Toledo Free Press STAR – April 4, 2012 by Toledo Free Press

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Country musician among special Mud Hens nights By Erik Gable TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR STAFF WRITER star@toledofreepress.com

Baseball may be what draws crowds to Fifth Third Field every spring and summer, but it’s far from the only attraction that will be offered during the 2012 Mud Hens season. Michael Keedy, manager of special events for the Mud Hens, said fans of country music will want to turn out June 2, when Jonalee White and the Late Nite Drivers will perform before, during and after the game. The following week will bring the ZOOperstars to the field June 8. Dubbed the “sultans of silly” by BusinessWeek, this troupe of inflatable mascots includes wackily named characters like Alex Frogriguez, Clammy Sosa, Nolan Rhino, Cow Ripken Jr. and Donovan McCrabb. Rockin’ Ray and the Amazing Skyy Dogs, a troupe of canine entertainers, will perform June 23. This will be followed on June 24 by Team Autograph Day, when the whole team will be available to sign autographs for fans before the game. “Pink in the Park,” in which players wear pink jerseys that are auctioned off to raise money for the Northwest Ohio affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, returns July 20. Then, on July 22, fans who show up early can have their pictures taken with Mud Hens players before the game.

The Famous Chicken

The Famous Chicken, a traveling mascot, will perform Aug. 5 during the Mud Hens game against the Rochester Red Wings. Ted Giannoulas has been playing the chicken since 1974, when he agreed to don a rented suit as part of promotional gimmick for a San Diego radio station. Keedy said the chicken has been performing in front of Toledo crowds for more than 20 years, but this will be his first visit to Fifth Third Field. “He has really become an icon as far as entertainment at sports games,” Keedy said. “He has traveled and performed at every level, for nearly every sports team. He’s very sought after to have an appearance. People are going to be very excited to see him. He’s still a very big draw for people.”

Casey Stengel, who managed the Mud Hens before his Major League career, most notably with the New York Yankees. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the 1927 Mud Hens championship team managed by Stengel, Keedy said. “We really wanted to celebrate our history and we knew the 1927 championship team would be having a significant anniversary,” Keedy said. “With Casey Stengel being one of the most famous managers in baseball history to have his start in Toledo, that’s something we thought was really cool and a nice way to kick off the baseball history celebration.” The following night, the team will play in replicas of 1883 jerseys from Toledo’s first professional baseball team, the Toledo Blue Stockings, which existed for only a few years in the 1880s. The jerseys will be sold in a charity silent auction during the game.

Animal acts

Some unusually talented simians and canines will perform Aug. 30. Keedy said the act, called Team Ghost Riders, consists of monkeys riding dogs and herding sheep. “It’s a lot of fun and people genuinely enjoy seeing them,” Keedy said. Three heritage nights will celebrate different cultures, with Polish Heritage Night on June 23, Latino Heritage Night on July 22 and Irish Heritage Night on Aug. 12. Senior Days will take place May 21, June 25 and July 31, all of which are day games. Discounted tickets are available for groups of senior citizens. Veterans Appreciation Night, honoring both veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, is Aug. 25, with a pregame ceremony, discounted tickets for military personnel who place their orders in advance and other recognitions during the game.

Back by popular demand

Some popular features will return. As in past years, kids can run the bases after every Sunday home game and the traditional postgame fireworks shows after each Friday, Saturday and Sunday game will start May 18. “That’s something that happens year after year that fans really look forward to,” Keedy said. Throughout the season, area youth will have Honoring Casey chances to learn about baseball from Mud Hens The Famous Chicken’s visit will coincide players during the club’s baseball camps. Aimed at youth ages 7 to 14, the camps are with a weekend devoted to Toledo baseball 10x1.25_BBNWO_FP_ad_72711.pdf 12:49:39 part of the PM Mud history. The first 2,000 fans through the 8/15/11 gate 10x1.25_BBNWO_FP_ad_72711.pdf 8/15/11 12:49:39 PM Hens’ efforts to work with local on Friday, Aug. 3, will receive a bobblehead of groups to give back to the community. Other C

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Jonalee White such programs include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts campout nights, when local scout troops spend a night on the outfield. “We are a big part of the community, so reaching out and working with these groups is important to us,” Keedy said. Five camps are scheduled: O May 19: A one-day camp will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. O June 2: A clinic for children with special needs is scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m. “That camp has really grown over the past four or five years,” Keedy said. O June 24: An adult-and-child camp is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. O June 19-21 and Aug. 2-4: Keedy said these three-day camps are usually the most popular ones.

Jeff Barton, founder and president of Miracle League of Northwest Ohio, a baseball league for kids with special needs, said the clinic is a fun experience for the children who take part. “They love it,” he said. Barton added that Mud Hens players often volunteer at the Miracle League field during the season. “They look up to the Mud Hens players and they admire them,” he said. Participants in all of the camps will receive a T-shirt, a souvenir baseball for autographs and a ticket to a future Mud Hens game. Register online at mudhens.com/camps. For more information, visit www.mudhens. com and click on promotions. All theme nights and promotions are subject to change. O

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“A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.” — Rose, “Titanic”

New pubs and eateries ready for Mud Hens toledo free press photos by SARAH OTTNEY

Toledo’s Downtown entertainment district has no shortage of great options for grabbing a bite to eat before or after a Mud Hens game, including a variety of new places to try out this season. A half-dozen new pubs and eateries have opened in the vicinity of Fifth Third Field with several more slated to open this spring, some as early as April though not in time for Opening Day. The new venues will join current Downtown staples including The Blarney Irish Pub, Table Forty4, Packo’s at the Park, PizzaPapalis, Grumpy’s, the Spaghetti Warehouse, Glass City Cafe, Bronze Boar, Quimby’s at the Park and more. O — Sarah Ottney

K I

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Owner Mike Scott of 151 on the Water.

A. 151 on the Water 151 Water St., 419-725-2151 151onthewater.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m . to midnight Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday for now, except for special engagements or rentals. Will be open Mondays starting April 23. Reservations suggested on weekends.

