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Photo credit: Michigan Rockhounds

A Larry David Parable

My boss, Howard, in New York City had a brother who roomed with Larry David, during a difficult time of his life.

After an SNL knock-off on ABC, where he was a comedy writer, was cancelled, he decided to collect cans for their deposits to make ends meet.

Now this affects Michigan because in a classic Seinfeld episode which Larry David produced and where Kramer and Neuman rent a truck to bring their cans and bottles here because in Michigan, they can double their loot to ten cents instead of five cents in New York.

So today’s northern Michigan parable: leave your empties next to a trash can this summer for the next Larry David.

George Golubovskis | Traverse City

No Invasive Fish

Funding to prevent invasive fish species from entering Lake Michigan is important for our environment and for fishing.

For example, the Invasive Carp Project is critical for the health of Lake Michigan and all the Great Lakes. We need to keep these fish out to maintain a healthy ecosystem within our lakes. This is important for fish diversity. Asian Carp outcompete all of the native species. That means that without stopping the invasive carp, our environment and anglers like me will suffer. I want to continue fishing for pike, salmon, and other species. We hope that the lock and dam on the Plains River can effectively deter invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.

The first line of defense is electric walls, which zap them to death. The second line of defense is bubbles that will cause them to suffocate and die. There’s a third line of defense, too. Right here in Traverse City, the Fishpass project needs our support too. This project is also critical for keeping invasive species, such as sea lamprey, out of the Boardman/Ottaway River and, though we already have some in our lake, keeping more of them out of Lake Michigan. Like the Invasive Carp Project, this Fishpass project is important too. Keep in touch with your federal, state, and local representatives. Remind them to continue prioritizing funding for these projects.

Milo LaForest | Cedar

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC.

Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com

Editor: Jillian Manning

Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman Finance Manager: Libby Shutler

Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kim Murray, Kaitlyn Nance, Abby Walton Porter, Michele Young For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948

Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kim Murray, Kaitlyn Nance, Abby Walton Porter, Michele Young

For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948

Contributors: Joseph Beyer, Ren Brabenec, Eric Cox, Geri Dietze, Anna Faller, Rachel Soulliere, Stephen Tuttle, Drew VanDrie, Todd VanSickle

Distribution: Marc Morris, Gerald Morris, Dave Anderson, Joe Evancho, Jason Ritter, Sherri Ritter, Roger Racine, Sarah Racine, Brandy Grames, Rachel Cara, Jackson Price, Lisa Price, Peggy Bell

Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold

Cover photo: Michigan Rockhounds

Cover photo by Michigan Rockhounds

permission of Northern Express Weekly. Reproduction of all content without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

without written permission of Northern Express Weekly. Reproduction of all content without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

top ten

Did your kiddo watch the Olympics this winter and start dreaming of being a figure skater? If so, get them to Centre Ice Arena (1600 Chartwell Dr. in Traverse City) on Monday, July 20, from 12:30-5pm for a clinic with four 2026 Olympic skaters: Ellie Kam, Danny O’Shea, Emilea Zingas, and Vadym Kolesnik. The clinic is open to all ages and skills, from beginner to advanced, and skaters will be split into groups based on their skill levels. There will be both an on-ice and off-ice seminar, a Q&A panel, and then meet and greet time with the Olympians. Skaters are asked to bring skates, yoga mats, water bottles, sneakers, and snacks for the afternoon. The clinic is $200 per person, and registration can be completed at gofiguretc.org.

Believe it or not, you don’t have to fly across the country to get an excellent lobster roll, because Goody’s Lobster Shack of Frankfort is bringing the East Coast to you. This seasonal pop-up beside Goody’s Market is all about the New England seafood experience, and while the crab cakes and fish and chips are equally delectable, you have to try the Lobster Roll on your first visit. This summertime staple starts with a butter toasted brioche bun that is piled high with six ounces of poached Maine lobster—served chilled, the traditional way—and finished with a lemon aioli dressing. Simple, delicious, and filling, the sandwich will make you think that maybe, if you squint, Betsie Bay might just be the Atlantic. Enjoy at 515 Main Street in Frankfort. goodyslobstershack.com

Caution: Wet Paint

Launched in 2013, this year’s Gene Rantz Memorial Plein Air Paint Out takes place July 17-18. More than 50 artists will paint throughout the northern Leelanau Peninsula and the Village of Northport and capture the beauty of the village, beaches, marina, orchards, vineyards, and landscapes. The Wet Paint Sale/opening reception at Northport Arts Association in the Village Arts Building runs Saturday from 6-9pm and features fresh-off-the-easel paintings, complimentary appetizers, and more. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Exhibit runs through Aug. 1. mynorthtickets.com

Hey, Read It! The Typing Lady

If our lives are defined by shared experience, award-winning author Ruth Ozeki’s short story collection, The Typing Lady: and Other Fictions, is the ultimate meditation on what it means to be human. Containing 11 mini-fictions spanning miles and decades, this compilation covers every moment from euphoric childhood friendships to the doldrums of adulthood and beyond. A young woman slowly discovers purpose in the home of her elderly landlords in “Leafblower,” meanwhile, the unnamed narrator of “Immortal” is convinced eating plastic might prolong our lives. A young girl named Baby (whose extrication from her mother’s corner has serious Dirty Dancing vibes) gets her first taste of independence and the sweet power it wields in “Ships in the Night,” and a treasured rooster’s sudden demise in “Death of the Last White Male” somehow makes just enough space for a soon-to-be mother’s evolving identity. Bursting with Ozeki’s signature warmth and world-building, it’s a collection that invites readers to explore who we’ve been and who we might still become.

Painting by Victoria Jendretzke (via Michigan Plein Air Painters) during the 2022 Plein Air Paint Out.

Midsummer Fun, and Books

It’s a fabulous weekend for arts and culture in the Petoskey area. Saturday, July 18, don’t miss Petoskey’s 40th annual Art in the Park, with 120 booths in Pennsylvania Park featuring work in all mediums. Learn more at petoskeychamber.com/art-in-the-park. July 19, head to Cross Village for a Midsummer’s Daydream from 2-4pm with Good Hart Artist Residency. The event promises an afternoon of poetry, music, and art on the Hindle-Ross Trail, where attendees will find artists and musicians scattered along the enchanting 2-mile pathway. The event is free but parking is limited, so registration is required at goodhartartistresidency.org/ events. Last but not least, catch New York Times bestselling author Paula McLain at Great Lakes Center for the Arts on July 19 at 4pm for a conversation about her new book, Skylark, with McLean & Eakin Booksellers owner Jessilynn Norcross. Tickets ($20) at greatlakescfa. org/events.

Stuff We Love: Classical Happy Hour

When it comes to making art accessible, few do it better than Interlochen Public Radio, and their Classical Happy Hour at The Little Fleet in Traverse City is a perfect example. Each Thursday now through Aug. 5, a different musical group will perform at the food truck hot spot from 5:307:30pm. The Katarina String Quartet (pictured) took the stage on July 8, and the remaining performers include the Archipelago Project (a chamber music program that teaches students to fuse musical styles and cultures) on July 15, TC Dance Project on July 22, cellist Kyle Stachnik and violist Joe Skerik on July 29, and the Mad Angler Trio (made up of retired Interlochen instructors Michael Delp and Crispin Campbell) on Aug. 5. Learn more about each of the performers at interlochenpublicradio.org/IPR-Classical-Happy-Hour.

There’s a new(ish) trash company in town, and they’re more David than Goliath—literally, they’re called Little Guys Trash Co. Gaylord High School grads Parker Willbee and Landen Platte spent their first year out of high school learning the ropes of waste management before launching their business serving residential and commercial customers in the Gaylord area in 2023. They offer similar services to the Big Guys: weekly service for a 96-gallon trash bin, large item pick-ups, and residential pricing that’s just $34 per month. They’ve got the bins, the trucks, and the drive to succeed. Plus, their slogan is just too good: “If you’re talking trash, it better be about us.” Learn more about Little Guys Trash Co. at littleguystrash. com or call (989) 470-TRSH.

up Three TREES Vineyard’s Goat Shepherd

We don’t know about you, but we’re always on the hunt for a red wine suited for warm-weather sipping, and we’ve found our new favorite in The Goat Shepherd Cabernet Franc from Three Trees Vineyard in Suttons Bay. A selection from the 2024 harvest, this sustainably-farmed, estate-grown red was fermented and vinted in concrete for 12 months before maturing for an additional six in French oak barrels. The result? An approachable and delightfully-inky sip with an earthy palette (think: notes of plush raspberry leaf and black pepper), velvety tannins, and a hint of gravelly minerality. The perfect accompaniment to an evening bonfire, an afternoon on the porch, or an airconditioned dinner, it’s—forgive the pun—the GOAT. Oh, and don’t be afraid to try it chilled! Grab a bottle at Three Trees Vineyard and tasting room at 5200 Elm Valley Rd. in Suttons Bay. threetreesvineyard.com

Pictured: The view from Hindle-Ross Trail.

spectator By steven Tuttle

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently ruled on the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause. The surprise was not that it was upheld but that several justices thought otherwise. We’ll get to that later.

At least four members of the current court describe themselves as literalists or originalists or constructionists—they can’t seem to decide on the right word. Basically, they believe the U.S. Constitution means exactly and literally what it says and nothing more. Or that it means what the authors intended and meant based on their writings and comments at the time. This dovetails into their more recent insistence that precedent somehow reflect the history and tradition of the questions at hand.

The result is they have been uprooting past court decisions fairly regularly.

Most of us were first alarmed by this trend in 2010 when SCOTUS decided corporations are people, too, and entitled to First Amendment rights including making unlimited contributions to political campaigns. That’s counterintuitive since most of us know corporations are not people, but that die was cast well before the 2010 Citizens United case.

In 1868, that court decided in a case pitting a California county against the Southern Pacific Railroad, that corporations are entitled to the equal protections of the 14th Amendment. The court actually tried to avoid the question entirely, instead basing their decision on a technical taxation issue, but the notion of corporate personhood had begun and was the foundation which helped construct the 2010 decision.

SCOTUS also recently ruled political parties, previously limited to how much they could involve themselves in individual campaigns, are now free to coordinate fundraising and messaging with candidates. Apparently the influence of outside money wasn’t yet sufficient for SCOTUS, so they have now removed the last hurdle.

Sometimes their decision-making has been just a pure take-away of individual rights. When SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, they took reproductive decision-making away from women, in whose bodies it occurs, and gave that power to state legislators, 67 percent of whom are men.

Other times they simply make decisions completely counter to what the Constitution appears to say. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a religion, but the court decided a football coach saying “voluntary” Christian prayers on the 50-yard line of a public high school football field was just fine because it was private and voluntary. Right, private in the middle of a public (government) field after

a public school (government) contest in front of everyone in attendance. Voluntary? Apparently none of the justices has ever participated in the “voluntary” activities of high school football.

They have allowed the president to remove people from boards and commissions Congress made independent by statute and which history and tradition have followed forever but no more. SCOTUS says that usurps presidential power and is a conflict with the Executive Branch.

This court believes the president should have nearly limitless power, the so-called “unitary president” favored by Chief Justice John Roberts and others. They say he is immune to criminal charges and prosecution, though the court’s hardcore originalists will find no such thing anywhere in the Constitution.

They’ve allowed outrageous gerrymandering by both parties saying, hey, as long as the new districts aren't driven specifically by race, it isn’t the court’s job to stop them.

Actually, Justices Alito and Thomas have both said, one way or another in various forums, they believe the constitution is colorblind, which means they must not have read Article I, Section 2. It is neither race nor gender neutral, which is why amendments had to fix its overt racism and sexism.

Which brings us to the 14th Amendment. The very first sentence of Section 1 says, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the State wherein they reside.” We have followed the very clear language of that amendment since it was ratified in 1868. Yes, it made sure freed slaves, who were considered property not citizens, were eligible for citizenship. But it had been tried in courts multiple times for other reasons since then and had always been upheld because the language is crystal clear.

The current administration, in a frenzy to deport particular groups of people, especially those whose mother was not a legal resident and, more especially, those who may be from a minority majority country, was aghast SCOTUS left things as they are.

If you are born here, you are a citizen exactly as the Constitution promises and has been accepted for more than 150 years. Somehow, four justices thought overturning that precedent, and the history and tradition of birthright citizenship, was a swell idea.

They were wrong, and at least one part of the Constitution was protected.

by Greg Holmes

Sadly, everyone has been hurt by the actions (or inaction) of others at some point in their lives. At times, this infliction of pain and trauma is intentional, but more often than not it is not meant to harm, yet the consequences are nonetheless hurtf ul.

One complication that makes the hurtful actions of others very difficult is that the painful memories of a traumatic event are often long lasting. The primary reason for this is that we haven’t fully dealt with, or come to a resolution about, what happened to us and why.

The memories of trauma are painful to recollect, yet we continue to do so in a search for some form of exoneration or resolution. Not only are we concerned with what happened to us, but an often more complicated question that can bother us incessantly is, “What did I do to deserve this?”

The second step toward forgiveness is to apologize for what we have done. Again this is done without blaming others and without self-recrimination. Here we ask for both understanding and forgiveness, while at the same time showing our interest in changing our behavior. It is important to note here that this step is impossible if even the smallest part of us is still hanging on to the belief that we did nothing “wrong.”

Once we have asked ourselves or someone else to forgive us, the next step for forgiveness to be complete is for us or the other person to change the offensive behavior. This will be the most challenging step in the process as by definition it involves looking deeply into the reason that led to the behavior, agreeing that the behavior was wrong, and pledging to take action to change.

The biggest issue here is dealing with our ego or the ego of another person. In

being able to live peacefully in the present often means making peace with one’s past.

Some (unfortunately, at times, including therapists) suggest that to feel better we need to “get over” the hurtful things that have happened to us. Easier said than done!

The primary reason that we can remain mired in our difficult past is that we have not fully forgiven others and/or ourselves for what has happened. Complete forgiveness is impossible without the assistance of the person or people that hurt us in the first place, yet there are still things that can be done in their absence.

An important step toward forgiveness is to try to understand the intention of the person or group that has hurt you. Our goal here is not to excuse someone for hurting us, but to understand the reason for their behavior. Sadly, in this process we may indeed find out that for whatever reason, they actually did want to hurt us. On the other hand, perhaps their anger and/or other mental health issues got the best of them and they temporarily lost control.

Three steps are necessary in order to achieve true or complete forgiveness of either yourself or others. The first and most difficult step is an honest acknowledgment of how you have hurt someone or how they have hurt you. During this step it is important to accept responsibility for your behavior and not blame someone else.

This is very hard for most of us as we have lived in a culture and world where playing the “blame game” is the order of the day. However, without honesty, complete forgiveness is impossible.

BUFFALO

Ground, New York Strip & Ribeye Cuts

Ground

general, people hate to be wrong or admit to wrongdoing. That is one reason why you rarely see a politician admit that they made a mistake, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. An excellent example of this is one of Trump’s red hats: It simply claims: “Trump was right about everything”. No wonder he has never apologized for anything!

True forgiveness is difficult to achieve and many people choose to simply “forget” the offensive behavior of others in an effort to move on and get on with the show.

Consider the case of Graham Platner, who was running as a Democrat in the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Maine. Serious allegations have been made about his past behavior, including getting a tattoo similar to a Nazi image. (He has since had the tattoo covered up.) In addition, there have been reports of mistreatment of women in his past. Maine Democrats by and large continued to support Platner, regardless of his checkered past, until the call for the suspension of his campaign became too loud to ignore.

Think for a moment about your past, in particular any regrets you may have. Have you forgiven yourself? Have you made any changes because of what you learned? Perhaps you, like most people, would prefer not to think about such things and “get on with the show.” However, being able to live peacefully in the present often means making peace with one’s past.

Greg Holmes lives and writes in Traverse City.

Toddlers, Man

Gracie, a 3-year-old giraffe who wandered from her enclosure in Texas Hill Country, has returned home safely, the Associated Press reported on June 26. The 1,200-pound giraffe was missing for two weeks before being spotted about four miles south of her home, Cedar Hollow Ranch, in Real County. The area is so remote that parts of it cannot be reached by car, sparking searches conducted by helicopter and drones. Since Gracie was within half a mile of water and surrounded by vegetation, and found on uninhabited private property, her owner had a little time to formulate the best method for bringing her back. "We didn't bother her," owner Vick Jones said. "She's got water. She looked in really good shape." The rescue operation took some careful planning that included coordinating with veterinarians to safely sedate the giraffe before moving her to two different trailers to drive her back to the ranch. Jones believes Gracie left from an area of the ranch that didn't have a gate. The other giraffes at the ranch had never wandered over there, and there was no gate because installing one would have meant jackhammering through rock to put it up. After Grace's great escape, though, Jones has plans to build a fence.

[AP, 6/26/26]

Water Baby

On Saturday, June 27, a woman went into labor at the Wet 'N Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark in Greensboro, North Carolina, People reported. According to one witness, the delivery happened in the women's bathroom. "Just casually leaving Wet 'N Wild today and they start bringing a lady out of the bathroom with a baby," he said on social media. "They delivered her baby in the bathroom. The whole park clapped and she rolled off on the stretcher." A spokesperson for the Guilford County Emergency Medical Services said that both mother and baby are doing well. "Our Paramedics, advanced EMTs and EMTs are always ready to meet patients where they are, and sometimes that includes a water park on a hot summer day. Emergencies do not wait for ideal circumstances, and neither do we," Scott Muthersbaugh, the public information officer for Guilford County Emergency Services, said. [People, 6/29/26]

Oops

An unfortunate translation error raised some eyebrows in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. According to UPI, posters meant to reference "public squares" were posted in both English and France around the Centretown area to promote the city's "Uncommon Spaces" initiative. However, the French version of the signs -- "Placettes Pubiques" -- was missing a key letter in the second word, making it read as "pubic squares" instead. The signs were taken down, but not before making the rounds on social media. "This was an unintentional translation error that made its way into production," Sabrina Lemay, executive director of the

Centretown Business Improvement Area, said. "As soon as we became aware of it, we took steps to have it corrected." City officials were not involved in the mistake, and city councilor Stephanie Plante expressed frustration over the ordeal. "We want to attract Francophones. We want people from Gatineau to come here and participate in our events," she said.

