Erin Crowell
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thornetta Davis
Music
Thornetta Aims for the Big Time
Fundraising concert will help send her to Memphis
By Erin Crowell
Thornetta Davis may be Michigan’s best-kept secret. – For now.
The blues singer from Detroit has proven talent, performing at home and overseas and opening for R&B greats such as Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles and Buddy Guy. In 2000, she sang with fellow Detroit native Kid Rock at the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards.
But when Steve Soviak of the Mid North Michigan Blues Society told members of the Blues Foundation that Davis would be competing at their annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis this January, the reply was always the same:
“Who?”
Davis, whose voice has been described as “rich and soulful – the next Aretha Franklin,” is on the verge of evolving from a talented singer with a great resume, to a world-class star. The MNMBS hopes the singer will come out from under the music radar when she and her band performs at the International Blues Challenge, in Memphis, January 20-23.
Fundraising concert will help send her to Memphis
By Erin Crowell
Thornetta Davis may be Michigan’s best-kept secret. – For now.
The blues singer from Detroit has proven talent, performing at home and overseas and opening for R&B greats such as Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles and Buddy Guy. In 2000, she sang with fellow Detroit native Kid Rock at the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards.
But when Steve Soviak of the Mid North Michigan Blues Society told members of the Blues Foundation that Davis would be competing at their annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis this January, the reply was always the same:
“Who?”
Davis, whose voice has been described as “rich and soulful – the next Aretha Franklin,” is on the verge of evolving from a talented singer with a great resume, to a world-class star. The MNMBS hopes the singer will come out from under the music radar when she and her band performs at the International Blues Challenge, in Memphis, January 20-23.
Monday, December 28, 2009
What to do on New Year‘s Eve
Features
What to do on New Year’s Eve?
A regional roundup of party proposals
By Erin Crowell
The time is upon us to welcome the double digits of a new decade. 2010
is coming, and oh, how nice it will roll off the tongue.
Twenty ten.
See ya later two thousand and nine.
A regional roundup of party proposals
By Erin Crowell
The time is upon us to welcome the double digits of a new decade. 2010
is coming, and oh, how nice it will roll off the tongue.
Twenty ten.
See ya later two thousand and nine.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Following the wind/Teresa Carey
Features
Follow the Wind
Teresa Carey has a simple plan: sail south through the winter
“I think I romanticized living on a boat, too… perhaps too much.
Sailors are romantics and romantics are fools, so I must be a fool.”
–From Teresa Carey’s Blog ‘Sailing, Simplicity,
and the Pursuit of Happiness’. Dec. 7, 2008
By Erin Crowell
The cold winds return to New England, changing the leaves to gold and brown as Teresa Carey pulls anchor. It’s October, and the Kalkaska native is setting sail for warmer waters aboard “Daphne,” a 27-foot sailboat.
Last year, the 31-year-old school teacher decided she wanted to sail the East Coast. So, she quit her job, sold her processions and bought the Nor’Sea sailing sloop.
“Once my boat was ready, it was just as easy as pulling up the anchor and going,” she says.
Carey has no itinerary and no crew – just a boat, a cat and a free spirit for exploration.
Teresa Carey has a simple plan: sail south through the winter
“I think I romanticized living on a boat, too… perhaps too much.
Sailors are romantics and romantics are fools, so I must be a fool.”
–From Teresa Carey’s Blog ‘Sailing, Simplicity,
and the Pursuit of Happiness’. Dec. 7, 2008
By Erin Crowell
The cold winds return to New England, changing the leaves to gold and brown as Teresa Carey pulls anchor. It’s October, and the Kalkaska native is setting sail for warmer waters aboard “Daphne,” a 27-foot sailboat.
Last year, the 31-year-old school teacher decided she wanted to sail the East Coast. So, she quit her job, sold her processions and bought the Nor’Sea sailing sloop.
“Once my boat was ready, it was just as easy as pulling up the anchor and going,” she says.
Carey has no itinerary and no crew – just a boat, a cat and a free spirit for exploration.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Unsilent night
Music
Unsilent Night
Sound Sculpture aims to rock the holidays
By Erin Crowell
We live in a time where music is kept privately, stored in iPods and mp3 players the size of a stick of gum, audible only to the listener via earbuds or soundproof headphones.
But on Monday, December 21, participants will take off the headset and play the music proudly—and loudly—in cities all over the world, as part of the 18th annual “Unsilent Night” Holiday Sound Sculpture.
Traverse City and Lansing are the only Michigan cities participating in the community event where members carry boomboxes, laptops and other means of group-friendly portable devices to create a menagerie of sound – unique to each listener, depending on where they are in the crowd.
Sound Sculpture aims to rock the holidays
By Erin Crowell
We live in a time where music is kept privately, stored in iPods and mp3 players the size of a stick of gum, audible only to the listener via earbuds or soundproof headphones.
