Ross Boissoneau | Author

Feeling the Burn

Feb. 23, 2019

Few things are more devastating for a business than a fire. The double whammy of loss of property and loss of income can completely destroy a business. And when it’s a community hub like a bar or restaurant, it can impact the town as well. From Kalkaska, where Dingman’s Bar wa... Read More >>

Regina Carter Bringing Ella Fitzgerald Alive at City Opera House

Feb. 16, 2019

Renowned violinist Regina Carter has found inspiration in what might appear to be an unusual place: a vocalist.

Though in the case of a jazz musician, it’s hard to get much better inspiration than from Ella Fitzgerald.

Carter’s latest album,Ella:... Read More >>

The Lazy Novice’s Guide to Ice Fishing

Feb. 16, 2019

When’s the best time to fish? Some will say a calm day. Some will suggest early morning; others, evening.

But many will tell you one of the North’s sweetest secrets: The best time to wet a line is in the dead of winter. No waves, no boats, and little to no noi... Read More >>

Loss of Finger Doesn’t Stop Pianist

Feb. 9, 2019

For Dr. Michael Coonrod, Memorial Day weekend 2014 was looking like any other. He went camping with the scout troop he sponsors, and after dinner they decided to go on a hike, as they had the previous year. But when Coonrod tried to clamber over a barbed wire fence, the ring on the fourth... Read More >>

First Comes Love

Feb. 9, 2019

Correct us if we’re wrong, but marriage proposals aren’t what they used to be — and happily so. While our grandparents might have proposed marriage with no frills and a simple question — or even a statement — the couples of today are turning the big ask into ... Read More >>

The Lost Art of Animal Trapping

Feb. 2, 2019

Mark Valente always loved the outdoors. So perhaps it wasn’t surprising that after spending his early years in the Motor City, he decamped to northern Michigan. “I grew up in Detroit, and I hated it. I got out at 21. I wanted to be outside.”

So he moved... Read More >>

Return of the King

Feb. 2, 2019

When Luke Winslow-King takes the stage at Old Town Playhouse Feb. 9, it will be just voice and guitar, and Winslow-King is completely OK with that.

“Playing solo — it’s a different approach and repertoire,” said Winslow-King. “I relate to the audience... Read More >>

In Lieu of Gifts

Jan. 26, 2019

For Gerald and Shenandoah and their daughter, Sophia, the holidays have become a time for family, though in a different way than the norm. They now eschew buying presents for one another or indulging in a huge meal, and instead take the family time to see sights far distant from northern ... Read More >>

Farm School for All

Jan. 19, 2019

Despite the name, organizers emphasize that the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference is not just for farmers. Gardeners, homesteaders, and those who want to learn more about growing their own food are wholeheartedly invited. In fact, “It’s also people who just want to learn... Read More >>

Wanna Laugh?

Jan. 12, 2019

If laughter is indeed the best medicine, then folks in northern Michigan must be feeling pretty good. From open mic nights to shows by regional and national comics, the laughs just keep coming.

Chris O’Non is a veteran of the local scene, though he has morphed more ... Read More >>

The Great-White North Way

Jan. 12, 2019

If the play’s the thing, as Hamlet said, then audiences around the region are in luck. A host of local community groups stage dramas, comedies, and musicals throughout the year, in venues from high schools and churches to dedicated theaters and even restaurants. Whether you want to ... Read More >>

Parallel 45’s Latest Coup

Jan. 12, 2019

New season, new shows, and a new venue make this summer a big one for Parallel 45, the professional Traverse City-based theater company that brings high-caliber actors and production and tech pros from around the world (and northern Michigan) to stage innovative new and classic works.
Read More >>

A Man. A Shirt Collar. And a Dream.

Dec. 29, 2018

Blame it on Obama. No, not any kind of political or policy problems. But when Anthony Pickarski saw the 44thPresident at a news conference in 2012, he was taken by the president’s attire:a dark suit, white dress shirt, and a striking blue tie that really grabbed his attention.

Cheboygan’s Libby’s Café in Overdrive

Dec. 15, 2018

If the food and service are good, restaurants can thrive in most any location. But in an auto dealership? Well, yes. At Fernelius Toyota and Chrysler in Cheboygan, that’s exactly where you’ll find Libby’s Café.

Owner Dave Fernelius came up with th... Read More >>

Your 2018 Holiday Soundtrack

Dec. 15, 2018

No matter how many times we’ve heard “Deck the Halls” or “Winter Wonderland,” each year sees artists trying to (re)capture the holiday spirit by putting their stamp on songs of the season. The appeal of holiday music crosses all genres, from country to pop, b... Read More >>

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

Dec. 15, 2018

For many, going out on the town is the only way to ring in the New Year. Champagne at midnight, party favors, music, maybe even fireworks. So where to go and what exactly to do? We gathered some unique options from across the region.

Bluebird
It may ... Read More >>

Your 2018-2019 Ski Resort Report

Dec. 8, 2018

Amid the seasonal offerings of song, likely nothing beats the Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne classic for skiers and snowboarders: “Let It Snow” is close to the heart of those in charge of or heading out to the area slopes. From Cadillac to Gaylord, over to Harbor Springs and back south... Read More >>

The Escape Artist

Dec. 1, 2018

Paul King has always had an interest in art. So it’s probably not a surprise that he’s drawn caricatures of popular musicians, from Dave Brubeck to Stephen Tyler.

What is a surprise is how he got there — and here, meaning his riverside abode and studio outs... Read More >>

Quirk It, Girl!

Dec. 1, 2018

For self-described “quirky girl” Rochelle Nevedal, it was a case of need meeting opportunity. She needed a job, and she didn’t see any subscription boxes that were designed with someone like her in mind: fun-loving, colorful, eclectic. So she created one, and Quirky Crat... Read More >>

Carol McKee’s Feral Cat Colony Fight

Nov. 24, 2018

Catch and release has become popular in fishing. In Benzie County, Carol McKee is playing the catch and release game — but with cats.

It’s a little more involved than that. McKee oversees the efforts of Community Cats of Benzie County (BenzieCats.org) to reduc... Read More >>