151 on the Water, a Chicago-style restaurant and music cafe, offers “fine dining without the price, in an upscale atmosphere with a casual attitude,” according to owner Mike Scott. The eatery opened in October near Promenade Park at the former location of Murphy’s Place. “Sweet bourbon salmon, marinated for 18 hours, is our signature dish and to die for as well as our steaks, and we have the best chicken wings in town,” Scott said. On Mud Hens game days, show your ticket to get half-off chicken wings or chicken sandwiches, or try the Muddy Dog. “It’s the best dog in Downtown; you’ll love our sauce,” Scott said. The eatery also offers a $5.99 lunch special, a nightly chef ’s feature and happy hour from 2-6 p.m. featuring $5 martinis, $3 draft beers and $2 domestic beers. The eatery’s signature rock candy martini features crushed rock candy around the glass rim. “Everybody loves it,” said Scott, who hosts a jazz show on WCWA-AM (1230) from 6-9 a.m. weekdays and formerly owned several night clubs and an ice cream/deli shop in Toledo. The venue also features smooth jazz and R&B on Tuesdays, live music over lunch and acoustic open mic night on Wednesdays, blues on Thursdays and top 40 dance bands on Fridays and Saturdays. O

B. 329

329 N. Huron St., 419-241-3777 the329.com Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, closed Sundays for now. The three-level 329, which opened in November, features restaurant and martini bar Studio Martini on the main level, contemporary dance music at Volume Nightclub on the top level and Government Club, a lounge for private parties, on the lower level. Featuring a bar on every level, 329 offers a full selection of draft and bottled beers, wine and liquor. Happy hour is 5-7 p.m., featuring half-off appetizers and half-off drinks. Volume Nightclub features a DJ on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays while the restaurant hosts a live band. Menu options include appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak and more. Dress is casual at lunch, but more dressy on nights and weekends, said owner Moe Tawfik. “People are talking about this place, that it’s nice and classy and fun,” Tawfik said. “I want people to have a good time, get home safe and talk to their friends about us.” O

“There was a man named Jack Dawson and he saved me ... in every way a person can be saved.” — Rose, “Titanic”

C. The Bar

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 5

COMING SOON:

513 Jefferson Ave., 419-252-6528

D. Lazeez Mediterranean Cuisine

Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Will also open two hours prior to all Downtown games and events.

337 N. St. Clair St., 419-243-8485 The Bar, which opened in September across from the Huntington Center, features two full bars and five pool tables, including an upstairs pool room. More than 40 pool league teams play at the venue each week as part of the Northwest Ohio American Poolplayers Association. The recently opened kitchen serves “upscale bar food,” including steak and chicken sandwiches, burgers, wings and more, said owner Jeremy Mitchell. Happy hour is weekdays from 4-7 p.m. The venue also offers live entertainment, including a DJ and karaoke on Saturday nights and the occasional live band. The Bar will be open at 10 a.m. April 4 when the Tigers play the Mud Hens and at noon on April 6 for Mud Hens Opening Day, Mitchell said. O

With a name meaning “delicious” in Arabic, this family-owned eatery will offer Lebanese cuisine, including gyros, in a casual, fast-food style format, said Nader Salami. The recent Whitmer High School graduate, along with his brother Sam Salami, will run the business, which is under construction and set to open sometime in April at the former location of Andrew Z’s Pizzeria. Their father, Jawdat Salami, will be chef, using his own recipes from his childhood in Lebanon. Lebanese food is known for being healthy and flavorful, Salami said. The eatery will take both dine-in and carryout orders, with all dishes made from scratch and cooked to order. O

COMING SOON:

Registry Bistro, slated to open this spring, will feature a dinner menu of contemporary American bistro cuisine with an emphasis Secor Building, 144 N. Superior St. on “shared plates,” said chef Erika Rapp, who 419-725-0444, registrybistro.com co-owns the eatery with her mother Vickie Hours: 4:30 (bar)/5 (dinner) to 10 p.m. Rapp. Shared plates, similar to appetizers, Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30 (bar)/5 (dinner) are designed as an option for diners on their to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed way to a game or show without the time Sunday-Monday except on game days to commit to a full dinner, Erika said. The “casual elegant” eatery will also serve full dinners as well as lighter fare such as entree salads and sandwiches. The menu will change seasonally and the full bar will feature American craft cocktails, craft beer and boutique wine, said Erika, who was formerly chef at the Toledo Museum of Art and executive chef at Diva. The venue is on the first floor of the Secor Building, which connects to the Huntington Center, SeaGate Centre and the Port Lawrence Garage via skyways. Rapp said she hopes diners experience great food and exceptional service. “We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and has a great time,” Rapp said. “That’s really what we’re focusing on.” O

F. Registry Bistro

E. Our Brothers Place

Our Brothers Place, which opened in June across from the Huntington Center, Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. aims to fill a dining and to 2:30 a.m. Friday, 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday entertainment niche for the 30 and older professional crowd. The n Al Garmon and atmosphere is “casual with a little Mike Johnson co-own Our beat of upscale,” said Mike Johnson, Brothers Place who owns the venue with his brother along with Glenn Johnson and brother-in-law Al Glenn Johnson Garmon. Shrimp is the most popular (not pictured). item on the menu, which also features crab cakes, burgers, wings, tilapia, chicken, club sandwiches and salad, Garmon said. The two-story eatery offers two full-service bars, happy hour 4-8 p.m. daily except Saturday, 50-cent wings and $1 draft beer on Mondays, free ballroom dancing on Wednesdays, comedy night and $3 sex on the beach drinks on Thursdays and live jazz and R&B on Saturdays. “Usually the compliment we get is ‘We needed something like this for a long time,’ Mike said. “We want people to take in the atmosphere and have a nice night out with good music, good food and good conversation.” O

233 N. Huron St., 419-244-5552 ourbrothersplace.com

Toledo

G. Slap Shots Slap Shots, which reopened in March under new management, 319 N. Superior St., 419-246-9966 offers a full-service bar, happy hour Hours: Opens 11 a.m. Monday-Friday, 4-9 p.m. daily and a bar menu of opens 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday burgers, sandwiches, wings and more. The venue also features a club area, including a dance floor, mirrored walls and another full-service bar, where owner Corey Hughes, a 22-year-old Sylvania Northview High School graduate, hosts monthly theme parties. Live bands and DJs perform regularly and Hughes said he plans to start hosting rooftop parties as well. “I just want people to have fun and leave happy,” Hughes said. O

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614 Adams St., 419-244-8771 Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, closed Saturday-Sunday This casual, family-owned diner opened in February, serving breakfast and lunch, and offering a dine-in area as well as carryout. The breakfast menu includes omelets, pancakes, French toast, eggs, biscuits and gravy, muffins, bagels, Caribou Coffee and more. For lunch, the eatery’s homemade soups and Detroit-style coney dogs are among the most popular, said manager Sean Shikwana, whose father Yousif Shikwana, a longtime Toledo business owner, owns the eatery. “People have been going crazy for those,” Sean said. The lunch menu also offers sandwiches, burgers (including a vegetarianfriendly black bean burger) and salads. “For just opening, it’s been going better than we could have expected,” Sean said. “Everybody loves the food, everybody loves the prices. We see the same people in here three to four times a week, so we must be doing something right.” O

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COMING SOON:

