menu could be over- we know best,” Nguyen said. and spring rolls — items with and listen to a live performance by the Lansing Unionized Vaudeville Spectacle. The whelming. Well, as they “I’ve never even worked in a which fans of Asian cuisine are party lasts until the food and drink run dry. 3 p.m. 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. say in N’awlins, restaurant, but I trusted her probably familiar. The bánh mì “Laissez les that this would work.” may not sound familiar, but it’s reotown.org/reoeats. New bon temps Despite a quiet opening, basically an Asian version of intown roulez!” word of mouth has already the po-boy, complete with its SUNDAY, MAY 31 >> QUAKER DASH Nola Bistro yielded an ever-growing set own special house spread. Pho & Po-Boys, of diners. And with a prime The women spent over Get ready to beat feet to raise money for education at the inaugural Quaker Dash which opened earlier this location near the corner of $350,000 in infrastructure month on Lansing’s west side, Saginaw Highway and Waverly costs to transform two for- 5K run/walk. The event will begin with a kid’s half-mile fun run, followed by the has a menu that flip-flops Road, she’s counting on busi- mer strip mall suites into the 5K run/walk through the neighborhood surrounding Lansing Eastern High School. between Vietnamese and ness continuing to build. restaurant. Then came the Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing classroom materials and Creole dishes. The restaurant’s “You talk to most people in interior decoration: brand new name says it all. Lansing, and they don’t know tables, chairs emblazoned funding teacher grants. Kid’s race 9:30 a.m., adult 5K 10 a.m. $25 5K/$15 kid’s “For some reason, we what a po-boy is,” Nguyen with the restaurant logo and race. Lansing Eastern High School, 220 Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. runsignup.com/ just thought they’d go well says. “Where I’m from, it’s on an elegant color scheme and together,” says Ann Nguyen, every corner.” tile work. Still to come are a Race/MI/Lansing/QuakerDash5k. who co-owns Nola Bistro with She may be underesti- full menu (they’re keeping it Sarah Pham. “And we knew mating local palates for New simple for now with a stream- SUNDAY, MAY 31 >> BOOK SIGNING/POETRY READING these were two (food options) Orleans’ signature sandwich lined version), a patio and that local diners were missing. — for the record, it’s battered possible crawfish boils. They’d A pair of multi-award winning poets pay a visit to Everybody Reads bookstore for an Lansing needed something and fried fish/shrimp/sausage also like to get a liquor license afternoon of readings. First up is local poet Dennis Hinrichsen. Hinrichsen’s recent like this.” piled on a baguette with let- eventually. The two owners met tuce, pickles, tomatoes and “There’s nothing like a beer releases include his collection of poems, “Skin Music,” co-winner of the 2014 Michael through their husbands, who a special spicy mayo spread with a po-boy,” Pham said. “It’s Waters Poetry Prize from Southern Indiana Review Press, and “Electrocution: A Partial have been best friends since — but it’s likely diners are time Lansing learned that.” less familiar with the menu’s History,” winner of the Rachel Wetzsteon Chapbook Prize from Map Literary. Hinrichen childhood and were in the military together in Lousiana. other featured player: pho. The Nola Bistro Pho & Po-Boys will be joined by poet David James. James recently released his third full-length book of Nguyen and her husband traditional Vietnamese dish 603 N. Waverly Road, poetry, “My Torn Dance Card.” James’ 2010 release, “She Dances like Mussolini,” won moved up to the Lansing area, (pronounced “fuh”) consists of Lansing and when she decided to a beef broth that’s simmered him the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Award for poetry. FREE. 2 p.m. Everybody 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday- open the Sugar Berry frozen for at least 10 hours with beef Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Reads, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 346-9900, facebook.com/everybodyreads. yogurt store by Frandor in bones, then flavored with Sunday 2010, she invited Pham to be cilantro and other season- (517) 327-4771 her partner. The two went on ings, with fresh meat added Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) Branding Toolkit for Business. 9:30 a.m.-noon, 351-2420, elpl.org. FREE. Small Business Development Center, LCC, Suite Aux Petits Soins. French immersion class for babies. Ari Hest. Affinity Singer/Songwriter Series, 7:30 Beer & Girl Scout Cookie. Brews from Rockford 110, 309 N. Washinton Square, Lansing. (517) 483-1921, 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. $12/$15 drop-in. Willow Tree p.m. $25/$20 adv. The Wax, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Brewing Co. paired with Girl Scout cookies. 7 p.m. sbdcmichigan.org. Family Center, 3333 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) Jackson. (517) 782-3221, jacksonsymphony.org. $25. REO Town Pub, 1145 S. Washinton Ave., Lansing. H.E.R.O.: Easy Screen Repair. Home improvement 643-8059, facebook.com/auxpetitssoinsllc. Sounds of Passion R&B Showcase. Performances imabeerhound.com. class. Email [email protected]. 6-8 p.m. FREE. by Ben Frank, Amani Crush and more, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Neighborhood Empowerment Center, 600 W. Maple St., $10. The Avenue Cafe, 2021 Michigan Ave, Lansing. Theater Events Lansing. (517) 372-5980, glhc.org. SCCMUA Open House. Facility tours, information (517) 492-7403, avenuelansing.com. TASC Artistic Exchange. Meet-and-greet with Celebrate Recovery. For all types of habits, hurts booths and more. 5-8 p.m. FREE. SCCMUA, 3671 W. cast members of "Invierno." 6:30 p.m. $20. MICA and hang-ups. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Trinity Church (Lansing), Herbison Road, DeWitt. (517) 669-8311, sccmua.com. Theater Gallery, 1210 N. Turner St., Lansing. (415) 336-6989, 3355 Dunckel Road, Lansing. (517) 492-1866. Teen Tech Time. Teens have access to a cluster of "Best of Friends." (For details see May 28.) 