Ross Boissoneau | Author

Live: on Stage

Jan. 11, 2020

From shows that have never been performed before to those that have stood the test of time, the region raises the red velvet curtain on an astonishing number of stage productions each winter. Make a date to unpeel from the couch and take in some ultra-high-definition (i.e., in-person) perfo… Read More >>

Want to Feel Better? Try Vitamin V

Jan. 4, 2020

A family practitioner in Kalkaska, Natalie Okerson-Sparks, M.D., regularly treats a variety of ailments and complaints. One thing that’s long bothered her, as it does many physicians in the modern age, is the need to see as many patients as possible in a given day. The rush results in… Read More >>

Resolve to Move

Jan. 4, 2020

It’s undoubtedly the oldest and most common New Year’s resolution: Everybody wants to get in better shape, lose weight, become more flexible. But how to do it?
 
There are certainly plenty of options. Join a gym (and bail after a month or so). Get a home gym (then… Read More >>

Dry January: Actually Possible Up North

Jan. 4, 2020

With so many excellent distilleries, breweries, wineries, fine restaurants, and cozy hometown bars around northern Michigan, we’ve got a drinking culture some say is second to none. And that’s fantastic — until it’s not.
 
Should you find yourself on t… Read More >>

Sober Scene Small But Growing

Jan. 4, 2020

There are countless bars across the region, but indoor spots where people can socialize without alcohol around … ?
 
Turns out, they’re few and far between. Studio Anatomy in Traverse City is one. Brian Chamberlain started the underground hideaway as a recording … Read More >>

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

Dec. 27, 2019

For many, going out on the town is the only way to ring in the New Year. Champagne at midnight, party favors, music, maybe even fireworks. So where to go and what exactly to do? We gathered a few fun options for adults and families from across the region.
 
<… Read More >>

Your 2019 Holiday Soundtrack

Dec. 21, 2019

No matter how many times we’ve heard “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or “Sleigh Bells,” each year a new crop of artists puts their stamp on songs of the season. This year’s holiday music crosses all genres, from jazz to rap, metallic to country.… Read More >>

Unique Christmas Services

Dec. 21, 2019

As the cast of A Charlie Brown Christmas sings, “Christmas time is here.” And at churches across the area, that means special services: Maybe bigger music — with brass, winds and percussion joining piano, organ, or even drums and guitars. But sometimes the special… Read More >>

POW! Winter Fun on the Slopes

Dec. 14, 2019

Area ski slopes are doubling down on improvements to not only the slopes but also what’s inside. From new paint to new equipment to new places to plug in your crockpot, it’s all about making things more accommodating for skiers and snowboarders. After all, winter is coming.
Read More >>

A Breath of Fresh Aire

Dec. 7, 2019

There’s just no stopping the music in the Petoskey/Gaylord area, especially this time of year.
 
The more than 80 members of the Little Traverse Choral Society are poised to share their gift with the community this week at two concerts: Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Petoskey… Read More >>

Oak Ridge Boys to Bring “Down Home Christmas” to Leelanau Sands

Nov. 23, 2019

It’s the holiday season, but don’t fret: While the Oak Ridge Boys show at Leelanau Sands Casino is billed as a “Down Home Christmas,” there’s no doubt Bobby Sue and Elvira will join in the fun. After all, it wouldn’t be an Oaks concert without bass Richar… Read More >>

Fudge, Unparalleled

Nov. 23, 2019

You can’t really say that Tim and Bridgett Lambdin’s candy store is without parallel. After all, Candy World is the sister operation to their 45th Parallel Café located right next door.
 
But maybe you can say it about the fudge. Certainly you can say its v… Read More >>

12 Days of Christmas Spirit

Nov. 23, 2019

There’s no lack of seasonal spirit sparkling in northern Michigan this year (just look out your window). But if you’re looking for a little boost to amp up the festive mood, we’ve compiled 12 unique holiday outings and activities happening around the North, each sure to wa… Read More >>

2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Nov. 23, 2019

The Gift of Experience
For your best guy, gal, group of friends, or family

A Crafty Girl’s Night Out
Know someone who likes cheesemaking? Knitting? Making acrylic Christmas tree ornaments? String art? Candle-making? It&rs… Read More >>

Make it Rain

Nov. 16, 2019

Diane Dupuis is the new development director at FLOW (For Love Of Water), the Traverse City-based organization dedicated to preserving the waters of the Great Lakes basin. She previously spent ten years at Interlochen Center for the Arts in communications and fund-development roles before f… Read More >>

Local Man to Throw Down in Turkey's World Chessboxing Championship

Nov. 16, 2019

It’s the same familiar story everyone knows: Youngster takes up chess, discovers he has an aptitude for it, begins to challenge older players, gets knocked down, gets back up and punches his opponent, moves rook to queens bishop four, then —
 
Wait a minute &mdas… Read More >>

Young Author Gets Her Break

Nov. 16, 2019

Poor Fred Thorne didn’t deserve this, and neither did his sisters. When their home burned down and their great-aunt died, he was forced to take them through the wild to the refugee home, and there were so many perils along the way.
 
You can find out what happened to th… Read More >>

Mitch Albom to Talk Love and Loss in Traverse City

Nov. 9, 2019

Mitch Albom returns to the National Writers Series on Nov. 17 for a discussion about what might be his most personal story. “Finding Chika” is the tale of the Haitian orphan Chika Juene, how she came to live with Albom and his wife, Janine Sabino-Albom, and their quest for a cur… Read More >>

The Art of Mourning

Nov. 9, 2019

You might not know that November is National Children’s Grief Month. But chances are good that you’ve known grief.
 
In honor of the kids and teens who know it all too well, Traverse City’s grief support center, Michael’s Place, is teaming up with The … Read More >>

Nat King Cole Holiday to Come Alive at Odawa Casino

Nov. 2, 2019

Who doesn’t love Nat King Cole? The singer’s appeal has continued long after his untimely death in 1965. “I think Nat King Cole gives you a warm feeling,” said Evan Tyron Martin, “and everybody needs that around the holidays.”

That’s why Mar… Read More >>