I. Ye Olde Cock n’ Bull Tavern 9 N. Huron St.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday-Sunday Ye Olde Cock n’ Bull Tavern, set to open in April, will be a casual pub featuring a covered, four-season patio facing the home plate gate at Fifth Third Field. “I wanted a name that was quirky, urban and fun,” said owner Jim Mettler, a Toledo native who was formerly general manager at Table Forty4. “You see a name like that and you know what you’re getting into. It’s going to be a fun, friendly place.” The menu will feature soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, appetizers and daily specials and the fully stocked bar will offer 34 draft beers plus wine, liquor and bottled beer. Mettler also plans to offer live entertainment. “I hope people find a fun, relaxed atmosphere to meet with friends, make new friends and have a bite to eat,” Mettler said. O

J. Ye Olde Durty Bird 2 S. St. Clair St., 419-243-BIRD (2473) yeoldedurtybird.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Hours subject to change Named after The Durty Bird, one of the space’s most popular former tenants, Ye Olde Durty Bird opened Downtown on St. Patrick’s Day and is open daily for lunch and dinner. The casual eatery offers fresh soups, salads and sandwiches as well as a grill menu that include burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and more, all made with fresh, locally grown produce, said general manager Julie Ketterman, who owns the business with her sister Linda Ball. The venue — most recently the location of Jed’s At The Yard — offers daily specials, a full bar including a Bloody Mary bar every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. The decor is “warm, cozy and a tribute to Toledo,” Ketterman said. O

COMING SOON:

K. Italian restaurant 611 Monroe St.

An Italian restaurant is under construction at 611 Monroe St. No further details were available. O

“The last thing I need is another picture of me looking like a porcelain doll.” — Rose, “Titanic”

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“Music to drown by. Now I know I’m in first class.” — Tommy, “Titanic”

A ‘Titanic’ anniversary — in 3-D

ow fast can 15 years melt away? It was nearly that long ago, in 1997, when James Cameron’s “Titanic” debuted. As pop culture film events go, there has been nothing to rival it since its 1997 splash. “Titanic” is one of the highest-grossing films of modern times, with more than $600 million in box office domestically and $1.8 billion worldwide. The film also won a record-tying 11 Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Director), four Golden Globes and more than 60 other industry laurels. “Titanic” redefined Hollywood’s approach to storytelling, digital effects and budget priorities. On April 4, “Titanic” is returning to theaters, this time in a 3-D conversion overseen by Cameron. It will be the first time in a generation the film will be on the big screens it deserves; if you’ve only seen “Titanic” on a television or iPad/iPod screen, it’s worth the trip to the cinema, even in 2-D. A longtime amateur historian of the great lost ship for many years before the movie, I devoured books and library clippings about the doomed luxury liner and the more than 1,500 people who died when it struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank in the wee hours of the following morning. People who become fascinated with Titanic lore are said to have “Titanic Fever,” and since about 1990, I have had an overwhelming case. There is

something primal about the tale of hubris and disaster, fate and coincidence, life and death, that Titanic represents. The real-life story has elements of mystery, romance, adventure, opulence, poverty, hope and tragedy. Cameron’s film may not perfectly capture all of these elements, but as the movie started and the footage of the ship began, it overwhelmed me. Seeing the ship I had Michael studied and read so much about in black and white come alive, in full color with people walking the decks and waves parting as it cut through the Atlantic, was breathtaking. It was my most vivid imaginings realized. I once briefly met the late Millvina Dean, the last living Titanic survivor, and heard her describe a ceremony in which one candle for every victim was lit and set afloat on the Mississippi River. The first time I saw Cameron’s film, all the stories and interviews and impressions converged into a wellspring of emotion and em-

pathy, but it was Dean’s warm hug that enveloped me in that dark theater. When “Titanic” debuted, much of the Western world was still reeling from the car accident death of Princess Diana, and I maintain that global grief was focused onto Cameron’s film and explains the swell of love and devotion moviegoers experienced. For a while, “Titanic” and Titanic were everywhere. I lived in WashS. MILLER ington, D.C., at the time and had access to international newsstands, so I buttressed a collection of books with magazines celebrating the phenomenon all over the world, in scores of languages. From December to the following summer, “Titanic” and Titanic dominated popular culture. My interest led to a friendship with Jennifer Carter, the first woman to travel to the ocean floor to see Titanic’s broken hull. She and her husband, the late composer Joel Hirschhorn, maintained contact and we shared many stories of discovery. While living in Pittsburgh, I contributed to the

Lighting — The —

FUSE

history when the family of victim Mary Miller Corey shared letters that revealed she was nearly nine months pregnant when she died on Titanic. That had never been reported, and once the letters were documented, copies were filed with the Titanic Historical Society in Massachusetts. It is jarring to realize “Titanic” is 15 years in the past. I’m not fever-driven on the topic like I once was, but I still keep up with news and the occasional pop culture reference. Toledo Free Press is working on a special issue for April 15, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Ship of Dreams. We will tell the stories of people with local ties to the disaster, preview the many great events planned around the 100th anniversary and profile local painters, writers and musicians who have been touched by the story of Titanic and integrated it into their work. The cornerstone of our remembrance is a nine-course Titanic re-creation dinner, April 14 at Central Park West, a fundraiser for the Greater Toledo Chapter of the American Red Cross. That event is described in detail on Page 9; for Titanic buffs and people who appreciate the Red Cross, it will truly be a night to remember. O Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at mmiller@toledofreepress.com.

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 9

A night to remember

Titanic re-creation dinner set for April 14.

By Sarah Ottney TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR sottney@toledofreepress.com

A nine-course meal, ballroom dancing to music of the era and a silent auction will be featured as part of an upcoming re-creation dinner commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. The event is set for 6 p.m. April 14 at Central Park West, 3141 Central Park West Drive, and will commemorate those lost (including several from the Toledo area) as well as celebrate the continuing disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross. Tickets are $100 per person. Captain’s table tickets are sold out. Proceeds from the event will go to the American Red Cross, Greater Toledo Chapter. “People are showing a lot of interest in this event,” said Jason Copsey, communications specialist with the American Red Cross. “They recognize how unique it is and, with it being the 100th anniversary of the sinking, it’s an opportunity to not only support a local organization, but also to have a memorable and historically themed evening.” Actor Dave DeChristopher will portray Captain Edward Smith and the dinner will be a close approximation of a meal actually served on Titanic, Copsey said. Silent auction items will include historic memorabilia, an autograph from a Titanic survivor, movie items and gift baskets donated from several local sponsors . Local music group TAPESTRY, consisting of Denise Grupp-Verbon on harp and her husband, Michael, on guitar, will perform live music from the era as guests arrive. “We have gathered a few selections from a Titanic songbook and we will also be featuring Celtic music selections since the Titanic sailed from Ireland,” Denise said. “We hope people enjoy it — although I’m happy to say we will not be going down with the ship. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone that is not fascinated by the story because it’s just such an extraordinary story of survival.”