8 p.m. tickets.americanshakespearecollective.com. laptops. 3-5 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, $15/$12 seniors. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum "Best of Friends." Drama involving two middle- Events 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl. Drive, Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre. aged married couples. 7 p.m. $15/$12 seniors. Free Help for Adults. Drop in to get help with org. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) letters, job apps, etc. 1:30-4:30 p.m. FREE. CADL Game Night. Euchre and Dominoes. Snacks and 482-5700., riverwalktheatre. Literature and Poetry Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., soft drinks. 6:30 p.m. $3. Mayflower Congregational Thursday Morning Storytime. Three stories and Lansing. (517) 367-6300, cadl.org. Church, 2901 W. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing. (517) a craft. 10 a.m. FREE. Barnes and Noble (Lansing), Spanish Conversation. Practice listening to and 484-3139, mayflowerchurch.com. 5132 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 327-0437, speaking Spanish. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Friday, May 29 bn.com. Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351- Music 2420, elpl.org. Classes and Seminars See Out on the Town, Page 24 City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015

Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 515- 5559, coda.org. THURSDAY JUNE 4-7 >> ‘INVIERNO’ AT LCC Out on the town Theater Juggling. Learn how to juggle. 2-4 p.m. FREE. Orchard PREVIEW from page 22 Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., East Lansing. (517) The American Shakespeare Collective presents another original play 371-5119, [email protected]. inspired by the works of the “Bard of Avon” with its production of Pokemon/Magic the Gathering Card Games. Tutorials for kids. Starter decks provided. 12:30 “Invierno.” The play, which is a take on Shakespeare’s “The Winter Tale,” follows two p.m. FREE. Everybody Reads Books and Stuff, half-sisters in modern day California who tumble back in time to the 19th century. There Saturday, May 30 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 346-9900, Classes and Seminars becauseeverybodyreads.com. they experience a California in the midst of a massive cultural clash between the native Tai Chi in the Park. For beginning and experienced Spiritual Talk, Pure Meditation and Silent Chumash, the Spanish, the Russians and the Finns. The play features several languages tai chi players. Instruction in Qigong, meditation Prayer. 7 p.m. FREE. Self Realization Meditation Healing and offers a historical look at California before it became part of the United States. and Yang style tai chi forms. 9-10 a.m. FREE. Hunter Centre, 7187 Drumheller Road, Bath. (517) 641-6201, Park, 1400 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 272-9379. selfrealizationcentremichigan.org. On Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., Old Town’s Mica Gallery is hosting a meet-and-greet with Domestic Violence Support Group. Noon-1:30 Parents of LGBTQ kids. Weekly support group. the cast of “Invierno,” which includes visiting artist Kristo Salminen of the National p.m. FREE. Women's Center of Greater Lansing, All faiths are welcome. 3-4:30 p.m. FREE. Diversity 1710 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163, Psychological Services, 1310 Turner St., Lansing. (720) Theatre of Finland. In addition to working in theater, Salminen has starred in a number womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org. 401-4214. of Finnish sitcoms and films. Not only will the $20 admission to the event grant you an Be A Tourist In Your Own Town. Explore Greater evening of wine, cheese and insight into the production of “Invierno,” but it also gets you Lansing for just $1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $1. Call for Events locations. (517) 487-0077, lansing.org/events/batyot. Lansing Area Sunday Swing Dance. Lessons 6-6:30 one admission ticket to the play itself. 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. p.m., dance 7-10 p.m. $8 dance/$10 dance & lesson/ Sunday. $20/$15 seniors/$12 students. Dart Auditorium, Lansing Community College, Events FREE for students. The Lansing Eagles, 4700 N. Grand 500 N. Capital Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1488, tickets.americanshakespearecollective.com. Country Antique Sale. Vendors, antiques, River Ave., Lansing. (517) 490-7838. furniture, food and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. Country Antique Sale. Vendors, antiques, furniture, Centennial Farms Antiques, 4410 W. Howe Road, food and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. Centennial Farms THURSDAY, JUNE 4 >> IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME SOUVLAKI DRIVE-THRU DeWitt. (517) 669-5096, ow.ly/NimOZ. Antiques, 4410 W. Howe Road, DeWitt. (517) 669-5096, Karaoke. With Atomic D. 9 p.m. LeRoy's Classic Bar ow.ly/NimOZ. Not only can you get an entire meal featuring foods you might have a hard time & Grill, 1526 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 482-0184. Bird Watching Walk. Bird Watching walk led by Capital Superhero Summer Reading Party. Games, Area Audubon. 8 a.m. FREE. North Meridian Road Park, pronouncing correctly, but you can also get quick drive-thru service at the “It’s All Greek crafts and activities. 1 p.m. FREE. Barnes and Noble 5191 North Meridian Road, Okemos. (517) 349-3866, to Me Souvlaki Drive-Thru” event. For $14, you can get an authentic Greek meal that (Lansing), 5132 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) meridian.mi.us. 327-0437, bn.com. Contemporary Dance Performance. Live includes chicken kabobs, tzatziki, spanikopita and more. All meals need to be ordered Rock Cactus Gardens. Create a rock cactus. performance by DANCE Lansing. 1-2 p.m. FREE. MICA in advance and can be purchased online. The event is hosted by Lansing’s Holy Trinity Bring your own pot. Ages 5 and up. 2-4 p.m. FREE. Gallery, 1210 N. Turner St., Lansing. (517) 371-4600, Greek Orthodox Church. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $14. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. ELPL 2.0 Maker Studio, 300 MAC Ave. East Lansing. micagallery.org. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. Refugee Day Celebration. A celebration of refugees Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 482-7341, holytrinity-lansing.org. Kyle Kinane. With special guest Robert Jenkins. 8 and their cultures. 4-7 p.m. FREE. Spartan Village p.m. Tickets start at $14. The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Community Center, 1460 Middlevale Road, East Lansing. career. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE. Women’s Center of Greater Roebuck and Dan Currie. 9:30 p.m. FREE. Mac’s Bar, Ave., Lansing. fusionshows.com/event/05-30-15/kyle- (517) 507-0160, gluna.org. Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-6795, macsbar.com. kinane-loft-lansing-mi. Atheist Atheists and Humanists Meeting. womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org. Social Bridge. No partner needed. 1-4 p.m. $1.50. Garden Day Project. 9 a.m.-noon. FREE. North perspective on essence of life. 5 p.m. FREE, $10.20 Support Group. For the divorced, separated and Delta Township Enrichment Center, 4538 Elizabeth Road, Elementary School, 333 E. Miller Road, Lansing. (517) buffet optional. Old Great Wall Restaurant, 4832 W. widowed. Room 9. 7:30 p.m. FREE. St. David’s Episcopal Lansing. (517) 484-5600. 896-3463. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 914-2278, atheists. Church, 1519 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 323-2272, Monday Movie Matinee. Movies intended for an adult REO Eats! Food Truck Court. The area's finest meetup.com/453. stdavidslansing.org. audience. 1 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 food trucks and an open air bar. 3 p.m.-late. FREE. Swiss Steak Dinner. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $10/$4 French Club. Practice listening to and speaking French. Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. REO Town, 1100 block of S. Washington Ave., Lansing. children 12 and under. Lansing Liederkranz Club, 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Better Living Book Club. "Don't Sweat the Small (517) 487-1910, reoeats.com. 5828 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 882-6330, Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. Stuff." Richard Carlson, PhD. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. FREE. East liederkranzclub.org. Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. Music (517) 351-2420, elpl.org. Deacon Earl. Live blues, reggae, Americana and Music Events Mac’s Monday Comedy Night. Hosted by Mark more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. Hunter Park Community E-40/Stevie Stone Choices Tour. Live GardenHouse, 1400 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. performance. 7 p.m. $20/$30 VIP/$250 table. allenneighborhoodcenter.org/gardenhouse. Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, 6810 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 694-0700, ceppresents.com. Tuesday, June 2 Theater Classes and Seminars World Premiere: "Mothers Nature." 3 original Theatre Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. 5:45- one act plays by local writers. 8 p.m. $15. 1133 S. "Best of Friends." (For details see May 28.) 3 p.m. Washington Ave., Reo Town, Lansing. (517) 775-4246, $15/$12 seniors. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, See Out on the Town, Page 25 ixiontheatre.com. Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre. "Best of Friends." (For details see May 28.) 8 p.m. World Premiere: "Mother's Nature." (See May 30 $15/$12 seniors. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum for details.) 7 p.m. $15. 1133 S. Washington Ave., REO Drive, Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre. Town, Lansing. (517) 775-4246, ixiontheatre.com.

Literature and Poetry Literature and Poetry Peanut Butter & Cupcake. Storytime and craft. Poetry Reading & Book Signing. With 37 11 a.m. FREE. Barnes and Noble (Lansing), 5132 W Dennis Hinrichsen and David James. 2 p.m. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 327-0437, bn.com. FREE. Everybody Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 346-9900, becauseeverybodyreads.com. Sunday, May 31 Classes and Seminars Rick & Joe's Comics Crash Course For Kids. Monday, June 1 Learn to draw comic books. 3-5 p.m. FREE. Everybody Classes and Seminars Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Adult Rape Survivor Support Group. Registration (517) 346-9900, becauseeverybodyreads.com. preferred. 6-7:30 p.m. FREE. Women’s Center of Greater Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. Third Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163. floor meeting room. 2-3 p.m. FREE. CADL Downtown Job Seekers Support Group. Finding the right City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

Family Storytime. Ages up to 6. Stories, rhymes and Out on the town activities. 10:30 a.m. FREE. CADL South Lansing Library, Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny May 27-June 2 from page 24 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. Meditation. For beginners and experienced. 7-9 p.m. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keith Moon played drums street. Remote possibilities are taking short cuts as they FREE. Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 3015 S. Washington 6:45 p.m. FREE. EVERYbody Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 for the rock band the Who. He was once voted the sec- head your way. I swear the far horizon and the lucky E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 515-5559, coda.org. Square, Lansing. (517) 351-5866. ond-greatest drummer in history. But his erratic behav- stars seem closer than usual. Is it all a mirage? Some Speakeasies Toastmasters. Improve listening, Ask a Business Librarian. Learn market research ior, often provoked by drugs or alcohol, sometimes of it may be, but at least a part of it is very real. If you analysis, leadership and presentation skills. 