"I think they'll think we're taking this a bit lightly when we make mistakes like 'publiques' without the 'l.'" [UPI, 6/29/26]

Roast Beef With a Side of Herpes

Former Arby's manager Amanda Hendricks, 38, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has been charged with poisoning food/ medicine with intent to injure after spitting into a customer's sandwich, causing the customer to contract herpes.

On June 22, The Smoking Gun reported that Jennica Church, 38, contracted oral herpes, with symptoms such as cold sores and painful lesions, after consuming one of her 4-for-$10 roast beef sandwiches. The remaining three were shared with family members, who did not get sick. When Church's daughter heard rumors of Hendricks bragging that she had spit in Church's food, Church contacted police, who served a warrant to Arby's for their surveillance tapes. In the affidavit, Officer Zane Mann described the video: "Amanda has the meat in her hands and lifts it to neck level and leans her head down and you can see the saliva leave her mouth and go into the sandwich." When he contacted Hendricks about coming to the station for an interview, she told him she couldn't get there due to lack of transportation, but she confessed anyway. "While speaking with Amanda, she made the utterance that I have the footage, and she was not going to waste my time," Mann said. "Yes, she did it." Church has filed a lawsuit against Hendricks and Arby's. [The Smoking Gun, 6/22/26]

Smooth Criminal

On June 24, Nadi Jabari, 46, was arrested in Hillsborough County, Florida, after he tried to impersonate law enforcement and conduct a traffic stop, complete with the familiar red and blue flashing lights, WKRN reported. Unluckily for him, the car he pulled over was an undercover vehicle that belonged to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The detectives quickly turned the tables and conducted a traffic stop of their own on Jabari. Their search of his black Chevrolet Suburban yielded an illegal emergency light installation, an emergency light bar and a firearm. Jabari has been charged with false impersonation, unlawful use of blue light, and possession of a firearm. "When someone falsely presents themselves as law enforcement, they threaten the trust that exists between deputies and the community we serve," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This individual's actions were dangerous, deliberate, and illegal. We will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to impersonate a deputy and use that deception to intimidate or endanger others."

WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE

By Rachel Soulliere

Rock hunting is a quiet hobby, but one that puts northern Michigan on the map. From the famed Petoskey stone to Frankfort greens and Leland blues, rockhounds from around the world flock to local shores annually for the thrill of the hunt.

“This hobby is something that overshadows other types of seasonal Michigan hobbies, like deer hunting, because people come to our state specifically to do this,” says Cody Wiedenbein, Michigan Rockhounds founder and community lead. “For some, rock hunting is a bonding experience; for others, it’s about collecting; and for some, it’s a career. It’s accessible for all ages and is the perfect souvenir of our region for visitors who want to see if they have what it takes to find a Petoskey stone of their own.”

From late May to August, beachgoers are as likely to be looking at the horizon as they are to be head down, searching sandy shores for Michigan’s most famed rocks. From Petoskey stones to Lake Superior Agates, we dive into the history and locations you’re most likely to find some of Michigan’s naturally created and man-made stones.

The Petoskey Stone

The Petoskey stone we have come to know today made its appearance on Michigan shorelines a few million years ago after being churned up by massive ancient glaciers. These glaciers broke apart Michigan’s bedrock, including massive coral formations, and distributed Petoskey stones and other rocks, such as Michigan river rock, across the state.

The epitome of a Michigan treasure hunt, it’s no wonder these elusive history-filled stones became Michigan’s state stone in 1965. Featuring a honeycomb pattern created by the calcification of coral, sediments, and clay, you truly can’t find this specific type of stone anywhere else in the world.

“While there are around 10 types of Hexagonaria that exist, Michigan is the only place you can find the Hexagonaria percarinata,” says Wiedenbein. “This specific structure is like a beehive with each organism living in a tube. When one dies, it gets filled with sediments and clay, and this is what makes each eye on a Petoskey stone. This is also why the eyes of the stone tend to wear down quicker than the coral, which has a calcium carbonate structure. Ultimately, this unique structure is what brings rockhounds to Michigan.”

You can find Petoskey stones across the state, most often on beaches in the upper lower peninsula. Due to glacial activity, Wiedenbein has also found them in midMichigan and even, most notably, in a fast-food restaurant parking lot. However, Wiedenbein’s favorite Petoskey stone hunting spots are on the shores of Lake Huron.

“There’s an abandoned quarry in Alpena that the DNR turned into Rockport State Recreation Area. At this park, you can take your own hammer and chisel and mine for your very own Petoskey stone out of the actual 350-million-year-old Devonian coral that these stones are formed from. You can collect ones the size of your head and it’s such a unique experience because people aren’t used to seeing the actual coral that Petoskey stones are formed from,” Wiedenbein says.

Frankfort Green & Leland Blue

Years ago, Wiedenbein was having a difficult time finding information on Frankfort green and Leland blue stones, so he spent three years doing the research himself. What he found led him to a deeper historical appreciation of the stones and teaching others how to correctly attribute

the stones names to the region they were formed.

“Both Leland blues and Frankfort greens are glass slag material leftover from iron melting in the 1800s. This means wherever there was an iron industry, you’ll find slag. This is why it’s important to keep the name focused on the region the slag was created, as each iron smelting operation produced different colored slag depending on the trace elements, impurities, and how fast it hydrates and cools,” Wiedenbein explains.

He then notes Elk Rapids and Cadillac both had a smelter who produced blue glass slag, but they shouldn’t be called Leland blues, rather Elk Rapids blue or Cadillac blue. Since these were the towns these specific blue stones were created in, utilizing the town name pays respect to the specific operations and iron industry in that city.

From sky blue to indigo or purple to green, these man-made glass stones are great rock hunting treasures but have had more practical uses historically, including railroads and house foundations.

Lake Superior Agates, Yooperlites & Puddingstones

Agates, Yooperlites, and Puddingstones are all most likely to be found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly near Lakes Superior and Huron.

Agates: Cold-water agates feature blue to white tint and laces that form at the center where fossils used to be. Lake Superior agates were specifically formed in areas like the Keweenaw Peninsula or Isle Royale from amygdaloidal basalt, which has pockets like Swiss cheese that make it easy for other minerals to invade to create its coloring. They are usually as big as a quarter, and you can find people regularly hunting for them in Marquette in the mornings or after a big storm has come through.

Yooperlites: These glowing rocks were carried down to the Upper Peninsula by glaciers in Canada and dispersed along Michigan’s shoreline. While the name suggests they can only be found in the Upper Peninsula, Wiedenbein and his team like to refer to them as “Glowdalites,” as you can find them along shores across the state… as long as you have a high-quality ultraviolet light. You can find a majority of rockhounds searching for the largest concentration of these rocks between Grand Marais to Whitefish Point at night with their strongest UV lights.

Puddingstones: Dropped parallel to Drummond Island by glaciers, Puddingstones have a cookie-like appearance that features pebbles, including red jasper, against a white or gray quartzite base. The Michigan Rockhounds map features eight different locations to find Puddingstones, all along Lake Huron.

Where to Hunt

Explore the Michigan Rockhounds Map to view the best hunting grounds for each individual rock mentioned above and more: michiganrockhounds.com/map.

Welcoming more than 268,300 members to their Facebook group, Michigan Rockhounds is setting the standard for rock hunting locations, rules, and history.

Wiedenbein shares rock hunting spots on the Michigan Rockhounds map, but he always adds the disclaimer of there never being a guarantee of finding the exact rock you are looking for. He encourages rockhounds, from novice to expert, to experience the joy of the hunt and to take in the full history of each town’s rocks instead of focusing on finding a certain rock.

Even with this disclaimer and limitations in place, including a 25-pound yearly limit and it being illegal to remove rocks from national lakeshores such as Sleeping Bear

The everchanging landscape of rock hunting

Writer Rachel Soulliere rock hunting. (We won't spill where!)

Dunes, Wiedenbein still hears words of concern regarding difficulty of finding stones.

In fact, a few years ago, a local politician came to him concerned that they couldn’t find a Petoskey stone. They wanted to take steps to protect this elusive stone, as they believed rockhounds may be scooping up too many of them and not leaving enough for everyone else.

“One thing this politician didn’t realize is that there are thousands of metric miles of Petoskey stone in formation underneath

Michigan. Every single day these formations are breaking apart on the shoreline and bringing more stones to the surface to be found by all. There truly is enough for everyone,” Wiedenbein says.

(Turns out, a combination of location, seasonality, and the politician’s eye not being particularly rock hunting trained were what contributed to their inability to find a Petoskey stone during their summer trip to the lakeshore.)

Rock hunters often have good luck after big, windy storms, during which waves churn

up plenty of new finds from the depths.

But one of the greatest times of year is not summer but early spring. (We recommend you invest in waders.)

do a new collection of our local stones. The earlier you can get out to hunt, seasonally and time-of-the-day wise, the luckier you might be. Turns out, the early

Cold Water Agate

Petoskey Stone Lake Superior Agate

Leland Blue

Photos courtesy of Michigan Rockhounds

A Perfect Sailing Day Every Day

Torch Lake Sailing School’s summer on the water

By Todd VanSickle

The Torch Lake Yacht and Country Club has sat on a point that juts out into the blue waters of Torch Lake, straddling the 45th parallel, for almost 100 years. The yacht club grounds are filled with cedars, white pine, mature flowering perennials, tennis courts, and an oversized chessboard near the waters edge.

The McCutcheon, Hibbard, and Bechtold families founded the TLYCC in 1928 with the idea that families could have a place to relax, gather, and sail. Each summer a new generation returns to the yacht club just like their parents and grandparents did for the same reason—sailing.

Over the years, the yacht club has undergone renovations and additions, but the original log cabin portion of the clubhouse is still in use. The wrap-around wooden porch gives regatta spectators and idlers a comfortable view of Torch Lake.

The private club has more than 200 member families, but being a member is not required to enjoy some of its amenities, like sailing lessons and regattas. For those looking to get on the water, Torch Lake Sailing School, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based out of the TLYCC, offers sailing lessons.

Community

The sailing school is also a family affair deeply rooted at TLYCC.

Casey Keller has been the director of the school for the past four years. She took over the position from her mother Amy, who founded the nonprofit in 2018 and opened it up to the public. The school has two instructors, including Keller’s brother Ben.

“My family has been coming to Torch Lake for generations on both sides, my mom’s and dad’s grandparents and great grandparents,” Keller says. “I grew up right here on the lake in the summer and went through this

program myself. It has always been at the core of my family that everyone sails.”

She grew up competing in the butterfly fleet at TLYCC and continues to sail competitively against her cousins in the E scow fleet at the yacht club during the summer. Keller’s father is a professional sailor who competes on the Melges.

“We are very passionate about learning to sail,” Keller says.

The director says the sailing school is for both experienced and first-timer sailors.

“We’ve got kids who have been coming here for years, and their grandparents drop them off and they remember coming here to learn how to sail back in the day, but we also have kids who’ve never sailed before and are absolutely brand new to it,” Keller says. “Having both sides of the spectrum is just really, really magical.”

She says the lesson is the same for everyone.

“You will get something different out of it based on your experience,” she says. “But you’ll still be able to keep up and have fun and know what's going on.”

TLYCC’s location—both on the water and off—makes it a perfect spot for sailing. In the past, some sailing school students have been dropped off by boat for lessons. By the road, the club is not far from Bellaire. And on the water, almost any day is a great day for sailing.

“There’s so much history in this spot with sailing, and around a community that has valued it for generations,” Keller says. “I think we have a perfect location. When we send our classes out into the water, there is minimal boat traffic. If we want to get technical about it, the way that the point is situated means that we’re able to have a perfect sailing day every day. If it’s too windy to the south, then we launch from the north side of the point. If it’s too windy to the

north, we launch from the south side of the point. So it is really versatile for our sailing needs. … It’s magical, and it’s really fun to get to be a part of it.”

Classes

There are a variety of lessons offered on a weekly basis, including private one-on-one lessons with an instructor. Classes are about 90 minutes long and are four days a week.

“We call it chalk talk, so before you go out on the water, and after you go out, you get that onshore education,” Keller says. “We talk about where’s the wind coming from? What do you do if you get stuck? And kind of prep them, and then we are out on the water.”

The sailing school has a variety of fleets and sailors from five to 70 years old.

“Our real big thing is that it is never too early or too late to learn how to sail, it is always the right time,” she says. “We will meet you where you are, and kind of cultivate a lesson that works best for the individual sailor.”

The sailing school provides the boat and all the necessary equipment.

“Our only requirement is that you feel comfortable in the water, and we do ask that you bring a life jacket,” Keller says.

Competition

TLYCC hosts several regattas throughout the summer, and sailors don’t have to be a member to participate.

Last year, the yacht club hosted the Western Michigan Yachting Association Regatta. The four-day competition attracted scores of sailors from around the state and farther. The regatta features various boats and fleets.

“We had two of our little Torch Lake Sailing School kids that participated in the Opti fleet, and they weren’t club members,” Keller says. “They’d just been through our

program, so they were registered under Torch Lake Sailing School. They did a fantastic job and were able to be competitive.”

One of the school’s biggest success stories is Max Daly. He won the Western Michigan Regatta last year on his home lake in the butterfly fleet.

“He went through our program as a sailor, and he spent a few years as an instructor as well,” Keller says. “He was one of our assistant instructors. He was there every day, and came back to work for us.” Daly will be competing in the Butterfly Nationals, which will be hosted by TLYCC on July 14-16. The one-design junior regatta will have an open event in the afternoon.

Torch Lake Sailing School also has a racing team that focuses on technique and tactics to be more competitive in regattas. The race team trains during the month of July. Some of the school’s sailors are expected to compete in the upcoming Butterfly Nationals regatta.

“We are excited to get some of our race team kids out there on the water this summer and have them compete,” Keller says.

For more information about Torch Lake Sailing School, visit torchlakesailingschool.com

WE ALL BREATHE THE SAME AIR

By Drew VanDrie

As the Great Lakes State, it’s understandable that clean water often comes to the forefront in environmental conversations. But there is one invisible element that is just as essential to personal, communal, and environmental health—the air we breathe.

Northern Michigan largely benefits from good air quality, but a warming climate has increased the prevalence of negative factors such as wildfire smoke, causing hazy summer days and an uptick in air quality warnings. Seeking to clear the air on the aspects of clean air, Northern Express sat down with Elizabeth (Lisa) Del Buono, MD and founder of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action, to discuss threats to air quality, changes to the environment, and steps for the future that can help all of Michigan breathe easy.

Air Quality Declines

Protecting and promoting clean air requires extensive engagement and coordination, which is the objective of the Michigan Clinicians for Climate Change (MiCCA). According to their website, the organization is “a coalition of 400+ Michigan

health professionals focused on mitigating and preventing the adverse health effects of climate change.”

And while centered in Michigan, the organization has broader national reach, tying into the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, whose medical societies boast membership of over one million health professionals. Engaged in numerous aspects regarding climate health and its relation to public health, one of the main focuses for MiCCA and Del Buono is air quality and the equity of those effects on populations.

“Air quality in Michigan varies depending on geography, really tremendously,” says Del Buono. “There are certain areas that really have had and still do have very poor air quality.”

Del Buono explains that the more populated areas of the state such as southeast and lower west of Michigan often experience more adverse air quality. This is tied to industry, traffic density, and consistently warmer temperatures, which can have negative impacts on air quality. And then, of course, there’s the potential for the haze of wildfires drifting across the country.

“The wildfire smoke that we’re

experiencing every summer is another big hit on air quality,” says Del Buono. “The fact that we’re seeing it over and over and over again is primarily related to the fact that as temperatures warm and we have drier conditions, we have more intense and more frequent wildfires because of climate change,” she says.

This increased consistency of warmer conditions points to the idea that wildfire smoke in the summer is “going to become our new normal throughout Michigan,” she says.

Health

Impacts

The effects of poor air quality on health are often twofold. Del Buono categorizes them in regards to short-term or acute incidents, and long-term effects.

She notes that air quality can vary dayto-day based on environmental conditions and that a poor Air Quality Index (AQI) can trigger more immediate events for individuals with respiratory issues. This can be incidents such as asthma attacks or difficulty breathing for people with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Del Buono explains that the more longterm issues are usually linked to extended

exposure to poor air quality and fine particulate matter (a type of air pollution.)

“There’s clear correlations between the quality of air that people breathe over time and the likelihood of developing cognitive difficulties in the elderly, like dementia, and cognitive difficulties in children,” she says.

Another susceptible group is women who are pregnant with an increased incidence of preterm deliveries and stillbirths. Extended exposure to poor quality air can also have adverse effects on cardiovascular development in children. Del Buono refers to a publication titled “The Air They Breathe” by Dr. Debra Hendrickson which expounds on how chronic exposure to air pollution stunts the growth of lung and airway tissue, reducing lung capacity.

Paying the Price

Beyond negative health effects, Del Buono reminds that air quality is a universal issue and can have indirect impacts as well.