The Ship of Dreams sails in “Titanic 3D,” courtesy Paramount Pictures. The evening will also include: O A performance by local singer-songwriter Mark Graff O Titanic prints signed by local artist Rudolph Schroeder O Titanic personal caricatures by local artist Jim Beard O Hand-rolled cigars O Ballroom dance performance and instruction by Paulette’s Studio of Dance O Photos by Kurt Nielsen of Kurt Nielsen Photography

The event is sponsored by Toledo Free Press, Louisville Title, Midwest Terminals and Hollywood Casino Toledo. FOX Toledo is the event’s media partner. The dinner is part of a Titanic memorial series that includes an April 15 commemorative issue of Toledo Free Press, displays in Toledo-Lucas County public libraries, Rave Motion Pictures’ presentation of James Cameron’s “Titanic 3D” and an artifact exhibit at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Copsey said he hopes guests have a mem-

orable evening. “This will be a unique event. It’s not often you get to have something like this,” Copsey said. “It was Red Cross volunteers providing care to the people rescued from the site as soon as they got back to the harbor in New York City. All services the Red Cross provides are made possible by the generosity of the community. An event like this is a great way to show your support of the Red Cross while having a special evening.” For more information or to order tickets, contact Jason Copsey at (419) 329-2619. O

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10 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“God himself could not sink this ship.” — Cal, “Titanic”

This Flat Country By Jeff McGinnis Toledo Free Press Star Pop Culture Editor PopGoesJeff@gmail.com

When a band first forms, typically, it tours. The members of the group hit the bars and clubs together for months — years — polishing their act, fine-tuning their sound, figuring out who and what they are. Then, when the musicians have a solid idea of their sound and songs, they record an album. That’s the way it works. Well, usually. Not so for This Flat Country, a new folk-rock band from Toledo. The group — Adam, Braden and Chandler Hoffmann, Joe Phillips and Jason Copsey — will host its first CD release party 9 p.m. April 7 at The Blarney Bullpen in Downtown Toledo. Tickets are $5 at the door. It will also be the first time the group has played in public together. “We’re able to do that because we kinda come from a community of musicians. Over the past 10 years, the five of us have played in a number of hard-working bands,” Copsey said in an interview with Toledo Free Press Star. “We’ve sat in with each others’ bands. So over the past year or two, we decided to see what it would sound like when the five of us get together.” Everyone in the group has extensive experience in the local music scene. “We all went to high school together. We all

graduated within about three years of each other. We all kinda played in each others’ bands for a while, kinda got to build a bit of a fanbase just over the years that way,” Copsey said. The group’s first album, “Thicker Than Blood,” is a sampler of what the group and its songs are like at this stage — though Copsey added that the sound of each may evolve even more once they get some gigs in front of a crowd under their belt. “Our past is represented pretty well in that product that is going out on Saturday. The idea was always for us to create the best songs possible that can be expanded in a variety of different ways for a live show,” Copsey said. “When we record the songs, it’s a snapshot for what it is at that time. It’s a snapshot of how far the song has grown at the time we actually record it. But we’re really into letting the songs evolve.” Copsey said the group’s development of new material followed that same path in the recording studio, influenced by the members’ intensive hands-on approach to their work. “Everything is extremely organic, and it’s all by our own hands. From the beginning of the writing of the songs, to when it’s actually being played,” he said. “We write the songs ourselves, we record them ourselves with our own equipment. The pressings we outsource, but it’s all in-house.” But no matter how proud the band is of its

New group launches first CD at The Blarney Bullpen.

THIS FLAT COUNTRY work on the album, in the end, Copsey said, the real prize will be what’s achieved live. “We love the live shows. That’s really the reason the five of us do this. And on Saturday, we really just want to continue our reputation as

five musicians that put everything out there for the live shows. To make those events something memorable for everyone that comes out, and to continue building a community of people that enjoy coming out to see us play.” O

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Rose: “It’s so unfair.” Ruth: “Of course it’s unfair. We’re women. Our choices are never easy.” — “Titanic”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 11

12 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams, and it was. It really was.” — Rose, “Titanic”

Blues for Pekar

Ernie Krivda to play two nights at Dégagé in Maumee. By John Dorsey Toledo Free Press STAR Staff Writer

Downtown Toledo

star@toledofreepress.com

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The streets of Maumee will soon be filled with the soulful sounds of one of the hardest-working musicians in the Midwest, when the legendary Ernie Krivda makes his way to the Dégagé Jazz Café on April 13 and 14. A renowned tenor saxophonist, Krivda is celebrating the release of his latest album, “Blues for Pekar.” The album, which is a tribute to Krivda’s longtime friend, comic book creator and jazz critic Harvey Pekar, was recently released by Capri Records. “I first met Harvey around 1960 in a record store. Of course, we all knew who he was because of his music reviews. He was writing for places like DownBeat around that time. These stores were a real social hang, because the release of a new record was much more of an event than it is now. All of the people I know, we all knew Harvey as a critic, we knew that that was an important part of his life, and when he died nobody mentioned his association with jazz, at least not here in Cleveland and that was really upsetting to me,” Krivda said. “This album came about after I won a CPAC (Community Partnership of Arts and Culture) Fellowship. I think it’s a reflection of the Midwest tradition of swing and I really think that Harvey would be pleased with it and that’s saying a lot. Harvey was obsessive about music, obsessive about everything, and when he said something was good — that really was important.” Pekar, who passed away in 2010, had this to say about Krivda’s music: “Ernie Krivda is one of the greatest jazz tenor saxophonists in the world … but nobody may know this because, like me, he chooses to live in Cleveland.” Krivda, who was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize in 2009, grew up with music as a part of his everyday life, as his father was also a musician. He played his first gig fresh out of high school in 1963 with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. “I believe jazz is for everyone. I love it when people say, ‘I’m really not that into jazz, but I like

ERNIE KRIVDA what you do.’ Those moments are important. They reach across the boundaries of jazz.” Krivda will be backed up in Maumee by The Detroit Connection featuring Marion Hayden, Renell Gonsalves and Charles Bowles, who will fill in for Toledo’s Claude Black. The April 13 and 14 shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is no cover. The Dégagé Jazz Café is located in the Historic Commercial Building at 301 River Road. For more information, call (419) 794-8205 or visit www.historiccommercialbuilding.com/ degage.php. O

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“Why do they insist on announcing dinner like a damned cavalry charge?” — Molly Brown, “Titanic”