But on Monday, December 21, participants will take off the headset and play the music proudly—and loudly—in cities all over the world, as part of the 18th annual “Unsilent Night” Holiday Sound Sculpture.
Traverse City and Lansing are the only Michigan cities participating in the community event where members carry boomboxes, laptops and other means of group-friendly portable devices to create a menagerie of sound – unique to each listener, depending on where they are in the crowd.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dreams Scar Reality
Music
Dreams Scar Reality
‘Heavy with a dreamy sound’
By Erin Crowell
Traverse City band Dreams Scar Reality has reached a larger audience in southern Michigan than back home in Northern Michigan. But that will change – or at least they hope so – when they release their first CD at the Fireball Lounge in Kalkaska, this Saturday.
‘Heavy with a dreamy sound’
By Erin Crowell
Traverse City band Dreams Scar Reality has reached a larger audience in southern Michigan than back home in Northern Michigan. But that will change – or at least they hope so – when they release their first CD at the Fireball Lounge in Kalkaska, this Saturday.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Your guide to good times
Features
Your Guide to Good Times
By Erin Crowell
Why fight the winter cold? Celebrate the season by participating in a number of events happening all over Northern Michigan. Whether it’s shopping with the gals, racing an outhouse or falling over your snowshoes, make this winter the best ever. Mark the following dates on your calendar. Heck! Cut it right out and tape it to your fridge!
By Erin Crowell
Why fight the winter cold? Celebrate the season by participating in a number of events happening all over Northern Michigan. Whether it’s shopping with the gals, racing an outhouse or falling over your snowshoes, make this winter the best ever. Mark the following dates on your calendar. Heck! Cut it right out and tape it to your fridge!
Monday, November 30, 2009
He got carded
Features
He Got Carded...
Photographer’s greeting cards
offer a touch of Northern Michigan
By Erin Crowell
Noah Creamer was just finishing his degree from Grand Valley State University when the economy started hitting rock bottom. For the Suttons Bay native, it was either scrap for a minimum wage job or work really hard.
Creamer chose the latter.
With a little sweat, some 50 to 70 hour work weeks and some inspiration from his 12-year-old daughter, Creamer turned a love for photography and the beauty of Northern Michigan into a fulltime business.
Social Explorations is a multi-media company that utilizes the natural landscape of the area for tourist promotion and business ventures through greeting cards, corporate banners and other forms of media.
Photographer’s greeting cards
offer a touch of Northern Michigan
By Erin Crowell
Noah Creamer was just finishing his degree from Grand Valley State University when the economy started hitting rock bottom. For the Suttons Bay native, it was either scrap for a minimum wage job or work really hard.
Creamer chose the latter.
With a little sweat, some 50 to 70 hour work weeks and some inspiration from his 12-year-old daughter, Creamer turned a love for photography and the beauty of Northern Michigan into a fulltime business.
Social Explorations is a multi-media company that utilizes the natural landscape of the area for tourist promotion and business ventures through greeting cards, corporate banners and other forms of media.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Inside SwingShift and the Stars
Features
Inside SwingShift & the Stars
Dancers tell how they ‘bust a move’
By Erin Crowell
Northern Michigan radio dj Rich Nadeau regularly watches Dancing with the Stars -- it helps to get his hips moving.
The Fox FM dj is one of six local celebrities competing in SwingShift & the Stars, a local charity dance-off, a competition much like the popular reality show that wrapped up its ninth season last week. Competitors dance for the approval of the judges while raising donations for their chosen local charity.
Dancers tell how they ‘bust a move’
By Erin Crowell
Northern Michigan radio dj Rich Nadeau regularly watches Dancing with the Stars -- it helps to get his hips moving.
The Fox FM dj is one of six local celebrities competing in SwingShift & the Stars, a local charity dance-off, a competition much like the popular reality show that wrapped up its ninth season last week. Competitors dance for the approval of the judges while raising donations for their chosen local charity.
Monday, November 16, 2009
On the Runway
Features
Calling all sophisticated mamas to the third annual Gals, Glam & Glitz event, happening this Friday, at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The Zonta Club of Traverse City invites all women of Northern Michigan to an evening of shopping, wine, chocolate and fashion. Once again, the styling team at Imprés Salon will feature their original hair creations in a runway style hair show, with over 40 models hitting the catwalk.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Undertaker: Courtney Harris
Features
Undertaker
Courtney Harris brings a caring factor to a dying profession
By Erin Crowell 11/2/09
Courtney Harris doesn’t eat anything with her hands.
If she has to, she will eat potato chips with a spoon. It’s a trait she’s possessed as long as her friends have known her. But that’s not what made Courtney so unique in high school. While other 16-year-old girls wanted to be teachers and actresses, Courtney knew she wanted to work with dead people.
Courtney Harris brings a caring factor to a dying profession
By Erin Crowell 11/2/09
Courtney Harris doesn’t eat anything with her hands.