12:05-1 p.m. and more. 9-11 a.m. FREE. Small Business Development interfered with his abilities. In 1973, the Who was doing a want to be ready to seize the surprising opportunities FREE. Ingham County Human Services Building, 5303 S. Center, LCC, Suite 110, 309 N. Washinton Square, live concert near San Francisco when the horse tranquil- that show up in your vicinity, I suggest you make yourself Cedar St., Lansing. (616) 841-5176. Lansing. (517) 483-1921. sbdcmichigan.org. izer that Moon had taken earlier caused him to pass out. Transgender Support Group. Discussion for Story Art Time. Make art inspired by storybooks. The band appealed to the audience for help. "Can any- as innocent and expansive as possible. Drop any jaded parents, guardians, siblings and extended family. 7:15-9 Ages 2-5. 10-11 a.m. $5/adults FREE. Reach Studio Art body play the drums?" asked guitarist Pete Townshend. "I attitudes you may be harboring. Let the future know that p.m. FREE. Call for location. (517) 927-8260. Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 999- mean somebody good?" A 19-year-old amateur drummer you are prepared to receive a flood of beauty, truth, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Have a support system, 3643, reachstudioart.org/events/storytime. named Scot Halpin volunteered. He played well enough and help. Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed step meeting. 6 lose weight. 7 p.m. FREE to visit. Eaton Rapids Medical to finish the show. I suspect that sometime soon, Aries, SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect that marriages Center, 1500 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids. (517) 543-0786. p.m. Donations. Pennsylvania Ave. Church of God, 3500 you may also get an unexpected opportunity to play the of convenience will begin to wither away unless they Not So Happy Endings Support Group. For women S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 899-3215. role of a substitute. Be ready! evolve into bonds of affection. Connections that have ending relationships. 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE. Women’s Walk-In Wednesdays. Drop-In Art Class. All ages. (April 20-May 20): The weta is a very TAURUS been fed primarily on fun and games must acquire more Center of Greater Lansing, 1710 E. Michigan Ave., 4-5:30 p.m. FREE ($5 suggested donation). Reach Studio large insect whose habitat is New Zealand. It looks like ballast. In fact, I recommend that you re-evaluate all Lansing. (517) 896-3311. Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 999- a robotic grasshopper, with giant black eyes on a long your contracts and agreements. How are they working Hopeful Hearts Grief Group. Learn, grow and heal 3643, reachstudioart.org. red face, enlarged hind legs bearing spikes, and floppy, together. 10-11 a.m. FREE. The Marquette Activity Room, Knit & Knot So Much. Knitting and Crochet Group. oversized antennae. The native Maori people call it "the for you? Do they still serve the purpose you want them 5968 Park Lake Road, East Lansing. (517) 381-4866. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE, donations accepted. Reach Studio god of the ugly things." Please note that this is a term of to? Is it time to acknowledge that they have transformed Capital City Toastmasters Meeting. Learn public Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 999- respect. The weta's title is not "the most monstrous of and need to be reconfigured? As you take inventory, be speaking and leadership skills. 7 p.m. FREE. CADL 3643, reachstudioart.org. the ugly things," or "the worst" or "the scariest" or "the both tough-minded and compassionate. Downtown Lansing, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) most worthless of the ugly things." Rather, the Maori say SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Petrarch was an 367-6300, cadl.org. Events it's the god -- the highest, the best, the most glorious. I influential 14th-century Italian poet whose main work Aux Petits Soins. French immersion class for babies. Allen Market Street Farmers Market. Locally suspect that in the coming days, Taurus, you will have a was Song Book. It's a collection of 366 poems, most 4:15 p.m. & 5:15 p.m. $12/$15 drop-in. Willow Tree Family grown, baked and prepared foods. 2:30-7 p.m. FREE. close encounter with your own version of a "god of ugly of which are dedicated to Laura, the woman he loved. Center, 3333 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 643- Allen Street Farmers Market, 1619 E. Kalamazoo St., things." Doesn't it deserve your love and welcome? For 40 years he churned out testaments of longing and 8059, facebook.com/auxpetitssoinsllc. Lansing. (517) 999-3911. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You have successfully Overeaters Anonymous. To support you in your Practice Your English. Practice listening to and made the transition from brooding caterpillar to social appreciation for her, despite the fact that he and she weight loss efforts. 7 p.m. FREE. Okemos Presbyterian speaking English. 7-8:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public butterfly. Soon you will be in your full, fluttery glory, never spent time together. She was married to another Church, 2258 Bennett Road, Okemos. (517) 290-5163. Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, never lingering too long with one thought, one friend, or man, and was wrapped up in raising her eleven children. elpl.org. one identity. Some heavy-duty, level-headed stalwarts Should we judge Petrarch harshly for choosing a muse Events Open Workshop. Bike repair, bike safety and biking as might wish you would be more earthy and anchored, who was so unavailable? I don't. Muse-choosing is a Bible and Beer. Discussion of scripture in everyday healthy exercise. 6-8 p.m. FREE. Kids Repair Program, but I don't share their concern. At least for now, having mysterious and sacred process that transcends logic. settings. 