Arab World Fest returns to Summerfest grounds after four years page 8

August 7, 2014 | Vol. 5 No. 19 In Wisconsin and around the world, Gaza conflict exposes divisions pages 10–14

AP Photo: Dan Balilty In Tel Aviv, Israeli left-wing activists light candles in the shape of the word “sorry” in Hebrew and place portraits on the ground of Israelis and Pales- tinians who’ve been killed in the Gaza conflict. On July 26, Israeli police dispersed a peace rally attended by several thousand people.

9 The rest of the fests 21 Talk about funny 23 Summer Set Festival 24 Picturing local life 29 Fruit of the heirloom From Ice Age Days to With stand-up, sketches Bassnectar and Kaskade Milwaukee Art Museum At last, Wisconsin Indian Summer, festivals and improv, Milwaukee headline this year’s elec- exhibit presents eleven tomatoes are ripe and continue through August Comedy Festival returns tronic music concert in photographers’ views of ready to take center stage and into September. for its biggest year yet. Somerset, Wisconsin. Milwaukee. on your menu. 2 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 News with a twist WiGWAG By Lisa Neff & Louis Weisberg graph of a nude man — the club. The candidate, a they shared his sentiments home can be found. You full-frontally exposed — in Here she member of the “Progressive — as members of the U.S. never know what you’ll run the window of Rivington comes again Christian Coalition,” earned government. into in Sheboygan. Design Houses’ gallery in The subscription- the endorsement of club Manhattan prompted a based Sarah Palin employees because he’s an ALL TREES MUST PASS UNFRIENDLY series of complaints to the Channel went live on July advocate for affordable stu- In a sad bit of irony, a NEIGHBORHOOD gallery and to authorities. 27, serving as a “direct con- dent loans and all-day kin- tree planted in Los Angeles’ SPIDER-MAN One complaint brought out nection” between the for- dergarten. Griffith Park in honor of the A man dressed as Spider- the NYPD, but officers left mer GOP vice presidential late Beatle George Harrison Man was arrested on charg- without taking action when candidate and her support- IDENTITY ISSUES has died due to an “infesta- es that he slugged a police they realized the naked ers. Palin, in a video state- Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., tion of beetles.” Plant spe- officer who told him to stop “suspect” of concern was in ment that could be seen for addressed what he believed cialists are trying to deter- harassing tourists in Times a photograph and not walk- free on the site, said she were two members of the mine if the beetle infesta- Square. Junior Bishop, 25, ing around the street. was tired of “the media fil- Indian government at a tion could be part of a Brit- was charged with assaulting PHOTO: Courtesy Funzee ters.” “We’ll talk about the House hearing and assured ish invasion. an officer, resisting arrest Tow job issues that the mainstream them that, as a U.S. rep- and criminal mischief after Funzee with onesies A man in Orange County, media won’t talk about,” resentative, he would sup- SHEBOYGAN BITES he punched a cop who Funzee, the online retailer Florida, faces 29 charges said Palin, who earns a liv- port all efforts to facilitate a BACK stepped in after he demand- of “adult onesies,” has just of grand theft auto for an ing from mainstream media better relationship between No wrestling was required ed at least $5 from a woman sent to the U.S. market a alleged scheme to tow the — she’s a paid contributor America and “your country” to subdue a 4-foot-long alli- he posed with for a photo. It Reggae version of its one- cars of people attending on the Fox News Channel and “your government.” But gator on the loose in She- was just the latest in a series piece pajama wear. The Gay Days in Orlando earlier and a reality-TV personality. there was one problem — boygan County. A team of of incidents involving “char- retailer claims the funzee in this summer. Authorities the officials testifying before sheriff’s deputies and She- acters” in Times Square. In stripes of black, gold, red say Jason Combs had spot- Strange the House Asia and Pacific boygan police officers cor- the last two years, a man and green already is popular ters watch people bound for bedfellows subcommittee weren’t Indi- ralled and snared the snarl- dressed as Cookie Monster in Europe, where people are Gay Days park their autos The Great Alaskan Bush an officials at all, but two ing reptile in a ditch near was charged with shoving a wearing onesies to parties and then the spotters called Company, a Phoenix strip Indian-Americans: Nisha the Sheboygan River after 2-year-old, a person dressed and concerts. Ya, OK. But in tow trucks. More than club, has endorsed the Rev. Biswal of the State Depart- receiving a call about an alli- in Super Mario’s overalls man, what would Marley 100 vehicles were towed Jarrett Maupin, a Demo- ment, and Arun Kumar of gator sighting. The reptile was accused of groping a say? and Combs’ company took crat, in the 7th Congres- the Commerce Department. is temporarily in the care woman and an Elmo figure in more than $1,600 in fines sional District in Arizona. When Clawson asked them of the Pine View Wildlife pleaded guilty to disorderly Over exposure and fees. Big business or big Maupin says he’s happy for for cooperation in increas- Rehabilitation and Educa- conduct after unleashing an What does it take to stir bigot? the support, which is dis- ing U.S. investment, a con- tion Center in Fredonia until anti-Semitic tirade. up New Yorkers? A photo- played on a sign outside fused Biswal responded that a zoo or other permanent WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 3 4 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Progressives win 1, lose 2 at Wisconsin Supreme Court By Lisa Neff and Louis Weisberg Walker signed Act 23, the voter to repressive laws used to restrict insurance executive, was charged ‘Today the court Staff writers ID law, in 2011. At the time, con- rights, including the right to vote, just months ago with 13 felonies Progressives showed supreme servatives across the country were of African-Americans,” she wrote. after it was discovered that he follows not James disappointment in two decisions working to shape the 2012 election In the NAACP case, the rul- allegedly voted a dozen times in delivered by the state’s highest by suppressing the vote. ing was 4-3, with Roggensack, five elections between 2011 and Madison but Jim court on July 31. And a victory in Two cases, one brought by the Michael J. Gableman, David T. 2012, using his own name as well a third case yielded little enthu- League of Women Voters of Wis- Prosser Jr. and Annette Kingsland the names of his son and his girl- Crow.’ siasm. consin and one brought by the Ziegler in the majority. Abraham- friend’s son. Other high-profile The Wisconsin Supreme Court Milwaukee branch of the NAACP son and Justices Ann Walsh Brad- cases of voter fraud since 2011 issued rulings in disputes over Act with the immigration rights group ley and N. Patrick Crooks were in have involved Republican voters in 10, the union-busting law enacted Voces de la Frontera, took the dis- the minority. Nevada and New Mexico. this decision was made on the in 2011; Act. 23, the voter ID law pute to the state Supreme Court. In the League of Women Vot- Walker, in a statement on July 31, cusp of the 50th anniversary of the that Republican Gov. Scott Walker While upholding the law, the ers case, the ruling was 5-2, with said, “Voter ID is a common-sense civil rights movement’s ‘Freedom signed in 2011; and the domes- court said the state must guar- Crooks joining the majority. reform that protects the integrity Summer,’ which fought so hard to tic partnership registry measure antee that voters could get an ID Republican backers argue that of our elections. People need to defend voting rights for African- signed into law in 2009 by then without paying a fee. requiring voters to show ID would have confidence in our electoral Americans. Gov. Jim Doyle. Justice Patience D. Roggensack, cut down on voter fraud and boost process and to know their vote has “We encourage all to make The court upheld all three mea- writing for the majority in one of public confidence in the integrity been properly counted. We look every effort to vote in the upcom- sures. the cases, said, “The State of Wis- of the election process. forward to the same result from ing elections on Aug. 12 and Nov. consin may not enact a law that But opponents said concerns the federal court of appeals.” 4.” Validating voter ID requires any elector, rich or poor, over voter fraud are overblown. Coming just before the midterm An estimated 300,000 regis- In the days after the Wisconsin to pay a fee of any amount to a They contend the law’s true intent and gubernatorial elections, pub- tered Wisconsin citizens do not Supreme Court upheld the state’s government agency as a precondi- was to reduce turnout among licity over the law could have the possess one of the IDs allowed 3-year-old voter ID law, voting tion to the elector’s exercising his minorities and others more likely opposite effect that Republicans under the Wisconsin voter ID law. rights activists stressed that for or her constitutional right to vote.” to vote Democratic — a conten- seek. It’s believed that attempts to Act 23 now heads to the fed- now the law, still under challenge A dissenter in both cases, Chief tion supported by the fact that suppress minority voters inspired eral appeals court level, where the at a federal appeals court, remains Justice Shirley Abrahamson said only Republicans are promoting massive voter turnout in 2012 U.S. Justice Department recently blocked. the state failed to show a com- such laws, while Democrats uni- among African-Americans, help- filed an amicus brief siding with They also encouraged voters pelling interest in creating a new versally oppose them. ing ensure victories for President opponents of the law. In that case, to think about Wisconsin Repub- burden on voters. “Today the court Ironically, the only high-profile Barak Obama and Democratic a federal judge ruled in April that licans’ campaign to suppress the follows not James Madison — for case of voter fraud in Wiscon- Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Act 23 violates the U.S. Constitu- vote when they head to the polls whom Wisconsin’s capital city is sin involved a Republican sup- In a joint statement, the NAACP tion’s guarantee of equal protec- for the primary on Aug. 12 and in named — but rather Jim Crow — porter of Walker. Robert Monroe, and Voces de la Frontera said, “It tion. the general election on Nov. 4. the name typically used to refer a 50-year-old Shorewood health is especially tragic and ironic that COURT next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 5

COURT from prior page son Teachers union and a union Approving Act 10 representing public employees in The passage of Wisconsin’s Act Milwaukee. They argued that Act 10, which effectively ended col- 10 violated workers’ constitutional lective bargaining for most public rights to free assembly and equal workers, sparked massive protests protection. at the Capitol and led to a recall Walker, who likely will face election, which Republican Gov. Democrat Mary Burke in his re- Scott Walker survived. election bid in November, said, The protests that started in the “Act 10 has saved Wisconsin tumultuous winter of 2011 have taxpayers more than $3 billion. continued on a regular basis, Today’s ruling is a victory for those with Solidarity Sing-Alongs at the hard-working taxpayers.” Capitol, Overpass Light Brigade However, Madison Teachers demonstrations and other actions, Inc. executive director John Mat- including federal and state law- thews called the court ruling mor- suits. ally bankrupt. But it appears that Act 10 will Matthews, referring to the dis- remain the law of the land until sent by Bradley and Abrahamson, Walker and his administration no said the court reframed, dodged longer rule the state. and twisted the issue to reach The Wisconsin Supreme Court its verdict. “Gov. Walker said he ruled 5-2 to uphold the measure, would divide and conquer public which prohibits public employ- employees, and he did with Act 10. ees from collectively bargaining Now his conservative supporters AP Photo: Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart, File for any wage increases beyond on the Supreme Court have said Thousands of opponents of Gov. Scott Walker gather to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison inflation, as constitutional. Jus- what he did in acting to divide and on Feb. 26, 2011. tice Gableman wrote the major- conquer is constitutional.” ity opinion: “Collective bargaining A federal appeals court has remains a creation of legislative twice upheld Act 10 as constitu- grace and not a constitutional obli- tional. their health and pension plans, In a statement, AFSCME Wis- dedicated employees away from gation.” In addition to imposing massive requires members to vote annu- consin said, “Act 10 has caused public service. It’s not the Wis- Chief Justice Abrahamson restrictions on collective bargain- ally for union representation and incalculable damage to the state consin way, and ultimately it will and Justice Bradley dissented in ing, Act 10 requires public employ- prohibits automatic deductions for economy and the public work- not stand.” the case brought by the Madi- ees to contribute more toward union dues from their paychecks. place. It has driven thousands of COURT next page

Vote Tuesday, Aug. 12th!

State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa:

Fighting for Equality for Wisconsin's LGBT Community

Paid for by: Forward with JoCasta. Vanessa L. Llanas, Treasurer 6 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014