Toledo Free Press STAR Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

Thylias Moss is coming to Toledo for National Poetry Month and she’s hoping you’ll join the conversation. Moss will speak as part of Poetry Speaks@Your Library sponsored by the ToledoLucas County Public Library and the University of Toledo English Department on April 10 at 6:30 p.m. Local spoken word artist Imani Lateef will open the event along with Lucas County Poet Laureate Joel Lipman. Moss, who teaches English and art and design at the University of Michigan, is the creative force behind Limited Fork Theory, which according to Moss “is all about how things move. It’s about the temporary connection of things. How we can’t help but be changed after a connection. I don’t want to do anything to simply endure. Limited Fork is about how we connect with other human beings.” Moss first discovered Limited Fork while sitting in a movie theater in 2004. She goes into further detail on the theory on her Forker Girl website www.4orkology.com. Moss is the author

of several collections of poetry including “Slave Moth: A Narrative in Verse” and “Tokyo Butter: Poems,” published by Persea Books. She has received a number of awards for her work, including a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Witter Bynner Award for Poetry and an Artist’s Fellowship from the Massachusetts Arts Council. Moss, who was born in Cleveland, resides with her family in Ann Arbor. “Limited Fork is all about interaction. When I discovered it, I think I had already been on that road for a long time. When I come to Toledo I have be willing to listen. It’s not just about me speaking to others. I hope people will share with me, because that’s how change happens. I truly want an exchange. I have to have something to write about. Part of what poetry has taught me is not to be fickle, to not be afraid to say what I’m thinking to others. How could I come to Toledo and not be changed?” The event also marks National Library Week. All Poetry Speaks events are free and open to the public. The Main Library is at 325 N. Michigan St. For more information, call (419) 259-5200 or visit www.toledolibrary.org. O

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 13

Remember...YOU can prevent child abuse and neglect! Report abuse or neglect anytime. Call 419-213-2273.

Thank You.

Blues Against Child Abuse was a huge success, and the perfect way to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month in Lucas County. Thanks to John Rockwood and Voodoo Libido, Langley Hall and Dégagé Jazz Café for making this a great first-time event. Thanks also to everyone who donated personal care items for children in care.

Keep the momentum going — remember to Wear Blue to Work on April 11. Post your group picture on the LCCS Facebook page or email it to information@ co.lucas.oh.us.

APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“I’m flying, Jack!” — Rose, “Titanic”

Toledo GROWs appoints interim director By John Rasche Toledo Free Press STAR Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

The Toledo Botanical Garden (TBG) recently welcomed Dan Pompa as the new interim program director of the Toledo GROWs outreach program. While TBG looks for a permanent replacement, Pompa will make sure that the community gardens are tended to this summer. Toledo GROWs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the continued growth and success of community-based gardens in Toledo and throughout Northwest Ohio. The Toledo GROWs outreach program offers organizational and technical assistance to support garden projects that serve diverse groups in low socioeconomic communities. Community gardens are often converted from vacant lots and are designed to bring local residents together. Members of the community are responsible for organizing, maintaining and managing the garden area. The neighborhood gardeners contribute time and care to the garden and, in doing so, bond individuals of the community together. Thanks to the efforts of Toledo GROWs, there are 125 community gardens throughout Lucas County. More than 10,000 plants are growing in

the program’s greenhouses, just waiting to be planted once the weather is appropriate, probably around Mother’s Day. “Our end goal is to take a vacant property and to turn it into a beautiful garden that can produce vegetables,” Pompa said. “Those vegetables can be enjoyed by the same communities who planted them. The gardens really bring communities together.” Benefits of growing a community garden, according to the TBG website, include “beautifying neighborhoods, connecting urban dwellers back to the land and nature, providing wholesome and economical food, and promoting the creation and use of green space.” Community gardens have also proven to reduce crime in areas affected by urban blight. An education center was added onto Toledo GROWs’ Oneida City Farm Training Center in 2011. The city farm is the main center for the program’s projects and activities. Local youth worked alongside staff to construct the 50-foot-by-90-foot building, which includes a workshop, a classroom and a kitchen. Two greenhouses are also attached. The Oneida City Farm is a large resource for Toledo GROWs and for educating the community about the responsibilities involved with growing a community farm. The City of Toledo, Metroparks of the Toledo Area and various community orga-

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nizations have also helped promote Toledo GROWs’ community gardens through job opportunities, volunteer service and education on horticulture. The Lucas County Juvenile Justice System, one of Toledo GROWs’ partners, allows young men (aged 17 and older) to care for the gardens in order to gain beneficial work skills and experience. Pompa, who is a retired juvenile court administrator for Lucas County, believes that Toledo GROWs provides the youth with opportunities that will encourage good life choices in the future. “Many of these kids on probation or parole have never had job experiences,” Pompa said. “By exposing them to different job opportunities and engaging them with workplace skills, the court hopes to get them employed and to become productive members of society by introducing them to positive role models that they have never had.” In 2011, Toledo GROWs enlisted 97 men from the juvenile justice system. More than 40 of them successfully completed the 16week job readiness program. “We don’t just give them jobs,” said Charlie Johnson, rehabilitation counselor and program manager of Community Integration for Training and Employment (CITE) at the Lucas County Juvenile Court. “We’re more interested in teaching them

Our end goal is to take a vacant property and to turn it into a beautiful garden that can produce vegetables.

Dan Pompa

Interim Program Director

’’

how to get a job. Like the saying goes: Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Anyone who is interested in applying to be the permanent program director of Toledo GROWs should forward his or her resume to: Toledo Botanical Garden, Attn: Karen Ranney Wolkins, 5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, OH 43615. More information about the outreach program can be found on the TBG website www. toledogarden.org. The Lucas County Juvenile Court is also looking for local employers who currently offer paid internships with on-the-job training. For more information, contact Charlie Johnson at (419) 213-6647. O

mexico

BRINGING THE FLAVORS OF

to northwest ohio

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Loma-Linda’s

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Tickets available at

2413 Collingwood Boulevard Toledo, OH

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For further information about the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company

visit www.pcshakespeare.com

Specializing in Mexican Food since 1955

419-865-5455

10400 Airport Hwy.(1.2 Mi. East of the Aiport) Lunch & Dinner, 11 a.m. to Midnight Closed Sundays & Holidays

BARRON’S CAFE

Everything Mexican From Tacos to Enchiladas to Delicious Burritos

419-825-3474

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ARTURO’S

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419-729-9775

3025 N. Summit Street (near Point Place) Mon. - Thurs. 11-10 p.m. Fri. - Sat. 11-11 p.m., Sun. 3-9 p.m. Closed Holidays

Casual Dining • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Mud Hens Opening Day 2012

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 15

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16 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“C’mon, girls! Grab an oar. Let’s go!” —Molly Brown, “Titanic”

“I make my own luck.” —Cal, “Titanic”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 17

“I intend to write a strongly worded letter to the White Star Line about all of this.” — Jack, “Titanic”

The Blarney Irish Pub

Compiled by Whitney Meschke Events are subject to change.