6 p.m. FREE. Midtown Brewing Co., 402 5815 Wise Road, Lansing. (517) 755-4174 a long attention span is overrated. You have entered the I'm bringing the subject to your attention because you're Senior Discovery @ ANC. Coffee and presentation fidgety, inquisitive part of your cycle, when flitting and S. Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 482-0600, entering a new phase in your relationship with muses. with guest speaker. 10 a.m.-noon, FREE. Allen flirting and flickering make perfect sense. [email protected]. It's either time to choose a new one (or two?) or else TimeBank Orientation & Potluck. Changing Neighborhood Center, 1619 E Kalamazoo St., Lansing. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Only one fear is worthy adjust your bonds with your current muses. communities one hour at a time. 6-9 p.m. FREE. Foster (517) 367-2468. of you. Only one fear is real enough and important Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing. (517) Community Conversation. Rufus Isaacs, MSU Prof, enough to awaken and activate the numb part of your CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "The soul moves in 258-2242, midmichigantimebank.org. discusses What's buzzing with bees, 7-8:30 p.m. FREE. intelligence. So for now, I suggest that you retire all less- circles," said the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus. Sporcle Live! Trivia. Win Crunchy's gift certificates. Okemos Library, 4321 Okemos Road, Okemos. (517) 347- er fears. Stuff them in a garbage bag and hide them in Modern psychologist James Hillmans agreed, and added 7 p.m. FREE. Crunchy's Pizza & Burgers, 254 W. 2021, ow.ly/NiAzY. a closet. Then put on your brave champion face, gather this thought: "Hence our lives are not moving straight Grand River Ave., East Lansing. (517) 351-2506, the allies and resources you need, and go forth into glo- ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renew- crunchyseastlansing.com. Music rious battle. Wrestle with your one fear. Reason with it. ing, repeating." I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, Weekday Wildflower Walk. Look at spring wildflowers Fusion Shows presents. Live music. 21-up. 10 If necessary, use guile and trickery to gain an advantage. because you're now in an extra-intense phase of winding Call on divine inspiration and be a wickedly good truth- with a naturalist guide. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $3. Harris Nature p.m. FREE. Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave., East and rambling. This is a good thing! You are spiraling back teller. And this is crucial: Use your fear to awaken and Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos. (517) 349-3866, Lansing. (517) 351-2506, crunchyseastlansing.com. to get another look at interesting teachings you didn't activate the numb part of your intelligence. meridian.mi.us. Marshall Music Open Jam. Join other local master the first time around. You are building on past Capital Area Crisis Men's Rugby Practice. musicians and get heard. 6 p.m. FREE. Marshall LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the coming nights, try to efforts that weren't strong enough. Your words of power Weather permitting. All experience levels welcome. 6-8 Music, 3240 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 337-9700, see your shadow as it's cast on the ground by the moon. Not by the sun, mind you. Look for the shadow that's are crooked, gyrate, curvy, labyrinthine, and corkscrew. p.m. FREE. St. Joseph Park, 2151 W. Hillsdale, Lansing. marshallmusic.com. made by the light of the moon. It might sound farfetched, AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It's no coincidence that but I suspect this experience will have a potent impact your libido and your mojo are booming at the same time. on your subconscious mind. It may jostle loose secrets Your libido is in the midst of a deep, hearty awakening, Wednesday, June 3 that you have been hiding from yourself. I bet it will give which is generating a surplus of potent, super-fine mojo. you access to emotions and intuitions you have been And your surplus of potent, super-fine mojo is in turn Classes and Seminars repressing. It could also help you realize that some of inciting your libido's even deeper, heartier awakening. the deep, dark stuff you wrestle with is not bad and There may be times in the coming week when you feel CROSSWORD SOLUTION scary, but rather fertile and fascinating. SUDOKU SOLUTION From Pg. 21 like you are living with a wild animal. As long as you keep From Pg. 21 VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The ancient Greek states- man Demosthenes was regarded as a supremely skilled the creature well-fed and well-stroked, it should provide orator. His speeches were so powerful that he was you with lots of vigorous, even boisterous fun. compared to a "blazing thunderbolt." And yet as a young- PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "I always arrive late at ster he spoke awkwardly. His voice was weak and his the office, but I make up for it by leaving early," quipped enunciation weird. To transform himself, he took drastic 19th-century English author Charles Lamb. I invite you measures. He put pebbles in his mouth to force himself to adopt that breezy, lazy attitude in the coming weeks. to formulate his words with great care. He recited It's high time for you to slip into a very comfortable, poems as he ran up and down hills. At the beach, he laidback mood . . . to give yourself a lot of slack, explore learned to outshout the pounding surf. Take inspiration from him, Virgo. Now would be an excellent time for you the mysteries of dreamy indolence, and quiet down the to plan and launch strenuous efforts that will enable you chirpy voices in your head. Even if you can't literally call to eventually accomplish one of your long-range goals. in sick to your job and spend a few days wandering free, LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Long-distance flirtations do everything you can to claim as much low-pressure, may soon be just around the corner or across the unhurried spaciousness as possible.