COURT from prior page

Deciding for domestic partners Gay civil rights advocates have argued for years that domestic partnerships create a separate and unequal class, because they provide far fewer than the 1,000-plus ben- efits and rights afforded by marriage. On July 31, Wisconsin’s highest court affirmed the argument that domestic part- nership is not equal to marriage in unani- mously upholding the law that created the state’s domestic partners registry. Signed by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle in 2009, the registry provides such limited benefits as hospital visitation rights and the ability to take family medical leave to care for a sick or injured partner. Photo: wisconsin.gov Although the rights conferred by the reg- The Wisconsin Supreme Court chamber in the Capitol. istry are limited, they are nonetheless con- sidered essential by the 2,300 Wisconsin be valid or recognized in this state.” Wisconsin Supreme Court did not agree same-sex couples who’ve registered their Appling, who has lived for decades with with us, what’s important is that marriage relationships. That’s why Fair Wisconsin another woman in a home that the two remains between one man and one woman and Lambda Legal were willing to go to own jointly, alleged that the more than 20 in Wisconsin and that even in this ruling, the mat to protect the registry from a legal benefits afforded by the registry created the court recognized that marriage is unique challenge by the anti-gay group Wisconsin relationships substantially similar to mar- and nothing like relationships formed by Family Action. riage — and thus in conflict with the 2006 same-sex couples,” Appling said. WFA’s executive director Julaine Appling constitutional amendment. After a lower said the registry violated a 2006 constitu- court ruling upheld the registry, Appling tional amendment that her group success- Van Hollen’s choices took it to the state’s high court, where fully put before voters. The amendment Fair Wisconsin had to hire Lambda Legal Lambda Legal, representing five registered reads, “Only a marriage between one man to defend the registry law because Wiscon- couples, defended it. and one woman shall be valid or recognized sin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen refused Writing for the entire bench, Justice as a marriage in this state. A legal status to do so. At the same time, he said that he’s Crooks said that during the campaign to identical or substantially similar to that of appealing the federal circuit court’s deci- enact the amendment, its proponents marriage for unmarried individuals shall not sion striking down the 2006 amendment, ensured “that (it) simply would not pre- because he’s obligated to defend state law. clude a mechanism for legislative grants of Before the Supreme Court decision, WiG certain rights to same-sex couples.” asked Van Hollen to explain why he was “We’re thrilled that Wisconsin same- obligated to defend the anti-gay state law sex couples can keep the limited but very but not the pro-gay state law. Van Hollen important protections that the domestic said through a spokesperson that the differ- partnership registry grants them,” said ence was that the registry law was clearly Lambda Legal counsel Christopher Clark, unconstitutional. • Read us on your smart phone who argued the case. “The statute is clearly In an exclusive interview with the Milwau- • Follow us on Facebook & Twier constitutional, and the Supreme Court of kee Journal Sentinel, Van Hollen insisted that Wisconsin agreed with us. Gay and lesbian the registry law was “indefensible” and that • Receive a link to a PDF of each new couples in Wisconsin no longer have to fear defending it would be “frivolous.” issue BEFORE it hits the streets that the protections they have will be taken But even the author of the 2006 amend- away by unnecessary anti-gay legal action.” ment, far-right Senate Majority Leader Scott Fair Wisconsin CEO Katie Belanger Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, did not back Appling’s added, “We’re glad that we can finally move lawsuit. He told the Journal Sentinel that on from this long and unnecessary battle. he specifically authored the amendment We’re happy for the thousands of same- to allow some benefits for gay and lesbian sex couples in Wisconsin that need the couples. domestic partnership registry to protect Now that the high court’s conservative themselves and their families. We must now leadership has agreed with the amend- continue to focus our attention on securing ment’s right-wing author that the regis- the freedom to marry for same-sex couples try was indeed constitutional, Van Hollen in Wisconsin.” would seem to owe the public an explana- Earlier this summer, a federal court over- tion of how he concluded that it was uncon- turned Wisconsin’s 2006 anti-marriage stitutional. amendment, a decision that briefly allowed Equality supporters are hopeful that Van more than 500 same-sex couples to marry Hollen’s apparent inability to discern con- in the state before an injunction was issued stitutionality will also yield them a victory pending appeal. Oral argument in the appeal at the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. is set for Aug. 26 in Chicago. In her initial reaction to the high court’s The Associated Press contributed to this decision, Appling questioned the signifi- report. cance of the partnership case now, with the Online news updated daily at: state seemingly marching toward full mar- riage equality. But in a statement released to the press, she strained to put a positive FIND US ON TWITTER! spin on the decision against her. @wigazette “While we are disappointed that the WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 7 8 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Arab World Fest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront By Matthew Reddin the “souk,” a diverse marketplace. Staff writer At the lakefront And educational booths are set up It’s been four years missing, and Arab World Festival runs to teach visitors about the cultures Milwaukee’s Arab World Fest is Aug. 8-10 at the Summerfest of the 22 individual Middle East finally ready to make its trium- grounds. Hours are 5 p.m. to countries that are part of the Arab phant return to the Summerfest midnight on Friday, noon to sphere. grounds Aug. 8–10 with a cultural midnight on Saturday and There’s much to experience event festival that president Ihsan noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. that’s distinctly Arab World Fest- Atta says celebrates familial unity. Admission is $10 at the gate, flavored. There’s the buffet of hoo- The calendar forced the festival $8 in advance. Children under kah options, for one, available to on hiatus. The dates scheduled for 6 are admitted free. For more, rent throughout the festival and the 2011, 2012 and 2013 events visit arabworldfest.com. popular for mainstage watching. coincided with Ramadan, the ninth Camel rides are another option — month of the lunar Islamic calen- an especially popular one for kids dar, during which Muslims pray — at only $5 a ride. and fast from dawn until sunset. the Arab-American community But perhaps one of the most Ramadan is clearly the sort of and other former attendees to interesting inclusions is an adjoin- serious religious observance that return en masse this year. ing film festival, which presents a would not fold into a festival atmo- Arab World Fest follows much mix of contemporary Arab films sphere, especially one featuring the same formula as the other such as Flying Paper, a documen- food. ethnic festivals on the Summerfest tary about a group of Palestin- Luckily, the month of Ramadan grounds, filling in each variable ian children trying to break the wrapped up this year on July 28, with its own cultural elements. world record for most kites flown just in time for Arab World Fest to Vendors sell such foods as falafel, at once. The film examines the prepare for its return. shish kebabs and baba ghanoush. lives of the children, who live on Atta acknowledges that having Stages are stacked with song and the edge of Gaza. been so long out of the public mind dance from a list of artists that The recent escalation of the poses problems for this year’s fes- includes Freedom Debke Group, ongoing conflict in Gaza (see Michigan, was canceled last year port the victims on both sides of tival. But he says Arab World Fest which will perform its trademark story, page 10) could cast a pall and this year due to assaults at the the Gaza conflict while celebrating has been around since 1998 and Levantine folk dance, Chicago- over the festival. “Unfortunately, 2012 festival prompted by Chris- Arab culture. was gaining popularity before its based and Morocco-born singer this has become part of our cul- tian missionaries seeking to con- “We want to have the festival last appearance in 2010. Nidal Ibourk and numerous belly ture,” says Atta, adding that orga- vert attendees. in solidarity with all those families “The momentum was growing dancers. Goods and crafts from nizers briefly considered canceling Atta hopes Milwaukeeans will who have lost loved ones,” Atta every year,” he says. Atta expects around the Arab world are sold at it. A similar festival in Dearborn, attend the festival as a way to sup- says. “We will be that family.” WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 9 Rest of the Musical performers at Parading in Rib Lake. In August, the biggest The Emerald Isle gets Aaron Williams & the Hoo- the Logjam Festival in supermoon of the year its time in the sun every doo performs at the Big Bull fests Mosinee. Rib Lake Ice Age coincides with the bright- August. Falls Blues Fest this month. Wisconsin is famous Days, Aug. 8–10 est meteor showers. Little Bull Falls Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm Irish Fest, Aug. 14–17 Big Bull Falls Blues for its colorful array LogJam Festival, and bands: Rib Lake — pop- Perseid Meteor Emerald Isle’s time to Fest, Aug. 15–16 Aug. 8–10 ulation 910 — celebrates its Showers Night Sky shine: We’re lucky to have Tuning up: Wausau is of summer festivals. Flannel and fireworks: place along the Ice Age Trail celebration, Aug. a Celtic celebration as large warming up for the 23rd Although, regretta- Mosinee celebrates life on with Ice Age Days, a family- 12 and established as Irish annual Big Bull Falls Blues the Wisconsin River and focused festival featuring Looking up in darkest Fest, still going strong after Fest — the state’s longest- bly, the summer sun the region’s rich logging a fish boil, a street dance, park: Skygazers gather in more than 30 years. This running blues fest. The is waning, a surpris- history with three days of musical performances, the darkest park in north- year’s festival invites eight stage lineup includes Aaron entertainment featuring a classic car show and a ern Door County — with Scottish contemporary Williams and the Hoodoo, ingly large number of the Drovers and Hillbilly Sunday parade with march- lawn chairs, blankets and folk bands to join the usual The Jimmys, Candye Kane, Wild, re-enactments, chain- ers costumed as cave- coolers in tow — to picnic slew of Irish entertainment, Quinn Sullivan, John Nemeth interesting festivals saw carving, fireworks and men and cavewomen. under meteor showers. An including Trinity Irish Danc- and the Royal Southern are still to come in the lumberjacks flexing some Downtown, McComb added attraction is the big- ers and Gaelic Storm. It’s Brotherhood. At Fern Island muscle. At River Park, 1101 Avenue, Rib Lake, 54470. gest and brightest super- also the millennial celebra- Park, 500 River Drive, next month. This page Main St., Mosinee, 54455. Admission is free. For more, moon of the year, coincid- tion of Brian Boru, Ireland’s Wausau, 54403. Tickets are Admission is free. For more, call 715-427-5404 or visit ing with the biggest and first modern ruler, and the $15 on Aug. 15, $35 on Aug. presents just a visit logjamfestival.org. riblakewisconsin.com. brightest meteor shower. festival’s presenting his life 16 or $40 for two days. For few of the upcom- At Newport State Park, 475 through story, song and more, call 715-843-0748 or County Road NP, Ellison — because it’s a summer visit wausauevents.org. ing festivities that Bay, 54210. No charge. festival — food. Tickets are the state offers. $17, $12 for seniors and $5 on Thursday. For more, visit irishfest.com.

The High 48s are to per- Dancers at Mexican Fiesta. The dragon boat fest in Cyclists can chose to ride The potato gets toasted, American Indian culture form in Rosholt later this Superior draws more than an 18-mile or 36-mile route. roasted, boiled and fried at is on full display at Indian month. Mexican Fiesta, 20 teams. Potato Fest. Summer. Aug. 22–24 Three Lakes Nicolet Bluegrass in the Southern neighbors: Mil- Lake Superior Wheel-A-Way, Aug. Potato Fest, Aug. 30 Indian Summer Pines, Aug. 21–23 waukee’s Mexican commu- Dragon Boat 30 Spud-filled day: Of course Festival, Sept. 5–7 Summertime rag: Rosholt nity always turns out in force Festival, Aug. 22-23 Tour de Three Lakes: Bicy- there’s a potato-salad taste- Summer’s last hurrah: hosts a three-day jam ses- for Mexican Fiesta, a vibrant “Ready, ready”: Drag- cling enthusiasts on the 23rd off, a couch potato race, As the last big festival of sion and camping event in celebration of their culture. on-boat racing is one of annual Three Lakes Nicolet a French Fry Frenzy and the season, Indian Summer conjunction with its fifth Mariachi is the musical style the world’s fastest grow- Wheel-A-Way can peddle a pancake breakfast, as is already a hot ticket, and annual music festival. The that takes center stage, but ing water sports. The 13th an 18-mile or 36-mile route well as live music. At that’s before considering host band is Art Stevenson the rest of their lineup is annual Lake Superior Drag- through the Nicolet Forest Trig’s Green Space, 232 S. it’s the biggest American and High Water. The lineup strong too, including major on Boat Festival will draw and through the three-lakes Courtney St., Rhinelander. Indian celebration of its also includes Feller and Hill norteño band Los Tigres del 20-plus teams to compete area. The ride begins at 9:20 Admission is free. For more, kind in the country. This and the Bluegrass Buckaroos; Norte. The festival also fea- in 450-meter races off Bark- a.m. and breaks for a picnic call 715-362-7374 or visit year’s festival includes a Larry Gillis and Swampgrass tures a wide array of food er’s Island. Fans can watch lunch at Franklin Lake. At downtownrhinelander.com. concurrent Horse Nation Band; Tommy Brown and options, as well as arts and and cheer from the shore, Don Burnside Park, 6000 Celebration, as well as a County Line Grass; the High crafts on display at their cul- where organizers prom- Stanzil St., Three Lakes, weekend-long contest pow 48s; Horseshoes and Hand tural pavilion. Admission is ise food, song and dance. 54562. Registration is $35– wow, lacrosse matches and Grenades; the Fish Heads; $15. Visit mexicanfiesta.org Barker’s Island, 300 $40 per individual, $70–$75 Olympic amateur box- and Sloppy Joe. At Rosholt for more details. Marina Drive, Supe- per family. For more, call ing. Tickets are $14, $10 Fair Park, North Main Street, rior, 54880. Admis- 715-546-3344. for seniors. For more, visit Rosholt, 54467. Tickets are sion is free. For more, call indiansummer.org. $10–$15 and campsites are 715-395-6169 or visit $5–$20 per person per night. lakesuperiordragons.com. Call 715-884-6996 or visit highwatermusic.com.