Blind Pig

The Ark

This small venue offers a showcase for lesser-known acts. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. (734) 761-1451, (734) 761-1800 or www.theark.org. O A.J. Croce, Teddy Richards: 8 p.m. April 4, $15. O Peggy Seeger: 8 p.m. April 5, $15. O Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys: 8 p.m. April 6, $35. O Seth Glier & Stolen Silver: 8 p.m. April 7, $15. O Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: 8 p.m. April 9, $35. O Mississippi Heat: 8 p.m. April 10, $15.

Bar 145

This venue features burgers, bands and bourbon, if its slogan is to be believed. 5304 Monroe St. (419) 593-0073 or bar145toledo.com. O Karaoke competition: 9:30 p.m. Sundays through April 15. O Piano Wars: April 4 and 11. O The Personnel: April 5-6. O The Cover Models: April 7.

Basin St. Grille

This Toledo standby has been revived with more than 20 different flavors of martinis and live, local music. 5201 Monroe St. (419) 843-5660. O Jeff Stewart: April 4. O Clifford Murphy: April 5. O Distant Cousinz: April 6. O The Dan & Don Show: April 7. O Don Binkley: April 11. The university’s ensembles, choirs, quartets and more — and their friends — will present the music they’ve been perfecting. Halls are located in Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music. O Steel Drum Ensemble: 8 p.m. April 4, Bryan Recital Hall. O Trumpet Ensemble: 8 p.m. April 5, Bryan Recital Hall. O Guest flutist Lindsey Goodman: 8 p.m. April 6, Bryan Recital Hall. O Jason Hardink: 8 p.m. April 9, Bryan Recital Hall. O Percussion Ensemble: 8 p.m. April 10, Kobacker Hall. O Early Music Ensemble: 8 p.m. April 11, Bryan Recital Hall. O Praecepta: 8 p.m. April 13, Choral Rehearsal Hall.

LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEK AT

7112 Angola Rd. Holland, Ohio

Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www. theblarneyirishpub.com. O Rick Whited: April 5. O Nine Lives: April 6-7.

MUSIC

BGSU performances

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 19

A variety of rock, soul, pop and alternative acts perform at this bar. 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. $3-$20 unless noted. (734) 9968555 or blindpigmusic.com. O Karaoke: 9 p.m. Mondays, no cover. O Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s, Writer, Sveta Bout: 9 p.m. April 4. O Runeship of the Rhyme Traveler, Teenage Octopus, the Vagrant Symphony, Jo Pie Whyld, Bonedust, Nicole P’smier: 9:30 p.m. April 5. O Ann Arbor Soul Club, Robert Wells, Brad Hales: 9:30 p.m. April 6. O The Macpodz, John Sinclair, UV Hippo, Chrystian Rawk: 8:30 p.m. April 7. O The English Beat, the Pinstripes: 8 p.m. April 9. O The Bronze Way, Ballatron, Steven Mullan, Scotch Mist: 9:30 p.m. April 10.

Bronze Boar

Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com. O Open mic: Thursdays and Mondays. O Luke James: Tuesdays. O See Alice: April 6. O Gin Bunny: April 7.

Caesars Windsor

If you have your passport, consider hopping the Detroit River for this casino’s entertainment offerings. Ticket prices, in Canadian dollars, are for the cheapest seats; attendees must be 19 or older. Caesars Windsor Colosseum, 377 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, Ontario. (800) 991-7777 or www.caesarswindsor.com. O Frank Sinatra Jr.: 9 p.m. April 7, $20.

Cheers Sports Eatery

This family-friendly eatery dishes up live performances … and Chicago-style pizza. 7131 Orchard Centre Dr., Holland. (419) 491-0990. O Chris Shutters Band: April 6. O Mark Mikel, Brian Albright: April 7.

Clazel Theater

This venue has been rocking BGSU students (and others) for years. 127 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 353-5000 or www.clazel.net. O Dark Side of the Moon: April 5, $5-$10.

April 14

Ivan

7 p.m.

Parker

419-865-9767

www.wposfm.com Culture Clash Records

This home to all things vinyl and cool will host a free show by GoLab. 3:30 p.m. April 7, 4020 Secor Road. (419) 536-5683 or www.thecultureclash.com.

Dégagé Jazz Café

Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 weekends for cafe seating. (419) 794-8205 or www.degagejazzcafe.com. O Gene Parker & Friends: 7-10 p.m. April 4, 10 and 11. O Liz Wagener: 7:30 p.m. April 6. O Jeff McDonald Group: 7:30 p.m. April 7.

The Distillery

Karaoke is offered Tuesdays, but paid entertainers rock out Wednesdays-Saturdays. 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 3821444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com. O DJ Mark EP: Thursdays. O The Eight-Fifteens: April 4. O The Websters: April 6. O Velvet Jones: April 7.

Fat Fish Blue

Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayou-style grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474 or fatfishfunnybonetoledo.com. O Tantric Soul: 9:30 p.m. April 13 and 8:30 p.m. April 14.

French Quarter J. Pat’s Pub

Live entertainment after 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Holiday

This Thursday & Friday, April 5th & 6th, 2012

The Personnel The Personnel are a ’90s R&B / Pop cover band from Chicago who recently released a self-titled EP.

oPEn SUndAY-SATUrdAY

11:30 AM – 2 AM

EVErYdAY HAPPY HoUr 1:45 – 6:00 PM

Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg. (419) 8743111 or www.hifq.com. O Green Eyed Soul: April 6-7.

Greektown Casino-Hotel

Three stages — at Shotz Sports Bar, Eclipz Ultra Lounge and Asteria — offer competition for gamblers’ attention. 555 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit. No cover charge, unless noted; guests must be 21 or older. (888) 771-4386 or www.greektowncasino.com. O Karaoke: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Shotz. O DJ Lee J: 9 p.m. Sundays, Shotz. O Howard Glazer: 8 p.m. April 6, Asteria. O David Gerald Band: 9:30 p.m. April 6, Eclipz. O Half Light Music: 9:30 p.m. April 6, Shotz. O Triple Play: 8 p.m. April 7, Asteria. O The Hips: 9:30 p.m. April 7, Eclipz.

Griffin’s Hines Farm Blues Club

What started as house parties in a farmhouse basement evolved into Northwest Ohio’s legendary blues mecca. Blind Bobby Smith, Buddy Boy Slim & the Blues Rockers, Blue Flamingos, 7 p.m. April 7, 3750 S. Berkey Southern Road, Swanton. $12. www.hinesfarm.com.