“Here in Traverse City air quality is mostly good, so you may think, ‘Well, this doesn’t really impact me,’” she says. “But what we’re all noticing is that access to healthcare is becoming more and more difficult.”

The increase of health issues related to

“When people get sick, even if it’s way down in Detroit or anywhere in the state, what that does is we all pay for it,” says Del Buono. “We all pay for it in terms of higher insurance comp costs, higher premiums, higher deductibles, and slower access to healthcare.”

EPA Rulings & Data Centers

Much as air quality is a universal issue that affects all Michiganders, the solutions and actions for the future also require communal effort. For Del Buono and MiCCA, that often results in paying attention to the changing EPA regulations, and advocacy and engagement at the legislative level.

“What happens in the EPA makes a lot of difference to us,” she says. “It’s critically important that our leaders believe in evidencebased data, and recognize that science.”

But Del Buono says current EPA leadership is making her work an uphill battle, citing the Feb. 12, 2026, decision by the EPA to reverse the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which allowed for regulation on greenhouse gas emissions.

“They have decided to no longer consider the cost of health impacts into their rulemaking, which is really the antithesis of their mandate, which is to protect the health and environment over profit,” says Del Buono.

Looking forward, Del Buono also touches on another hot topic: AI data centers and the need for proper regulation.

“From my opinion, AI is here,” she says, “I don’t think we can completely eliminate data centers, but I think when they’re being sited, they have to first listen to the community in which they’re sited.”

Some considerations she points to are “very strict guardrails” regarding water usage

and environmental impact, along with a push for these centers to be powered by noncarbon forms of energy, with an emphasis on holding tech companies accountable.

“I think those guardrails have to be very, very firm and we have to proceed very, very cautiously,” she says, hoping that cooperation could yield new innovation in clean energy solutions if centers are held to high standards and these innovations are funded by the tech companies coming in.

Safer Solutions

Creating positive change, advocating for air quality, and enhancing public health is going to require engagement and involvement.

MiCCA is already heavily involved in communicating with the Michigan legislature, showing up in June to advocate for environmentally conscious regulation.

“We were in Lansing and we brought nurses and public health professionals to Lansing to talk to our legislators in support of the 2023 Michigan Clean Energy laws, encouraging them to consider supporting an independent third-party community solar,” Del Buono says.

To get involved, Del Buono encourages individuals to register to vote, show up, and above all, have an informed opinion.

“Really read through what’s on the ballot and make your decisions before you get in there in a really thoughtful way,” she says, “Know what the different options are, make sure that they’re credible people that you’re voting for that believe in evidencebased science and will protect human health through protecting the environment.”

In closing Del Buono, drives home that it’s important to remember as well that we are all breathing the same air.

“I think this is an opportunity for us to

learn to work together as a community,” she says. “It is a human health problem.”

Del Buono notes that despite the serious challenges and divides in our nation, we exist in a world capable of change, innovation, and connection.

“It’s all connected, and it’s dependent on the health of the planet. You cannot separate it,” she says. “The health of the environment is completely related to our ability to maintain our own health and the health of people we love.”

Del Buono

WOMEN ON THE WATER

By Eric Cox

People are fleeing northward to avoid a warming lower Midwest, and the effects of this driven influx is having a profound impact on regional waterways. Cold water fisheries that are home to trout and salmon populations are facing unprecedented disruption as a once pristine watershed suffers the jolt of widespread housing and commercial growth.

Working to counter the disturbance and restore the natural character of area rivers and streams is Trout Unlimited’s Adams Chapter, whose leaders and volunteers are refocusing their efforts on cold water conservation.

Sixty-two-year-old Liz Petrella, the Adams Chapter’s three-term president who describes herself as a “fly fishing, cigarsmoking hot mess,” says that, for a time, the Adams Chapter had lost its way down the meandering stream of conservation. The emphasis, she said, had shifted to fly fishing, rather than enhancing and protecting the region’s cold water streams and rivers.

Of course, just about everyone involved with Trout Unlimited, a Michigan-based national organization, is to some degree a fly

fishing enthusiast. Yet, the organization was originally formed as a bulwark against cold water habitat depletion—not as a champion of the sport. As an outsider looking in, Petrella said she saw a male-dominated organization that had lost its way.

“My number one mission was to flip the dialogue and get the emphasis back on conservation,” Petrella says about her rise to leadership. “We wanted to change [our mission] back to what it was originally: cold water conservation. And in the last five years, it has really changed. I use gentle reminders and not-so gentle reminders, saying ‘Let’s not forget what our core mission is.’”

That mission was established in Grayling back in1959, when a group of fly fishermen resolved to organize and begin protecting the fragile trout and salmon habitats that have helped make northern Michigan such a storied fishery. Disgruntled by the state’s practice of stocking hatchery fish in local waterways, the Trout Unlimited crew vowed to improve the state’s river system to ensure wild and native trout populations were allowed to thrive.

The chapter’s efforts to preserve and restore trout habitat range from riparian

corridor rehabilitation and bank erosion prevention to public education about the watershed and grant making to organizations that want to carry out the work.

WOW!

Like a large river’s smaller tributary, the Adams Chapter has been flowing since its 1996 formation, focusing on the Boardman, Manistee, Pine, Pere Marquette, Rapid, and Au Sable Rivers. With over 400 members, the group has grown, particularly of late, as the chapter’s four-year-old Women on the Water (WOW) program draws in more people.

“There’s a stigma to [fly fishing] for women and there doesn’t need to be,” Petrella, who is also vice chairperson of Trout Unlimited Michigan, says. “We’re trying to break that.”

As its first woman president, Petrella has not only redirected the Adams Chapter’s energies back to its original core mission, she’s also expanded programming, with WOW as a centerpiece. And it’s just what it sounds like: Fly Fishing 101, with women learning about trout and fly fishing on the water. Over 400 women have completed the program, and a waiting list for this year’s classes is already growing.

To get in, participants must first be a Trout Unlimited Adams Chapter member. According to Petrella, that requirement alone has resulted in an 8-9 percent increase in overall chapter membership, plus real diversification. The program cost is $35 for about 90 minutes of instruction by qualified guides, followed by a few hours on the water.

Students, who are supplied with a quality fly rod and reel and other equipment, learn about everything from river ecology and prime trout habitat to fly fishing basics and fly choices.

Petrella said while she’s on board with women teaching women, she definitely wants the most qualified guides regardless of gender. “I’m cultivating a group of guides that can actually teach,” she tells Northern Express. “I pick the best guides and I don’t care if they’re men or women.”

She said the program’s popularity skews through all socio-economic strata, drawing a range of women from high-powered elected officials, to widowed retirees, to teenagers just wanting to try something new and learn for themselves.

“These women gather after their classes and share their thoughts, exchanging phone numbers, talking about their experiences,

Trout Unlimited Adams Chapter connecting new fishers to our rivers and streams

Photos by Chris Doyal, courtesy of Trout Unlimited

and taking pictures with their course completion certificates,” Petrella explains. “They’re looking forward to those future classes! They’re learning about the power of a river, and what a unique experience it is to land a trout in a swift current. They have a guide there to help them do that, so at least they had the experience correctly and learned the right way.

“This is so fun because these post-course events take place under shade trees with six or seven bottles of wine, cigars, and cheese boards,” Petrella says proudly. “It’s so fun watching these ladies networking and comparing notes about the program.”

To say the program is popular is an understatement. According to Petrella, Women on the Water has blossomed into one of the Adams Chapter’s most successful

endeavors. “The more people who appreciate what our cold waters have to offer, the more advocates we’ll have for their conservation,” she concludes.

Growing the Adams Chapter, and hence the number of people who appreciate the fishery, is Petrella’s and Trout Unlimited’s ultimate goal.

“We want to get support and educate our membership on the need for cold water conservation,” she explains. “We have grown and strengthened our partnerships so we can continue to address the needs of our watershed. We’re very fortunate to have the quality of partners that we do. We’re always happy to have continuity in our efforts, and we’re excited to see people wanting to help each other.”

To learn more, visit adamstu.org.

A BITE OF HISTORY

There are currently 19 Trout Unlimited chapters in Michigan representing over 7,000 members who are dedicated to preserving and restoring the state’s cold water habitats. Those chapters sprang from the original flagship charter initiated in 1959 on the banks of the Au Sable river at Grayling. At that time, fly fishermen George Mason, president of General Motors, and George Griffith, a longtime Grayling resident, joined forces over concerns about overfishing, pollution, and the state’s stocking of hatchery fish in streams and rivers.

Convinced that Michigan’s trout streams could harbor far superior fish if left to their own devices, the anglers formed a new organization: Trout Unlimited, dedicated to caring for and recovering wild and native trout and salmon.

“In short order,” the organization’s website says, “the fledgling organization persuaded the state to curtailing trout stocking and begin managing for wild trout and healthy rivers. Inspired by that success, anglers in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, and Pennsylvania quickly founded their own TU chapters, and the organization soon doubled in size.”

Today, Trout Unlimited’s stewardship continues to grow alongside the organization itself, with nearly 400 chapters spread across 36 to 48 state councils nationwide.

The Top Threats to the Great Lakes… and Ways to Combat Them

Seven orgs, government entities, and businesses weigh in

By Ren Brabenec

There’s nothing we Michiganders are more proud of than our Great Lakes. And while we’re in the high season of swimming, paddling, and boating, it seems like life couldn’t get any better out on the water.

But behind the scenes, our lakes face rising challenges—from pollutants to quagga mussels to climate change—so we checked in with seven organizations dedicated to protecting our favorite natural resource.

LOCAL

The Little Traverse Conservancy

Though it is easy to assume the Great Lakes will always be there and remain healthy and natural, Anne Fleming at the Little Traverse Conservancy emphasizes the importance of not taking the Great Lakes for granted. Fleming is the director of community outreach and communications at LTC, where she focuses on preserving land and scenic areas in northern Michigan.

To Fleming, one of the first steps in encouraging the public to advocate for the Great Lakes is ensuring they can access them, which means preserving the land where the lake meets the shore. “When people can access the Great Lakes via public lands, they develop a relationship with the water and become an advocate for it,” Fleming says.

“We are pleased to say that some of the few places the public can get to a Great Lake in our service area is thanks to the work the

conservancy has been able to do in partnership with landowners and supporters. For example, between Harbor Springs and Mackinac City, almost all of the most popular access points to Lake Michigan were conservancy projects, including the beloved Sturgeon Bay Dunes, a protection effort coordinated by LTC’s first executive director, Kathy Bricker, that is now part of Wilderness State Park.”

The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay

The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay combines scientific expertise with policy work to examine and advocate for the health of the Great Lakes watershed system as a whole, i.e., not just by examining the bodies of water themselves, but by examining the entire watershed system that surrounds the Great Lakes.

“We approach our work in three core ways,” says Christine Crissman, executive director of the Watershed Center. “We protect water through science-based planning and advocacy, restore waterways through on-the-ground projects, and connect people to clean water through education and community engagement. From leading watershed protection strategies to implementing nature-based stormwater solutions and naturalizing shorelines, we serve as both a trusted resource and a strong voice for clean water.”

Crissman lists off some of the organization’s recent accomplishments, highlighting their successful efforts to hold a polluter accountable for long-term water

quality violations, their work to guide shared stewardship of a newly restored, free-flowing river system in the BoardmanOttaway River Network, and their efforts to give Kids Creek new life through habitat restoration, stormwater improvements, and reconnection of natural systems.

But their work is far from finished. As a watershed expert, Crissman directed our attention to the role that non-Great Lake water systems play in Great Lakes water quality.

“Wetlands, rivers, and natural shorelines that once filtered pollution and supported diverse ecosystems are increasingly altered or disconnected, reducing their ability to protect water quality and sustain native species in the Great Lakes,” she says.

“Runoff from urban and agricultural areas remains a significant stressor, carrying nutrients, sediment, and contaminants into rivers and lakes,” Crissman adds. “Habitat loss and fragmentation, especially in wetlands, rivers, and along shorelines, continue to strain native species that depend on connected, complex ecosystems to survive and thrive.

“At the same time, emerging pollutants that aren’t yet fully understood, including microplastics and other toxic compounds, are a growing concern as they are increasingly running off the land and becoming present in the Great Lakes.”

Wave Lumina

Pollution is not a new concern, but the types of pollution threatening the Great

Lakes are changing. Wave Lumina is a Traverse City-based tech company that’s building one of the first field-deployable screening tools for PFAS, aka forever chemicals. Across the state, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy maintains a public map of confirmed sites.

“Michigan has identified more PFASimpacted sites than nearly any other state,” Wave Lumina founder and CEO Vernon LaLone says. “Once these compounds enter surface water or groundwater, they don’t break down. Environmental consultants working on Great Lakes-adjacent sites— landfills, airports with firefighting foam history, legacy manufacturing—currently fly blind between lab turnarounds. Our tool gives them eyes on contamination in real time, which translates to faster cleanups and better sampling decisions.”

LaLone has spent years working on technology to combat PFAS. He says the work of protecting the Great Lakes and Michigan waters, both above ground and below, can’t just be left to private companies, nonprofits, and the government.

“Everyone needs to play a role, however they can, starting with testing your water,” LaLone says. “If you’re on a private well, get it tested for PFAS at least once, and check whether your township or county has a known PFAS site within your groundwater capture zone,” he recommends.

LaLone adds that “If you’re on municipal water, ask your utility for their most recent PFAS testing results; under the new federal

Photo courtesy of the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

drinking water standards, they’re required to share them. It sounds small, but PFAS contamination is essentially invisible—no taste, no smell, no color change—and the only way to know what you’re drinking is to measure it. Every household that tests adds a data point to a picture we badly need to fill in.”

REGIONAL

The Great Lakes Coalition

Ron Watson is board president of the Michigan-based Great Lakes Coalition, a “non-profit organization whose membership consists of individual coastal property owners throughout the Great Lakes Basin,” per their website. He tells us what he thinks the public isn’t focusing on enough regarding the Great Lakes.

“The hidden danger no one’s talking about is not the water itself, but that critical habitat and ecosystem where the water meets the land,” says Watson. “The Great Lakes Coalition focuses attention and action on water levels, natural sand supply to beaches, dunes, and bluffs, shoreline protection and resiliency, and coastal management. Our goal is a simple one: to ensure the Great Lakes and their coastal regions remain healthy, natural, accessible, and usable forever.”

According to Watson, much of the shoreline erosion along Lake Michigan is caused by human activities, such as piers, jetties, harbors, and dredging. He explained that piers and jetties interrupt the natural flow of sand (called littoral drift) by trapping massive amounts of sand on the up-drift side of the obstruction while starving the downdrift side, leading to beach erosion and accelerated risk for structure collapse.

“We want to provide solutions to some of these erosion issues caused by man-made devices, to bring the shoreline back to its natural state, one that’s better for residents and the plants and animals that live on or near the shoreline,” Watson says.

He adds that The Great Lakes Coalition

is “currently advocating for HR 5304 that was introduced by Rep John Roth. That bill would modernize Michigan dredging policies, as it requires that if the dredged material is suitable, it should be placed on the down drift beach or on the nearshore. There’s also a federal bill we’re supporting that would provide funding for beach nourishment and other shoreline and wetland area restorations.”

The Alliance for the Great Lakes

Based in Chicago, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to protect the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. Funded by individual donors and foundations, the organization focuses on invasive species, plastic pollution, water infrastructure, excessive water use by industries like agriculture and data centers, and toxic algal blooms.

“We successfully made the case that federal cuts to Great Lakes research would be harmful to the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them,” Media Director Don Carr says when asked about the organization’s recent accomplishments. “We’ve also raised the issue of data center proliferation into a top of mind topic.”

Carr indicates that there are many challenges facing the Great Lakes today, each of which needs to be at the forefront, not just for nonprofits, but for every resident of the region.

“Climate change is making algal blooms worse, creating better habitat for invasive species to push cold water species out, and producing weather events that overwhelm already crumbling water and sewage infrastructure,” Carr says. “We need everyone who loves these waters to band together and support them. They can volunteer for one of our Adopt-a-Beach cleanups to make an individual impact, and use that as a springboard into other advocacy roles.”

NATIONAL

NOAA’s Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation

Many of the threats facing Great Lakes ecosystems stem from habitat loss and degradation resulting from human coastal development, agricultural expansion, invasive species, and climate change. Andrea Gomez, Public Affairs Officer at NOAA’s Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, says her office is tasked with restoring habitat for Great Lakes fisheries.

“Our office has funded more than 130 habitat restoration projects in the Great Lakes region,” Gomez says. “The Office of Habitat Conservation provides funding and technical guidance to local partners, who implement restoration projects throughout the Great Lakes basin. We support projects that improve areas that have experienced environmental degradation, known as Areas of Concern, and that restore priority habitat for Great Lakes fisheries.”

According to Nettesheim, the greatest threats to the Great Lakes include legacy pollutants that affect water quality, invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels that alter ecosystems, and harmful algal blooms.

“In the last two years, EPA delisted the Rochester Embayment Areas of Concern,” Nettesheim says when asked about projects the EPA has been working on. This and the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern mentioned earlier were two regions in the basin that had experienced significant environmental degradation.

“Thanks to the GLRI and the work of numerous partners, both have been removed from the list of Areas of Concern, and are no longer considered two of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded areas,”

projects her office played a central role in, touching on the restoration of habitat for Great Lakes fish at the Historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate, the cleaning up of Muskegon Lake to the point of it being removed from the List of Most Degraded Great Lakes Sites, and the revitalizing of the Detroit River Ecosystem.

“The Great Lakes serve as important economic resources, supporting industry, transportation, commercial and recreational fishing, and tourism,” Gomez says. “NOAA’s habitat restoration work in the Great Lakes region helps support the fish, communities, and economies that rely on them.”

