Ross Boissoneau | Author
Small Towns, Big Screens, High Hopes
Aug. 21, 2021
For many small cities and towns, a key to a vibrant downtown has often been the draw of a movie theater. That's proven especially true in northern Michigan.
In the latter part of the 20th century, many of our screens went dark as huge multiplexes and a rapidly expanding select…
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Donate Groceries From your Doorstep Aug. 23-27
Aug. 14, 2021
Groceries coming, groceries going. That’s the fresh idea behind Stocked, the brainchild of Zach Hite and Broc Crandall (pictured). Though Stocked’s main gig is delivering groceries to your door, for one week each quarter, they up the ante and provide the easiest opportunity to d…
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Welcome to Ellie’s Dairy-free Kitchen
Aug. 14, 2021
While living in the nation’s capital and finishing her master’s degree from Georgetown University, Ellie Kebler had an idea.
She would leave Washington, D.C., move to a place she’d never been before and, while working full-time at a law firm, write about food. &nbs…
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Mayfair Tavern for Sale
Aug. 14, 2021
If you like history, small-town life, and the beautiful blue waters the area is known for, then Kari King has a deal for you. The Realtor with Century 21 Northland is representing the Mayfair Tavern of Elberta, now for sale at $549,900. The popular watering hole lies just across the street …
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Breathe Owl Breathe in Traverse City
Aug. 14, 2021
The downtown Traverse City venue Studio Anatomy is welcoming the Michigan alt/acoustic trio Breathe Owl Breathe for a concert Aug. 20. The group formed 20 years ago when Micah Middaugh and Andrea Moreno-Beals were introduced by a mutual friend at an ice cream stand. Middaugh is a songwriter…
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COVID-Proof Platforms for Local Musicians & the Listeners Who Love Them
Aug. 7, 2021
When COVID struck, Nate VerBerkmoes and his longtime pal Dan Smiddy (i.e., Sideshow Nate and Dan Strait) came up with an idea: Why not expand their South of the Straits podcast about Michigan music, comedy, and “all around Michigan BADASSERY” — to include a concert c…
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Jack Conners’ Perfect World
Aug. 7, 2021
You might not have heard Jack Conners. But if you’ve ever attended a live show at Northwestern Michigan College or Glen Arbor’s Manitou Music Festival, if you’ve listened to Interlochen Public Radio or albums by the likes of Peter Erskine or Jeff Haas, you&r…
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The Singular Stoll Vaughn
Aug. 7, 2021
Like virtually every other performer, Stoll Vaughan is excited to get back on the road. Relieved. And a little concerned. “It’s still not the same. You just don’t know,” says Vaughan.
The Kentucky-based singer-songwriter will be performing in northern and Wes…
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The Double Life of Tobin Sprout
Aug. 7, 2021
Tobin Sprout has two different audiences. As a painter, his work graces private collections and displays at places like the Cincinnati Zoo and Ford Motor Company. Meanwhile, his music has been positively reviewed by Rolling Stone and garnered fans nationwide.
So which came …
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Up North's Least Wanted Invasive Species
July 31, 2021
You won’t see them on posters at the post office. But make no mistake, these threats to our fields and forests, lakes and streams are most unwelcome. A huge number of plants, animals, and insects are recognized as non-native threats to the state. Many of them are even prohibited to ow…
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Have Stage, Will Travel
July 31, 2021
Sometimes you can’t get to the dance, can’t easily afford to attend — or maybe just aren’t sure you’ll even like it. Traverse City Dance project is solving all three of those problems this summer. It’s bringing the dance to you.
This month,…
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Foreigner Returns to Interlochen Aug. 14
July 31, 2021
Sure, you can expect “Double Vision,” “Urgent” and the rest of the band’s hits when Foreigner hits the stage at Kresge Auditorium Aug. 14. What you might not expect is the sense of urgency lead singer Kelly Hansen promises he and the rest of the band will…
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Alpine Chocolat Haus' Awesome in a Bag
July 24, 2021
If you ask someone — or at least the right person — at Alpine Chocolat Haus in Boyne City what the best treat in the store is, you might be surprised with the answer. It’s not one of the truffles. Not the dizzying variety of coated apples. Not even the chocolate-covered Nu…
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All-Access Fun Up North
July 24, 2021
One trend we can all get behind: the great strides made in creating and adapting recreational options Up North so people of all abilities can access and enjoy our extraordinary outdoors. Local, and regional groups alike have spearheaded efforts to build or retrofit playgrounds, install mobi…
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Best News on Two Wheels
July 24, 2021
After a year in which the world closed and/or went virtual, in-person biking events are again a thing. That means that it’s time for people to pedal to get the medal. Or at least enjoy one another’s camaraderie on area trails.
More and more are doing so. Of the many trai…
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Rock and Roll Hall of Famers on Way to Interlochen
July 24, 2021
People attending the Chicago show at Interlochen Aug. 3 may feel like they’re traveling back through time. The band will be opening the show with the first song from the band’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, released in 1969. It will then move on to its hits from the &r…
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Summer Restaurant and Food News
July 17, 2021
The line keeps moving but never seems to disappear completely. No, not at Moomers (well, maybe; see below), but in terms of news regarding restaurants and food and beverage institutions around the region. Openings, closings, and changes are the only constant in this most volatile industry. …
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Grammy-winning Kurt Elling to Turn GLCFA SuperBlue July 24
July 17, 2021
Grammy-winner Kurt Elling is one of the most lauded and adventurous vocalists in the jazz world. From crafting new lyrics to existing jazz standards to creating originals, performing pop material by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Joe Jackson, and collaborating with a host of different music…
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Grand Traverse Salad Co.
July 17, 2021
It’s not a straight line from the gas station to restaurant, nor is it a direct route from doughnut shop to salad emporium. But it’s the path John and Jan Sheill embarked on, and they’re more than happy with the result: Grand Traverse Salad Company.
&ld…
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Wine, Live Music, and Getting Food Delivered to Our Chairs
July 17, 2021
Boathouse Vineyards in – and on – the Narrows of Lake Leelanau is offering a greatly expanded schedule of summer music. Guests can enjoy wine, music, and wine-paired food while relaxing outside. Local artists will perform everything from mellow rock and cool blues grooves t… Read More >>