If she has to, she will eat potato chips with a spoon. It’s a trait she’s possessed as long as her friends have known her. But that’s not what made Courtney so unique in high school. While other 16-year-old girls wanted to be teachers and actresses, Courtney knew she wanted to work with dead people.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 24 is World Climate Action Day
Features
350 Reasons
Oct. 24 is world-wide Climate Action Day
By Erin Crowell 10/19/09
When it comes to global warming and rolling the lotto balls, it all comes down to three winning digits: 350.
This is the number scientists believe will stabilize the Earth’s climate – that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is considered the safe limit for humanity.
On Saturday, October 24, over 150 countries will participate in the International Day of Climate Action – a day of over 2,200 actions promoting an international policy limit of 350ppm CO2 emissions. Traverse City will be home to one of those actions.
Oct. 24 is world-wide Climate Action Day
By Erin Crowell 10/19/09
When it comes to global warming and rolling the lotto balls, it all comes down to three winning digits: 350.
This is the number scientists believe will stabilize the Earth’s climate – that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is considered the safe limit for humanity.
On Saturday, October 24, over 150 countries will participate in the International Day of Climate Action – a day of over 2,200 actions promoting an international policy limit of 350ppm CO2 emissions. Traverse City will be home to one of those actions.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Books: When angels intervene ... Spirit of the badge
Books
When Angels Intervene
Detective Ingrid Dean delves into the paranormal in Spirit of the Badge
By Erin Crowell 10/5/09
It’s hard to argue that police work is not the usual nine-to-five job. It’s a career of long, lonely hours, dealing with unique situations and people. We hear about them in the news – the routine traffic stop gone wrong, the burglar who got away, the standoff lasting hours. But, what we rarely hear about are the personal stories of those officers, the good stories – the ordinary, the extraordinary, and for some, the unexplainable.
Ingrid Dean, a 20-year veteran of the Michigan State Police, gathered some of those stories and wrote a book: Spirit of the Badge: 60 True Police Stories of Divine Guidance, Miracles, & Intuition. Released on October 1, the book is a collection of first-hand, written accounts by police officers from around the country. While some stories may be interpreted in the realm of the paranormal and the divine, all show a side of law enforcement we rarely get to see.
Dean – who has served as a field detective for there years, was a polygraph examiner for 12 years and worked the road for six – is currently a detective sergeant and forensic artist for the Seventh District Michigan State Police Post in Traverse City.
Detective Ingrid Dean delves into the paranormal in Spirit of the Badge
By Erin Crowell 10/5/09
It’s hard to argue that police work is not the usual nine-to-five job. It’s a career of long, lonely hours, dealing with unique situations and people. We hear about them in the news – the routine traffic stop gone wrong, the burglar who got away, the standoff lasting hours. But, what we rarely hear about are the personal stories of those officers, the good stories – the ordinary, the extraordinary, and for some, the unexplainable.
Ingrid Dean, a 20-year veteran of the Michigan State Police, gathered some of those stories and wrote a book: Spirit of the Badge: 60 True Police Stories of Divine Guidance, Miracles, & Intuition. Released on October 1, the book is a collection of first-hand, written accounts by police officers from around the country. While some stories may be interpreted in the realm of the paranormal and the divine, all show a side of law enforcement we rarely get to see.
Dean – who has served as a field detective for there years, was a polygraph examiner for 12 years and worked the road for six – is currently a detective sergeant and forensic artist for the Seventh District Michigan State Police Post in Traverse City.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sing your heart out
Music
While sending your sweetie a card on Valentine’s Day is always better than doing nothing, why not take it a step further this year? Send him or her a singing quartet. They’ll be red for sure, either out of love or just plain embarrassment. In Traverse City, there are two quartet groups you can choose: The Barbershop Harmony Society and the Traverse City Central High School Choral-Aires Singing Valentines.
The Barbershop Harmony Society is part of the Cherry Capital Chorus; and has been swooning Traverse City residents on Valentines Day for 19 years. The six groups deliver around 150 songs every V-Day to unsuspecting recipients.
The Barbershop Harmony Society is part of the Cherry Capital Chorus; and has been swooning Traverse City residents on Valentines Day for 19 years. The six groups deliver around 150 songs every V-Day to unsuspecting recipients.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Ice Women Cometh
Features
The Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Challenge lives up to its name – 27 miles of dirt, hills and loose sand from Kalkaska to Traverse City. Held every first Saturday of November, the Iceman has seen inches of snow in the past.
I remember my high school chemistry teacher showing our class his race video. That year, the course was blanketed in fresh snow. As they passed the video camera, racers interrupted the white canvas with their colorful jerseys and faces distorted in a painful concentrated stare.
“People pay to do this?” Someone asked.
I remember my high school chemistry teacher showing our class his race video. That year, the course was blanketed in fresh snow. As they passed the video camera, racers interrupted the white canvas with their colorful jerseys and faces distorted in a painful concentrated stare.
“People pay to do this?” Someone asked.
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