EPA’s Great Lakes National Program

“Additionally, EPA has made major progress to help native species recover in the Great Lakes,” Nettesheim continues. “Each season, GLRI supports work to locate and identify each critically endangered piping plover pair and nest, put protections around nests, and monitor each for the full breeding season. In 2025, a record 85 nesting pairs were discovered and protected in the basin, the largest number noted since the species was listed as federally endangered in 1986 Nettesheim tells us that GLRI funding has also supported the restoration of lake trout populations, which are now considered fully recovered in Lake Superior.

Todd Nettesheim, deputy director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office, brought us up to speed on what the EPA is doing to protect the health of the Great Lakes via the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

“Other successes include restoring more than 27,000 acres of coastal wetland habitat in FY 2024, to benefit native fish, bird, and amphibian species, reopening more than 840 miles of stream in FY 2024 of Great Lakes tributaries, increasing the aquatic connectivity for numerous fish species, and preventing more than 83 million gallons of stormwater from entering the Great Lakes through various green infrastructure projects in FY 2024,” Nettesheim says.

Muskegon Lake's Bear Creek post construction and restoration. Photo courtesy of NOAA and Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.

Invasive aquatic species threaten waterways of all shapes and sizes. Photo courtesy of the Watershed Center.

REGIONAL

The Great Lakes Coalition

He adds that The Great Lakes Coalition

The Alliance for the Great Lakes

Carr indicates that there are many challenges facing the Great Lakes today, each of which needs to be at the forefront, not just for nonprofits, but for every resident of the region.

NATIONAL

NOAA’s Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation

Gomez listed a few examples of recent projects her office played a central role in, touching on the restoration of habitat for Great Lakes fish at the Historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate, the cleaning up of Muskegon Lake to the point of it being removed from the List of Most Degraded Great Lakes Sites, and the revitalizing of the Detroit River Ecosystem.

EPA’s Great Lakes National Program

“Additionally, EPA has made major progress to help native species recover in the Great Lakes,” Nettesheim continues.

“Each season, GLRI supports work to locate and identify each critically endangered piping plover pair and nest, put protections around nests, and monitor each for the full breeding season. In 2025, a record 85 nesting pairs were discovered and protected in the basin, the largest number noted since the species was listed as federally endangered in 1986 ” Nettesheim tells us that GLRI funding has also supported the restoration of lake trout populations, which are now considered fully recovered in Lake Superior.

Muskegon Lake's Bear Creek post construction and restoration. Photo courtesy of NOAA and Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.

Invasive aquatic species threaten waterways of all shapes and sizes. Photo courtesy of the Watershed Center.

The GOAT of Michigan BBQ

Flannigan’s Goat is smoking up another summer of great eats

By Geri Dietze

We all have our favorite food trucks; in fact, it’s almost a personal relationship, a place where we can score our favorite foods, fresh as can be in a neighborhood near us. Flannigan’s Goat, the go-to source for Michigan BBQ, has set up at Short’s Pull Barn and Production Brewery in Elk Rapids for the summer.

Sharing the patio with Flannigan’s is Osorio Tacos y Salsas, the family-owned purveyor of fresh, authentic Mexican food, based in Williamsburg. Short’s is the perfect location, with an indoor/outdoor family-friendly vibe, along with 20 beers on tap, plus a selection of Short’s Starcut Ciders. (Dogs are welcome, too, in the outside spaces.)

Garth and Joy Parish have been working in the BBQ biz for years, but the foundation of the business was in place long before the duo took their show on the road. The Parishes were known by friends and family in the Sault Ste. Marie area as great cooks, and in 2016 they were invited by their friends at Bird’s Eye Outfitters to set up a food tent at a street festival. They were so well received that they started selling their BBQ out of the Outfitters’ coffee shop and lounge.

“I was just going to give them a hand,” Garth Parish says, but by 2019, he explains, “it really got to be too much work.” That’s when a friend reminded him of “the mark of success,” the point at which a business realizes it’s time to go big or go home.

The idea of a food truck began to take shape, resulting in the design and purchase of the sleek 34-foot, fully-equipped kitchen on wheels with a smoker in the back.

The story of Flannigan’s Goat, a family campfire joke, was the invention of a cousin with an interesting sense of humor. It was agreed that the name would belong to the first one in the family to start a new business.

The honors went to the Parish food truck, and the logo, a goat’s head outlined in red, was designed by Garth Parish himself and is based on his heritage—the stag’s head of Ireland’s McCarthy clan. But the true origin and meaning of Flannigan’s Goat must remain in the family archive, or campfire circle, if you will.

The Art of BBQ, Michigan Style

Parish credits his father, “a very accomplished cook,” with his own knowledge of flavors and technique.

Flannigan’s Goat BBQ is called Michigan style for a couple of reasons: one is that Parish sources just about everything from Michigan, so the name is a good fit. The other is to gently counter the patrons from other BBQ regions who want to tell him how to do his job. “We don’t do it that way in insert-BBQ-region-here,” he says. But Parish knows his way around a smoker. “Michigan style is what we do,” he explains.

The Southern Pride smoker, made by a third-generation family in West Tennessee, uses Michigan sugar maple, a wood that has a “signature flavor, more subtle than hickory or mesquite,” Parish explains, adding that he “loves maple smoke; it reminds me of home and family.”

The process is time consuming and labor intensive, with smoke times averaging 10 hours, and fans line up to sample the results. On a regular week, Flannigan’s Goat sells about 380 pounds of beef brisket and pork, but a big weekend will see over 1,000 pounds go through the service window. (Wife Joy Parish works full time for the Bay Mills Indian Community in Brimley, but she commutes to Elk Rapids on weekends. The two college-age Parish sons also help out in the summer.)

Every rub and sauce is house made, as are the slaws and pickled accompaniments. The beef rub is based on his father’s all-purpose

seasoning, and the pork rub is original to a friend’s Tennessee grandmother, both modified by Parish. The sauces are “all pretty close to every style” of BBQ, from Texas, to Tennessee, to Kansas City and beyond.

Order Up!

Start with one of the beef-based classics, like the Brisket Sandwich topped with Kansas City BBQ sauce and pickled onions or the Burnt Ends on Garlic Toast, with tender charred brisket, cheddar, pickled onions, and Kansas BBQ sauce on a grilled French roll.

On the pork side of the menu, we like the Lexington Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce and pickles and the Tennessee Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with Maple Bourbon BBQ sauce and apple vinegar-style slaw. Sunday breakfast includes Green Eggs & Ham, the green coming from Osario’s fresh salsa verde.

And don’t forget the sides, as some of these are a meal in themselves. Try the Large Nacho Cheese Fries with pulled pork and nacho cheese sauce or the BBQ Fries with smoked cheddar, pulled pork, vinegar coleslaw, picked onions, pickled jalapeño, and Kosher dill. The Yooper Fries, the Michigan version of poutine, features smoked cheddar, pulled pork or brisket, and brisket gravy. The House Shells & Cheese is a family recipe combining a rich blend of cheeses, then broiled with smoked paprika.

Special sandwiches must be reserved for weekdays on a rotational basis when there is time to do them properly.

“We like to have speedy service,” Parish says, adding that weekends are generally too busy to prepare the more complicated specials, so fans looking for their favorite signature dish should plan accordingly.

Some specials to keep an eye out for are the Hawaiian Pig, with pulled pork, ham, grilled pineapple, jalapeño, pickled onion,

and maple bourbon sauce on a grilled pretzel bun. The Korean Street Tacos are a big favorite, with pulled pork, vinegar slaw, Korean bulgogi, or “fire meat,” BBQ, cilantro, and lime. The Doug-E-2 Fresh serves up pulled pork, Shells & Cheese, Swiss cheese, and choice of sauce, all held together between grilled sourdough. (The eponymous Doug is the friend and sandwich creator who graciously allowed Flannigan’s Goat to use his name.)

Off-season Plans

In years past, Flannigan’s Goat operated with businesses, school systems, and seasonal events in the region, but, “We’re trying to take it slower in the winter,” explains Parish. “It’s hard to keep everything operating in the [cold weather.]” Still, they do have some “long-standing” annual events such as the I-500 Snowmobile Race, marking its 58th anniversary in Sault Ste. Marie.

Find Flannigan’s Goat at Short’s Pull Barn at 211 Industrial Park Dr., Elk Rapids. facebook. com/flannigansgoat

clean water in the crosshairs

How infrastructure and funding issues threaten Michigan’s waterways

By Ren Brabenec

Human memories are short, and even though there are Americans alive today who were born when indoor plumbing was not widespread, most don’t pause to think about the miraculous innovations that make hot, clean, and affordable water pour from our taps on demand.

Water availability wasn’t always this easy, and experts warn that unless Michiganders take the lead on significant infrastructure improvements, our access to water and the quality of life it provides might look very different in the future.

Losing Clean Water Access

In 1995, marine biologist Dr. Daniel Pauly originated the “shifting baseline syndrome” theory. Also called the “Extinction Experience,” the theory describes how each new generation of Americans inherits an increasingly degraded environment but accepts it as normal because they lack the knowledge and awareness of how the ecosystem looked in the past.

The result? Without even knowing it, Americans exhibit increasingly lowered expectations for environmental protection and restoration, because they weren’t alive back when rivers and lakes teemed with fish, countless large mammals roamed our forests, and migratory birds swarmed the skies in the billions.

The same syndrome could be applied to Americans’ perception of water and the need for infrastructure improvements to keep those systems working as they should.

“We shouldn’t accept it as ‘normal’ to have boil water notices, dam failures, culvert collapses, flooded homes, failing lead pipes, and lack of access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water,” says longtime environmental lawyer and Flow Water Advocates Executive Director Liz Kirkwood. (Kirkwood recently announced she will soon be stepping down as director and moving into a new role as Flow's strategic partnerships officer.)

“Residents must prioritize their water systems, and they have to take an active role in making sure their water infrastructure workforce is properly supported. We are at a tipping point, and our long-time ‘reactive crisis management’ approach to water issues is failing us. Water is a human right, and we must treat water, and the systems that support it, as such.”

Everything Comes Back to Infrastructure

According to Kirkwood, everything comes back to infrastructure, and how Michiganders will move forward given an increasingly unpredictable “pendulum swing” in terms of support (or lack thereof) from the federal government.

As previously reported in our sister publication, The Ticker, Flow Water Advocates is deeply concerned about the Trump Administration’s blueprint for the 2027 federal budget, which proposes steep funding cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was the largest historic investment in U.S. water infrastructure in a generation, with over $50 billion through the EPA to upgrade critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems nationwide with focuses on replacing lead service lines, tackling PFAS, and upgrading aging wastewater and stormwater management systems,” Kirkwood says.

“This administration aims to halt those investments and slash the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) by approximately 90 percent,”

she continues. “That pendulum swing, from one administration seeking to fund infrastructure projects to another seeking to defund them, is not a sustainable model for Michigan water infrastructure.”

In May 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it plans to repeal federal restrictions on four PFAS (GenX, PFNA, PFBS, and PFHxS), also known as forever chemicals, in drinking water.

On the other side of the political coin, Kirkwood directs our attention to the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act, introduced in the State Senate in May.

“The Act (SB 950 & 951) would raise approximately $300 million annually by imposing a 25-cent per gallon royalty to be paid by bottled water companies that extract and sell Michigan’s public water resources,” Kirkwood explains.

The legislation does a lot, from defining the waters of the Great Lakes and their tributary rivers and streams as within the public domain to identifying often-neglected groundwater as “waters of the state.”

According to Kirkwood, the money raised by the legislation would be disseminated in the form of grants for the express purpose of addressing waterrelated infrastructure issues throughout the state, be it PFAS clean-up, improving aging water infrastructure, replacing lead pipes, mitigating contaminated well water, improving stormwater systems, and replacing failing septic systems.

Weather

Events Challenge Michigan’s “Climate Refuge” Status

Those issues are becoming more of a problem with every passing year as it becomes clear Michigan is not immune to climate change.

Michiganders proudly tout the state’s status as a climate refuge, but Kirkwood says the science doesn’t back that up, and the many recent, uncommon weather events suggest Michigan must join the rest of the nation in preparing for unpredictable storm systems that will affect our waterways.

Kirkwood highlights spring flooding that wreaked havoc on water infrastructure across the state, leading to emergency declarations in 39 counties. Just to name a few examples, flooding led to a major transmission line rupturing in Auburn Hills, causing boil-water notices in Oakland County. Widespread flood surges compromised multiple dams across the state, including the failure of Buck’s Pond Dam and the near-failure of the Cheboygan Dam.

Heavy rains caused wastewater treatment overflows in Midland. An earthen dam collapsed in Alcona County. Culverts washed out across the state, roads collapsed, a levee was breached on the Little Black River, hundreds of homes across the state were inundated with water.

The final price tag for the devastation came to about $800 million, and counties across Michigan are seeking FEMA disaster relief.

“Infrastructure is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health issue and an economic issue,” Kirkwood says. “If you don’t have a properly functioning water system, your community cannot function.”

Kirkwood adds that “Infrastructure is how we build our societies. We have to find ways to meld green infrastructure—like wetlands protected from development—with gray infrastructure—human-engineered pipes, concrete, and steel—in order to make systems that work for us.”

Infrastructure is Needed to Invite Economic Growth to Michigan

Investing in our water systems isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for the economy too.

Kirkwood shares a quote from a March 24 press release with us. “Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund Board (MSF) approved support for improving wastewater infrastructure to communities across Muskegon County, which is also advancing a significant investment by Chobani to expand La Colombe’s facility in Norton Shores,” Kirkwood reads. “With this investment, the company is expected to create 337 new jobs, retain 312 existing jobs, and invest up to $567 million in the area.”

While the press release is welcome news, Kirkwood warns that for every Chobani success story, Michigan is losing out on untold millions in economic activity by failing to invest in its water infrastructure in other parts of the state.

“Our water systems are just not ready for the companies that want to move to Michigan,” Kirkwood emphasizes. “When the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is negotiating with outside companies that are looking to set up shop in the state, MEDC doesn’t typically have the funds needed to fix whatever water infrastructure issues those companies are flagging as impediments to a deal.”

Finally, there is the need for the human workforce and knowledge base needed to design, implement, and maintain the improvements and upgrades needed for us to not just survive, but to thrive in Michigan’s changing “waterscape.”

“We’re calling it the Silver Tsunami,” Kirkwood says, “the fact that a huge percentage of the water workforce is now over the age of 55. Water systems are becoming digitized, which improves efficiency but also increases risk for cyber attacks on our water utilities. We need to incentivize young people to move into the water systems sectors, especially the big three: drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.”

the need for a septic code

When it comes to infrastructure, septic matters—big time. Michigan is the only state in the nation without a statewide septic code, and that lack of rules has resulted in over 100,000 failing systems. Even worse, close to 10 billion gallons of raw sewage are escaping into Michigan soil and waterways each year.

Referring to The Ticker’s reporting again, this is another area where federal infrastructure funding is crucial. The state of Michigan would like to use federal State Revolving Funds to set up a system for cataloging, monitoring, and improving septic systems. But if the current administration’s budget passes, SRFs will be gutted, and Michigan won’t have the funding needed to improve septic infrastructure, even as 75 percent of Michiganders support a statewide septic code.

Here, too, state legislators are stepping up to the plate. In January, State Sen. Sam Singh (D-28) introduced legislation that would require septic inspections, enforce compliance with septic system improvements, and provide assistance to low-income homeowners with inspection and repair costs.

Kirkwood is encouraging residents across Michigan to call their elected officials and ask them to support The Michigan Water Trust Fund Act and the Septic Standards Legislation (SB 771).

Water pollution discharge makes its way into our waterways, making testing and infrastructure increasingly important.

May Erlewine performs at Flow's Sound & Shore fundraiser in 2025.

Kirkwood

Paint Grand Traverse

E x tende d E xhibit

Jul. 1 - Aug. 2 2 | Traverse Cit y

Fresh plein air paintings capturing the beau t y of Nor thern Michigan by 32 nationally acclaimed ar tists

Crooke d Tre e Ar t Fair

Jul. 25 | Traverse Cit y

100 juried ar tists , live creativit y, food, and family-friendly fun at the Grand Traverse Count y Civic Center.

Suttons Bay Ar t Fair

Aug. 1 - 2 | Su ttons Bay Marina

Shop lakeside among 100+ juried ar tists while enjoying water front views , communit y activities , and summer charm.

Saturday

100TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL:

TC, July 4-11. Today includes the Meijer Festival of Races, Hole-in-One, Ultimate Air Dogs, DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade, Go For the Gold! Semi & Final Drawings, Ludacris, Festival Fireworks Finale, & much more. cherryfestival.org/events -

SUMMER IN DISGUISE COSTUME FUN RUN/WALK: 8am, Michigan Beach Park Pavilion, Charlevoix. Registration & check-in at 7:30am. Wear your favorite superhero costume! Or create your own superhero! $20. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Charlevoix/SummerInDisguise

SWEATY YETI RUN: 8am, Boswell Stadium, East Jordan. Featuring a 5K & Make a Memory Mile. $15-$35. runsignup.com/ sweatyyetirun

44TH ANNUAL BLISSFEST FOLK + ROOTS FESTIVAL: Festival Farm, Harbor Springs, July 10-12. Enjoy a celebration of music, culture, art & community featuring diverse folk, world, & roots music. 2026 features a lineup that blends legendary performers, rising stars, & Michigan artists. Names include GALACTIC feat. Jelly Joseph, The Original Wailers feat. Al Anderson, Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers, Larry McCray, The Claudettes & many more. $60-$250/person. blissfest.org

BOYNE THUNDER POKER RUN: View high-performance boats slicing through the waters of Lake Charlevoix & Lake Michigan on a 150-mile excursion. Starting in Boyne City, the boats travel through Charlevoix on Sat. morning. By standers line up on the piers to watch the boats jet out into Lake Michigan. On Friday evening you can look at the boats in Boyne City marina. boynethunder.com

FRIENDS OF ALDEN DISTRICT LIBRARY

BOOK SALE: 9am-2pm, Helena Twp. Community Center, Alden. Books, audio books, DVDs, music CDs & puzzles. 231-331-4318.