ALL Photos: courtesy and stock 10 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 news analysis At home and abroad, rising tensions over Israel’s Gaza incursion spark acts of hate In Chicago, anti-Semitic leaflets were left on cars in a North Side Jewish neighbor- The military incursion hood on July 20. In Miami, a synagogue was vandalized with anti-Semitic slurs and cars in Gaza has provoked a owned by Jews have been egged. Vandals in much stronger backlash Philadelphia spray-painted hate symbols on a local synagogue. worldwide than here in In recent weeks, many Madison and Milwaukee-area Jewish congregations have Wisconsin. held services and rallies to show solidarity with Israel. On July 27, a rally at Milwaukee’s Congregation Shalom drew 800 pro-Israel demonstrators and a group of about 200 counter protesters, who hurled anti-Semitic center in Sheboygan County in 2010 exem- epithets at ralliers, according to the Wiscon- plified anti-Muslim sentiment. sin Jewish Chronicle. Protesters called the The Jewish community has a much lon- supporters of Israel “animals,” according to ger history in Wisconsin, and several high- Kahn-Oren and others. They chanted, “Hey, profile Jews have lived in the state. Among Yid go home,” and, “Jews and Nazis are the them was Golda Meir, a Ukrainian refugee same, the only difference is the name!” who immigrated to Milwaukee, where she Pro-Palestinian sympathizers have staged taught school before going on to become protests across the state as well, including Israel’s fourth prime minister. in Appleton, Racine, Madison and Milwau- The Jewish Community Study of Greater kee. Participants have called on Israel to Milwaukee 2011 found that the Jewish pop- Photo: Skip O’Rourke/The Tampa Bay Times end its military incursion into Gaza, which ulation of the area is about 30,000 people, TENSION IN TAMPA: Nofar Haymovich of Israel, who is currently staying in Lakeland, has killed more than 1,000, including many including a large Russian-Jewish community Florida, displays the Israeli flag during a rally held in Lykes Gaslight Square Park in children. Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian op- on the city’s North Side. But due to growth downtown Tampa on Aug. 1. Hundreds of people from across Tampa Bay joined together eds have flooded Wisconsin newspapers. in interfaith marriages and the backlash in the park at noon as a sign of solidarity in support of Israel and Ashdod (Tampa’s Like the local Jewish community, Milwau- toward religion in general among young Sister City). Tensions between supporters of Israel and pro-Palestinians have been high kee’s Arab community also have received people, Wisconsin’s Jewish community is in the Florida city ever since Israeli police beat Tampa teenager Tariq Abu Khdeir, who taunts and insults, particularly as worship- struggling to maintain its size and iden- was visiting family in the West Bank this summer. The beating was videotaped and seen pers entered and exited area mosques dur- tity. Many people believe the community is worldwide. ing the holy month of Ramadan, which shrinking. ended on July 28, said Othman Atta, execu- In general, Jews and Muslims in America tive director of the Islamic Society of Mil- have been cautiously supportive of one waukee. By Louis Weisberg In other American cities, such attacks have another. As minority religious groups in “We’ve had a few eggs thrown at us and Staff writer been undertaken by racists who’ve con- a politically Christian nation, they have people calling (by phone) and shouting Last month Milwaukee County Sheriff fused Sikhs with Muslims, although there’s worked together on shared interests involv- profanities and so forth, but that’s been the David Clarke asked for the public’s help in no evidence that’s what motivated Page. ing religious freedom, civil rights and immi- extent of it so far,” Atta said. “There hasn’t monitoring suspicious activity around reli- As WiG headed to press, Milwaukee gration policy. been any kind of direct attempt to attack gious sites. He had good reason. Police Department spokesman Mark Stan- Relations between the two communities, the mosques.” “With the heightened tensions and mili- meyer said there have not been any report- however, have become increasingly strained Atta said the local Arab-American com- tary activity occurring in and around Israel ed crimes in the city related to the conflict in due to the global rise of Islamic terror- munity, composed largely of people of Pal- and the Gaza strip, there is the poten- Gaza. But he said law enforcement authori- ism and Israel’s political turn to the hard estinian descent, maintains tight security tial that local agitators will seize upon the ties throughout the area remain vigilant. right, which resulted in territorial aggres- around mosques and other Muslim gather- current climate to opportunistically attack “The Milwaukee Police Department, sion toward Palestinian lands and the apart- ing places. “We’re very careful about who religious sites, including synagogues, tem- through its Southeastern Wisconsin Threat heid-style treatment of Palestinians living in has access to the center, especially during ples and mosques, and deface or vandalize Analysis Center, works with federal part- Israel. Interfaith programs in Wisconsin and times when we have a lot of attendees,” he them under the guise of legitimate protest,” ners to assess potential threats to special elsewhere have become strained, according added. Clarke wrote in a press release. events,” Stanmeyer said via email. “I’m not to those involved. In Europe, and less frequently in the Unit- aware of any planned increase in Milwau- Milwaukee’s Muslims and Jews ed States, numerous such instances have kee Police resources as a result of recent backlash Muslims began to establish roots in Mil- occurred. Meanwhile, Arab World Fest (see events.” Around the nation and the world, the waukee during the 1950s, and today the story, page 8) returns to Milwaukee’s Sum- Vicious verbal attacks on both Jews and military campaign underway in Gaza has community is about 15,000 strong, accord- merfest Grounds on the weekend of Aug. Muslims have spiked recently on local social provoked a much stronger backlash than it ing to the most recent estimates. Wisconsin 8–10, and the Jewish High Holidays, which media pages. “It’s the usual heartbreak- has here in Wisconsin. In the United States, is home to 23 mosques and Islamic centers. routinely present heightened security chal- ing, hateful drivel” about Jews “running the that backlash has primarily targeted Arab- Suspicions toward Muslims remain strong lenges, begin on Sept. 24. This confluence of media, controlling people, using power for Americans, while in Europe it has focused in Wisconsin, just as they have across the events raises concerns. deleterious ends, etc.,” said Elana Kahn- on Jews. nation since the terrorist attacks of Sept. Adding to those concerns in Milwau- Oren, director of the Milwaukee Jewish “The big backlash is not happening here, 11, 2001. Late in 2007, Milwaukee’s first kee is an unfortunate anniversary: On Aug. Federation’s Jewish Community Relations it’s happening in Europe, which we see every Arab-American police officer sued the city 5, 2012, white supremacist Wade Michael Council. “Thank goodness we’ve not expe- time there is trouble between Israel and the on charges he was taunted and discrimi- Page fatally shot six people and wounded rienced vandalism or physical attacks like Palestinians,” said Mark Potok of the South- nated against due to anger over 9/11. Public four others at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek. other communities, including Chicago.” backlash against the opening of an Islamic GAZA next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 11

GAZA from prior page Jews of Israel tell the Jews of Europe that it ern Poverty Law Center. might be time to get out?” American-Jewish Anti-Semitism has been firmly journalist Jeffrey Goldberg asks in the News- entrenched for centuries in European soci- week article. eties. While many progressive Europeans oppose Israel’s treatment of Palestinians on demystifying islam the grounds of social injustice, many oth- In America, it’s the Arab community that ers use it as cover for anti-Semitism. The faces the greatest threat of a widespread Anti-Defamation League released a survey backlash over Gaza. So far, violence toward this year that found 34 percent of eastern Arabs hasn’t resulted in serious injuries Europeans and 24 of western Europeans or deaths. But Ibrahim Hooper, national hold anti-Semitic views. communications director of the Council on People in the U.S. view Israel more American-Islamic Relations, described inci- favorably. In the post-9/11 world, the Jew- dents such as “an old guy getting pelted ish nation is a strategic military ally in a with eggs coming out of a mosque in New region that’s otherwise hostile to Ameri- York” as violent attacks. can interests. In addition, evangelical Chris- There’s certainly a large enough reservoir tians believe the second coming of Jesus is of hatred to fuel violence toward Mus- dependent on Jewish control of the Holy lims. Hooper and his organization regularly Land — and evangelism is far more widely receive emails that make Nazi propagan- embraced by Americans than Europeans. da read like Hallmark cards in compari- A CNN/ORC poll conducted between July son. Hooper forwarded WiG an email he 18 and 20 found 57 percent support among received in which the writer called for the Americans for Israel’s actions in Gaza. slaughter of Muslim babies in the most bru- Europeans “don’t have the same tra- tal terms possible. dition of supporting Israel that we do,” Hooper said that CAIR, which many Andrew Kohut, founding director of the Pew consider a radical organization, encour- Research Center, told The New York Times. ages open houses at mosques and cultural “That area of the world is closer to them, events to demystify Islam and “decrease and they get more exposure to Arabs and suspicion (caused by) lack of knowledge.” Muslims, and are more open to the Palestin- Atta said that’s exactly what Arab World ian point of view.” Fest aims to accomplish. “People go to par- Anti-Semitic attacks in Europe have been take in the food, customs and music,” he rising precipitously for the past two decades. said. “The people who go there are pretty Since the Gaza conflict began, scores of open-minded, and they’re there because European Jews have been attacked, syna- they’re willing to learn. It’s a social time. gogues have been firebombed, Jewish busi- “There’s a good mix of people that come nesses, homes and neighborhoods have in. The people that go there, they go and been vandalized and numerous demonstra- enjoy themselves. It’s not political or any- tions have called for “Death to the Jews,” thing of that sort. It’s more entertainment despite the fact that a large proportion of in nature. There are cultural and historic Jews, even Israeli Jews, condemn what is dimensions, but most people go for the food occurring in Gaza. Israeli Jews have staged and the marketplace.” several large protests in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Security at the Summerfest grounds Square condemning the attack on Gaza, is technologically advanced and reliable, Photo: Getty Image and dozens of the protesters have been Atta adds, so no one should hesitate about EUROPEAN BACKLASH: Palestinian sympathizers demonstrate in Malmö, Sweden, on arrested. attending Arab World Fest, despite what’s July 10 against the Israeli incursion into Gaza. Sweden’s third-largest city recorded 60 The anti-Semitic backlash over Gaza has happening elsewhere in the world. anti-Semitic incidents from 2010 to 2012, including the bombing of the local Jewish been the worst in France, which, in addi- Meanwhile, Clarke hopes to deter small community center. tion to its anti-Semitic tradition, also has acts of hate-motivated vandalism that could Europe’s largest population of Muslim and lead to escalated violence. Arab immigrants. But a July 29 Newsweek “Nationwide, the ‘If You See Something, cover story titled “Exodus: Why Europe’s Say Something’ campaign has proven to be Jews Are Fleeing Once Again” reported that a simple and effective program to raise pub- even Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, lic awareness in helping to deter and report recorded 60 anti-Semitic incidents from suspicious activity to local law enforcement 2010 to 2012, including the bombing of the authorities,” Clarke said in his press release. local Jewish community center. “Nowhere is this concept more applicable Although Malmö’s mayor blamed the than in safeguarding our fellow citizens’ acts on Zionism rather than anti-Semitism, houses of assembly and worship. Hannah Rosenthal, the former U.S. special “Any citizens observing suspicious envoy for combating anti-Semitism, told activity in relation to these sites, and Newsweek that the city exemplifies the particularly activities occurring during “new anti-Semitism,” which uses anti-Zion- off-worship times or under cover of dark- ism (opposition to Israel’s existence) as a ness that may presage acts of vandalism, disguise for hatred of Jews. (Rosenthal is are asked to contact their local munici- currently president and CEO of the Milwau- pality’s law enforcement immediately.” kee Jewish Federation, but she was unavail- To report suspicious activity, call 414-278- able for comment during the week that WiG 4788. prepared this story.) For many Jews, the escalating anti-Semit- ic attacks in Europe are reminiscent of the Editor’s Note: For more perspective, see 1930s, when most of the Jews who failed “Younger Arab-Americans embrace more lib- to flee wound up in Nazi gas chambers. “At eral views” page 12, and “Liberal Jews wrestle what point do the Jews of America and the with faith in Israel,” page 14. 12 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014

Younger Arab-Americans embrace more liberal views

PHOTO: AP/Damian Dovarganes American Muslim Omar Akersim, 26, poses for a photo on his prayer rug at his home in Los Angeles. Nearly 40 percent of the estimated 2.75 million Muslims in the U.S. are American-born and the number is growing, with the Muslim population skewing younger than the U.S. population at large, according to a 2011 survey by the Pew Research Center.

By Gillian Flaccus dual identity, with one foot in the world of From Garage To Living AP writer their parents’ immigrant beliefs and one Omar Akersim prays regularly and foot in the ever-shifting cultural landscape Space...and Back Again! observes the dawn-to-dusk Ramadan fast. of America. The result has been a growing He also is openly gay. internal dialogue about what it means to Akersim, 26, is part of a small but grow- be Muslim, as well as a scholarly effort to ing number of American Muslims chal- re-examine the Quran. lenging the long-standing interpretations “Islam in America is being forced to kind of Islam that defined their parents’ world. of change and to reevaluate its positions on They believe that one can be gay and Mus- things like homosexuality because of how lim; that the sexes can pray shoulder-to- we’re moving forward culturally as a nation. shoulder; that females can preach and that It’s striving to make itself seen and known Muslim women can marry outside the faith in the cultural fabric and to do that, it does — and they point to Quran passages to back have to evolve,” said Akersim, who leads a them up. Los Angeles-based support group for gay The shift comes as young American Mus- Muslims. lims work to reshape the faith they grew The shift doesn’t end with breaking obvi- up with so it fits better with their complex, liberal next page • Keep Out Unwanted Bugs & Leaves Savvy opticians Not Bronzed Yet? • Simple & Easy to Operate • Great for Parties, Workshops, Etc. The perfect frame is just the beginning • Permanently Mounted in Your Garage 1568 N. FArwell Ave. | MilwAukee | 414.221.7055 | BroNzeopTicAl.coM visit our website for special-offer coupons and more. • Easy Entry & Exit via Center Door Brilliant service SEVERAL FRAME & SCREEN OPTIONS AVAILABLE