The Happy Badger

This shop features fair trade foods and natural products, including talent, which will be featured in a series of musical brunches and dinnertime entertainment. 331 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352-0706 or www.happybadger.com. O Jason Quick: 12:30-2:30 p.m. April 7.

This Saturday, April 7th, 2012

Cover Models Always a PARTY...Bringing all of your favorite songs to life so you can sing along at the top of your lungs, getting crazy on the dance floor with 100 of your closest friends.

5305 MonroE ST. ToLEdo, oHIo 43623 (419) 593-0073 ACroSS froM SAKUrA

BAr145 ToLEdo .CoM

EXHIBITOR ADS ”I’m sorry that I didn’tONLY build you a stronger ship, young Rose.” — Thomas Andrews, “Titanic”

20 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Howard’s Club H

Bowling Green comes alive at this venue for rock and more. Doors typically open at 9 p.m., with the show starting an hour later. 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352-3195 or www.howardsclubh.com. O Speed Governor, Patrons of Sweet, Draft Dodger: April 13.

ICE Restaurant & Bar EXHIBITOR

JJ’s Pub

Ottawa Tavern

This venue focuses on classical, jazz and opera artists and music. 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $5-$30, unless noted. (734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com. AD O JaLala Trio: 8 p.m.EXHIBITOR April 4. O pastNOW. 8 p.m. April 6. 1.75" X .75" O Wendell Harrison’s Detroit Swing Ensemble: 8 p.m. April 7. O “Mad About Chamber Music”: 8 p.m. April 9, free.

Manhattan’s

This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com. O Open mic: 9 p.m. Monday nights. O Jam session hosted by Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 9 p.m. Tuesdays. O Frostbite: 9 p.m. April 6.

Mickey Finn’s

EXHIBITOR AD 1" X .75"

EXHIBITOR AD 1.625" X 1.25"

Blarney Bullpen

facebook.com/blarneytoledo

601 Monroe St.

Right Across from Fifth Third Field For music listings, drink specials & weekly dining specials, go to:

theblarneyirishpub.com m

What began as an antique store in Chicago turned into a string of more than 200 eateries nationwide, including Toledo. All of the shops feature live music. 4038 Talmadge Road. (419) 7255037 or www.potbelly.com. O Don Coats: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays. O Alex Kenzie: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays. O Tom Drummonds: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays.

Robinwood Concert House

A home for the avant garde and untraditional, this Old West End venue hosts artists on the experimental end of the musical rainbow. 9 p.m., 2564 Robinwood Ave. $5 donation, unless noted. www.toledobellows.wordpress.com. O Paul Livingstone, Hom Nath Upadhyaya, Mamta Upadhyaya: 8 p.m. April 6, $10.

Rocky’s

Motor City Casino/Hotel

Stella’s

This casino’s Sound Board offers big names, big sounds and a big experience. 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Guests must be 21 or older. (866) 782-9622 or www.motorcitycasino.com. EXHIBITOR AD O All-American Rejects: 7:30 p.m. April 11, $32.50-$45. 1.75" X 1.5" The casino’s Chromatics Lounge also features live performances. O Dane Anthony: 7 p.m. April 4-5, 10 p.m. April 6 and 5:15 p.m. April 7. O Jimmy D. Scott: 5:15 p.m. April 6. O Serieux: 10 p.m. April 7. O Vinyl Underground: 3:30 p.m. April 8. O Reefer Men: 7 p.m. April 9. O Bomb Squad: 7 p.m. April 10. O Killer Flamingos: 7 p.m. April 11.

COME GET WET Don’t miss the fun as The Blarney turns into the Biggest Polish Pub in Toledo!

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

The “hippest little lounge in Toledo” features monthly beer tastings, “Professor Whiteman’s Trivia Challenge” and open mic nights. Live music (Wednesdays and/or Fridays) is typically a mix of southern rock, pop, blues and jazz. 4020 Secor Road. (419) 472-1996. O Kyle White: April 4.

This pub offers handcrafted brews … and live entertainment. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Mutz at the Oliver House, 27 Broadway St. (419) 243-1302 or www.TheOliverHouseToledo.com. O DJ Nate Mattimoe: 10 p.m. Saturdays. O Luke James: April 6.

Voted BEST Irish Pub & Downtown Bar in Toledo!

Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com. O The Color Bars, Grenades?! 10 p.m. April 6. O Ancient Warfare, Thunderhawk: 10 p.m. April 7. O The Seedy Seeds, the Winter Sounds: 10 p.m. April 9.

A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover; $5-$7 cover other nights. 602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 or www.mickeyfinnspub.com. O Acoustic Folk: 9:30 p.m. April 5, free. O Minglewood Labor Camp, Big Tom: 9:30 p.m. April 6.

Mutz

and Celebrate Dyngus Day! Monday, April 9th, 5–11 p.m. Polka & Pierogis! Great Drink Specials and tons of OKOCIM Beer Available.

151 on the Water

The former home of Murphy’s has reinvented itself as “Toledo’s only Chicago-style restaurant and music cafe.” 151 Water St. (419) 725-2151 or www.151onthewater.com. O Open mic: 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays. O East River Drive: April 6-7.

Kerrytown Concert House

EXHIBITOR AD .75" x .625"

Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. 5703 Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2266 or treosylvania.com. O MightHaveBen: April 6. O Andrew Ellis Duo: April 7.

This local, family-owned enterprise offers food, drinks and music XAve. .5"$5 cover, unless noted in a sleek atmosphere.1.75" 405 Madison otherwise. (419) 246-3339 or icerestaurantandbar.com. O Mike Fisher: 8 p.m. April 6. Live music is on Saturday’s menu; the genre varies, along with the cover charge. Karaoke is on tap 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, and a DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m. Fridays. 26611 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. (419) 874-9058 or jjsperrysburg.com. O John Barile and Bobby May: 8 p.m. April 10.

EXHIBITOR AD (SAU) 4" X 2"

One2 Lounge at Treo

Nouveau cuisine gets a helping of classic rock, R&B and jazz Thursdays through Saturdays. 104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-8360 or www.stellasrestaurantandbar.com. O CJ Manning, Charlene Ransom: April 5. O Eddie Molina, Marcia Jones: April 6. O Gregg Aranda: April 7.

Uptown Night Club

Rewired presents Goth Night at 9 p.m. Wednesdays. 160 N. Main St., Bowling Green. No cover. (419) 352-9310 or uptowndowntownbg.com.