CADILLAC FOOTLITERS YOUTH AUDI-

TIONS: 9:30am-12:30pm & 1:30-3:30pm, Franklin Elementary School, Cadillac. Held for “Willy Wonka Jr.” Kids 8-13 years old on or by July 11 are invited to audition. sites. google.com/cadillacfootliters.com/willy-wonka-jr-audition-hub/home

GETTING STARTED WITH GENEALOGY: 9:30am, East Bay Branch Library, TC. Unearth the story of your family history & celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America by

researching your ancestors with beginning genealogy. Registration required. Free. tadl. org/event/getting-started-genealogy-31448

4TH ANNUAL NORTHPORT ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Marina Park, Northport. Handmade creations, woodworkers, leather, jewelry & more. blueribbonevent.com

BEULAH ART FAIR: 10am-5pm, Beulah Village Park.

CHARLEVOIX ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix. Acrylic & oil paintings, sculpture, hand blown glass beadwork, pottery, baskets, furniture, clothing, & much more.

FAMILY RIVER DAY: 10am-noon, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Families can explore & connect with the Boardman–Ottaway River throughout the Natural Education Reserve. Observe aquatic macroinvertebrates, catch & release frogs while learning about their life cycles & habitats, & participate in a community BioBlitz by helping document & log wildlife found within the parkland. Free; registration required. gtcd. wufoo.com/forms/s10dwjf00nnf7yg

LIVE BATIK DEMONSTRATION: 10am, Art on Union Gallery, TC. Join artist Natalie Guess for a live painting demonstration as she showcases her Batik art technique. Seating is limited. Free. artonunion.com

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: 10am-6pm, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will be displaying jewelry, stuffed animals, blankets, home decor, wooden signs, fresh desserts & much more. facebook.com/madeincheboygan

SOUTH ARM CLASSIC CAR SHOW: 10am-3pm, downtown East Jordan.

ART IN THE BARN: 11am-4pm. Northern Michigan artist Douglas Racich welcomes you to a studio open house in his historic 1870s Leelanau County barn near Omena. Featuring original egg tempera & watercolor artwork. leelanauprints.com

COFFEE WITH THE AUTHORS: TIM MULHERIN: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Tim will discuss his book, “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations On A Changing Northern Michigan.” Free. glenarborart.org/product/coffee-with-the-authors-tim-mulherin

IN-STORE BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Local author Eloise Corvo will sign her book “Tunnel Vision.” horizonbooks.com/event/2026-07-11/store-booksigning-eloise-corvo

LET’S CELEBRATE EAGLES & RAPTORS!: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join the Skegemog Raptor Center for an engaging live raptor program featuring three ambassador birds, including a juvenile bald eagle, & an intro to the fascinating world of birds of prey. Free. tadl.org/CelebrateEagles

$100,000 WCHR HUNTER SPECTACULAR: 5pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Enjoy more than just the competition— explore a variety of food vendors, shopping & family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. All general admission proceeds support local nonprofits. Tickets start at $15. app.gopassage.com/events/glef-two-26A

MANISTEE FRINGE: The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee. The Ramsdell Theater will host two shows in one night. Both shows are comedies, & are headed to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Aug. Doors

open at 6:30pm; first show at 7pm (approx. 45 min), intermission, & then second show (approx 45 min). Ages 16+. Free (donations appreciated!). ramsdelltheatre.org/manistee-fringe-2

INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP HARPSICHORDIST ALEXANDRA DUNBAR & GUESTS IN CONCERT: 7pm, The Music House Museum, Williamsburg. $25 online; $30 door. mynorthtickets.com/events/themusic-house-welcomes-interlochen-artscamp-harpsichordist-alexandra-dunbar-onjuly-11-at-700pm-7-11-2026 -

SATURDAYS IN THE PARK: EAST BAY DRIVE: 7pm, GT County Civic Center, Amphitheater, TC. Classic meets contemporary jazz with funky pop-rock flair. Free; donations welcome. scullytour.com

“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”: 8pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Upton-Mor-

A big draw to Gaylord’s Alpenfest is the Die Groeste Kaffe Pause (“World’s Largest Coffee Break”) on Weds., July 15 at 9:30am! Enjoy coffee, donuts and milk while taking in the sounds of the Gaylord Alpine Band. Alpenfest Runs July 1418 and is also known for their Burning of the Böögg, Stilt Walking Contest, Men’s Knee and Ladies Ankle Competition, Alpenfest Queens Pageant, Grand Parade, and much more! gaylordalpenfest.com

ley Pavilion. Interlochen Shakespeare Festival. Enjoy this outdoor production directed by Bill Church. $41. interlochen.org/events/ midsummer-nights-dream-2026-07-02

MUSIC IN MACKINAW: REFLECTIONS TRIO: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.

THE MUSIC MAN: 8pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. The timeless tale of Harold Hill & his visit to small town Iowa features big time musical hits, a charming story, & an important message about how we treat each other. $29-$36. onthestage.tickets/show/bay-view-association/ 69e92ae21c76e6105cc960bb

Sunday

44TH ANNUAL BLISSFEST FOLK + ROOTS FESTIVAL: (See Sat., July 11)

4TH ANNUAL NORTHPORT ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., July 11)

CHARLEVOIX ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., July 11, except today’s hours are 10am3pm.)

ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., July 11)

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: (See Sat., July 11, except today’s hours are 11am-3pm.)

INTERNATIONAL RIDERS RETURN TO TRAVERSE CITY: 2pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. This event combines fast-paced competition with a relaxed northern Michigan summer atmosphere, featuring lawn seating, hospitality, food, & shopping throughout the grounds. Tickets available online or at the gate. $15 & up. traversecityhorseshows.com/visit

monday

july 13

AUTHOR MEET & GREET: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Jim Bolone will celebrate his newest book, “Zombie Seagulls and 13 Other BiteSized Nightmares!” mcleanandeakin.com/ event/2026-07-13/jim-bolone-zombie-seagulls

JOHN WILLIAMS: STAR WARS AND BEYOND: 7pm, GT County Civic Center, Amphitheater, TC. From a galaxy far, far away to some of the most iconic film scores ever written, this blockbuster evening celebrates the legendary music of John Williams, now an annual TC Phil summer tradition. $15-$47. tcphil.org/events/john-williams-2026

july 14 july 12

BACKYARD BLUES WITH STEVE ARVEY: 4pm, Elberta Heritage Center. Steve has shared the stage with many legendary blues masters from the Windy City. Potluck; bring a dish to share. $15/$20. elbertalaborheritagecenter.org/event/steve-arvey-concert-potluck

OUR SOUND, OUR STORY: AMERICA AT 250: 4pm, Benzie Central Auditorium, Benzonia. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra as they perform some of the most beloved music written by American composers. $15 suggested donation; free for active & retired military & children. benziesymphony. com/2026-performances

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. MADISON MALLARDS: 5:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. July 12 is Faith Night. northwoodsleague. com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/2026-schedule

EARL LEE CONDUCTS STRAVINSKY & RESPIGHI: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. The World Youth Symphony Orchestra brings legendary landscapes & fairytales to life. Under the baton of Earl Lee, these young musicians perform Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome,” plus more. $21-$28. interlochen.org/ events/earl-lee-conducts-stravinsky-andrespighi-2026-07-12

SUNDAY NIGHT SING: 7:30pm, Leland Country Club. A summer tradition for over 100 years. Sing your favorite songs like Puff, the Magic Dragon; Capital Ship; Drunken Sailor; Green Grow the Rushes, Ho!; & The Leelanau Theme Song. Free.

NWS: AN EVENING WITH BARBARA MCQUADE: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Barbara McQuade is the author of the exposé on the escalating threat of far-right politics – “The Fix,” a clear roadmap for saving our democracy. A former U.S. attorney under President Barack Obama, McQuade is also a professor from practice at the University of Michigan Law School, her alma mater. She is a legal analyst for NBC News & MSNBC, & co-host of the popular #SistersInLaw podcast. She wrote the national bestseller, “Attack from Within.” Doors open at 6pm with live music. A Q&A session & author signing immediately follow the event. $12-$60. cityoperahouse.org

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. MADISON MALLARDS: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pitspitters/2026-schedule

BAY VIEW MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES: 7:30-10pm, Bay View Association, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey. Featuring “Ballad of Wallis Island.” Free. bayviewassociation.org/events/monday-night-movies2026/?occurrence=2026-07-13

tuesday

ELK RAPIDS GARDEN WALK: 10am-4pm, Elk Rapids. This year’s theme, “Blue to Green and All the Colors in Between,” celebrates the beauty, creativity & diversity of seven wonderful gardens throughout the greater Elk Rapids community. $15/$20 day of walk. elkrapidsgardenclub.com

2026 GAYLORD ALPENFEST: July 14-18. Today includes the Alpenfest Honors Luncheon & Awards Presentation, Art TentClothespin People, Senior Bingo, Alpen Idol Registration & Preliminary Round, Official Opening of Alpenfest 61, lampion making, Epic Eagles, Burning of the Böögg & much more. gaylordalpenfest.com/2026-schedule

LELAND LIBRARY SUMMINARS PARTNERS WITH NMC INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM: 4pm, Leland Twp. Public Library, Munnecke Community Room. Featuring Elihu Professor of Global Affairs and History at Yale University Laura Robson. Reception beginning at 3:30pm. Registration required. Free. lelandlibrary.org/summinars

20 FATHOMS PRESENTS: TCNEWTECH PITCH COMPETITION: 4:30pm, City Opera House, TC. A free, public celebration of Michigan’s startup scene. Watch founders take the stage, make their case in five minutes, & compete for real cash awards — then join before & after to connect with the people building the region’s future. cityoperahouse.org/events/ pitch-competition

SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES: THE WALLOON LAKE FISHERY: 5:30pm, The Talcott, Walloon Lake. Join WLAC for a presentation on the Walloon Lake fishery featuring Heather Hettinger, fish biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Register. Free. walloon.org/all-events/?event=4011

MONTHLY MOVIE CLUB: 7:30pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Featuring “Dazed and Confused.” Free.

WHAT BOYS & YOUNG MEN NEED TO THRIVE: 7:30pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Featuring Erica Komisar. From declining engagement in school to rising mental health concerns, this timely talk explores the challenges shaping their lives - & what can be done to help. Free. bayviewassociation.org

MUSIC IN MACKINAW: STRAITS AREA CONCERT BAND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Roth Performance Shell, Mackinaw City.

wednesday

2026 GAYLORD ALPENFEST: July 14-18. Today includes the Alpenfest Attire Contest, Alpenfest Walking Parade, Die Groeste Kaffe Pause, Diaper Derby, jumprope competition, stilt walking contest, pizza eating contest, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, Frohliche Musiker Blasorchester Band, Mall Rats, & much more. gaylordalpenfest.com/2026-schedule

SENIORS ON THE T.A.R.T.: ACME CONNECTOR TRAIL: Frank’s Bayview Inn, Acme. Explore the TART Trails & local coffee spots. All activity levels welcome. 10am start; 11am coffee social.

DIVERSABILITY DAY: 1-4pm, Interlochen State Park. Presented by Disability Network Northern Michigan. A recreation passport is needed for each vehicle entering the park. Register. 922-0903.

guided mountain bike tour of the Boyne Forest Trail System & WLAC’s TOMMBA Trails Preserve. Register. Free. walloon.org/allevents/?event=4032

EVENING ON RIVER STREET: ART ALL AROUND: 6-9pm, downtown Elk Rapids River St. area. Celebrate the creativity of local artists & makers. Featuring live music by Nick Vasquez & TC Knuckleheads. There will also be interactive art activities.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER OPEN HOUSE & BAND CONCERT: 6pm, Benzie Area Historical Museum & Research Center, Benzonia. Please bring a picnic blanket or beach chair.

MUSIC IN THE STREETS: MARSHALL MORLOCK BAND: 6-9pm, Broad St., Bellaire.

TRAILS & ALES - GUIDED HIKE: 6pm. Meet at Cistern Spur Trailhead, behind Earthen Ales, TC. Explore, learn & connect with the natural world as naturalists share insights on local ecosystems & conservation. The hike concludes at Earthen Ales, where participants can choose to enjoy a specially crafted Beer of the River. Registration required. $5/person. natureiscalling.org/events

july 15 july 16

DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING: “FRONTIER TO FREEDOM”: 5:30pm, The Leelanau School Community Auditorium, Glen Arbor. A PBS documentary tracing Michigan’s transformation from Indigenous homeland to statehood. Produced by Keith Patterson of Manitou Films. $15/person. leelanauhistory.square.site

GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE: 5:307pm, TOMMBA Trails Preserve, Boyne City. Join WLAC staff & board members for a

ELEVEN RAIN GARDENS, ONE YARDGUIDANCE & INSPIRATION TO START YOUR RAIN GARDEN JOURNEY: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Matthew Bertrand, landscape architect, will share his journey & inspire you to start your own rain garden installation. Free. PlantItWild.net

ELLSWORTH CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE: 7-9pm, Ellsworth Community Square. Featuring Jake Slater as Elvis. Please bring a blanket or chair.

thursday

2026 GAYORD ALPENFEST: July 14-18. Today includes the Men’s Knee & Ladies Ankle Competition, Bike & Trike Parade, Stone Throw Contest, Gaylord Community Productions perform selections from ‘Anastasia,’ Brat Eating Contest, Drew Hale Band, & much more. gaylordalpenfest.com/2026-schedule

FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: 9am-6pm, Cadillac Wexford Public Library, Cadillac. Bag Sale on July 18 from 10am-noon. Books: $1-$2. friendsofthecadillaclibrary.wordpress.com/ upcoming-programs

SUMMER READING EVENT WITH INLAND SEAS: 10:30am, North Park Pavilion, Suttons Bay. Dig into Lake Life Science Exploration with educator Chris Symons. For all preschool, elementary & middle-school students. Sign up for the Unearth a Story Summer Reading Program & get a free book & reading kit. Free. sbbdl.org

MAGIC AT TADL: CODY CLARK: 11am & 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. For families, preschool, elementary. Magician & autism advocate Cody Clark visits for a performance of Your Differences Make You Magical. Free. tadl.org/events

LUNCHEON LECTURE: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. “Fixing the Most Important Road: The One in Front of Your Home” with Wayne Schoonover. Wayne will explain where the money comes from to construct, maintain, & fix Michigan’s roads. He will look at the Michigan Gas Tax. Using funding projections, he will explain how the 2025 Michigan Transportation Funding Package is changing funding local work for the better. Register. $15. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-6724182

42ND GARDEN WALK—THE FRIENDLY GARDEN CLUB: Explore four private TC gardens open for this day only from 1-7pm. Then, finish (or start; you pick your path!) the walk at the Children’s Sensory Garden at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Take a leisurely stroll & enjoy an afternoon at your pace & let the annuals & perennials help you relax & refresh. mynorthtickets. com. $20. thefriendlygardenclub.org

DRAGONFLY WALK WITH QUINN SOMMER: 2-3:30pm, Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Harbor Springs. Free.

“FRONTIER TO FREEDOM” DOCUMENTARY SHOWING: Held at The Leelanau School Community Auditorium, Glen Arbor. Join Manitou Films Documentary Film Screening Director & Executive Producer Keith Patterson & Leelanau Historical Society for this documentary that unearths the rich & often overlooked history of Michigan, tracing its evolution from a vast wilderness inhabited by Indigenous peoples in 1600 to its emergence as the 26th state in 1837. Q & A to follow. Film at 6pm; doors open at 5:30pm. Find “Frontier to Freedom” Documentary Showing on Facebook. $15/person

“A GREAT WATER AWAKENING? SEIZING THE MOMENT”: 6:30pm, HERTH, Elk Rapids. The Global Water Crisis & Great Lakes Future. Hosted by Green Elk Rapids & presented by Circle of Blue’s J. Carl Ganter. Free/donations appreciated. greenelkrapids.org

CONCERTS ON THE LAWN: JAKE SLATER: 7pm, GT Pavilions, TC. Enjoy this Elvis Tribute artist! Free. gtpavilions.org/newsevents/2026-concerts-on-the-lawn

LIGHTS. CAMERA. MUSIC!: 7-9pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. The grand finale of GLCO’s 25th anniversary season - an orchestral celebration of the soundtracks that shaped generations. Hear the music of Hollywood’s great films - from James Bond & Harry Potter to Titanic, E.T., Pirates of the Caribbean, & more. $35-$65. glcorchestra.org/concerts

SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT: FULL TILT COMEDY: 7pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Amphitheater, Thompsonville. Enjoy the improv arm of the Northern Michigan Comedy Collective. $15-$20. crystalmountain.com/ events-activities/events/event-calendar/ summer-sounds-concert

SUSTAINING A NORTHERN MICHIGAN GARDENING LIFE: A NOVEL REVISITED: 7pm, Little Traverse History Museum, Petoskey. Presented by nine-time state Michigan Garden Club award winner Mary Agria. Drawing on her 20-year journey as a garden writer since release of her northern Michigan best-selling novel “Time in a Garden” in 2006, Ms. Agria will discuss gardening & the writing process in the context of area nature writer Alice C. Erwin of Harbor Springs. Free.