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262-439-6929 • w w w. j o e w i ld e . c o m proud sponsor Milwaukee lGBT Film/video Festival WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 13 liberal from prior page people feel that they can get rid of the hang-ups of what the culture has defined as ous taboos, either. Young American Mus- Muslim and maintain the beliefs and values, lims are making forays into fashion, music the spiritual values, and feel very comfort- and stirring things up with unorthodox able by shedding all the other restrictions takes on staples of American pop culture. A that society has put on them.” recent YouTube video, for example, shows In Los Angeles, Muslims for Progressive Muslim hipsters — or “Mipsterz” — skate- Values has been pushing the boundaries boarding in headscarves and skinny jeans with a female imam who performs same-sex as Jay-Z’s “Somewhere in America” blasts and interfaith marriages, support groups in the background. for gay Muslims and a worship style that Nearly 40 percent of the estimated 2.75 includes women giving sermons and men million Muslims in the U.S. are American- and women praying together. The group born and the number is growing, with the has chapters in half a dozen U.S. cities and Muslim population skewing younger than at least six foreign countries and last year the U.S. population at large. was recognized by the United Nations as an Advocates for a more tolerant Islam say official non-governmental organization. the constraints on interfaith marriage and Founder Ani Zonneveld, a Muslim singer homosexuality aren’t in the Quran, but are and songwriter of Malaysian descent, start- based on conservative interpretations of ed the group in 2007 after she recorded Islamic law. Historically, in many Muslim some Islamic pop music that generated countries, there are instances of unsegre- a backlash because it featured a Muslim gated prayers and interfaith marriage. woman singing. “I think it’s fair to say the traditional Islam “For us, the interpretation of Islam is that we experienced excluded a lot of Mus- egalitarian values — and by egalitarian it’s lims that were on the margins. I always felt not just words that we speak. It’s practice,” not very welcomed by the type of Islam my she said. “It’s freedom of religion and from parents practiced,” said Tanzila Ahmed, 35, religion, too.” who published an anthology of love stories Akersim, the gay Muslim, knows first- by Muslim American women. hand how hard this shift will be. Many second-generation American Mus- Last year, he fled his parents’ home in the lims still practice their faith in traditional middle of the night after they called him at ways, but others are seeing the Islam of work and demanded to know when he was their parents as more of a cultural identity, going to get married. He stays in touch with said Dr. Yvonne Haddad, a Georgetown Uni- his mother, but hasn’t spoken to his father in versity professor who has written extensive- a year and a half. ly about Islam’s integration into U.S. society. Now, he avoids mosques but prays pri- As a result, there’s a new emphasis on vately. He has no regrets about coming out, meeting for prayer and socializing in neutral he said. spaces instead of mosques, and on univer- “All these struggles that I’ve had to endure sal inclusion. have only brought me closer to God,” Aker- “Some of them still want a mosque, they sim said. “Within that storm, I feel like I’ve still want to belong and to pray and others been able to persevere because of my faith, are shifting and they are very comfortable because of this strength from God.” being non-religious,” Haddad said. “These Pew takes U.S. public’s temperature on religions A Pew Research survey shows that Amer- leanings rate evangelicals highest at 71 icans tend to feel warmly toward Jews, degrees, Jews at 67, Catholics at 66, Mor- Catholics and evangelicals but chilly toward mons at 52, Buddhists at 49, Hindus at 47, Muslims and atheists. atheists at 34 and Muslims at 33. Pew created a thermometer — measuring • Democrats and those with Democratic degrees from zero to 100 — to take Ameri- leanings rate Jews highest at 62 degrees, cans’ temperature toward religious groups Catholics at 61, Buddhists at 57, Hindus at in a survey conducted mostly in June. 54, evangelical Christians at 53, Muslims at Pew told people a rating of 100 meant 47, atheists at 46 and Mormons at 44. they felt as warm as possible toward a Familiarity with a religion or someone of group; 50 degrees meant not particularly a certain faith tends to be a factor. About negative or positive and zero meant as cold 87 percent say they know someone who and negative as possible. is Catholic and 70 percent say they know The responses: someone who is an evangelical Christian. • Jews, 63 degrees. About 61 percent say they know someone • Catholics, 62 degrees. who is Jewish and 59 percent say they know • Evangelical Christians, 61 degrees. someone who is an atheist. • Buddhists, 53 degrees. Just 44 percent of Americans say they • Hindus, 50 degrees. know someone who is a Mormon and 38 • Mormons, 48 degrees. percent say they know someone who is a • Atheists, 41 degrees. Muslim. About 23 percent know someone • Muslims, 40 degrees. who is a Buddhist and 22 percent know Some other findings: someone who is a Hindu. • Republicans and those with Republican — Lisa Neff 14 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Liberal Jews wrestle with faith in Israel ment has killed peaceful protesters, impris- few uncomfortable words scrawled on the oned journalists and put a democratically sidewalk cannot really make a dent in our Opinion elected leader in jail? secure standing. As we continued our walk, we asked our- The virulent reaction around the world to JANE EISNER selves whether the comparison was unfair, Israel’s latest incursion into Gaza is making because Israel should be held to a higher me rethink that argument, and I know that Last Shabbat, as my husband and I were standard, and whether that scrawled side- I am not alone. “I’ve never been as con- walking home from a long, lovely lunch with walk sentiment was a legitimate criticism cerned, frightened, worried and confused friends, I noticed scribbling on the sidewalk. of American policy or rank anti-Zionism as this,” the historian Deborah Lipstadt told Since the letters were written in white chalk (opposition to the existence of Israel). And me. “Maybe it’s not 1939, but it may be and were upside-down from where I stood, when does anti-Zionism bleed into simple 1934.” it took a moment to decipher their meaning, hatred of Jews? We liberals simply cannot ignore the per- and another moment to get over the shock. To borrow Irving Kristol’s line about neo- nicious way the Israeli invasion of Gaza This was on the Upper West Side of Man- conservatives, was I acting like a liberal Jew and the horrible civilian death toll there hattan, the epicenter of the liberal American who gets mugged? has given an anti-Zionist cover to attacks shtetl, a place so ubiquitously Jewish that Like many liberal American Jews, I have against Jews as Jews. In France, England, even the smallest grocery store posts Friday long insisted that anti-Zionism is not neces- Belgium, India, etc., etc., Jews are being held night candle-lighting times each week. So to sarily anti-Semitism, that one can be critical responsible for Israeli actions they may not see even this mildly anti-Israel graffiti was a of Zionist political ideology and not hate even support. In Turkey, the prime minister surprise. For the first time since we moved Jews as Jews. The argument is partly an tells CNN that what Israel did to Palestine to the neighborhood a couple of years ago, intellectual one, and partly a response to “has surpassed what Hitler did to them” and we felt uncomfortable, targeted, as people the embarrassing ease with which some then confirms that he said it. Unfortunately, who care about Israel and as Jews. Jews make the link, equating every criticism I could go on. directed at Jews in a Parisian synagogue Though we share serious misgivings of Israel with “the oldest hatred” — an accu- “Liberals need to recognize that there was fueled by a few words at a Netanyahu about the way the military conflict in Gaza sation that can unfairly label dissenters and is no comfort in their position,” said Holo- press conference, or by talking points from began and is being prosecuted, and we shuts down the conversation. caust scholar Michael Berenbaum, himself the Jewish Agency? The growing centrality grieve for the horrendous loss of life, we Plus, I’m American. America loves its a liberal. Arguing that these anti-Zionist of Israel to Jewish life in the Diaspora is also believe that Israel does have a right to Jews, and loves Israel. I can show you the actions are not also anti-Semitic is “making a complicated communal challenge to us defend itself against a terrorizing organiza- polls, and the votes in Congress, and the a distinction that goes against the reality of Jews, but it’s simply an excuse for those tion that seeks its obliteration. If Israel’s intermarriage rate, and all the other indica- what we are experiencing today.” who choose to hate us. actions warranted the end of its sizable tors of public sentiment. To equate anti- This is not something new so much as it I can hear the sneers from those con- financial support from the United States, Zionism with anti-Semitism somehow turns is a new inflection point in a long, uneven servatives eager to show they were right what about neighboring Egypt — also a us into victims, part of a global victimhood, development. The historian Robert Wis- all along: Liberals fooled themselves into recipient of billions in aid — whose govern- but we are not victims here, and even a trich argued in the Jewish Political Studies thinking that anti-Semitism was not behind Review that “anti-Zionism and anti-Semi- the violent agitation and political machina- tism are two distinct ideologies that over tions against Israel that have left it isolated time (especially since 1948) have tended and vulnerable. Hating Israel and hating to converge.” That was written a decade Jews are one and the same, they might say. ago, when various United Nations actions Welcome to the real world. made the convergence seem more trou- What I reject about that argument, in the bling. I think we are at another one of those past and still now, is that it views the world moments today. as an irredeemably hostile place for Jews, Now, there are some who argue that we forcing us into a universally defensive posi- Jews bear a share of responsibility for this tion and expecting no real change for the convergence. More than six decades after better in human behavior. And it rejects any the birth of the modern State of Israel, we responsibility for our own actions, and the have made attachment to that state a cen- terrible consequences they may cause. tral aspect of Jewish identity. Throughout I’m a liberal because I believe that human the Diaspora and especially in the United beings can progress, sometimes with the States, support for Israel has taken on theo- help of government, to a place of more logical dimensions: We talk about it more tolerance, equality, justice and compassion. openly, passionately and sometimes antag- And that includes Israel. And that includes onistically than we do about belief in God or other Jews. any other tenet of our faith. Yes, there have been awful riots in France. A free trip to Israel is every young adult’s But there also have been forthright state- birthright. A donation to an Israeli cause ments condemning such riots from French is every Jew’s tithe. It is the barometer by leaders. It’s not 1939. It’s not 1934, even. which we judge each other and judge our It’s 2014. “friends.” The challenge for liberals is not to deny This public form of diasporic Zionism is or diminish the frightening convergence of enhanced by the rhetoric and actions of the anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, or to dis- Israeli government, especially under Prime miss some of its root causes. The challenge Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who char- is to own it, to recognize the world for what acterizes himself as a leader of all the Jews it is right now and not lose sight of our obli- and introduced a demand that Palestinians gation to repair it. recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people. I can see how this line of thinking is Editor’s note: This article originally appeared appealing, because to hold ourselves partly at forward.com on July 31, 2014, and is repro- responsible for this convergence is also duced with permission. You can contact Jane to hold the tools of a response: We could Eisner at [email protected] or comment on amend our language, perhaps, or redirect Twitter @Jane_Eisner. our activism. But do we really think the rage WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 15 16 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014

the federal government’s health insurance to obtain admitting privileges at nearby NATIONAL Briefs marketplace. hospitals. REGIONAL Briefs The study finds greater gains in the states When Republican Gov. Phil Bryant that expanded their Medicaid programs signed the law, he said he hoped it would under the Affordable Care Act. Wisconsin end abortion in the state, but the appel- is not one of those states. late judges ruled that every state must Responding to the report, Health and guarantee constitutional rights, includ- Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell ing abortion. Bryant, in a statement, said said, “This study also reaffirms that expand- the court’s ruling disappointed him. ing Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act Ten states, including Wisconsin, have is important for coverage, as well as a good adopted similar laws, forcing a growing deal for states. number of clinics to close. Many hospitals “To date, 26 states plus D.C. have moved ignore or reject abortion doctors’ appli- forward with Medicaid expansion. We’re cations, and they won’t grant privileges PHOTO: Flickr/Michael Pereckas hopeful remaining states will come on board to out-of-state physicians. The traveling CYCLING INTO NO. 3: The League of and we look forward to working closely with doctors who staff Mississippi’s last open American Bicyclists recently ranked Wis- them.” clinic, the Jackson Women’s Health Orga- consin No. 3 on the list of bicycle-friendly PHOTO: WikiCommons The findings show that the uninsured nization, encountered both obstacles. states for its programs, policies, safety BAD MEDICINE: In a 2-1 decision, the rate for adults ages 18–64 declined from 21 The ruling from the conservative Fifth and state funding. Washington came in at U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled percent in September 2013 to 16.3 percent Circuit was narrowly crafted to address No. 1, followed by Minnesota. in late July that the U.S. Food and Drug in April 2014. the situation in Mississippi, but it could Administration does not have to consider The research finds that the decline in have implications for other states with banning the practice of dispensing antibi- the uninsured was significant for all age, similar laws and dwindling access to abor- Wisconsin seniors save $203 otics to animals that are not sick despite race/ethnicity and gender groups, with the tion, such as Wisconsin and Alabama, million on drugs under its finding that the misuse of antibiotics largest changes occurring among Latinos, whose officials have said women could Obamacare threatens the effectiveness of essential blacks and adults ages 18–34. cross state lines if clinics close, said the The U.S. Department of Health and human medicines. About 80 percent of all center’s litigation director, Julie Rikelman. Human Services reported in late July that the antibiotics sold in the United States APPEALS COURT RULING KEEPS Attorneys for Mississippi argued that if Medicare beneficiaries in Wisconsin saved are used in livestock production. ONLY MISSissippi ABORTION the state’s last clinic closed, women could $202,883,257 on prescription drugs under CLINIC IN BUSINESS still get abortions in other states. But the the Affordable Care Act. Mississippi’s governor and attorney gen- judges said the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Said Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Bald- 10.3 million gain health eral will have to decide whether to challenge Roe v. Wade decision established a con- win, “The Affordable Care Act is working coverage in marketplace a federal appeals court ruling that is keeping stitutional right to abortion for all citizens for Wisconsin and thanks to the reforms A new study in the New England Journal the state’s only abortion clinic in business. — and that Mississippi may not shift its we put in place four years ago, we have • Plus much more!of Medicine estimates that 10.3 million unin- A panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of obligations to other states. made prescription drugs more affordable sured adults gained health care coverage Appeals voted 2-1 to block a 2012 Mis- and lowered out of pocket costs for seniors during the first open enrollment period in sissippi law that requires abortion doctors In other national news … in Wisconsin.” As recently as late July, the Walker • Barack Obama is as powerful a moti- administration attacked the ACA as a vating factor for Republican voters as “flawed law.” The governor would like to he was in 2010: 51 percent of those who repeal the health care reform that has pro- say they will vote Republican on Nov. vided coverage through the marketplace for 4 consider their choice to be a vote 139,815 Wisconsinites. “against” Obama, according to a Pew survey. In other regional news … • The New York Giants recently named Wisconsin’s report card former player David Tyree as director of • on racial cancer player development. In 2011, when the disparities shows wide gaps in cancer New York Legislature was considering incidence and deaths when comparing a marriage equality bill, Tyree said he African-Americans and whites. “An analy- would have rather lost the Super Bowl sis of cancer incidence and death data than allow gay and lesbian couples to over the period shows while both have legally marry, claiming that it would decreased over the last few decades, not lead to “anarchy.” all people in Wisconsin have benefited equally,” said Amy Williamson, lead • Two-thirds of millennials believe gov- author of the report from the University ernment is inefficient and that govern- Services include: of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. •Collagen induction therapy ment regulators favor special interests. •Ultherapy One out of every three Wisconsin resi- •Non-invasive cellulite About 58 percent, according to a survey • ® dents •Botox injections reduction and body shaping from Reason-Rupe, are convinced gov- will see a referendum on Nov. 4 on accepting federal funds for BadgerCare, •Artefill/Radiesse®/ ernment agencies abuse their powers, •Plus much more! which were rejected by Gov. Scott Walker Juvéderm® while only 25 percent trust that gov- ernment agencies usually do the right and the GOP-led Legislature. Voters in at thing. least eight counties will vote on a non- Mention this ad and receive 1 ultra treatment for $149.00! binding referendum on the issue, accord- • Democrats dismissed congressional ing to Citizens Action of Wisconsin. Regular price $299.00. Republicans’ vote to sue the president • Two oil pipelines at the bottom of the as a legally groundless exercise that could end up costing taxpayers mil- waterway linking Lakes Huron and Michi- Visit one of our 3 locations around Southeastern Wisconsin: lions of dollars in legal fees and other gan will get additional support structures expenses. Meanwhile, conservatives to help prevent potentially devastating More information here and and here and here. Burlington Brookfield Lake Geneva (Now Open!) such as Sarah Palin continue to use spills. Michigan Attorney General Bill (262) 763-5573 (262) 661-9166 (262) 373-6423 impeachment talk as a fundraising tool. Schuette put Enbridge Energy Partners LP on notice that it was partly out of compli- — from WiG reports ance with an agreement dating to 1953. For more information, go to ayoungeryou21.com. — from WiG and AP reports WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 17

