Ross Boissoneau | Author

The Recordings that Made the Musicians

Nov. 2, 2019

Inspiration comes from many places: parents, teachers, books. For many musicians, particular recordings resonate, propelling them toward a path of professional or semi-professional music-making. Whether 78s or 8-tracks, CDs or MP3s, the music contained therein had a profound impact on many … Read More >>

Behind the Music

Nov. 2, 2019

Some you’ve heard on the radio or on the bandstand. One started a festival. One has never played in public — but he’s regarded by the others as a master craftsman.
 
Meet some of the area’s most esteemed luthiers. Tim Burke, Bob DeKorne, Jake Robinson,… Read More >>

Rebuilding this City on Rock and Roll

Nov. 2, 2019

Old bands reunite, play a dance, and save the city. Sort of.
 
Spinal Tap? Nope, try Salt City Rock and Blues. And while that might sound like a band, it’s not. It’s the name of the Manistee-based nonprofit that emerged from a parade that switched holidays to beco… Read More >>

Coming Soon: Soft Parade-flavored Cannabis Gummies

Oct. 26, 2019

With the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in Michigan, creating appealing THC-enhanced gummies is on the to-do list of many companies. But who knew that Short’s — already a purveyor of what many Northerners consider medicinal sustenance — would be one of … Read More >>

Sex and the Senior Citizens

Oct. 26, 2019

From 1985 to 1992, the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls told the story of four single women in their golden years who shared a house in Miami. It won multiple awards and critical and popular acclaim.
 
Now it’s back and about to hit the stage at the City Opera House… Read More >>

Monetizing Midlife

Oct. 26, 2019

In her 50s, Mary Rogers is having the time of her life. And so are her listeners.

“Of everything I’ve done in my career — and I’ve had some fabulous jobs I’ve loved — the biggest surprise was the joy I got from connecting with people on radio,&… Read More >>

World Series Warmup

Oct. 19, 2019

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and … Chuck Brodsky? Well, maybe. After all, the veteran troubadour has not only written nearly two-dozen songs about the great American pastime, he’s even performed them at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
 
So what better time to have hi… Read More >>

Thriller Time

Oct. 19, 2019

For Nelson DeMille, the thought of writing another thrilling action-adventure novel is — well, not so novel. He’s written 20 of them, including 17 major national bestsellers, seven of which have hit the No. 1 spot on various best-seller lists.
 
This last book was… Read More >>

Peter of Paul and Mary to play GLCFA in Bay Harbor

Oct. 19, 2019

Peter Yarrow could be forgiven for living in the past. With a hit list of songs from his time with Peter, Paul and Mary — and the trio’s concurrent involvement in the civil rights struggle and opposition to the Vietnam war — he could simply show up to sing “Puff the … Read More >>

The Nightclub Cabaret Coming to Front Street — For One Night Only

Oct. 19, 2019

When Paul Canaan takes the stage Nov. 2 at the City Opera House in Traverse City, it won’t be the first time. The Broadway veteran of mega-productions like “Kinky Boots”is familiar with — and to — local audiences, thanks to a previous appearance at the Opera Ho… Read More >>

Peek Inside the Minds of Interlochen’s Young Filmmakers

Oct. 12, 2019

The Interlochen Artists at Kirkbride series has showcased many musicians in multiple forms and genres at Grand Traverse Commons: singers, songwriters, opera, jazz.

The next one in the series, however, goes in a different direction. “Artists from Interlochen at Kirkbride Hall: … Read More >>

The Saxiest Man in America to Play Leelanau Sands

Oct. 12, 2019

Having sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, you think it’d be time for Kenny G to coast. After all, the smooth jazz sax star has sold.
 
But after more than 40 years as a professional musician, the smooth jazz sax star continually hones his skills to make sure he… Read More >>

Better Beauty, Made in Northern Michigan

Oct. 12, 2019

When it comes to locally produced foodstuffs, there are probably more Northern options than you could eat in a week. Same for beverages, from sodas to beer, wine, spirits, even coffee and sparkling water in a can.
 
That’s not the end of it. Companies from across the re… Read More >>

Little Bay Boards: Who Wants In?

Oct. 12, 2019

What dad hasn’t wanted to do something special for his child? Jason Thelen loved being on his standup paddleboard, so when his nine-year-old daughter asked for one too, he was happy to oblige.
 
One caveat: Instead of buying her a foam board made in China, Thelen took i… Read More >>

American Dreams, American Nightmare

Sept. 28, 2019

National Public Radio correspondent Aarti (pronounced ar-thi) Shahani is used to talking and meeting with engineers, CEOs, and hedge fund billionaires as part of her job covering Silicon Valley. And she believes that work helped prepared her for a different assignment — exploring her … Read More >>

What $150K (or Less) Buys Now

Sept. 28, 2019

Hunting for a home between $100,000 and $150,000? Something in or near town —whatever town that might be?
 
If so, you probably already know you’re not alone. Across the region, homes at that price point are hard to find. And if you find one, you’re probably… Read More >>

Pop Goes the Traverse City Park

Sept. 28, 2019

Q:What is a pop-up park?
 
A: A temporary park, complete with many of the attributes one would normally expect: benches, greenery, a site for relaxation or recreation.
 
Q: Why do we need one?
 
A: It’s better than a hole in the ground.
Read More >>

Stormcloud’s Pulled Pork

Sept. 28, 2019

Stormcloud is best known for its beers, and justifiably so. The Frankfort brewery now distributes its popular Birdwalker Blonde Ale, Whiled Away IPA, and Rainmaker Aleat hundreds of stores across the state. But its culinary side is just as appetizing. Tops among the Stormcloud fan club: its… Read More >>

The Incredible Expanding Mackinaw Trail Winery (and Brewery and Cidery)

Sept. 21, 2019

Some might have said Ralph Stabile didn’t understand some basic scientific/agronomic facts — like the “fact” that wine grapes wouldn’t grow as far north as Petoskey, much less the Upper Peninsula. But that didn’t stop him. Because sometimes facts are fact… Read More >>

Killer Kocktails

Sept. 14, 2019

What makes a great cocktail? Well, many things, but among them are premium ingredients, complementary flavor profiles, and a pleasing appearance.
 
Then what makes a Killer Kocktail? That’s easy. Partnering with local entrepreneur Spencer Joseph and his burgeoning busin… Read More >>