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. ROYAL OAK LEPRECHAUNS: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Fireworks on Fri., July 17. northwoodsleague. com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/2026-schedule

MOVIES ON THE LAWN: 8pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Featuring “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”! Free. castlefarms.com/ events/movies-on-the-lawn-2

july 17

friday

2026 GAYLORD ALPENFEST: July 14-18. Today includes a pancake & sausage breakfast, youth dance classes, Kindness RocksArt Tent, Alpenfest Idol Finals, Spam Carving, Alpenfest Queens Pageant, Mega 80s music & much more. gaylordalpenfest. com/2026-schedule

FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: (See Thurs., July 16, except today’s time is 9am-5pm.)

SHAY DAYS: 10am-3pm, Harbor Springs History Museum, Ephraim Shay Works

ANDY EVANS

JON LINDY RON GETZ

Museum, Shay Park. Celebrate inventor Ephraim Shay’s 187th birthday & enjoy live steam model trains, crafts & games, a sailboat regatta, electric model train layouts, & wood carving demonstrations. Donation. harborspringshistory.org

ART SPLASH, CHEBOYGAN ART FAIR: Noon-7pm, downtown Cheboygan. This twoday juried fine art fair is on a grass lot with accessible sidewalks, free parking, & coincides with the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Free. artvisioncheboygan.org/artsplash

5TH ANNUAL UP NORTH BUSKER FESTIVAL: Downtown East Jordan. Jugglers, stunt performers, acrobats, sword swallowing, mermaids, magicians, trained dogs, human statues, hoop dancing & more. Find ‘Up North Busker Festival!’ on Facebook.

COMMUNITY CONNECT - YMCA HAYOWENT-HA CAMPS: 3-6pm, Shorts Pull Barn, Elk Rapids. These camps, with single residential camp locations on Torch Lake & Arbutus Lake, welcome campers from more than 38 states each summer. Join alumni, families, & friends of camp for a night that will become part of Hayo-Went-Ha Camps history. Free. hayowentha.org/events/shorts-alumni-event

TOUR DE TART: Hit the Leelanau Trail anytime between 4-6:30pm starting from the Open Space Park, TC & bike 16 scenic miles to North Park in Suttons Bay. Enjoy two snack stops along the way. Celebrate at the finish line with a meal & cash bar. Enjoy a relaxing bus ride back to TC, while your bike is transported in a secure truck. Register. $0$50. traversetrails.org/event/tour-de-tart

ARTIST RECEPTION - ALCHEMY OF SUNLIGHT: 5pm, Tinker Studio, TC. Join Tinker Studio for their second artist reception of the 2026 summer season. See a collection of new works in Cyanotype & Polaroid Emulsion prints. TC artist Lilian Pitser will discuss her work & offer an insight into her creative process. Free to attend. tinkerstudiotc.com/events

DINO-MITE FREE FRIDAY MOVIE: DINOSAUR 13: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. The story of Sue! Also includes dino trivia & prizes. Free. tadl.org/events

RED DRIVE CONCERT SERIES: 6-8pm, The Piazza at The Village at GT Commons, TC. Manitou Truckin’ Company brings the ultimate Grateful Dead experience. Free.

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK: 6:308:30pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs. Featuring Michelle Chenard. Please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. Free.

NORTHPORT MUSIC IN THE PARK: 7-9pm, Kent Holton Pavilion, Marina Park, Northport. Featuring the dance band Extra Crisp. northportperformingarts.org

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. ROYAL OAK LEPRECHAUNS: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Fireworks on Fri., July 17. northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters/2026schedule

MULEBONE: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Featuring multi-instrumentalist John Ragusa & roots music specialist Hugh Pool. This traditional blues duo has recorded five critically lauded CDs & achieved Americana Music Association Top 100 with all. $25$40. theoperahouse.org

MUSIC IN MACKINAW: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City. Enjoy bluegrass with Steel & Wood.

TOM KEIFER: 8pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Ovation Hall, Petoskey. Enjoy a night of legendary rock with Tom Keifer, the unmistakable voice of Cinderella. Tickets start at $50. odawacasino.com/entertainment/tom-keiferlive-in-ovation-hall

july 18

saturday

MACKINAC BRIDGE

SWIM: SOLD OUT: 7am, Mackinaw City. Swim across the Straits of Mackinac alongside the Mackinac Bridge. This is a swim to benefit First Responders of Michigan. It is about 4.5 miles across with the swim starting in Mackinaw City & ending at Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace. runsignup.com/Race/MI/SaintIgnace/ MackinacBridgeSwim

2026 GAYLORD ALPENFEST: July 14-18. Today includes the Alpenfest Run, Alpenfest Grand Parade, Petoskey Steel Drum Band Concert, Grand Traverse Pipe & Drum Band, La Promenade Des Biscuits, Reptile Show, live music by Attaboy & much more. gaylordalpenfest.com/2026-schedule

ART SPLASH, CHEBOYGAN ART FAIR: (See Fri., July 17, except today’s time is 8am-4pm.)

FRIENDS OF FISHTOWN 5K: 9am, Historic Fishtown. $45-$52. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Leland/Fishtown5K

13TH ANNUAL MUSTANG STAMPEDE: 10am, Mackinaw Crossings, Mackinaw City. Celebrate the Ford Mustang with a Mustang Car Show & the Mustang Stampede Parade across the Mighty Mac. There will be a fireworks display over the lake at 10pm.

5TH ANNUAL UP NORTH BUSKER FESTIVAL: (See Fri., July 17)

BOARDMAN RIVER SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, Medalie Park, TC.

FRIENDS OF THE CADILLAC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: (See Thurs., July 16, except today’s time is 10am-noon.)

SHAY DAYS: (See Fri., July 17)

ONE OF TC’S SIGNATURE SUMMER WEEKENDS: 4pm, Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. Featuring the $116,000 World Wide Technology CSI3* Grand Prix. Tickets available online or at the gate. traversecityhorseshows.com/visit. $15 & up.

GENE RANTZ MEMORIAL PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT & WET PAINT SALE: Featuring up to 50 artists who spend the week painting on location throughout the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. The public can attend the culminating Wet Paint Sale & reception on July 18 from 6-9pm at the Northport Arts Association. Guests will enjoy a selection of appetizers & a cash bar while viewing/purchasing freshly created works. $20/person. mynorthtickets.com/?query=gene+rantz&date_ range=&category=

SATURDAYS IN THE PARK: THE SETH BERNARD QUARTET: 7pm, GT County Civic Center, Amphitheater, TC. Genre-defying troubadour energy with masterful chops. Free; donations welcome. scullytour.com

ZOLTAN KASZAS: WORLDWIDE(ISH) TOUR: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. An award-winning stand-up comedian known for his sharp, observational humor & love of cats. Starting at $37. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/zoltan-kaszas

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. KALAMAZOO

GROWLERS: 7:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. northwoodsleague.com/traversecity-pit-spitters/2026-schedule

SIMPLY QUEEN. SIMPLY SPECTACULAR.: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. North America’s most adored recreation of Queen - the magic & the music. Featuring the worldrenowned Freddie Mercury impersonator, Rick Rock. $44-$64. cityoperahouse.org

TCHAIKOVSKY & ABELS DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. Jader Bignamini leads the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a program of intensity & emotion through the full power of the orchestra. Featuring Michael Abels’ “Global Warming” & Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Tickets start at $54. interlochen.org

BOOGIE WONDER BAND: 8pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Enjoy this disco band who has performed more than 3,500 shows around the world. $0-$49. onthestage.tickets/show/ bay-view-association/69bc4ad615ddb92e62 da56bf/tickets#/productions-view

MUSIC IN MACKINAW: NMC CONCERT

BAND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Roth Performance Shell, Mackinaw City.

STAR PARTY & CANDLELIGHT HIKE: 9pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Dune Climb. Join the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society for public stargazing. Free program; park entrance pass required. nps.gov/planyourvisit

sunday

40TH ANNUAL RIDE AROUND TORCH BICYCLE TOUR: 7am, Elk Rapids High School. The RAT is a 1-day recreational bicycle tour around Torch Lake. Enjoy food stops, volunteers, & a buffet picnic at Veteran’s Park in Elk Rapids with live music. $75 before 7/9; $85 DOE; $40 under 12. cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/RAT

FORMULA 1 FREE WATCH PARTIES: BELGIUM: 9am, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience the races on the big screen. Doors open an hour before the start of each race. Featuring Formula 1 games. thebaytheatre.org/home-page

BOARDMAN RIVER SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., July 18)

ARTIFACT I.D. DAY: 1-4pm, Samels Farm, Williamsburg. Archaeologist Dr. Michael Hambacher will identify up to five of your local artifacts at no charge. All Great Lakes artifacts are welcome. samelsfarm.org

MONTY COMMUNITY OUTING: 1pm, Turtle Creek Casino, Williamsburg. A free community afternoon with Monty, the beloved mascot of the TC Pit Spitters baseball team. Meet right outside the front entrance to hang out with Monty, snap photos, enjoy food truck eats, exclusive prizes, & more. turtlecreekcasino.com/events

TC PIT SPITTERS VS. KALAMAZOO

GROWLERS: 1:05pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. northwoodsleague.com/traversecity-pit-spitters/2026-schedule

A MIDSUMMER’S DAYDREAM: 2pm, Hindle-Ross Trails, near Cross Village. Enjoy an afternoon of poetry, music & art. Stroll over 2 miles of rolling hills, through fields & forests &

encounter poets, musicians, an analemmatic sundial, & a lookout tower with views of Waugoshance Point & the Upper Peninsula. Free. goodhartartistresidency.org/midsummersdaydream

AN AFTERNOON WITH PAULA MCLAIN: 4pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Paula will celebrate her newest novel, “Skylark.” $20. mcleanandeakin.com/ event/2026-07-19/paula-mclain-skylark

SUNDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK: KIRBY: 4-6pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs.

JADER BIGNAMINI CONDUCTS TCHAIKOVSKY: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. The World Youth Symphony Orchestra performs side by side with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Jader Bignamini. Featuring Michael Abels’ “Emerge” & Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 $21-$28. interlochen.org

ongoing

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PICNIC PARTY: Palmer Park Pavilion, Mancelona. Grand Traverse Industries of Mancelona is hosting this series of live entertainment on Tuesdays, June 30 - Aug. 4 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Featuring live music & storytelling, arts & crafts, face painting & more. grandtraverseindustries.com

BALANCE BIKE MEET UPS (ER): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am, Rotary Park, Elk Rapids. For first-time riders, ages 2-5. These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone. No need to bring your bike; Norte has plenty to lend out. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/ balance-bike-meet-ups-traverse-city-7z4k7ps3n5-7xkbm-je4by-3g2fj

BALANCE BIKE MEET UPS (TC): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am, Norte Clubhouse, GT County Civic Center, TC. For first-time riders, ages 2-5. These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone. No need to bring your bike; Norte has plenty to lend out. norteyouthcycling.org/ calendar/balance-bike-meet-ups-traverse-city7z4k7-ps3n5-7xkbm-je4by-3g2fj

OUTDOOR STORY TIME: Tuesdays, 10:30am, held outside the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, overlooking the beach. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on. These story times are geared toward prek to second graders & their caregivers, but fun for all who attend. sbbdl.org

PROTEST ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE AGAINST PALESTINE: Saturdays, 11am, Grandview Parkway + Union St., TC. Israel continues committing brutal genocide in Gaza & stealing more Palestinian land in the West Bank. Elected leaders are owned by Israel as the Epstein files show. It’s up to ordinary people to insist on justice. Stand together every Sat. mideastjustpeace.net

NORTE: BIKES FOR ALL: Tuesdays, 10:3011:30am, Norte Clubhouse, GT County Civic Center, TC. Open to anyone, regardless of age or ability. Offering adaptive bikes specially modified to accommodate individuals with special needs, disabilities, or mobility challenges, so that everyone can enjoy the thrill of riding. norteyouthcycling.org

WEEKLY WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10:30am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the variety of wildflowers & learn to identify their unique beauty. Keep an ear out for the melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. grassriver.org

farmers markets

BELLAIRE: Fridays, 8am-noon through midOct. at 102 S. Maple St. localdifference.org/ partner/bellaire-farmers-market/

BOYNE CITY: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through mid-Oct. at Veterans Park, Boyne City. Featuring an array of goods from local small-scale farmers, artisans & entrepreneurs. July 4 & July 11 will be held at Old City Park. boynecityfarmersmarket.org

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY: Fridays, 8:30am1pm through Oct. 2, on Howard St. between Mitchell & Michigan streets. facebook.com/ PetoskeyFarmersMarket

EAST BAY CORNERS: Thursdays, 2-6pm, East Bay Twp. Offices, TC. Shop fresh local produce, baked goods, handmade items & more while connecting with neighbors & supporting regional farmers & small businesses. Special events each week. eastbaytwp.org/ residents/food_security.php

EMPIRE: 10234 Front St., next to post office, Empire. Held every Sat. through Aug. 29 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

GLEN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET: Tuesdays, 9am-1pm through Sept. 15 behind Glen Arbor Twp. Hall, 6394 W. Western Ave. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

HARBOR SPRINGS: Downtown Harbor Springs. Held every Weds. & Sat. throughout the summer, 9am-1pm, through Aug. 26, & Saturdays continue through Oct. 10. Featuring local farmers, artisans, food producers & more. petoskeyarea.com/events/harborsprings-farmers-market-2026

HONOR: Tuesdays, 9am-2pm, June – Aug., Maley Park, Honor.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTERLOCHEN: Thursdays, 2-7pm through Aug. 27, 2112 J. Maddy Pkwy., Interlochen.

LELAND: Immanuel Lutheran Church Parking Lot, Leland. Held every Thurs. through Sept. 3 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

LONG LAKE: Haywood Park, TC. Runs every Thurs. through Oct. 1 from 9am-1pm. Held near the bocce ball courts.

NORTHPORT FARMERS MARKET: 105

S. Bay St., Northport. Held every Fri. through Sept. 18 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: 1322

Anderson Rd., Petoskey. Held on Saturdays from 9am-1pm through Oct. 10. facebook. com/oldtownemmetfarmmarket

SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS

MARKET: Saturdays, 7:30am-noon through Oct. at Parking Lot B, Cass St. & E. Grandview Parkway, TC. Also held here on Wednesdays starting in June from 8am-noon. It will take place on the ground floor of the Old Town Parking Deck during the National Cherry Festival. dda.downtowntc.com/farmers-market

SUTTONS BAY FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, North Park corner of M22 & M204, Suttons Bay. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

“FOR THE BIRDS” ART EXHIBITION: lanau Twp. Library, Northport. Featuring local & international artists whose work explores di versity among birds, & their importance to our shared ecosystem. Runs through Sept. 18. ROOTS: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibition explores history, heri tage, & the experiences that define us. The works reflect personal, cultural, family, & en vironmental connections—examining how traditions, places, & pivotal moments influ ence identity & creativity. Runs July 19 - Aug. 29. jordanriverarts.com

REFLECTIONS OF THE AUSABLE able Artisan Village Performing Arts Cen ter, Grayling. Runs July 12-26. Held during the Annual Canoe Marathon, this exhibition showcases artwork inspired by the beauty & spirit of the AuSable River. Featuring the diverse talents of AuSable Artisan Village art ists. Opening reception on July 12 at 4pm. artisanvillage.org/event/reflections-of-theausable-art-exhibition

5TH ANNUAL GREAT BODIES GROUP EXHIBIT: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Featuring more than 25 artists, this exhibit celebrates the abundance of freshwater found through out Michigan. The exhibit runs through Aug. 8. higherartgallery.com

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOS KEY: - CRAFT: FOLK ART: lery. This exhibition highlights artists who re interpret folk traditions in fresh & meaningful ways, blurring the lines between art, craft, & storytelling. Runs through July 25. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/craft-folk-art.html

HAM & BARBARA MORGAN”: field Gall

gan photographs of Graham & her company in the 1930s & 40s. Runs through Oct. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-ex hibitions/exhibits/modern-movement.html

- IN MOTION: MAKING ART DANCE: Held in Gilbert Gallery. A juried exhibition of move ment inspired visual art pieces, sharing works that address questions such as, “How do art ists today show the energy of moving bod ies in paintings, sculptures, or films?” Runs through Sept. 5. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/ex hibits/in-motion.html

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:

- PAINT GRAND TRAVERSE: EXTENDED EXHIBIT: leries. Experience the beauty of northern Michigan through the eyes of 31 acclaimed plein air artists from across the country. This extended exhibit features a selection of avail able artwork created during Paint Grand Tra verse 2026. Runs through Aug. 22. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/pgt-extended-exhibit.html

- CONTAINER: Held in Carnegie Galleries, this exhibit explores the many meanings of containment through both sculptural & twodimensional works. Runs July 17-Aug. 22. An opening reception will be held on Fri., July 17 from 5-7pm. An artist talk will be held on July 18 at 11am. An Ekphrastic Reading is held on Aug. 20 from 5:30-7pm. crookedtree.org/ events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/container.html

- CHERRY STATE OF MIND: well Gallery from July 17 – Aug. 22. This ex hibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival & honors the fruit that has helped define northern Michigan’s landscape, economy & identity for genera tions. Opening reception on July 17 from 5-7pm; artist talk on Aug. 15 at 11am; & ek phrastic reading on Aug. 20 from 5:30-7pm.

