Kristi Kates | Author

Adams, Oberst, Ward, Meet Up with Juliet

Sept. 29, 2018

It’s an indie-rock extravaganza — well, the soundtrack is, anyway. We’re talking about Juliet, Naked, the new romantic comedy movie based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name, out this week. The story is of a writer (Read More >>

Ghost Supper to Honor Ancestors

Sept. 29, 2018

When you hear the phrase “ghost supper” this time of year, the first thing that likely springs to mind is Halloween. 
        
But this warm and respectful event happening in Mackinaw City has nothing to do with Halloween... Read More >>

A Road Map to Art and More on M-22

Sept. 29, 2018

The beauty of the M-22 Art 2 Art tour is simple but intriguing: Combine one autumn weekend, one of the most scenic routes in northern Michigan, and four galleries showcasing 40+ artists.

A kind of progressive gallery pop-up for leaf peepers, the inaugural M-22 Art 2 Art is the ... Read More >>

The Jayhawks – Back Roads and Abandoned Motels – Sony

Sept. 22, 2018

“Abandoned” is an apt descriptor for this kinda new collection from The Jayhawks. It consists of the band’s own versions of tunes that were originally written for other artists. Familiar with The Dixie Chicks’ track “Everybody Knows”? That’s a Gar... Read More >>

Don't Protest This Album Release

Sept. 22, 2018

Protest music record label Appleseed Records has put together a huge compilation album celebrating its 21st anniversary, Appleseed’s 21st Anniversary: Roots and Branches. The set will exclusively feature Bruce Springsteen’s version of... Read More >>

Fall Getaway Triple Play

Sept. 22, 2018

Whether you’re a bibliophile, a beer enthusiast, or a fan of the humble apple, the Little Traverse region and Charlevoix are the places to be in autumn. Craft a color tour to or from any of these events — M-119 and US-131 are rife with farms, forest, orchards, and outstanding ... Read More >>

Rebirth of a Resort

Sept. 22, 2018

The view across the lake hadn’t changed much since the old resort closed down. But for Janice and Scott Lampert, it was a constant reminder of possibility. The Lamperts, who revisioned and revitalized a vintage summer retreat into a newly welcoming northern Michigan destination, sai... Read More >>

Closing Time

Sept. 15, 2018

During summer, Mackinac Island receives about 15,000 visitors each day. Come October, the island — whose populations dwindles to roughly 500 permanent residents — comes to a near halt. Horses are ferried to more forgiving climes, the hotels and inns are shuttered, and the usua... Read More >>

Teenage Fanclub Loses the Love

Sept. 15, 2018

Teenage Fanclub has announced that its longtime bassist and vocalist Gerard Love will leave this fall, following the band’s Nov. 15 show at London’s Electric Ballroom. The band plans to carry on without Love for the rest of the tour, on w... Read More >>

Cadillac’s Up North Arts

Sept. 15, 2018

Something was missing in Cadillac.
        
At least, something was missing if you were the artistic type — or an appreciator of the fine arts.
        
So the Cadillac Arts Council... Read More >>

Traps PS – New Chants – Innovative Leisure

Sept. 8, 2018

Short tunes, directly to the point, charging in and crashing right back out again. That’s the modus operandi of Traps PS, which purposefully keeps its tracks abbreviated, not wasting a single note or beat that isn’t meant to be there. But these songs, tightly wound and laser-f... Read More >>

TV on the Radio Reboots Old Album

Sept. 8, 2018

It doesn’t seem like 10 years since TV on the Radio released its third hit indie rock album, Dear Science, but it has indeed been a decade. (Their latest album was 2014’s Seeds.) To celebrate that fan-beloved release, the band is staging a sp... Read More >>

Shoulder Season Meanders for Locals

Sept. 8, 2018

The shoulder season of fall is a northern Michiganian’s reward for working their way through another hot, bustling, crowded northern Michigan summer season.
        
The tourists have departed, the roads and sidewalks are less crow... Read More >>

Amanda Shires –To The Sunset –SK Records

Sept. 1, 2018

Opening track “Parking Lot Pirouette,” sets the tone here; it’s an affecting number about not being able to leave the one you’re with, and that push-pull of relationships is a continuing theme. On “Eve’s Daughter,” the man in question is a militar... Read More >>

Anne-Marie Goes Back to 2002

Sept. 1, 2018

Breakthrough artist and BRIT Award-nominated artist Anne-Mariecontinues (pictured) to throw out great pop singles and collaborations, her latest being the track “2002,” which she co-wrote with fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. An acoustic p... Read More >>

  The New & Improved Boyne River Inn

Sept. 1, 2018

Sometimes the classics are all you need. 
        
That’s the approach of the Boyne River Inn — affectionately nicknamed “The BRI” — in Boyne City, where the menu offers up uncomplicated, from-scratch di... Read More >>

Bear McCreary– God of War: Playstation Soundtrack– Sony Classical

Aug. 25, 2018

McCreary, who’s contributed music to such dramatic, different shows as the reboot of Battlestar Galactica, shows off his abilities to score quirky, fantasy situations once again on this PS-exclusive soundtrack. The seasoned composer actually puts some of his best work into this vide... Read More >>

Book It: Mackinac Island’s 2018 Jazz Weekend

Aug. 25, 2018

“It’s another great Mackinac Island summer!” said Ken Hayward by phone from the island’s famed Grand Hotel. Hayward, the hotel’s executive vice president and managing director, said this tourist season so far has been like none ever before — and that in... Read More >>

Hanson Bros. Study Up on String Theory  

Aug. 25, 2018

If you remember the ’90s, then you probably remember Hanson, the long-haired, three-brother pop trio that cranked out several radio hits in that era. Well, they’re on their way back, having collaborated with David Campbell to craft a new album... Read More >>

Welcome to The Back Lot

Aug. 25, 2018

David Meikle is a busy guy. Partners in the Petoskey bar/restaurants Tap 30 and Pour along with Steve Steffes, you wouldn’t think he’d have time to come up with yet another business endeavor.
        
But in the empty alleywa... Read More >>