community Briefs

County committee “Colleen leaves the center in a stable from around Wisconsin. GSAFE is seeking Mexico, evening sunset celebrations on approveS abele’s donation financial condition. Most recently, she kitchen volunteers for the camp, located Mallory Square and late-night parties in The Milwaukee County Board’s Finance secured a $10,000 grant to support Project about 30 minutes north of Madison. For the island clubs. For more, go to www. Committee recently voted to approve Mil- Q, the center’s core youth program,” said more, go to www.gsafewi.org. womenfest.com. waukee County Executive Chris Abele’s per- co-president Paul Williams. “In addition, • Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce • The NAACP unanimously passed a reso- she has developed new programming initia- sonal donation of $7,147 to pay overtime and Roundy’s teamed up to plan for a lution at its summer convention in Las tives that will continue to shape the center’s costs associated with keeping the court- Pride picnic at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Mil- Vegas supporting fast-food workers’ fight future.” house open outside regular hours for same- waukee County’s Gordon Park, 2828 N. for a living wage of at least $15 and to Prior to joining the center, Carpenter was sex couples to get married. Humboldt Blvd., Milwaukee. For more, call unionize. For more, go to www.naacp.org. executive director of Daystar Inc., a Mil- After learning of the federal district court 414-678-9275. ruling overturning the state ban on same- waukee-based organization that provides • Human Rights Campaign Foundation, in sex marriage, Abele ordered the courthouse long-term transitional housing for women • Emerge Wisconsin presented a 21-mem- partnership with the National Education to stay open late on June 6 and also on June fleeing domestic violence. ber graduating class this summer. The Association and the American Counseling 7, a Saturday. Nearly 150 couples exchanged Carpenter was selected for the position nonprofit trains Democratic women to Association, will hold the national Time vows in a 24-hour period. from a field of 58 candidates. seek elected office. The graduation cer- to Thrive youth conference in Portland, Abele, in a news release, said, “It’s safe to Her departure from the center follows the emony took place at a residence in Madi- Oregon, Feb. 13–15, 2015. For more, go to say this is the best $7,000 I’ve ever spent. similarly abrupt resignation of Cream City son and featured a speech by Emerge www.hrc.org. By keeping the courthouse open we helped Foundation president and CEO Paul Fair- adviser Peg Lautenschlager, the first • Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele loving couples marry and sent a message child last month. No reason for Fairchild’s woman elected Wisconsin attorney gen- recently went to New York City to kick off that Milwaukee County supports equality.” sudden departure was given. eral. For more, go to www.emergewi.org. the new fundraising campaign — “Great • The National LGBT Bar Association will Futures” — for the all-inclusive Boys & LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER In other community news … present the Dan Bradley Award on Aug. Girls Clubs of America. Abele is a mem- DIRECTOR RESIGNS 22 to Freedom to Marry founder Evan ber of the nonprofit’s national board of • Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools After eight months on the job, Colleen Wolfson. “Great lawyers don’t just win governors. For more, go to bgca.org. is hosting its leadership training institute Carpenter, executive director of the Mil- cases; they change lives,” said D’Arcy waukee LGBT Community Center, resigned Aug. 14–17, bringing together 40 students • The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Com- Kemnitz, executive director of the bar. merce received the national Rising Star July 23. No reason was given for Carpenter’s “Evan is a true visionary in the movement abrupt departure. Chamber Award from the National Gay to expand marriage equality to LGBT cou- and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, “I have been honored to serve the LGBT ples.” For more, go to www.lgbtbar.org. community in this role, but I have decided to which held its national business confer- move in a different direction professionally,” • Key West Womenfest, the East Coast’s ence in Las Vegas in late July. Carpenter said in a prepared statement. alternative to the Dinah Shore Week- — Lisa Neff Community-building initiatives, day-to- end, takes place Sept. 4-7. Thousands Send announcements of community interest day management of the center and fund- of women attend every year — for to [email protected]. raising efforts will continue uninterrupted the morning excursions on the Gulf of under the leadership of Karen Gotzler, who also filled those roles during the search that ended with the selection of Carpenter in October 2013. “The center’s board of directors is com- mitted to quickly filling the position perma- PHOTO: Courtesy Milwaukee Film nently,” wrote the board in a press release. Milwaukee Film recently announced Times A statement released by board co-pres- Cinema is the newest venue to join the ident Tina Kreitlow thanked Carpenter for 2014 Milwaukee Film Festival. Organizers “her strong commitment to the well-being also unveiled the promotional artwork for of the LGBT community.” the festival, which takes place Sept. 25– Oct. 9. For more, go to mkefilm.org. 18 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 { Editorial } WiG’s WEB PICKS Raise the minimum Some of our favorite recent pictorials from cyberspace wage now The minimum wage reached its peak turbingly hypocritical that conservatives value in 1968 and has been falling ever constantly rail that individuals should since. If it had kept pace with inflation, live from the fruit of their labor and not the minimum wage would now stand at from government handouts, yet they $10.74 per hour instead of $7.25. support a minimum-wage policy that Today, with less of the nation’s wealth forces government to pick up the costs going to workers than ever before and of private business in order to maintain income inequality near record levels, it’s corporate profits and hold down con- both morally and economically indefen- sumer prices. (A UC-Berkeley study on sible not to raise the federal and state the effect of raising the minimum wage minimum wages to at least $10.10, as to $12 found that the average shopping Democrats have proposed and Republi- trip to Walmart would cost 46 cents cans have blocked. more and the average cost of a Big Mac Since the year began, 13 states have would rise by a dime.) raised their minimum wages, as have So conservatives oppose a policy that numerous municipalities (including Mil- spurs both job growth and economic waukee). On average, those states have activity. Studies have demonstrated that seen higher job growth than states (like raising the minimum wage puts more Wisconsin) that have kept their mini- money into consumers’ pockets and mum wages at 2013 levels. thus increases economic activity in our Raising the minimum wage increases consumer-based economy. the standard of living for workers at A study of the state of Washington is the bottom of the pay scale and saves particularly revealing. At $9.32 an hour, taxpayers costs associated with pub- the state’s minimum wage is the nation’s lic assistance programs, such as food highest. Washington first adopted the stamps. The majority of food stamps go nation’s highest minimum wage in 1998, to the working poor. and it’s been tied to inflation ever since, The liberal Center for American Prog- allowing for plenty of time to examine ress found that increasing the minimum its impact. wage to $10.10 per hour nationally would A Bloomberg study found that in the save taxpayers $4.6 billion in spending 15 years following Washington’s initial on food stamps alone. minimum-wage increase, job growth Under the current minimum wage, averaged 0.8 percent annually — 0.3 of highly profitable companies such a percentage point above the national as Walmart tell workers to apply for rate. Payrolls at Washington’s restau- food stamps so they can afford to eat. rants and bars, which are said to be the Walmart and other minimum-wage- most vulnerable to higher wage costs, paying companies argue that if they had expanded by 21 percent. to pay employees a livable wage, then At the time Washington’s higher consumers’ prices would rise. minimum wage was raised, opponents That argument amounts to a strange warned it would kill jobs and hurt the form of socialism whereby government workers it was designed to help. It didn’t. protects the uber-rich from having to It helped Washington’s economy, and it pay the cost of doing business and pro- would help the nation’s. tects consumers from having to pay the actual cost of goods. We find it dis-

Please recirculate & recycle this publication. CEO/Publisher Business manager/ Sales executive Leonard Sobczak Production coordinator Susan Berna, [email protected] [email protected] Kaity Weisensel Jeff Kerr, [email protected] [email protected] Editor in Chief Distribution MANAGER Louis Weisberg Graphic Designers Robert Wright, [email protected] [email protected] Eric Van Egeren, Maureen M. Kane Distribution ASSISTANT EDITOR The Wisconsin Gazette is published every other Senior Editor Charles Leonard, Greg Tomasetti, Andy Augustyn, Lisa Neff, [email protected] Matthew Reddin, Shaunna Boswell week and distributed throughout the Milwaukee [email protected] area, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, and 40 other Business development office assistant cities statewide. To have WiG delivered to your Manager COPY EDITOR Anita Gielow address, contact [email protected] Mark Richards Stephen DeLeers or call 414-961-3240, ext. 101 [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS SALES information Jamakaya, Bill Lamb, Kat Murrell, Mike Muckian, WiG Publishing, LLC. © 2014 [email protected] Jay Rath, Anne Siegel, Gregg Shapiro or call 414-961-3240 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 19

ON THE RECORD Stirring the alphabet soup “Friends and colleagues often ask people demanded recogni- slurs have been reclaimed N/NA = Nance; Nellie; Neu- my wife how she balances her job and tion. I remember the editor with pride. Enjoy the alpha- ter; Not Available; None of motherhood. Somehow, the same peo- Opinion joking: “How many more bet soup! the Above misfits are we going to add? A = Androgynous; Asexual; O = Omnisexual; Other ple don’t ask me. A few months ago, I Jamakaya decided the only way to balance was by stepping back Pretty soon, we’ll just be a Ally P = Pansexual; Polyamorous; from my job.” I ran across the acronyms big alphabet soup!” B = Bear; Bisexual; Bulldyke; Poz; Partnered; Particular; — MAX SCHIRESON, former CEO of Mongo DB “LGBTQIAP+” and “GLBTQ- Although “LGBT” is stan- Bottom; Bulgarian Peculiar software company, explaining his decision to resign IZX” recently and had to dard usage in most main- C = Cisgender; Curious; Q = Queer; Queen; Ques- and spend more time with his family. look up what the heck they stream media today, the Chubby; Cross Dresser; tioning alphabetical free-for-all con- mean. This crazy alphabet Cunnilinguist R = Randy; Risky; Risk- tinues. Making things more “I’m not a scientist either, but I can use my brain, soup of sexual minorities is D = Dyke; Diva; Dragster; Averse; Ready to go; complicated is that most and I can talk to one.” getting out of hand. Daddy; Dominant Rough trade If I, as someone who’s letters now have multiple — Former Florida Gov. CHARLIE CRIST, who’s E = Eunuch; Eyeballer; Easy; S/SO = Sissy; Slut; Sod- campaigning to win back his old job, talking about been in queer activism and meanings, and the position of each letter within the Everything Else omite; Submissive; Signifi- climate-change deniers at a Florida State University publishing for 40 years, can’t cant Other keep track of the latest gay string is fraught with politi- F = Family; Fairy; Fruit; presentation on greenhouse gases and rising sea lev- T = Tomboy; Top; Trans- shorthand, what are John cal implications. Just ask the Friend of Dorothy els. gender; Transvestite; Two- and Jane Q. Public going to gay men and lesbians who G = Gay; Gender Outlaw; Spirit; Tinker Bell; Twink “If I own stock in your company and you move off- think? (And just what does have argued for decades Genderqueer; Goddess U = Uranian; Undecided shore for tax reasons I’m selling your stock. There are the Q in those names stand about which should come H = Ho; Homo; Homosexu- enough investment choices here.” for anyway?) first, the “G” or the “L.” al; Horndog V = Vagitarian; Vampire; — Dallas Mavericks owner MARK CUBAN, tweet- I worked for a publica- As a public service, I’ve I = Intersex; Intergalactic; Variable ing his new strategy of investing in the nation’s future. tion in the 1990s that had compiled an interactive Intrigued; Icon W/WTA = Winkie; Wanker; to change the identifiers in guide to LBGT+ initials. J = Jock; Jezebel; Jailbait Wolf; Wishy-Washy; Will “I would have to say no. But the justices continue its subtitle from “Gay” to Make your own additions. K = Kiki; Kinky Try Anything to think and change. So I am ever hopeful that if the “Gay and Lesbian” to “Les- Purge the unworthy. Cre- X = Unknown quantity. ate your own minority. Mix L = Lesbian; Leatherman/ court has a blind spot today, its eyes will be open BiGay” when bisexuals woman; Lounge Lizard Y = Your proclivity here. started organizing and then and match. Please note that tomorrow.” M = Mary; Married; Mas- Z = I have no damn idea. to “LGBT” when transgender some words once used as — Supreme Court Justice RUTH BADER GINS- ochist BURG answering Katie Couric’s question, “Do you believe that the five male justices truly understood the ramifications of their decision (in the Hobby Lobby case)?” Merger would hog up the meat market “Climate change occurs no matter what. (Efforts sector is already excessively $3.7 billion in sales. raise consumer prices. to reduce power plant emissions) are outside of the consolidated, from seed to Second, not only would We believe the anti- confines of the law (and) an excuse to grow govern- Opinion supermarket. This proposed the merger strengthen competitive impacts of the ment, raise taxes and slow down economic growth. merger comes after a year of Tyson’s hand with hog pro- proposed merger between (What those efforts) end up doing is making the U.S. intense acquisition activity in ducers, the extra profit Tyson and Hillshire war- economy less competitive.” the food and agriculture sec- margin and revenues would rant close examination. The — U.S. REP. PAUL RYAN, R-Wisconsin, speaking In late July, a coalition of farm, consumer, rural and tor, amounting to a growing also give the company more Department of Justice must out against carbon emission regulations during a wave of substantial merg- resources to disadvantage issue a second request to breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. faith-based groups wrote the U.S. Department of Jus- ers that threaten to acceler- cattle producers and con- extend the investigation into ate the food industry’s tight tract poultry growers as well the potential effects of the “Every law-abiding, blind individual should be able tice regarding the proposed merger of Tyson Foods, Inc., control of this extremely as affect the market across proposed merger. The pro- to have whatever guns they want. And if you disagree concentrated sector of the all proteins. Tyson’s capac- posed merger would signifi- with that statement or you haven’t thought it all the and The Hillshire Brands Co., which originated in Wiscon- economy. The Department ity to increase the supply of cantly impair competition way through, you don’t take your rights seriously of Justice should vigorously chicken can undermine the throughout the hog and pro- enough.” sin. The coalition wants the department to oppose the examine all proposed food consumer demand for pork cessed pork marketplace, — DOM RASO, commentator for NRA News, mak- and agribusiness mergers to and beef, and, therefore, harming farmers, consum- ing a case for allowing blind individuals to purchase early termination of the anti- trust examination and take a prevent any firm from exer- lower the prices cattle and ers, rival processors and or carry guns as an extension of their Second Amend- cising unfair market power hog producers receive. rural communities. ment rights. second review of the merger, which the groups argue cre- over farmers, consumers or Third, the proposed The Department of Jus- rural communities, includ- merger would be a vertical tice must not grant an early “(The) most f**ked up, disgusting, worst, most ates a monopoly, threatening small farms, reducing consum- ing the proposed Tyson-Hill- merger that would under- termination of the merger insulting things anyone has ever said about me — shire merger. mine competition. Tyson’s review. The department hands down, in my entire life, came out of (Glenn er choice, allowing for higher prices and possibly degrading First, the proposed merg- slaughterhouses currently should extend the investi- Beck’s) mouth. So what I wanna know, does he regret er joins the top protein man- supply meat-processing gation and issue a second that? Do you regret barfing into the camera and pre- the food quality. The letter, in part, reads: ufacturer with one of the top firms, including Hillshire request to solicit more tending to barf for 15 minutes at the idea of me doing branded and marketed pro- and its rivals, which rely on information from the par- a PSA for skin cancer?” cessed meat companies and these inputs to manufac- ties necessary to fully — MEGHAN MCCAIN, political commentator for We believe that the scale and scope of this proposed likely would raise consumer ture their products. Tyson examine the complexities of social advocacy TV network Pivot and daughter of prices and reduce consumer could charge higher prices the proposed merger. The Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, referring to Beck’s merger would “substantially lessen competition, or tend choices. It would significant- to non-Hillshire manufactur- undersigned groups would recent acknowledgement that he said “stupid things” ly reduce competition in the ers or limit the rivals’ access appreciate the opportunity while at Fox News. McCain went on to list Beck and to create a monopoly,” which is proscribed by Section 7 of meat and processed meat to these products altogether. to study these issues more fellow pundit Ann Coulter as examples categories, where the two Tyson’s dominant position in closely and share our find- of the kind of people dividing the the Clayton Act, passed 100 years ago this year. The pro- companies already overlap the pork-packing industry ings with the Department of Republican Party over the last few significantly. The combined gives it the incentive and Justice. years. posed merger would harm hog farmers, consumers and firm would be the second capacity to disadvantage other food manufacturers. largest frozen food manu- Hillshire’s rivals, undermine Signers include 82 organi- The food and agribusiness facturer in the country, with competition and ultimately zations. 20 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 21