KALAMAZOO Creek Stanorthwoodsleague.com/traverse-

- - -SPECTACUNorth Queen worldimpersonator, cityoperahouse.org

- - -SYMInterlochen Jader Symphony Oremotion orchestra. FeaWarming” & Tickets start

- - -Bay Auditorium, who has around onthestage.tickets/show/ bay-view-association/69bc4ad615ddb92e62

- - -CONCERT Park, Roth

- - -HIKE: LakeTraverse stargazing. required. RIDE BICYElk RapRAT is bicycle stops, Veteran’s $75 becherrycapi-

- - -PARTIES: Community Theraces on before Formula 1

- - -ART & - - -Farm, Michael your loLakes ar- - -Turtle commubeloved masteam. Meet hang out truck turtlecreekca-

- - -KALAMAZOO Creek Stanorthwoodsleague.com/traverse-

- - -2pm, HinEnjoy an over 2 forests &

encounter poets, musicians, an analemmatic sundial, & a lookout tower with views of Waugoshance Point & the Upper Peninsula. Free. goodhartartistresidency.org/midsummers-

AN AFTERNOON WITH PAULA MCLAIN: 4pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Paula will celebrate her newest novel, “Skylark.” $20. mcleanandeakin.com/ event/2026-07-19/paula-mclain-skylark

SUNDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK: KIRBY:

JADER BIGNAMINI CONDUCTS TCHAI7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium. The World Youth Symphony Orchestra performs side by side with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Jader Bignamini. Featuring Michael Abels’ “Emerge” & Tchaikovsky’s Symphony

UNITY CONNECTIONS PICNIC PARPalmer Park Pavilion, Mancelona. Grand Traverse Industries of Mancelona is hosting this series of live entertainment on Tuesdays, June 30 - Aug. 4 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Featuring live music & storytelling, arts & crafts, face painting & more. grandtraverseindustries.com

farmers markets

Fridays, 8am-noon through midOct. at 102 S. Maple St. localdifference.org/ partner/bellaire-farmers-market/

Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through mid-Oct. at Veterans Park, Boyne City. Featuring an array of goods from local small-scale farmers, artisans & entrepreneurs. July 4 & July 11 will be held at Old City Park. boynecityfarmersmarket.org

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY: Fridays, 8:30am1pm through Oct. 2, on Howard St. between Mitchell & Michigan streets. facebook.com/ PetoskeyFarmersMarket

EMPIRE: 10234 Front St., next to post office, Empire. Held every Sat. through Aug. 29 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

art

“FOR THE BIRDS” ART EXHIBITION: Leelanau Twp. Library, Northport. Featuring local & international artists whose work explores diversity among birds, & their importance to our shared ecosystem. Runs through Sept. 18. ROOTS: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibition explores history, heritage, & the experiences that define us. The works reflect personal, cultural, family, & environmental connections—examining how traditions, places, & pivotal moments influence identity & creativity. Runs July 19 - Aug. 29. jordanriverarts.com

REFLECTIONS OF THE AUSABLE: AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Runs July 12-26. Held during the Annual Canoe Marathon, this exhibition showcases artwork inspired by the beauty & spirit of the AuSable River. Featuring the diverse talents of AuSable Artisan Village artists. Opening reception on July 12 at 4pm. artisanvillage.org/event/reflections-of-theausable-art-exhibition

crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/cherry-state-of-mind.html

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- “AMERICANS”: This is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street & the National Museum of the American Indian, which explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions

- CAROLINE MONNET: “THIS OLD HOUSE IS ALL WE HAVE”: Through the interplay of image & object, Monnet foregrounds the deep entanglement of economy, development, & the natural environment. The exhibition serves as a reminder that economic prosperity & urban expansion have historically been built upon the exploitation of land & the Indigenous peoples who have lived in relationship with it for generations. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions

GLEN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET: Tuesdays, 9am-1pm through Sept. 15 behind Glen Arbor Twp. Hall, 6394 W. Western Ave. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am, Rotary Park, Elk Rapids. For first-time riders, ages 2-5. These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone. No need to bring your bike; Norte has plenty to lend out. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/ balance-bike-meet-ups-traverse-city-7z4k7-

30 • july 13, 2026 • Northern

HONOR: Tuesdays, 9am-2pm, June – Aug., Maley Park, Honor.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTERLOCHEN: Thursdays, 2-7pm through Aug. 27, 2112 J. Maddy Pkwy., Interlochen.

LELAND: Immanuel Lutheran Church Parking Lot, Leland. Held every Thurs. through Sept. 3 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

LONG LAKE: Haywood Park, TC. Runs every Thurs. through Oct. 1 from 9am-1pm. Held near the bocce ball courts.

NORTHPORT FARMERS MARKET: 105

S. Bay St., Northport. Held every Fri. through Sept. 18 from 9am-1pm. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: 1322 Anderson Rd., Petoskey. Held on Saturdays from 9am-1pm through Oct. 10. facebook. com/oldtownemmetfarmmarket

SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS

SUTTONS BAY FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, North Park corner of M22 & M204, Suttons Bay. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com

5TH ANNUAL GREAT BODIES GROUP EXHIBIT: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Featuring more than 25 artists, this exhibit celebrates the abundance of freshwater found throughout Michigan. The exhibit runs through Aug. 8. higherartgallery.com

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:

- CRAFT: FOLK ART: Held in Atrium Gallery. This exhibition highlights artists who reinterpret folk traditions in fresh & meaningful ways, blurring the lines between art, craft, & storytelling. Runs through July 25. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/craft-folk-art.html

- “MODERN MOVEMENT: MARTHA GRAHAM & BARBARA MORGAN”: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Featuring original Barbara Morgan photographs of Graham & her company in the 1930s & 40s. Runs through Oct. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/modern-movement.html

- IN MOTION: MAKING ART DANCE: Held in Gilbert Gallery. A juried exhibition of movement inspired visual art pieces, sharing works that address questions such as, “How do artists today show the energy of moving bodies in paintings, sculptures, or films?” Runs through Sept. 5. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/in-motion.html

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC:

- PAINT GRAND TRAVERSE: EXTENDED EXHIBIT: Held in Cornwell & Carnegie Galleries. Experience the beauty of northern Michigan through the eyes of 31 acclaimed plein air artists from across the country. This extended exhibit features a selection of available artwork created during Paint Grand Traverse 2026. Runs through Aug. 22. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/pgt-extended-exhibit.html

- CHERRY STATE OF MIND: Runs in Cornwell Gallery from July 17 – Aug. 22. This exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival & honors the fruit that has helped define northern Michigan’s landscape, economy & identity for generations. Opening reception on July 17 from 5-7pm; artist talk on Aug. 15 at 11am; & ekphrastic reading on Aug. 20 from 5:30-7pm.

- XAVI BOU: “ECHOES OF FLIGHT”: Artist Xavi Bou invites visitors to reconsider how we see the natural world—& how that way of seeing shapes our relationship to it. This exhibition bridges art, science, & environmental awareness through Bou’s innovative use of digital chronophotography. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER, FRANKFORT:

- POETIC VISIONS OF PORT ONEIDA: PAINTING AND POEMS THAT REIMAGINE: Held in Lobby Gallery. Enjoy this series of oil paintings & corresponding poems created by Grand Traverse County artist Wendy McWhorter. Runs through Aug. 27. GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm; & Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/product/ exhibit-poetic-visions-of-port-oneida

- AMERICAN TREE: BUILDING A UNITED STATE OF TREES: Held in Main Gallery. American Tree is an exhibit that explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago -- & the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. This exhibition runs through Aug. 13. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org/product/exhibit-american-tree

OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: - JUBILEE, AN ODE TO THE CHERRY: Jubilee! is an ode to the cherry in all its glory. In northwest Michigan, we celebrate cherries both tart & sweet as a major crop, a summer delight, & a shared heritage. Runs through July. See web site for hours. oliverart.org - NANCY FOSTER RETROSPECTIVE: Nancy’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the western & midwestern United States. Travel across America through Foster’s eyes: taking in humble midwestern landscapes, romantic landscapes of the Great Lakes, the edges & shadows of urban Chicago, & the majesty of nature from Michigan to the west coast. An opening reception will be held on Sat., July 18 from 5-7pm. Exhibit runs through Aug. 21. See web site for hours. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

by Joseph beyer

She’s slurred, she’s profane, she’s Supergirl !! And in the hands of director Craig Gillespie of Lars and the Real Girl (2007) and I, Tonya (2017) fame, the latest DC Comics big screen adaptation manages to feel fresh, confident, and somewhat punky. The director and screenwriter Ana Nogueira deliver a story thin on dialogue, but not substance, in this modern movie reboot of the character first introduced in 1959.

Credit the 26-year-old actress Milly Alcock with much of the praise, as she steps (or leaps) into the starring role here after a brief introductory cameo in 2025’s Superman reboot from director James Gunn.

Alcock is hot to the comic-book franchise from her stint on the Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon. Here, Alcock brings all the “rizz” to her portrayal of Kara Zorel (aka Supergirl)—the young Kryptonian from outer space sent unwillingly to planet Earth to save her life—becoming a lone wolf Sigma, who feels isolated and out of place, even as her cousin Clark Kent (Superman) tries to delicately help her find her way.

When the film opens, she’s on a 20-something intergalactic bender, heavily drinking in extraterrestrial bars, avoiding her fate, and haunted by her past. Her “aura” is foggy, unguided, and lost, and her only space companion is her beloved dog, Krypto, sent with her to Earth from the remnants of her lost world. Krypto is clumsy, impulsive, and destructive, but far too adorable to punish. Their bond is strong, and without him, Kara would be entirely alone in the universe.

So it’s a perfect plot device (sown early in the narrative) when Krypto is poisoned by the evil and ugly space-pirate Krem, starting a ticking clock to steal the antidote from and save the dog’s life. This sets off the search

and rescue mission that will test Supergirl’s sobriety, her grit, and her powers.

Along the way, Supergirl’s motivations become aligned with a young wannabewarrior named Ruthye (played wonderfully by the actress Eve Ridley), who is seeking her own revenge against Krem. The duo forms an unlikely alliance of quasi-sisterhood against a background of poetic violence and a world that constantly underestimates women.

Like all good hero journeys, Supergirl has to change in order to prevail: abandoning her WTF mentality for the responsibility of facing her painful past and growing up to face the future. She evolves from loner to protector, from The Dude to The Renewed, and Alcock is the perfect vessel for the task as she brings a younger Natasha Lyonne bratness to the role, complete with Liz Taylor eyewear and a Barbara Kruger attitude. In fact, the least appealing sequences were the ones where she finally donned the famed cape and tights.

Supergirl has such an easygoing energy (without trying too hard), that the simple plot is still complex enough to satisfy— and its Fast Times at Ridgemont High style comedy depicting alien airlines and bodegas didn’t hurt either.

Sure, George Miller of Mad Max fame may claim visual plagiarism for some of the film’s success, and yes Jason Momoa as a cigar chewing bounty hunter was delightfully OTT, but Supergirl delivered a real cultural story of female oppression and women literally fighting back that felt uniquely vibrant and satisfying in a post-Epstein world.

Now showing exclusively in theaters, Supergirl is rated PG-13 for violence, language, and smoking and runs a respectable 1 hour and 48 minutes.

Supergirl

lOGY

JULY 13 - JULY 19

BY ROB BREZSNY

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to neuroscientists, the "default mode network" is the area of your brain that lights up when you're daydreaming, drifting through thoughts and feelings, and letting your imagination roam around. This is when your deep self does crucial work: weaving memories into stories, making creative connections, rehearsing possible futures, and forging your sense of identity. I mention this, Leo, because the coming days will be prime time for you to indulge lavishly in this healing and restorative activity. Don't let a task-obsessed world shame you out of your reveries. Your genius will bloom from their slowly swirling flow.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Here are three gentle nudges: 1. One of your trusty tools or assets still seems to be working fine, but I suggest you look into the possibility that it will soon need repair. 2. Unless you act proactively to ease the strain on your system, a mini-breakdown could be on the horizon. 3. The monster hiding in your closet is hibernating, which makes this the perfect time to summon an exorcist before it rouses. Here’s the very good news, dear Virgo: Because you are reading this oracle, you are now armed with all you need to stave off turmoil and head in the direction of an exciting renaissance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Researchers who study improvisational jazz have found that master musicians often anticipate each other's ideas milliseconds before anyone actually plays the notes. Their brains become exquisitely synchronized through deep listening rather than rigid planning. Maybe more than any other sign, you Libras possess a similar aptitude in managing your intimate alliances and social connections. In the coming weeks, this superpower will be even more necessary and available than usual. I'll provide a reminder: Pay less attention to what people claim to mean and more attention to the rhythms beneath their words. Let your intuition guide you. The subtly shared timing will generate elegant cooperation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “It’s bad luck to be superstitious!” is a delightful paradox that I enjoy playing with. It makes fun of our tendency to believe that invisible forces are constantly keeping score on our behavior. On one level, the phrase pokes at the way superstition multiplies anxiety instead of easing it. If you really believed it’s bad luck to be superstitious, then your belief about bad luck would itself be a superstition. So you’d have to avoid the very thinking pattern you’re using to feel safer. It exposes how easily the mind can tie itself in knots trying to control the uncontrollable. On another level, “it’s bad luck to be superstitious” is an invitation to examine which of your little rituals are entertaining and nourishing and which are cages. Keeping a lucky stone in your pocket is fine if it amuses you, but believing you’re doomed if you don't carry the stone isn't so fine. My advice: Notice when your charm or taboo is no longer a quirky companion, but starts being a tyrant that shrinks your freedom.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Are you the type of Sagittarius who pushes open doors with “pull” signs on them? Do you get a secret kick out of opening boxes from the end that says “open other side”? Maybe you even yack on your phone in designated quiet zones. If so, I’d like to suggest channeling your rebellious spark into grander acts. In the weeks ahead, you will be carrying some potent renegade energy. Used wisely, your radiant defiance could topple a stagnant situation that’s overdue for change.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Many healers favor the slow-and-steady path. They often meet with people once a week, trusting that even stubborn issues must be unwoven with patience and gentleness. But there are also bold experimenters who work differently. I know an acupuncturist who invites clients to live at her clinic for six days straight, offering a new treatment every two hours during the waking hours. She creates a healing immersion chamber. That’s the spirit I recommend for you in the coming weeks, Capricorn. You’re at the threshold of resolving a longstanding imbalance. What will serve you best isn’t dabbling at it but offering it focused, sustained, wholehearted attention until the shift activates.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You can refresh and boost your ambition if you give it a firm, precise adjustment sometime soon. Your raw vitality will surge back if you refrain from indulging in a careless habit that has been draining it. Your willpower and determination have been weakened by the fallout from an old misstep, but you now have the clarity needed to repair that error. Your libidinous energy is not as clear and potent as it could be, but it will become so once you get more honest about what truly excites you.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): You’re like an arrow that has been shot from a bow and is three-quarters of the way to the target. You’re a delicious meal still simmering on the stove, or a pregnancy at seven months, or the last two weeks before a major election. When I tuned my inner vision to you, I glimpsed a honeybee wriggling a dance to show its coworkers where a stand of blooming lilac awaits. Have you ever been on the verge of speaking a new language with ease? That’s where you are now, Pisces: just before true fluency clicks.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In honor of the intensive homecoming phase of your astrological cycle, I have homework for you.

1. Make a prediction about how old you will be when you know precisely who you are. 2. Forecast the day when you will look in the mirror and recognize your face as an intricate portrait of every experience you have ever loved. 3. Imagine the dawn when the boundary between your own longing and life’s longing will dissolve, revealing they’ve always been the same current. 4. Predict when your heart will be as wild and free and brave as you have always wanted it to be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ornithologists studying migration know that some birds don't fly directly to their destination. They follow "leading lines.” These are geographical features like coastlines and mountain ranges that provide orientation. Even when this means taking a longer route, the certainty of having a guiding landmark outweighs the efficiency of a straight line across nondescript terrain. I recommend the birds’ approach to you in the coming weeks, Taurus. Follow your own leading lines: practices and intuitions that provide lucid orientation even when they don't offer shortcuts. The indirect path offers the surety you need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): What’s an important truth you keep forgetting about? Maybe it’s a promise you once made to yourself, or an understanding that your younger self knew, or a wisdom your body keeps trying to communicate while your mind ignores it. What truth returns again and again in different guises: through synchronicities, seemingly random comments from friends, recurring dreams, or the same lesson repeating in new situations? What crucial insights about life do you remember during crisis or ecstasy, only to abandon them once normalcy returns? Now is a favorable time to fully recover this lesson and install it firmly at the heart of your life.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Make a list of your five greatest pleasures. These are experiences that stir your senses, steady your pulse, and remind you why love being alive. Write them down as if they were sacred prayers. Sing a spontaneous song of praise of them. Then set out on a quest to discover pleasure number six. This is a delight you have never tasted, touched, or imagined before. Maybe it will come from saying yes to a possibility you usually decline. Treat this experiment as a form of worship and a way to boost your devotion to your healing life force.