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 orSee 1-900-950-7700. Out on the Town, Page 29 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015 HE ATE SHE ATE Meat me in Old Town A carnivore’s haven Give in to the meat By MARK NIXON By GABRIELLE JOHNSON The plant eaters had won, or so we thought. Even our family was riven by the war. My If I had my druthers, I’d eat a massive portion of vegetables for at least two meals son convinced our granddaughter that eating meat was a crime, and unhealthy. Another per day. I am constantly trying to present green things to the boyfriend in a way that granddaughter took to Facebook to declare that vegetarians live longer than flesh eaters. he enjoys, but I frequently hear that “salads all the time” don’t fill him up, and we I despaired. Perhaps it was best to slink into my cave, cuddle with a mastodon bone and are always on the prowl to find a restaurant that balances our two styles of eating — dream of roadkill. mine: clean, fresh and healthy, and his: Oreos and sandwiches. And yet ... there was talk in the heartland of a counter-revolution, Meat is not that restaurant. As the name suggests, the menu at whispers of a little place, a haven, where meat was openly and wildly Meat Southern Bbq Meat is crafted with the most carnivorous of us in mind and heav- celebrated, where even the mere mention of spinach was cause for & Carnivore Cuisine ily features pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked turkey. Before banishment ... 1224 E. Turner St., Lansing. Meat’s recent expansion, the boyfriend and I would enjoy the — The Carnivore Chronicles 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday; 11 occasional rack of ribs and his favorite: the now-extinct Cartman a.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday; burger. The burger was, for all intents and purposes, a normal Yeah, OK, that little ditty is as close as I can get to “The Hunger closed Monday. bacon cheeseburger, until you looked at the bun. Instead of bread, Games.” But as described above, several in our clan have flirted with (517) 580-4400, meatbbq.com it was a Little Debbie Honey Bun. Let that sink in. Meat isn’t the or embraced vegetarianism. Me? I am an unrepentant, protein- place if you’re trying to shed your winter weight. addicted carnivore. Since the boyfriend and I take our eating seriously, we threw Now I know another place to get my fix: Meat. caution — and self-control — to the wind and headed to It is, indeed, a little place in Old Town that celebrates the Old Town for dinner one night. We were surprised to find remains of four- and two-legged critters. And it does so with Meat packed to the gills with a motley crew of eaters: col- devilish humor. “Lettuce is forbidden,” the menu scolds. Near lege students with their parents, young professionals, and the restrooms is a photo of panic-stricken green peppers with bros sitting at the bar enjoying beers and bro time. Friends the warning, “Every day, thousands of innocent plants are offered us the two empty seats at their four-seat table, killed by vegetarians. Help end the violence.” which we gladly accepted in lieu of waiting 30 minutes Does Meat lay claim to the best smoked pork or beef for our own table. The renovation has doubled the size brisket I’ve ever tasted? No, that honor goes to an outdoor of Meat, but it looks like the popularity of the place has barbecue joint tucked in a swamp in southern Mississippi. doubled as well. But I am convinced that Meat gets several things right, The man and I started with the Buffalo Fries ($7), a and the things it gets wrong are correctible. basket of French fries topped with blue cheese crumbles, The signature dishes at Meat are based around meats that blue cheese dressing and buffalo sauce. The thick-cut fries have been slow-smoked for up to 18 hours using various wood demonstrate a huge improvement over the milquetoast combinations. The result is what you’d expect from folks who shoestring variety that Meat used to serve. We liked them, know their way around a smoker: a charred, crisp exterior, but if you don’t like Buffalo wing sauce, skip this version a delicate “smoke ring” beneath the surface and a juicy, pink and try one of the other smothered French fry offerings interior (yes, it’s fully cooked). on the menu. A different kind of restaurant might call On our first visit, I had the Meat Plate ($13.95) of pulled them variants of “poutine,” but then again, that restaurant pork with an add-on of sliced beef brisket for an extra $4.50. probably wouldn’t have a framed photo of ‘90s heartthrob The thinly sliced brisket was a standout, a perfect trio of Gavin Rossdale, taken during his visit to the restaurant, smoke, juice and tenderness. hanging on the wall. Judy opted for a dozen smoked chicken wings ($12), The boyfriend set out on a path into meat sweatdom which are brined, coated with a spice rub and smoked. For and ordered a full rack of ribs ($24). Per the menu, he the finishing touch, they flash fry the wings. I don’t really get thought he was going to get pork ribs. What actually came the frying bit, but the result was good. Not great, but good. Gabrielle Johnson/City Pulse to the table were beef ribs. Well spiced but quite dry, he A week later, on a return visit, I had the full slab of spare Meat’s collection of “Meatwiches” includes the doctored them with a variety of the house-made sauces sit- ribs ($24). Jackpot! The ribs (not baby back) were, as billed, Wolcott, which features a fried egg and cheeses ting on the table. When she delivered our orders, the server big and meaty. They were tender but not approaching mushy on your choice of meat. gave us a rundown of the sauces held in a little bin on our — unlike the overcooked “fall off the bone” kind some restau- table. The first was a traditional Kansas City BBQ, but as rants serve. The bonus is Meat’s house-made sauces. More on the presentation continued my brain turned off until she those in a minute. said the words “hot garlic.” I know it ain’t ladylike, but this lady loves garlic and loves Judy’s Chin-Gorilla Meatwich, ($12) was a medley of pulled pork, grilled pineapple, spicy. This sauce, while flavorful and welcome in limited increments, was seriously bacon and house-made pimento cheese spread on a grilled kaiser roll. We loved the taste flirting with the line between “pleasantly spicy” and “too spicy for you to enjoy what combinations — and