By Matthew Reddin Staff writer WiGOUT! What’s the funniest event in Mil- waukee? Bigger, better, funnier Most comedy aficionados would say that’s an easy question to answer: the Milwaukee Comedy Festival. The success of this four-day cel- Milwaukee Comedy Festival comes into its own ebration of laughs and the comedians who inspire them has been a long time coming. Festival founder Matt Kemple is marking his ninth year run- ning the show. He says the last two years’ events remained slightly under the radar. But he senses that things are different this time around, with inter- est among performers and audiences skyrocketing. “This year it feels like we’ve broken through,” he says. Kemple appears to have found a formula that works. The festival is arranged into groups of shows, most with three different artists or groups performing. Each artist specializes in a different style of comedy, so a show might open with a stand-up comedian, who’s followed by a sketch comedy group and then an improv troupe. Kemple says that juxtaposing come- dic styles in that way has multiple benefits. On a practical level, comedy doesn’t lend itself to “binge watch- ing,” so offering different styles in a tight 90-minute show keeps audiences Cash Cab Chicago) and TJ Jagodows- engaged. It also allows people to see ki (half of TJ & Dave, the acclaimed genres they might not think they’d improv duo that recently announced enjoy. plans to open their own theater within “I want people to be exposed to iO’s space). all kinds of comedy,” he says. “Some One show that’s a little different people say they just don’t like stand- from the rest is Sunday’s teen comedy up, for example, but they’ll come to the showcase, featuring young perform- festival and see a stand-up comedian ers from the Milwaukee area. It’s the that they love.” only Sunday show this year, a decision About half of this year’s scheduled made due to low Sunday attendance performers are from Milwaukee, but in years past. But the teen show has there’s also an impressive array of tal- always drawn a packed house, and it ent from further afield, from comedy provides a great way to close out the centers as near as Chicago and as far weekend. flung as Los Angeles and Toronto. New to the festival this year is an Kemple says there are a few per- expansion in food and drink options. formers he’s especially elated to have Partnerships with Great Lakes Distill- attending this year. One is stand-up ery and Sprecher will provide the lat- comic Rob Christensen, an up-and- ter, while food trucks will offer dining coming artist who’s appeared on options for patrons between shows. Photo: Courtesy Comedy Central and NBC’s Last Comic The addition of food-and-beverage Stand-up comic Rob Christensen performs Aug. 9. Standing. He’ll perform Saturday at 8 service shows the increasing p.m. scale of the festival as it clos- “It’s exciting to have someone on es in on its 10th anniversary. his level want to be in the festival,” Kemple says he and other On Stage Kemple says. organizers are considering The Milwaukee Comedy Festival is Aug. 7-10 at Kemple also is happy to present the adding more venues and recruit- Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee. Chicago improv troupe Three to Turn ing bigger headliners in the future, but Shows are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. and the Stool, a supergroup composed of there are no specific plans yet. 10 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday; improvisers Ed Ferman (who recently Those decisions will be made in and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 the weeks and months to come — in advance. Go to festival.milwaukeecomedy.com. snagged a writing gig on an untitled Milwaukee Comedy after everyone has recovered from this sketch comedy show in production by mascot Jimbo. NBC), Beth Melewski (former host of year’s laughter. 22 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Couture meets countertop at AIDS fundraiser By Matthew Reddin vides housing and social services for people Life hasn’t changed all that much since it Staff writer infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. began. This year’s installment will be struc- ‘It’s a very clever way of A charity fashion show that combines Refshion is set up much like a normal show, tured much the same as the first, with local putting a fashion show high-end couture and high-end plumbing with models walking the runway in stunning fashion expert Bjorn Nasett returning as the fixtures is bound to attract attention. When outfits — but they’re paired with fabulous emcee after several years off. together. It really is a the beneficiary supports people living with interior decor provided by sponsor Callen The reason the event hasn’t changed, HIV/AIDS, then it’s attention worth drawing. Construction. Callen says, is because the original was so magical night. Refashion for Life, which takes place on The mashup was born more than seven incredibly successful. Organizers had hoped Aug. 20, supports CommonGround Min- years ago, when a designer working for Tom to raise $10,000, but actually received istry/Elena’s House, a nonprofit that pro- Callen suggested it during a brainstorming about $22,000 in donations. groups, including the faith-based Raphael session. Years prior, Callen had spoken with Over the past six years, Refashion for House. When that center closed in 2001, Life has raised more than $125,000 — 100 she opened Elena’s House. percent of which has gone directly to sup- The majority of proceeds from the Refash- ion for Life event come from the silent and

On the runway Refashion for Life, a fundraiser for CommonGround Ministry/Elena’s House, is from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Wed., Mary Ellen Huwiler, the executive director of Aug. 20, at Callen Construction’s Mus- Elena’s House and a personal friend, about porting Elena’s House. kego showroom, S63 W13131 Janes- potential fundraising ideas. The concept of Elena’s House is close to Huwiler’s heart. photos: courtesy: ville Rd. The event features an original combining décor with fashion excited him Formerly a fashion designer for 23 years, fashion show, high-end décor, catering so much that Callen called Huwiler imme- Huwiler changed her career path dramati- voice auctions, as well as from ticket sales. by Saz, a performance by Fred Astaire diately to pass along the idea. She loved it. cally when her HIV-positive brother-in-law But also contributing are the sales of jewelry Dance Studio and two auctions. Tick- “It’s a very clever way of putting a fashion was infected in the Cryptosporidium out- made by current residents and friends. ets are $40 and can be purchased at show together,” Huwiler says. “It really is a break in 1992 and became too sick to live “It’s their way of giving back,” Huwiler refashionforlife.com. magical night.” alone. After he died in 1994, Huwiler began says. The two organizers say that Refashion for working for a number of HIV/AIDS resource WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 23

Summer Set Festival brings EDM north of the border

On stage Summer Set runs Aug. 15-17, from 2 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $44.50 for individual nights or $115 for a three-day pass. Camp- ing packages can be reserved for an additional fee. The festival has scheduled after-parties that cost $20 to attend. For more, visit sum- mersetfestival.com/2014.

Photo: Amorphous Music By Bill Lamb massive arenas and crowded festivals. Bassnectar, the recording name of DJ Lorin Ashton, headlines the Summer Set Festival Contributing writer Big Gigantic leads Day Two of the fes- with Kaskade and Big Gigantic. The festival features electronic and jam band artists. Only in its third year, Wisconsin’s Sum- tival. The Boulder, Colorado, duo has built mer Set Music and Camping Festival has a reputation among music festival devo- quickly become a top destination on the tees. They’re almost guaranteed a rapturous summer music scene. Spread across three welcome-back after headlining last year’s days — Aug. 15–17 — the festival features Summer Set. music from the electronic and jam band Big Gigantic’s music is difficult to describe genres. — an intriguing blend of electronica, hip- Located in Somerset, a Wisconsin town hop, jazz and jam band with analog saxes of about 2,500 just 45 minutes from down- and drums amid technologically advanced town Minneapolis, Summer Set is based beats, lighting and stage designs. around the Somerset Amphitheater and Bassnectar anchors Sunday, the final three surrounding campgrounds. The lay- night. Bassnectar is the recording name of out gives the event an ambiance that’s half DJ Lorin Ashton. He grew up in the San Fran- traditional music festival and half camping cisco Bay area and was originally influenced festival. by heavy metal and hard rock. Like Big In 2012, the festival’s first year, Sum- Gigantic, Bassnectar is known for powerful mer Set drew 13,000-15,000 attendees per live performances, with dramatic lighting day. It’s been growing ever since under effects and recurring, interwoven motifs. the watchful eye of its promoters, veterans Bassnectar is often ranked as one of the of Chicago’s Spring Awakening and North foremost artists in the drum and bass genre, Coast Music Festivals. but hip-hop and rock are also an integral Most impressive at Summer Set is the part of his shows. musical lineup. Electronic dance music Beyond the headliners, Summer Set dominates, but there are plenty of other boasts about 60 acts spread across four genres represented — from jam bands to stages, where music begins by mid-after- hip-hop. Many EDM acts fail to cross the noon daily. Other notable performers border north of Chicago for Wisconsin con- include progressive improv band Umphrey’s certs. Summer Set fills the gap. McGee, hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan and Headlining on Aug. 15 is Grammy-nom- Philadelphia-based electronic jam band inated DJ Ryan Raddon, better known as Disco Biscuits — all strong performers who Kaskade. The Chicago native was named help raise Summer Set’s stature as a great “America’s Best DJ” by DJ Times magazine summer music destination. in both 2011 and 2013. He headlined Miami’s Ultra Music Festival, widely recognized as North America’s top electronic dance music festival, in 2012. Much of his fame among FIND US ON TWITTER! EDM artists comes from his ability to pres- @wigazette ent shows that tell a story and make the concert experience feel intimate even in 24 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014

ART GAZE — MILWAUKEE Through a reflective lens: ‘Postcards from America’ By Kat Murrell is colored by novelty. Each street corner is Contributing writer different, each local peculiarity fascinates. Postcards from America, on view through Postcards from America taps into that sub- Oct. 19 at the Milwaukee Art Museum, uses jectivity of vision, with each photographer the idea of a postcard like a diving platform. filtering the images through memories or The artists make the concept a jumping-off resonant personal history. In this way, the point for plunging into pools of local culture. exhibition becomes a reflector, revealing the Each diver makes a splash and interprets photographer’s own curiosities more than the idea in an individual style. There’s no universal truths. imagining the postcard as a cutesy, trite Donovan Wylie, in his project titled The image or the reduction of a place into a Preparatory City, juxtaposes modernist glass static symbol here — those stereotypes are office blocks with the graceful embellish- firmly quashed by the varied interests of the ments of the Mitchell Building. It’s a concept exhibition’s 11 photographers. that could exist nearly anywhere, but a MAM’s exhibit is exclusive to the city, location specific to downtown Milwaukee. but the fifth part of an overarching national Countless factors shape a city’s sense of series. The Postcards from America proj- place, and one of them is the way historic ect was initiated in 2011 and has previ- and modern construction layer on top of ously focused on the American Southwest, each other to create a quirky blended fam- Utah, Florida and Rochester, New York. The ily. Wylie’s presentation of this in photo- Photo: Susan Meiselas/Magnum Photos photographers made their way to Milwau- graphic form offers an opportunity to pause MAM’s Postcards from America series includes the work of Susan Meiselas, who focused kee between August 2013 and April 2014, and consider how the past often remains on the often-unseen labor of women in factories, including a woman ­­packaging sausages spending a few weeks apiece here. Their present. at a Johnsonville Sausage plant in Sheboygan. home bases vary — some live elsewhere Other photographers explore community individuals — less studies of character than Some photographers lean toward the tra- in the U.S., others abroad — but they’re more than place, picturing events like street appearance. ditions of art photography, like Jacob Aue all connected through Magnum Photos, an festivals and the State Fair. Bruce Gilden is One of the more personal installations Sobol. He visited Wisconsin last winter, international cooperative that has promot- drawn to Milwaukee’s faces, particularly belongs to Zoe Strauss. Her work centers traveling the shore of Lake Michigan up to ed documentary and street photography those of women who are not unmarred on the murder of Evon Young, a promis- Lake Superior. Along the way, he captured since 1947. by age and experience. The images are ing, 22-year-old transgender hip-hop artist stark, sharply contrasted black-and-white When you set up house in a new place for presented in a way that feels more like a who went by the moniker Yung LT. Part photographs of faces young and old alike, as a while, everything you see and experience study of line and texture than portraits of visual narrative, part memorial, the work well as landscapes and stairwells that hint includes photographs, ephemera and words at a mysterious nature. of mourners to reflect on the sadness. The exhibition feels rather like a form Also fixating on individual experience is of contemporary cultural anthropology — Susan Meiselas, who explores the often- highlighting details of daily life and work, unseen labor of women in factories. Brand what people enjoy and where they live. But names like Harley-Davidson or Johnson- even as we learn more about the hidden ville Sausage are well-known, but the faces corners of the city and region around us, the behind the factory walls are not. Meiselas camera lens distinctly reflects each pho- photographs women at work and includes tographer’s own experience, approach and their commentary on their jobs, peering angle of vision as well. into the work that fills so much of the time of life itself. AFTER DARK The Milwaukee Art Museum will keep its lights on a bit longer on Aug. 15 for the latest installment of MAM After Dark, a monthly art party. The evening takes its cue from Postcards From America with the museum soliciting Milwaukeeans’ photos of the city for display. Even if you can’t attend, post your Milwaukee image to Twitter with the hashtag #mamafter- dark to have it included. Libations will flow, with craft cocktail samples, plus a cash bar. Café Calatrava will offer a selection of tasty snacks, and music comes courtesy of The New Seven and I’m Not a Pilot. There also will be a photo booth to visually capture the fun. Admission is free for museum members; signing up for membership at the door will get you and a plus-one in for free. Other ticket options include purchasing advance admission ($9 plus fees) online or paying $14 at the door. 6 p.m.-midnight . Gallery talk at 7 p.m. Photo:Bruce Gilden/magnum Photos “At the State Fair,” Bruce Gilden. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 25