“Jonesin”

Crosswords

"You're Too Wise"--well, close enough. by Matt Jones

ACROSS

1. Hibachi residue

4. Awards show hosts

7. "___ Kapital"

10. "___ Don't Use Jelly" (Flaming Lips song)

13. Part of a repeated dance movement

14. Designation for bands like Bon Iver

16. Calligraphy tool

17. Backpacker's chain

18. Sorting hub for train networks

20. Formative period

22. Mine extractions

23. Lunchbox sandwich

24. Mata Hari, e.g.

25. Mon. follower

26. South American fruit called "pineapple guava" in some areas

29. June honoree, in cards made by little kids

30. Coffee vessel

31. Liqueur in a Negroni

35. Dairy product that may contain seeds

41. Start of many Italian dance track titles (itmeans "the rhythm")

42. Silent assent

43. 1983 Washington-set taxi comedy starring 33-Down

45. Norwegian coast features

48. St. Louis highlight

49. ___ status (oldness, in Gen Z slang)

52. Fig end?

53. "Dude!", casually

54. She was Maid Marian in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"

58. It's extremely high-priced and seaworthy

60. Wolf Man portrayer ___ Chaney Jr.

61. Poem full of praise

62. Pine tree droppings

63. Night before

64. Anderson who directed "The Royal Tenenbaums"

65. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" animal

66. My Chemical Romance genre

67. Garden droplets

DOWN

1. Farmer's measurement

2. 1965 Beatles concert stadium

3. Fasteners that lend their name to sharp curves

4. Actress Catlett who voices Mrs. Puff on "SpongeBob SquarePants"

5. Pottery material

6. Pig pens

7. Bridal contribution of yore

8. Word with a sigh

9. Place to see constellations

10. Left undamaged

11. Iconoclasm

12. Airs the final episode

15. Move your wings

19. "Understand?" but beatnik-style

21. JFK's veep

25. Luau root

26. Pet's coat

27. Timeline portion

28. Acid-tongued

29. Exactly when an event takes place

32. Singer Grande, to fans

33. "I pity the fool!" exclaimer

34. Dr. Hank ___ (Michael Douglas's "Ant-Man" character)

36. Peru's Machu ___

37. Boring

38. Let out, like a garden hose

39. Unit equal to 5 1/2 yards

40. QB's achievements

43. DJ behind the 2000 hit dance song "Sandstorm"

44. Pivotal points

46. Kipling's "___ Stories"

47. Spheroid

49. Hesitant agreement

50. Long-distance swimmer Diana

51. Travel by bike

53. Play the sax

54. Positive votes

55. Throaty attention-getter

56. Sheltered inlet

57. Had a feeling

59. "Messenger" material

ALEXANDRA INN, TC

BLUSH: ROOFTOP TERRACE:

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

Mon -- Fridays Music (John & Madeline Piatek), 5-7

CHATEAU CHANTAL, TC

WEST PATIO:

7/11 – Randy Reszka, 6:30-8:30

7/16 -- Jazz at Sunset w/ Jeff Haas

Trio & Laurie Sears, 7

7/17 -- Friday Night Live Music w/ Christina Teresa, 5-8

ENCORE 201, TC

7/8-11 & 7/18 -- DJ Ricky T

7/17 – DJ Fade

JACOB'S FARM, TC

6-9:

7/11 -- Timberline North

7/12 -- Blair Miller

7/15 -- Tom Morrell

7/16 -- Doc Probes

7/17 -- TundraTones

7/19 -- Stereobabe

KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC

7/10-11 -- Risque, 9:30

7/13 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9

7/14 -- The Will Harris Trio, 8

7/15 -- The Pocket Band, 8

7/16 -- DJ Leo, 9:30

7/17-18 -- Lucas Paul, 9:30

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

7/11 -- Allie Jade, 7-9

7/12 -- John Piatek, 2-4

7/14 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9

7/17 -- Jazz Cabbage, 7-9

7/18 -- Mason Gratton, 7-9

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM:

7/13 – Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

PIAZZA, ACROSS FROM TASTING ROOM:

7/17 – Manitou Truckin’ Co., 6

LIL BO'S, TC THE YARD, 7-10:30: 7/15 -- The Ampersands

7/16 -- Jeff Linsell

MIDDLECOAST, TC

7/11 – Rebekah Jon, 6-9

Thurs. – Open Mic w/ Joe Domanick, 7-9

7/17 – Stef & Vince, 6-9

7/18 – Clint Weaner, 6-9

NORTH BAR, TC

7/11 -- Kevin Paul, 7-10; Skin Kwon Doe, 10

7/15 -- Loren Kranz, 7-10 7/16 -- Beans & Cheese, 7-10

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 7/11 -- 2Bays DJ's, 6:30-9:30

7/12 -- Brady Corcoran, 6:30-9:30

7/15 -- Jimmy Olson, 7-9

7/16 -- Jeff Linsell, 7-9

7/17 -- Gemini Moon, 7-9

7/18 -- Erik Burke & Mark Daisy, 6:30-9:30

7/19 -- Jeff Social, 7-9

STONE HOUND BREWING CO., WILLIAMSBURG

7/11 -- Mike Moran, 6:30-8:30

7/17 -- Andrew Lutes, 6:30-8:30

7/18 -- Stonefolk, 6:30-9:30

TC WHISKEY CO.

7/11 -- DJ Zeb, 8-10

7/17 -- Jimmy Olson, 8

TC WHISKEY CO.

THE STILLHOUSE: 7/11 -- DJ Zeb, 8 7/14 -- Open Mic, 6-8 7/17 -- Jimmy Olson, 8 7/18 -- DJ E-Knuf, 8

THE ALLUVION, TC

7: 7/13 -- Big Fun & Funky Uncle w/ DJ Ras Marco

7/17 -- Nathan Graham wsg Audrey Mason

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC

7:30-11:

7/10-11 – Low Hanging Fruit

7/17 -- the rectifiers 7/18 – Truck Driver Bingo

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC

7/11 – The Pocket, 6-10

7/15 – IPR Classical Happy Hour w/ Archipelago Project, 5:30-7:30

7/17-18 – The Daylites, 6-10

THE PARLOR, TC

7/11 -- Brady Corcoran, 9 7/15 -- Rob Coonrod, 8-11

7/16 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

7/11 -- Beans & Cheese, 7-10; DJ Producer AJ, 10

7/12 & 7/19 -- David Márton, 7-10

7/13 -- Karaoke, 8-11

7/15 -- Zeke Clemons, 8-11

7/17 -- DJ Vai, 10

7/18 -- DJ Producer AJ, 10

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

7/12 – Full Tilt Comedy – Comedy Lab, 7-9

7/13 – USS Comedy Open Mic, 8-9:30

7/15 – Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz, 6-9

7/16 – DJ Trivia, 7-9

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC 7/17 -- YESIMJOHN - DJ, 7-10 PATIO, 6:30-9:30: 7/11 -- Timebombs/SandBox Ramblers

7/16 -- Coral Stone - Open Mic Jam

7/18 -- MI Sane Asylum

TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WIL-

LIAMSBURG 6-8:

7/11 -- Spencer Hollenbeck

7/17 -- Blair Miller

7/17 -- Joe Lopata

7/18 -- Jesse Jefferson

TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG

WATERFALL, 8-12: 7/18 – Petty Thieves

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD

7/11 -- Bruce Walker, 5-8

7/17 -- Matt Orlandi, 6-9

7/18 -- Nelson Olstrom, 5-8 BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 7/18 – Mike Ridley, 6-9

VINES WINERY & TASTING ROOM 4-7: 7/11 – Ty Parkin 7/18 – Lou Thumser

9 BEAN ROWS, SUTTONS BAY 1-3: 7/12 – Dennis Palmer 7/19 – Ted Alan & Ron Getz

BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR

7/11 -- Zeke Clemons, 3:30

7/12 -- Larry Perkins, 3:30

7/14 -- Jakob Abraham, 5:30

7/17 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5:30

7/18 -- Andre Villoch, 3:30

7/19 -- Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, 3:30

BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU

TASTING ROOM:

7/12 – Broom Closet Boys, 4-6:30

7/15 – Loose Change, 5:30-8

7/19 – Bryan Poirer, 4-6:30

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE

LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30:

7/11 – Doc Probes

7/12 – Nick Vasquez

7/15 – Jesse Jefferson

7/16 – Sean Baldwin

7/17 – Sydni K

7/18 – Fred Drachus

THE YURT, 6-9: 7/15 – Drew Hale

DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT

3-6:

7/12 -- Rhett & John

7/16 -- The Fridays 7/19 -- Emily Faber

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4-7: 7/13 -- Swingbone North 7/16 -- Larry Perkins

THE BARN:

7/18 -- i.am.james & Hannah Laine, 5-8

GILCHRIST FARM WINERY, SUTTONS BAY

7/16 -- Elizabeth Landry, 3-6 7/19 -- Reggae Music w/ I-Taweh,

Leelanau & Benzie

2-5

HOP LOT BREWING, SUTTONS BAY 5-8:

7/11 -- Vertical Limit

7/14 -- The Fridays 7/15 -- Stereobabe

7/16 -- Luke Woltanski Band

7/17 -- Split Decision 7/18 -- Empire Highway

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

7/11 -- Agnes Su, 5:30-7:30

7/12 -- Jeff Socia, 4-6

7/16 -- John Ford, 5:30-7:30

7/17 -- Genna & Jesse, 5:30-7:30

7/19 -- Thomas Ellis, 1-3; Drew Hale, 5:30-7:30

LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

7/11 -- Daydrinkers Series w/ Jim Crockett Band, 3-6; The Mighty TundraTones aka Jazz North, 7-10

7/14 -- New Third Coast, 6:30-9:30

7/15 -- Andre Villoch, 6:30-9:30

7/16 -- Stereobabe, 7-10

7/17 -- Happy Hour w/ Anna P.S., 3-6; Stereobabe, 7-10

7/18 -- Daydrinkers Series w/ Andy Six, 4-6:30; Stereobabe, 7-10

LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY

7/17 – Billy B Acoustic, 6-9

BEER GARDEN, 4-7:

7/12 – 1000 Watt Prophets

7/19 – The Mighty TundraTones

RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR

6-9:

7/11 & 7/15 -- Empire Highway

7/12 -- Loose Change

7/13 -- Levi Britton

7/14 -- Highway North

7/16 -- Kevin Paul

7/17 -- Yankin' Covers

7/18 -- Drew Hale

7/19 -- Johnny P

SHADY LANE CELLARS, PATIO, SUTTONS BAY

7/17 -- Friday Night Live: Zach Peterson, 4

SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU 4-7: 7/11 -- Swingbone North 7/17 -- Luke Woltanski Band 7/18 -- Jazz Cabbage

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 7/11 -- Olivia Prior, 1-4; Corinna Snow, 5-8

7/12 -- Jakob Abraham, 3-6

7/13 -- Steve Arvey, 1-4; Jesse Jefferson, 5-8

7/14 -- Luke Woltanski, 5-8

7/15 -- He Said She Said, 5-8

7/16 -- Jabo Bihlman, 5-8

7/17 -- Keith Scott Blues, 5-8

7/18 -- Yankin' Covers, 1-4; Blair Miller, 5-8

7/19 -- Brian Curran & Ivas Johns, 3-6

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT PARKVIEW TAPROOM, 6-8:

7/16 -- Jen Sygit

7/17 -- Archipelago Project

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS

7/12 – The M-22’s, 5:30-8

7/16 -- Thurs. DJ Trivia, 6:30-8

7/19 -- Chris Smith, 5:30-8

TANDEM CIDERS, SUTTONS BAY Sun -- The Nightcrawlers, 1-4

THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA

7/11 -- Barefoot, 6-9

7/14 -- Aldrich, 5-8

7/15 -- Vinyl Vednesday w/ DJ T.J., 5-8

7/16 -- Open Mic Night, 6:30-9

7/17 -- Larz Cabot, 6-9

7/18 -- Jake Frysinger, 5-8

THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9:

7/11 & 7/18 -- Bryan Poirier

7/16 -- Elisabeth Christe

7/17 -- Craig & The Jolly Ranchers

Otsego, Crawford & Central

VANDERBILT

nitelife

Emmet & Cheboygan

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR:

7/11 & 7/18 – Karaoke, 9-12

7/15 – The Fridays, 3:30-6:30

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

7/11 – Chris Calleja, 2-6

7/17 – Yankee Station, 4-7:30 7/18 – Michelle Chenard, 2-6

BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR PATIO:

7/12 -- Michael Hozz, 12:30-3:30

7/13 -- Ricky Hill, 6

7/14 -- Two Track Mind, 6 7/15 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 7:30 7/16 -- Derek Boik, 6

7/17 -- Nelson Olstrom, 12:30

7/18 -- Patrick Ryan, 6 7/19 -- Nick Visconti, 12:30

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

7/17-18 -- Huckleberry Groove, 8

CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY, ALANSON

7/11 -- Randy Reszka, 1-4

HIDDEN RIVER GOLF COURSE, BRUTUS TROVATO:

7/15 – Mike Ridley, 6-9

INN AT BAY HARBOR CABANA BAR, 5-8: 7/12 – Michelle Chenard

7/19 – Chris Calleja

INN BETWEEN, INDIAN RIVER 7/16 – Mike Ridley, 4-7

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

7-10:

7/11 -- Rob Yates Underleaf Duo 7/16 -- Eric Jaqua

7/17 -- Mike Ridley 7/18 -- Lara Fullford

NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS

7/11 -- Eric Ward, 5-8

7/16 -- Trivia, 6:30

7/17 -- Laura Crowe, 5:30-8:30

7/18 -- Two Track Mind, 5:30-8:30

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 8:

7/17 -- 90’s Weekend w/ DJ Big Ton

7/18 -- Class of ’98, followed by DJ Hotkeys

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

7/11 -- Delilah DeWylde, 5-8

7/12 -- Serita's Black Rose, 3-6

7/15 -- Open Mic Night w/ Kirby, 5-8

7/16 -- Rachael Davis & Josh Davis Trio, 5-8

7/17 -- Josh Rose & The Founding Fathers, 5-8

BLU DOT FARM & VINEYARD, CHARLEVOIX

7/11 – Jelly Roll Blues Band, 5-8

7/18 – Joel Jacobson, 4-7

BOYNE CITY TAPROOM

7: Thurs. – Adam & the Cabana Boys Fri. – Josh Raber & Patrick Ryan Sat. – Patrick Ryan

BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY

7/16 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7

CELLAR 152, ELK RAPIDS

7/11 -- Blair Miller, 6-9

ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS

8-11: 7/11 – Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed

7/18 – Luke Woltanski Band

Antrim & Charlevoix

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY

7/11 -- DJ Big Ton, 9

7/15 -- Karaoke Night, 9

7/17 -- Seasonal Road, 6

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE

BEER GARDEN, 7-9:30:

7/11 -- One Hot Robot

7/17 -- 1000 Watt Prophets

7/18 -- HWT

SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS

7/11 -- Serita's Black Rose, 6-9

7/12 -- Doc Probes, 2-5

7/14 -- ShortStop, 7-9

7/15 -- Steve Brown, 6-9

7/16 -- Alex Teller, 6-9

7/17 -- Sean Miller, 6-9

7/18 -- Levitator, 6-9

7/19 -- John Richard Paul, 2-5

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY

7/11 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6-9

THE DAM SHOP, ELK RAPIDS MARINA PATIO: 7/11 -- B:Balderrama & Baker, 6-9 7/17 -- Zeke Clemons, 6-9 7/18 -- Joe Domanick, 6-9 7/19 -- Chris Edgington, 5-8

TORCH LAKE CAFE, CENTRAL LAKE Thu -- Nick Vasquez, 6 Fri. & Sat. -- Leanna Collins & Ivan Greilick, 7

WATERFIRE VINEYARDS, KEWADIN 7/11 -- Keith Scott Blues, 4-7

7/16 -- Randy Reszka, 2-5

7/18 -- Steve Brown, 4-7

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

BLUE SLIPPER TAVERN, ONEKAMA 7/18 -- Vic Trip Rocks, 7-10

BUCKSNORT SALOON, MESICK

7/13 -- Mon. Night Open Mic w/ Vic Trip, 6-9

MANISTEE NATIONAL GOLF & RESORT THE BACKYARD: 7/11 – The Backyard Summer Fest w/ Roger That!, 5:30-7; Cousin Curtiss, 7:30-9 7/17 – Cheryl Wolfram, 7

NORTHERN EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS

MEET GREENS: GREEN PARTY 101. coming to Traverse City. 6-7pm Tue Jul 21. Horizon Books Cafe

MAGIC AT TADL: Cody Clark: Join us for a free magic show with Cody Clark! tadl.org/magic26

AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING AT HORIZON BOOKS: In-Store Book Signing with Robert "Carlos" Fuentes, author of The Vacation: A Teenage Migrant Farmworker's Experience Picking Cherries in Michigan, Saturday, July 18, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI. An easy summer-read memoir set in Leelanau County. If you love cherries, this book is for you!

GARDEN WALK - Fr. Ken’s Garden, Cedar, Mi: Garden Walk 4-8 PM LUKE Woltanski performing 4-7 PM 9059 Nelson, Cedar $15 adult

SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? I WILL COME TO YOU!: I can fix your digital issues. Phone, TV, tablet, computer set up. AND show you how to use them! Call James Downer, Advent Tech. Your high tech handyman. 231-492-2087

READING SPECIALIST TO TUTOR STRUGGLING READERS: Help your child achieve reading success!! Moderate Rates. Catherine 231-392-6773

FREE WEEKLY ORIGINAL HOT YOGA COMMUNITY CLASS: EVERY WED. @ 7:30PM - 845 S. GARFIELD AVE. ORIGINALHOTYOGATC.COM 231-392-4798

NIGHTLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY STAYS NEAR TC!: “The Suites” Turnkey Homes & Motel. Travelers/Construction crews 231-633-5464

CARPET INSTALLERS NEEDED: Bodamer Brothers Flooring is looking for 1 full-time carpet installation person or team. Paying $10 yard + extras. Paid once a week. Insured and experienced only. 231-941-8446 Dan

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 7: 7/11 -- Devin C. Williams

7/17 -- Chief Jam-Open Mic 7/18 -- Brian Curran & Ivas John

THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/PRIMOS, CADILLAC 7/15 -- Trivia & Music Bingo, 6-9