would have loved it more if crisp grilled onions were added, as the you’re eating because you are concerned that sweat has permeated your shirt and menu promised. nobody is ever going to want to kiss you again because you’re an animal.” Be warned. I appreciate how you can customize the various Meatwiches with a meat foundation of I ordered the Classic Chopped Brisket Meatwich ($11.25, including an upcharge your choice — pork, beef brisket, turkey or hamburger. for a premium side), which came out so dry that I essentially doused the thing in Now, let’s hand Meat a to-do list: the hot garlic sauce. The boyfriend and I slept in separate beds that night (as we do 1. For Pete’s sake, label the different scratch-made sauces. It’s a time-waster for serv- every night, in case Grandma She Ate is reading this). My jalapeño cilantro slaw, ers to recite them, and I don’t dine out to take a memory quiz. Paste some labels on surprisingly, offered little in the way spice, but the welcoming coolness was a perfect the squeeze bottles, or hand me a Sharpie and I’ll do it for you. The sauces themselves, contrast to the spicy sandwich. incidentally, are delicious. See She Ate, Page 27 See He Ate, Page 27 City Pulse • May 27, 2015 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27

grinning ear to ear like a kid in a candy store this strain would be a great way to reduce He Ate — or a grown-up in a marijuana store. The that effect. On the inhale, I tasted a smooth, The buds are back staff was very helpful and knowledgeable floral pine, while the exhales tasted of citrus from page 26 ‘Best Buds’ returns with about the products. It was nice that I didn't resembling a tangerine aftertaste. quality products, good service feel like I was being manipulated with up- Within just a few puffs, this strain had 2. Work on warmth. During both visits, sells to buy things I didn't need. loosened my back spasms and relieved some several of the “hot” items were not. The Best Buds is back, with the same buds Once back in my cave, I was able to of my back pain. My mood was also much great combo of garlic and parmesan cheese and a new location. Instead of finding them grind up and roll my SFV OG. I gave it two improved, though I’m unsure if it was a on fries was dulled by the fact this dish was on South Washington Avenue — where you twists in the grinder, and already I was sure direct effect of the smoke or because I was decidedly un-hot. may have visited them in 2011 — they are I had made a good choice. It had an earthy, in less pain. The effect it provided was well- 3. The cornbread needs a “skin” on top to now located on Michi- organic smell with hints of lemon and balanced. I’m happy with the professional hold it together. Meat’s cornbread begins to gan Avenue, just west of THE GREEN REPORT diesel fuel. I twisted and lit the joint. The staff and good medicine at Best Buds. It’s crumble if you look at it wrong. U.S. 127. burn was clean, with white ash indicating a good to have them back. 4. The bacon and bleu cheese potato The small parking lot good flush. One of my favorite things about Steve Green, who writes this column salad was a hit, but Meat should reconsider is located in the back of this strain is that it has dense smoke that every two weeks, uses marijuana to prevent other side dishes. The baked beans need the building. As I walked expands in the lungs, though it causes many seizures. He has no business ties to any dis- more zest (I use dashes of liquid smoke, Ta- up to the front door, I to cough intensely. Using a vaporizer for pensaries or products. basco and Worcestershire sauces). The basic noticed a camera on the coleslaw is boredom in a bowl (though the building, which made me jalapeno coleslaw is good). There are several feel safe knowing the cars GROWLER DAY places in town that make better mac-n- and surrounding area cheese. Experiment. were being monitored by We had some service issues on one visit staff. I arrived at the door STEVE GREEN IS BACK — shredded brisket instead of sliced, a lack and was buzzed into the of silverware — but in fairness, that was front. Just inside was a large, well-designed waiting area with a fresh, clean look and For a our server’s first day. And, Meat-goers be limited warned: The joint fills up quickly. On both smell. Everything appeared new, from the visits, we arrived around 5 p.m. and seating floors to the gold tin tile ceiling that had me time, fill your was already limited. mesmerized. I walked up to the check-in Midtown If you’re waiting for a table, soak in the window and handed them my patient card growler with meat-oriented decor or have a drink — and identification. Another standard Meat has added a bar. Or just people watch. Best Buds buzzer clicked, and I was Midtown 2617 E. Michigan allowed entry to a back room The place seems to revel in a cool mix of Ave., Lansing beer for only families, hipsters and men in suits. Vegetar- (517) 580-3923, that featured that same best-buds.net $9* every ians, walk on by. captivating gold ceiling and a variety of wall art. Tuesday. Sizzling fajitas to fresh made The flower display counter had top- salads ... in a fun atmosphere! She Ate shelf varieties priced at $15/gram, the middle shelf was marked $10/gram, and the lower-shelf strains were $8/gram. Even Open Everyday! from page 26 the buds on the bottom tier were aromatic from 11am-12am I returned for lunch a few days later and appeared to be good quality medicine. with my friend Joe, who always asks me Each shelf had about nine different strains why I don’t give him a special mention in to choose from. I selected the Banana OG my articles when we dine together. He had variety from the $10 shelf and the San Fer- a burger ($9.50), which I completely for- nando Valley (SFV) OG from the top shelf. Kitchen open with got to snag a bite of since we were too busy I moved on to the extract display. They ll menu until 11:00 p.m. discussing his brand-new relationship. had everything from CO2 oil to stable clear I do remember that he liked the burger, shatter ($40 per gram). At the center of 402 S. Washington Ave. (517) 977-1349 but that it pales in comparison to his new the display was a rare treat: caviar — top Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight leading lady. shelf bud rolled in oil then in kief (cannabis Thurs-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 2706 Lake Lansing Road I had the Wolcott sandwich ($9.50), resin). In the next case there were candies, Near Eastwood because I’m a sucker for a fried egg-topped including gummies, and suckers. I was *growler sold separately (517) 485-0166 lasenorita.com anything. Oh how I love to poke a fork — or, in this case, a French fry — into the yolk and watch it ooze down the side of the Open at 10 a.m. on bun, leaving a trail of glossy, cholesterol-y Advertise your deliciousness in its wake. I devoured this upcoming garage/yard sale in Saturday sandwich. If Joe and I hadn’t agreed to Be a tourist in your own town and visit downtown’s be totally platonic friends years ago, my HENRY’S newest restaurant! performance at the lunch table would on the square have been the final nail in that coffin. I was layering fries on top of the brisket Urban Market Featuring and practically shooting hot garlic sauce For only Fresh Locally Grown Produce Five lines - 6 to 8 words per line MI Made Products directly into my mouth from the bottle. It Deadline Monday: at 10 a.m. wasn’t pretty. But the next time you need Wine, Beer, and Unique Party Supplies a two-hand sandwich, the kind that will To place an ad, make you want to go home and shower please contact Suzi at NEW HOURS: Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m. || Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. before taking a nap, head to Meat. Just get there early, because the slow-smoked food (517) 999-6704 or email ad copy to 229 S. Washington Sq. | Downtown Lansing supply is never guaranteed. RIP, Cartman [email protected] (517) 487-3663 | www.henrysonthesquare.com Burger. 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • May 27, 2015 CAPITAL AREA LOCAL FIRST LUNCH & LEARN THE PULSIFIEDS NOON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 • ZOOBIE’S OLD TOWN TAVERN BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS

FEATURING CITY PULSE OWNER TRASH REMOVAL Advertising Sales Business & Commercial Buildings. Brush removal, mowing, yard clean-up, garage & house clean-outs. Representative BERL SCHWARTZ Call Jay 517-980-0468 City Pulse is looking for energetic and experienced sales reps. Full or part time, excellent compensation plan and ON “THE INSIDE STORY OF CITY PULSE” friendly work environment. EOE. Please Lawn Mowing Service send resume to suzi@lansingcitypulse. 30 years experience. Reasonable. com. No phone calls please. All-you-can-eat pizza from The Cosmos, (517) 528-7870. Ask for Dave. salad and soft drink $12 • Cash Bar Tickets available at www.capitalarealocal rst.com Pooper Scooper Services ROUTE DRIVER By City Pulse has a route that will be available late Call of Doody, LLC Reserve by Friday, May 29, to be guaranteed a spot K-9 Waste Management Service June. Deliveries Wednesday 9am until done. Rates as low as $10.50 per week Must have small truck/van/SUV, a valid drivers Request Service Online at www.k9doody.com license & proof of insurance. Please send Or Call 517-481-3661 Noon Wednesday, June 3 • Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern & Bar, 611 E. Grand River Avenue, Lansing resume to [email protected]

Beautiful, well- Big Two Family Garage/Yard Sale built set of chairs at 1509 N. Foster Ave. (Groesbeck) on Friday, May with matching 29th only 9 to 6pm. Lots of great quality stuff including ottoman; fatigued art, glassware, toys, Marilyn Monroe collectibles, and walnut rattan; much more! Chairs 40” tall, 51” deep. $599. 517-980-0334. Rustic to Romantic The Greater Lansing Islamic School academic year Country Antique Sale 2015/2016 has openings for a middle school social Sat. May 30th-Sun. May 31st, 10-4. Escape the studies teacher, a middle school language arts teacher digital world! 3 old farm buildings plus outside and a kindergarten teacher. vendors with Beautiful Antiques, Willow Garden Look for the logo and support these businesses: furniture, great burritos & lots more! 4410 W. Howe We are seeking outstanding candidates to join a diverse Rd., DeWitt 48820. international school located across from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

• AB Dick Document • Kristine Ranger Minimum qualifications: Solutions • M3 Group Donate Plasma Earn over $220 monthly! Talecris Plasma Resources (517)272-9044 Candidates should have a minimum of a bachelor’s • Allen Neighborhood • Mackerel Sky Gallery degree in education with a State of Michigan teaching Center • Mason Area Chamber certificate in the subject area; the ability to acquire a • Andrew J Lathrop of Commerce teaching certificate is also acceptable. At least three • ASK years of classroom experience in an American classroom • Meridian Fire Arms and authorization to work in the United States are also • Bake n' Cakes • Michigan Energy necessary requirements for employment. • Benedict Auto Body Inc Options • Brian McGrain • Mid Michigan Application procedures: • Capitol Macintosh Interactive To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, copy • City Pulse • Old Town General Store of teaching certification, copy of college transcripts to [email protected]. You may also • Creative Wellness • Office Furniture Outlet fax your document to 1-517-332-7666 OR CALL 517- • DeWitt Creativity Group & Supplies Inc. 332-3700. GLIS is an equal opportunity employer • Dreamscape Multimedia • Paper Image Printer “I“I receivedreceived and interviews will begin immediately. GLIS offers a • Eagle Monk Centers competitive salary, tuition discounts for staff children, Pub & Brewery • Paramount Coffee Co 15 calls inin AprilApril fromfrom healthcare incentives, and retirement benefits. • East Lansing Food • Physicians Health Plan Co-op • PTD Technology my City Pulse • Go Green Trikes LLC • Rathbun Insurance Agency • Great Lakes Window • Reno's East Pulsified forfor CleaningRegular lines (45 spaces/line) $5/line• Saper Galleries & Custom Pulsified • Greater Lansing Framing SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AD DEADLINE ConventionBold lines (40 & Visitor'sspaces/line) $6/line • The Plant Professionals lawnlawn mowing.”mowing.” Bureau • The Soup Spoon Café MONDAYS AT NOON • GrangerHead lines (28 spaces/line)• Tonia $8/line Olson 13 WEEKS: 10% OFF • H.C. Berger Company • Trade Network International, PHONE 999-6704 • Herbruck's Poultry Inc. 26 WEEKS: 15% OFF Mega lines (20 spaces/line) $10/line CALF MEMBERS Ranch • InghamAdd color County to your Landad for Bankjust $15 per (Membersweek whose dues are current) 52 WEEKS: 20% OFF EMAIL [email protected]