ART GAZE — MADISON New building planned for UW-Madison music school By Jay Rath crete were popular, especially Contributing writer for public buildings. The University of Wisconsin- From the beginning, there Madison’s new School of Music were practical problems with is finally scheduled to break the building: leaks in the third- ground in 2015. floor courtyard bled all the way “We are moving forward on to the first floor; the basement Photo: Courtesy the design of the first phase music lounge received much The current Mosse Humanities Building. of the new music performance more natural light than the top center at the corner of North floors’ art studios; disconnected Performing Arts. New York City. Malcolm Holz- Lake Street and University Ave- interior spaces were confusing; Brown says the first phase man was also a principal with nue,” says Gary Brown, director and the cantilevered fourth floor of the stand-alone School of Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associ- of campus planning and land- was cold in winter (glued-on Music includes a new 325-seat ates, which designed Overture’s scape architecture. “Design exterior insulation added in the recital hall and a large rehearsal predecessor, the Madison Civic will continue for the next year, 1980s is being replaced). hall. Phase II of the project will Center. with construction anticipated “Stark, graceless and add an 800-seat concert hall to Holzman Moss Bottino’s pre- to begin in the fall of 2015 and unadorned,” naming the build- replace Mills Hall, the school’s vious work includes the Ameri- completion, hopefully, by the ing “Humanities” may be one primary concert venue. can Ballet Theater in New York spring of 2017.” of “the greatest unintentional So far, capital for the project City, the Brooklyn Academy of The UW School of Music sarcasms in university history,” has been provided entirely by Music, the Georgetown Univer- provides more than 350 free wrote Jim Feldman, author of donations, and Brown says the sity Performing Arts Center in public concerts a year. Its home, The Buildings of the University timing of Phase II is dependent Washington, D.C., and the Uni- the Mosse Humanities Building, of Wisconsin, published by UW on further fundraising. versity of Southern California 455 N. Park St., also houses Archives in 1997. Cesar Pelli, the architect of Music School and concert hall. the departments of history and The building’s late creator, Madison’s Overture Center Madison-based Strang Inc. will art. The seven-story example Chicago architect Harry Weese, for the Arts, was consulted in assist in design and construc- of “Brutalist” architecture was also designed the adjacent Cha- early stages. The new facility tion. completed in 1969, when angu- zen Museum of Art and Mil- will be designed by Holzman For more, visit www.music. lar fortresses of unadorned con- waukee’s Marcus Center for the Moss Bottino Architecture of wisc.edu. 26 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Learning to dance like James Brown By Michael Muckian “As a performer, James Brown Contributing writer Choreographer Aako- knew it was more than just the mon “AJ” Jones was given 30 days to teach actor dance steps. It’s learning to Chadwick Boseman to dance like the inimitable produce, package and present James Brown. The task would have been less chal- them to the audience. ‘ lenging if Boseman had ever danced professionally. Boseman, best known for portraying ballplayer Jackie Robinson in the biopic 42, actually had no name to The Famous Flames. Brown served dance experience. “If it were up to me, he as lead singer. would have had no less than two months (of The rest, as they say, is musical history. training),” says Jones, a self-taught dancer. James Brown performances were famous “We didn’t have that luxury, so we had to for the singer’s dance moves. Brown created double-down.” a familiar pattern he could improvise on: a And double-down they did, working for series of rapid-fire shuffle steps, punctuated two hours a day, four days a week to begin by single and double splits, then capped with and then boosting Boseman’s training with a collapse to his knees. Brown, like to six hours a day, five days a week. But Jones, had no formal training, but he had the end result is worth the effort: a near an incredible amount of energy and heart, perfect portrayal of the Godfather of Soul Jones says. in the film Get On Up. Released on Aug. “James Brown as a dancer is not really 1, the movie has received critical acclaim that much different than I am,” he muses. both overall and specifically for Boseman’s “He was familiar with the party dances of performance. the time and went on to own them. He was Jones’ work played no small role in help- a master of his craft who made them fit into Photo: D. Stevens/Universal Pictures ing bring one of rhythm and blues’ most his performances.” Chadwick Boseman, as James Brown in the new film Get on Up, a biopic based on the life iconic performers to life. Moves like Brown’s can be seen in early of the Godfather of Soul. “Chad had rhythm, and I knew that if we performances by Marvin Gaye and Sam & gave it enough focus, we would accomplish Dave, Jones says. But the Godfather of Soul (the) goal,” Jones says. “We didn’t use any had one distinct advantage over them all. dance doubles in the film, and when the “As a performer, James Brown knew it camera showed a close-up of Chad’s feet, was more than just the dance steps,” Jones we made sure it panned up to a full body says. “It’s learning to produce, package and shot so the audience could see that it was present them to the audience. He was the Chad who was dancing.” leader, the full package, the nucleus of even Despite a lack of formal training, the the most complicated stage performance.” 10-year choreography veteran knows what Brown drew his influences from his own he’s doing. He’s choreographed for every sensibilities and from early R&B perform- major pop star — from Madonna and Mari- ers, including African-American saxophon- ah Carey to Jennifer Lopez and Justin Tim- ist and bandleader Louis Jordan, whose per- berlake — and has choreography credits on formances also included elaborate dance Dreamgirls, Pitch Perfect and the upcoming moves. sequel Pitch Perfect 2. “Jordan was animated and had a lot of In Get On Up, he tackled a biopic about a energy, but his technique was nothing like performer he credits with helping to change James Brown’s,” Jones says. “Brown was both the industry and the way the American also exposed to a lot of gospel preachers public views African-American R&B music. and their antics, and it was show time there, “I had been a James Brown fan for many too.” a year,” says Jones, whose hometown of Brown went on to influence generations Decatur, Georgia, is roughly 90 miles from of performers, including Michael Jackson, Toccoa, where Brown began as a gospel M.C. Hammer, Usher and even Mick Jagger, singer. “I could have rolled the dice and did one of the film’s co-producers. this without research, but I studied a lot of “James Brown’s movements came from film and read James Brown’s autobiography. a place of sheer, raw energy and built on But I also took some key tips from Chad and dance steps he made his own,” Jones says. what he was learning about his character “These other performers had to draw their from the book. I tailored my approach and inspiration from somewhere, and James piggybacked it on Chad’s understanding of Brown was a great place to start.” his character.” But Brown’s contribution to modern Brown was born into poverty in 1933 culture went beyond singing and dancing, and led a hardscrabble life. As a child he Jones says. was abandoned by his mother and beaten “James Brown taught not just black peo- by his father. He escaped such traumas by ple, but all people not to be ashamed of who immersing himself in gospel singing. they are, but proud,” Jones says. “I think that Eventually Brown joined an R&B group was his greatest contribution.” called the Avons, which later changed its WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 27 Robin Hood, through the eyes of Marian’s ‘Lady in Waiting’ By Michael Muckian says. “But I wanted to look at Robin extensive experience or education Contributing writer Hood through the lens of someone in theater arts until reaching adult- Whether portrayed by a swashbuck- who might not see him as a hero, learn- hood. Elst majored in literature and ling Errol Flynn or a conflicted Kevin ing about him as the audience does.” has a background in fencing, with Costner, Robin Hood has always been Shipe says telling the story from a advanced actor combatant certifi- interpreted more as myth than man. female perspective also gives the play cation from the Society of Ameri- Theater RED, a relatively new Milwau- some contemporary flavoring, although can Fight Directors. Doherty-Elst, a kee theater company, reverses the she hesitates to label its viewpoint as trained skater, majored in sociology equation. In its latest world premiere, explicitly feminist. and statistics. But the two became A Lady in Waiting, the troupe adopts a “The original idea was to create a independently involved in local pro- female point of view that presents the medieval buddy-on-the-road story for ductions, learning about theater legendary male outlaw on a human two women and a bunch of fellas,” from fellow cast members as they scale. Shipe says. “(But) over the course of went along. Penned by Wisconsin playwright Liz writing it, the play did become much “We credit the theater training we Shipe (who also plays Maid Marian in more about what it is to be a woman in have received from being involved the production), the story is told from any society — which is a great thing to in productions with amazing actors, the perspective of Marian’s handmaid put in the spotlight.” musicians and directors,” Doherty- Aria (Kelly Doherty). Shipe says Aria’s The unconscious shift in perspec- Elst says. “We learned from working quick tongue and sharp insights shed tive fits well with Theater RED’s cre- alongside the best and are often cast new light on familiar characters like ative ethos. Married co-founders Chris- in the same shows, which is great fun photo: courtesy Robin Hood (Zachary Thomas Woods) topher Elst and Marcee Doherty-Elst and nice to have our schedules align.” Liz Shipe (seen here as Maid Marian) wrote A Lady in and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Mat- established the company last year as Starting Theater RED has allowed Waiting from a female perspective to depict what it’s like thew J. Patten), as well as the play’s a way to present premiere works from the couple to share what they’ve to be a woman in both Robin Hood’s society and our own. other Merry Men and royals, thus local authors and plays that offer sub- learned with others, including muddling the usually stark distinctions stantial roles for women and new art- Shipe. She’s excited about sharing between heroes and villains. ists. Their first full production A Thou- her unique vision of the Robin Hood ON STAGE The play begins with Robin Hood sand Times Goodnight was a particu- myth. Theater RED’s production of Liz Shipe’s A Lady in already established as the outlaw larly good example: an original, Shake- “Robin Hood’s story has been told Waiting runs Aug. 7-23 at the Soulstice Theatre, 3770 prince of Sherwood Forest, so both Aria speare-esque adaptation of The Arabian from his point of view a lot, and Pennsylvania Ave., Ste. 2, in St. Francis. Performances and the audience are inserted in medias Nights by local writer Jared McDaris I thought that shifting the focus a are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Tickets res. “Everything I read positioned Robin that centered on Scheherazade as the bit would breathe some life into the are $15. Visit www.theaterred.com. Hood as the main character, and that lead character. story,” Shipe says. “I hope other peo- seemed the logical way to go,” Shipe Neither Elst nor Doherty-Elst had ple feel that way, too.” 28 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014

Seven sassy chardonnays to brighten your summer By Michael Muckian captures the vanilla- acter to the Carr lingering finish. Contributing writer and-spice essence of wine, featuring The winemakers at Frog’s Leap, located We all know that summer and chilled the oak while tem- a slightly differ- in Napa Valley, take a different approach, white wines go together. And few whites pering it with the ent flavor profile placing emphasis on the soil in which the are more reliable than chardonnay, one of cleanliness of the of peach, lemon grapes were grown. The Frog’s Leap 2012 the country’s top white choices. stainless steel. The and a hazelnut. Chardonnay ($26) was made with fruit The adaptable chardonnay grape has result is a dry, crisp, In neither case from the Carneros district, whose soil often flourished in cooler as well as warmer clean wine with a does the wine yields chardonnays with a more vibrant places, such as its native southern France. pleasant fruitiness disappoint. acidity. Ninety-five present of Frog’s Leap When other countries discovered chardon- and subtle acidity. The Flowers 2012 Chardonnay was aged sur lie in con- nay, an unintended hybrid of the Pinot Noir California wine 2011 Sonoma crete vats, and only 5 percent of the devel- and Gouais Blanc grapes, its status and country has no Coast Chardon- oping wine was exposed to wood. availability grew. shortage of char- nay ($41) was The Frog’s Leap profile is crisp and very Once chardonnay crossed the Atlantic, donnay producers. produced using a clean. The acidity blends nicely with the the market exploded. Growers began to In Sonoma County, similar sourcing flavors of fruit. Slate and hints of lemon- clear their slopes of many lesser-known Joseph Carr 2012 pattern, includ- grass on the nose give way to a palate of varietals to plant chardonnay. Acres of Chardonnay ($18) ing cold pressing peach and citrus with an underscoring min- historic vines and entire enological lega- was made according and a variety of eral quality that make this wine stand out. cies were lost to make way for the upstart. to a method known oak cooperage, Much further south, the winemakers at The result was an eventual market glut that as the Dijon clone. but with slightly Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard in Califor- made chardonnay somewhat passé. The grapes were cold-pressed and then different effect. The wine exhibits a slight nia’s Santa Barbara County follow similar a Fortunately, the varietal is regaining pop- the juice was aged sur lie — in new French flintiness thanks to its terroir, providing an technique, but one that leads to yet another ularity. Consider the following seven sassy oak barrels along with the sediment that interesting edge to its flavor profile that’s unique result. The Fess Parker 2012 Ash- chardonnays produced by U.S. vineyards. settles to the bottom during fermentation. reminiscent of Honeycrisp apples. Flowers’ ley’s Chardonnay ($28), produced from Winemaker Philippe Coquard does not The result is a wine with more complex chardonnay also has an abundant mouth- grapes harvested in Ashley’s Vineyard in produce his Wollersheim Chardonnay character. Carr’s chardonnay offers a nose feel and a fine acidity. the Santa Rita Hills, was also barrel-aged ($17) from grapes grown on his estate just hinting at apricot, vanilla and peach, as The Laguna Vineyard Ranch in the Rus- in French oak. The wine offers aromas of south of the Wisconsin River. Instead, he well as a palate with overtones of apricot, sian River Valley has been producing char- pear, peach and honey that give way to contracts for a custom-grown grape from strawberries and citrus. donnay for some 40 years, and the Laguna a palate featuring pear, green apple and Washington State, which he uses to create The Ferrari-Carano 2012 Chardonnay 2012 Chardonnay ($28) was made using pastry crust, along with a hint of vanilla a fine example of chardonnay in his winery ($21) was made with fruit from 60 different the same approach as the Sonoma vine- courtesy of the French oak. near Prairie du Sac. chardonnay lots. These were cold pressed yards. The wine, once again cold-pressed Chill any of these and serve and you will Two-thirds of Wollersheim Chardonnay and aged sur lie in two ways — 30 percent and oak-aged, opens with delicate notes of quickly see the chardonnay, sassy or not, is is matured in French oak barrels and one- in new French oak, 60 percent in older apple, pear and tangerine. The wine is well no longer passé. third in stainless steel containers. The wine cooperage. The result is similar in char- balanced, with supple mouthfeel and a fine WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 29

Tomayto, tomahto Either way it’s a nutritious summer treat

By Michael Muckian have an insalata Caprese, one of the most Contributing writer popular summer salads. Let’s make one thing clear. A tomato, Tomatoes offer nutrition and flavor with- Grilled tomatoes with despite its uses, is botanically a fruit — spe- out a lot of calories: A cup of chopped raw basil vinaigrette Many foods are grillable, but few fare cifically an ovary, together with its seeds, of tomatoes contains only 32. as well as tomatoes. Here’s how to a flowering plant. Tomatoes are delightful both raw and make the most of those lovely little orbs However, a tomato has far less sugar than cooked. Here are several tasty ways to use over red-hot coals. You’ll need: any other fruit, making it less suitable for all your summer harvest. those tasty usages to which fruit is put. Yes, For more tomato recipes, visit Ingredients there are green tomato pies, but would you wisconsingazette.com 3 yellow tomatoes ever dollop chopped tomato over vanilla ice 3 red tomatoes cream? 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided Still, tomato — or “tomahto,” if you prefer Watermelon-peach salsa ¼ tsp. salt the British pronunciation — is one of the and tomatoes ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper botanical and culinary joys of late summer. If you like your summer dishes sweet 2 tsps. white balsamic vinegar Our garden is ready to burst with this year’s and hot and your tomatoes raw, this 2 tbsps. chopped fresh basil heirloom varieties, and we can’t wait to get salsa may be just the thing to get your Garnish: fresh basil sprigs them on our plates. taste buds tingling. You’ll need: We’re waiting patiently for our Big Rain- Directions bow heirloom beefsteak variety, its yellow Ingredients Cut tomatoes in half and thread onto flesh mottled with red, to be sliced and ½ cup hot pepper jelly skewers, alternating colors. Brush with 1 served drizzled with olive oil and fresh basil 1 tbsp. lime zest tablespoon oil and sprinkle with salt and as a succulent appetizer. Our Lemon Boys ¼ cup fresh lime juice pepper. Grill over medium heat (300 will be quartered and chunked into salads, 2 cups seeded and diced fresh water- degrees to 350 degrees) for 10 min- adding their delightful flavor and colorful melon utes, turning skewers often. Combine contrast to succulent Bibb lettuce and pep- 1 cup peeled and diced fresh peaches remaining 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar pery arugula. 1 cup chopped fresh basil and basil and drizzle over kabobs. Gar- As to the remaining heirloom cultivars ¼ cup chopped fresh chives nish, if desired. — Chocolate Cherry, Cherokee Purple and 3 cups baby heirloom tomatoes, halved Black Krim — their colors and flavor varia- Salt and freshly ground pepper tions will also delight us. Our garden also Garnish: fresh basil sprigs is home to cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, and both black and pimento peppers; but Directions it’s clear that our rubyfruit jungle of tomato Whisk together pepper jelly, lime zest varieties will always be the anchor tenant. and lime juice in a bowl, then stir in Join WiG on Tomatoes, like potatoes, originated in watermelon, peaches, basil and chives. South America’s Andes Mountains. The Season halved baby tomatoes with salt Facebook & follow us plant takes its name from the Nahuatl word and freshly ground pepper to taste and on Twitter. tomatotl, and records show that by 500 B.C. spoon into cocktail glasses. Top with tomatoes were being cultivated in Mexico. salsa and garnish with basil sprigs. Although European colonists first thought tomatoes, a member of the deadly night- shade family, to be poisonous, conquistador Hernán Cortés was recorded to have taken some small yellow tomatoes to Europe in 1521. There is also evidence that Christo- pher Columbus may have introduced toma- toes to Spain as early as 1499. Tomatoes are considered among the world’s healthiest foods. They’re an excel- lent source of the antioxidant lycopene, vitamins C and K, and a host of minerals and other nutrients. Our dish of sliced Big Rainbow toma- toes is, in fact, one of the healthier serving options, because olive oil helps increase the body’s absorbance of lycopene, a naturally occurring compound that has been linked to a reduced risk for cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders. Add a little oregano, some buffalo mozzarella cheese and dashes of pepper and sea salt and you 30 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 WiGWords: BOOK BRIEFS Isherwood reissued re-issued A Single Man in a collection by Katherine Bucknell, creates mean, I often feel that the Animals “Waking up begins with saying that includes The Memorial: Portrait of a remarkable portrait of the are far more than just a nursery joke am and now.” This is the first line a Family, an early Isherwood novel set relationship between the two men. or a cuteness. They exist. They are of Christopher Isherwood’s A Single in England in the aftermath of World It is a strange, engrossing book — like Jung’s myths. They express a Man, a novel that, when it first War I, and Down There on a Visit, extraordinarily personal and unlike kind of freedom and truth which we appeared in 1964, shocked many with published in 1962 and considered the any other volume of letters in otherwise wouldn’t have.” its frank, sympathetic and moving most accomplished of the writer’s literature. “Animals” is a word the — Lisa Neff portrayal of a gay man. novels. men use for themselves, for their The story, set in sunny Southern Isherwood, who died in 1986, private world, where Isherwood is California in the 1960s, follows dedicated Down There on a Visit to a workhorse named “Dobbin” and a middle-aged English professor Don Bachardy, an artist and the Bachardy is a playful kitty cat. adjusting to solitude after the death author’s partner for more than 30 “Our relationship is really so of his partner. Edmund White called years. very, very strange,” Isherwood

Photo: Random House the book one of the first and best of The Animals: Love Letters Between writes Bachardy, who today lives Author Christopher the modern gay liberation movement. Christopher Isherwood and Don in Santa Monica, California. “No Isherwood. Farrar, Straus and Giroux has Bachardy, also from FSG and edited wonder it gives us trouble. I

WigWired: TECH BRIEFS Out and ACTIVE to send an image of what lies beneath About 44.8 percent of those surveyed • Extreme Selfie. The prestigious Tillywig the water to a companion app. Be sure to for the poll say they check work email at Award for “best toy” has gone to Lexi- double-check the clasp before casting. least once a day in their personal time. book’s Wi-Fi Move Cam, a sports camera • Spot on. For those heading into remote or About 63.6 percent of those surveyed made for action and adventure — pedal- rural areas and not expecting reliable cell admit to checking work email while on ing down a mountain bike trail, hiking signals, the Spot satellite messenger can holiday, and: around the bend, snorkeling on the lake’s be used to let social media friends know • 6.7% have gone through work email bottom and swimming out to the float. when you’ve reached the summit of the during a child’s school event. • Seek & find. Pricey boats are equipped mountain or the bottom of the canyon • 5% have checked work email during a with pricey fish finders and depth plotters. but, more importantly, transmit an SOS wedding ceremony. For anglers just paddling away from shore when an emergency strikes. • 3.8% have checked work mail during a in a kayak, or even standing on shore or a • On break. Take the phone but turn off funeral. Photo: WiG pier, Deeper’s Smart Fishfinder is a more email. A recent survey found that work • 3.8% owned up to checking their work moderately priced alternative at $250. email is encroaching into the personal email while their spouse was in labor. The fishfinder is cast using a rod and reel lives and downtime of many laborers. — Lisa Neff

August 14 Twin Brother August 21 Rusty P’s August 28 Ian and the Dream WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 31 32 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Out on the town August 7 – August 21 A curated calendar of upcoming events

Milwaukee Comedy Mile of Music Festival Aug. 7 to 10 Aug. 7 to 10 It’s time to laugh: The Mil- Americana comes to Apple- waukee Comedy Festival has ton for the Mile of Music Fes- returned. This annual celebra- tival, the city’s second annual tion of stand-up, sketch and celebration of folk, country improv comedy has delighted and blues-influenced music. comedy lovers for nine years, Mile of Music brings more and each gets bigger and bet- than 200 performing artists to ter. This year’s features two over 60 venues in the Apple- dozen performers or groups ton area. Performers include from around town and across former R.E.M. members Peter the country, spread across eight Buck and Mike Mills, producer different performance slots that Butch Vig with his new band include a teen comedy show on Emperors of Wyoming, and co- Sunday afternoon. At Next Act founder Cory Chisel. Admission Theatre, 255 S. Water St. Tickets to most performances is free, are $20, $15 in advance, or $50 but $150 priority-access pass- for an all-access pass. For show- es are available. To order, visit times or to order tickets, visit mileofmusic.com. festival.milwaukeecomedy.com.

Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Jimbo, a character created by comedian and festival organizer Matt Kemple. Butch Vig will perform with his new band Emperors of Wyoming.

‘A Lady in Waiting’ 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 7 to 23 Robin Hood won’t be the focal point of Theater RED’s world pre- miere play about his myth. Com- missioned from local playwright Liz Shipe, A Lady in Waiting tells a tale of Nottingham, Merry Men and rob- from-the-rich-give-to-the-poor, but tells it all through the eyes of Maid Marian’s female servant. The unique point of view inspires a more com- plex Sherwood Forest, where men aren’t always as noble or villainous as they appear and women seek roles beyond mere bargaining chips. (See preview, page 27.) At Soulstice Theatre, 3770 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Francis. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered at theatrered.com.

Photo: Courtesy ‘Animal Farm’ 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 If you missed the opportunity to visit Trimborn Farm last month for Quasimon- do’s production of Animal Farm, you’re in luck. The company is staging an encore performance of its adaptation of the Orwell classic at Lake Park in Milwaukee. The pro- duction includes an assortment of puppets that help bring this barnyard-set, anti-Sovi- Photo: fanpop.com et parable to life. Admission is free. Visit Numerous actors have portrayed Robin Hood and Maid Marian in films over the years, including Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery thequasimondo.com for more information. in “Robin and Marian” (1976).

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Out on the town August 7 – August 21

‘Danceworks on Tap: Tap the Map’ 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 9, 2 p.m. on Aug. 10 Danceworks on Tap’s annual summer concert is always a treat, but this year the Photo: Courtesy company is blending traditional tap perfor- mance with world music beats. The result Arab World Fest Aug. 8–10 is a multicultural fusion that promises to bring new rhythms to the stage. At Dance- After a hiatus of several years due to conflicts with the observance of Ramadan, Arab World Fest returns to the Summerfest grounds works’ studio, 1661 N. Water St. Tickets are this for a celebration of the music, food and culture of the Middle East (see story page 8). This year’s nonpolitical, nonreligious event is $15, $18 reserved and $10 for students and dedicated to the theme of family. Organizers encourage visitors to bring along their young ones for three days of camel rides and exhibits seniors. Call 414-277-8480 or visit dance- detailing the history of the 22 Arab countries represented. Admission is $10. For information, visit arabworldfest.com. worksmke.org.

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 A curated calendar of upcoming events

Irish Fest Aug. 14–17 They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and the same is true when Irish Fest rolls around. The annual celebration of Irish culture takes over the Summerfest grounds with Wilson Center Guitar a mix of musical guests, including perennial visitors Gaelic Storm, performances by the Competition & Festival Trinity Irish step dancers, cultural displays and discussions, and the annual Sunday Mass. Aug. 14–16 New to the festival this year is a millennial celebration of Brian Boru, the first modern ruler Guitar troubadours from all genres of Ireland, who unified the island’s clans before dying at the Battle of Clontarf 1,000 years unite at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center ago. Admission to the festival is $17, $12 for seniors and free for children, with $5 tickets on to square off for $22,000 in prize money. Thursday and additional discounts throughout the weekend. For more, click irishfest.com. Competitors are invited guitarists of all ages, whom will be judged by a panel that includes classical guitarist Rene Izquierdo, finger-style guitarist John Stropes, jazz gui- tarist Don Linke and nuevo flamenco artist Jesse Cook. In addition to their cash prizes, the winners get to open for Cook on Satur- day evening’s concluding performance at 7 p.m. At 19805 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield. Admission to the semifinals and finals is free; tickets for the final performance Sat- urday are $20 to $35. Friday night also fea- tures a performance by Milwaukee guitar virtuoso Greg Koch at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $25. Visit wilson-center. com or ring 262-439-5681.

Photo: Courtesy Gaelic Storm. ‘Master Class’ Aug. 8–24

Steely Dan Maria Callas is a legend, both for her out- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 standing prowess as an opera soprano and When you think of the sound of the ’70s, her infamously temperamental personality. In you probably think of Steely Dan, the jazz Master Class, playwright Terence McNally cap- rockers who released a string of wildly suc- tures both, depicting Callas as she instructs a cessful albums in that decade culminating class of prospective singers and reflects upon with Aja, the group’s magnum opus. The her life. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre brings core founders Walter Becker and Donald Angela Iannone back in the role she first per- Fagen split up the group up in 1981, but the formed in 1999. MCT has partnered with direc- duo has since reunited, embarking on a tors Jill Anna Ponasik and James Zager of Mil- string of successful tours. The latest passes waukee Opera Theatre and Carroll University through Madison’s Overture Center, where for this powerful opening to the group’s 40th- they’re sure to play hits like “Reelin’ in the anniversary season. At the Broadway Theatre Years,” “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and Center, 158 N. Broadway. Tickets range from “Peg.” At 201 State St., Madison. Tickets are $15 to $40. Phone 414-291-7800 or go to mil- $79.75 to $199.75. Ring 608-258-4141 or go waukeechambertheatre.com. to overturecenter.com. Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014 Out on the town August 7 – August 21 A curated calendar of upcoming events

‘The Killing Cycle…’ & ‘The Last Clean Shirt’ Aug 20–Dec. 23 Alfred Leslie and Frank O’Hara were two artists of the New York School, an infor- mal collective active in the ’50s and ’60s who often worked together and shared ideas. One idea was The Last Clean Shirt, an experimental film Leslie and O’Hara cre- ated together that comments on the politi- cal and social climate of the ’60s through Leslie’s visuals and O’Hara’s words. Tragi- cally, it would be one of their last collabora- tions — O’Hara was killed in a dune buggy accident a few years later. But it was not the last time O’Hara would inspire Leslie. That would come shortly after his death, when Leslie synthesized his grief over the loss of O’Hara and over a subsequent fire that destroyed his entire studio-home into The Killing Cycle…. A series of “painted stories,” this series of narratives blend fact and fiction to describe O’Hara’s fatal crash. The Haggerty Museum of Art at 13th and Clybourn Streets in Milwaukee will exhibit the series together for the first time in more than 20 years, alongside a screening of The Last Clean Shirt. Admission is free. Visit marquette.edu/haggerty for details.

Photo: Courtesy Alfred Leslie’s “The Accident.”

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | August 7, 2014