The Village Idiot

Tunes combined with pizza and booze, some would say it’s a perfect combination. 309 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 893-7281 or www.villageidiotmaumee.com. O Old West End Records: 8 p.m. Wednesdays. O Bob Rex Trio; the Eight-Fifteens: 6 and 10 p.m. Sundays. O Frankie May and friends: 10 p.m. Mondays. O Mark Mikel Band with Chris Shutters: 9 p.m. Tuesdays. O

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“I saw the iceberg and I see it in your eyes ... please, tell me the truth.” — Rose, “Titanic”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 21

Adrian First Fridays Lobster Comedian Frank Roche, ‘Cotton Patch Gospel’ featured. Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

Comedian Frank Roche will bring laughter to Adrian on April 6, which also marks the second installment of Adrian First Fridays. “Frank and I have been buddies for years and I’ve been aspiring to get him out here and here we are,” said Corey Cooper, the show’s promoter. Roche, a Michigan native, has been featured on Comedy Central and travels the country doing shows. He was named festival favorite at the Boston Comedy Festival in 2006 and 2007. “He does excellent impressions and he’s very upbeat,” Cooper said of his longtime friend. Adrian First Fridays is a monthly art-walk event slated for the first Friday evening of each month in downtown Adrian. The events, starting at 5 p.m., will feature entertainment and artwork displayed in local businesses and venues. This month’s theme is “Forever Young” with activities for all ages and May’s will be “Swing into Spring” with a spotlight on music and dance. The artwalk also includes an open-mic session at 7 p.m. April 6 at Copeland Furniture, 136 N. Main St., Adrian. Musical duo Tom Harms and Linda Heineman will kick the session off before opening it to others. In addition, “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” featuring the music of folk-rock star Harry Chapin, opens 7:30 p.m. April 6 at the Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and students and $15 for children. The show runs through April 15. For more information, visit the website www.croswell.org. Erik Gable, a Toledo Free Press Star contributor, and Jackie Koch, a freelance writer at The Daily Telegram who also works at Lourdes University, initiated the monthly art walk late last year. The pair asked Chris Miller, the Adrian Downtown Development Authority and Economic Development director, and Elizabeth Arnold, communications and marketing coordinator for the City of Adrian, for help organizing

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FRANK ROCHE the event. They ended up getting many community groups involved, including the Lenawee Council for Visual Arts, the City of Adrian, the Croswell Opera House, the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Adrian College and Siena Heights University. Frank Roche presents his show at 9 p.m. April 6 at the Steele Carriage House, located on Toledo Street behind the Croswell Opera House. Tickets are $15 at the door for singles and $25 for couples. Presale tickets are $10 and available at (517) 920-9155. For more information on Adrian First Fridays, visit the website www.facebook.com/ adrianfirstfridays. O

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22 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“What? Do you think a first class girl can’t drink?” — Rose, “Titanic”

Strong as Steel Detroit native makes name as Web star. By Jeff McGinnis Toledo Free Press Star Pop Culture Editor popGoesJeff@gmail.com

It’s hard to describe Kat Steel’s charming onscreen persona without relying on a word that seems way too obvious — bubbly. Steel herself readily acknowledges that. “I would use bubbly, but that’s an easy getaway,” Steel said in an interview with Toledo Free Press Star. “I would go with ... unmedicated. Hyperactive. Probably needs to calm down just a little bit. A little socially awkward. But I mean no harm.” Those who haven’t seen Steel perform have plenty of chances to change that. A native of the Detroit area, the young actress is currently expanding her resume through a wide variety of wildly entertaining Web projects. This includes the comedy series “Fresh Hell,” which she costars in with “Star Trek: The Next Generation” alum Brent Spiner. The show just began its second season on YouTube. “I didn’t wanna fangirl over him, because in our household, ‘Star Trek’ was like the thing,”

Olde

Steel said of working with Spiner. “I mean, I grew up on Sunday afternoons watching ‘Next Generation’ with my dad. So, I really tried to play it cool, and try to just be really professional. “Brent is so cool, though, that there really shouldn’t have even been that concern. But I waited until we were at least halfway through filming to be like, ‘My dad and I really, really love “Star Trek!”’ And try to leave it at that. And he was super cool! He’s the snarkiest, nicest, funniest guy.” A self-described “nerd,” Steel grew up loving books and role-playing games in West Bloomfield, Mich. Performing had long been a part of her life, but the idea of pursuing it as a career never really took hold until she attended Albion College in Michigan. “I was doing theater back when I was young, especially back, like, in high school,” Steel said. “I went to school and I got my degree in psychology, and I realized that as much as I love psychology, I wanted to use that for performing. So, I came out to LA after I graduated.” n STEEL CONTINUES ON 23

KAT STEEL

Tavern

Mu Goo d Hd Luc ens k !

“If this is the direction the rats are going, that’s fine with me!” — Tommy, “Titanic” n STEEL CONTINUED FROM 22 Adapting to life inside the California bubble is always a challenge for new arrivals, Steel said. “It’s a culture shock when you move out here. It’s very, very difficult. I am very much a simple, Midwest girl. “So, [when] I moved out here, my first job was doing club promotion stuff. And I had never done that before — I’m very introverted. I was not a clubbing type. And I took the job and it was this bizarre, surreal culture shock. And you meet people where their reality is very different from yours.” Steel began making strides on camera, including hosting gigs on a few Web-based clip shows. The further along she got, the better she became, which she attributes to growing more comfortable on camera — in a manner of speaking. “The older I get, the less I give a shit,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t think my mama is gonna be too happy with me swearing during an interview, but it really does come down to comfort. And people in LA are so obsessed with image and how they look. And sometimes, any semblance of comedy or humanness is kind of lost in that consciousness, and that need to look so good.” One of her most notable characters is Miss Dementia, host of “Super Scary Horror Theater.” Poured into a fire-red dress with cleavage Elvira would consider excessive — and a bouffant that takes up half the screen — Steel said the character is largely inspired by scandal-ridden televangelist’s wife Jan Crouch. “When I was little, I remembered her as this big, purple-haired lady who was on TV,” Steel said. “I saw it recently, and I thought, ‘Oh my god! There’s this woman and she seems so sweet and

light — what if there was an evil version of her?’ “People don’t realize with Miss Dementia — that getup is, like, so uncomfortable! I don’t wear a lot of makeup myself, so being asked to do not only makeup but to do, like, ridiculous makeup — it takes me about an hour. And the wig is huge. And there’s so much makeup on my face, and there’s so much duct tape in places where there just shouldn’t be duct tape.” Steel’s biggest exposure yet, however, has come via “Fresh Hell” — a show Steel said came to through her friendship with its writer, Harry Hannigan. “He got in touch with me and said, ‘Hey, I don’t want you to be offended, but there’s this part that I think you’ll really be great at. Would you like to take a peek at it?’ And I was like, ‘Be offended? Oh, don’t be silly!’ And I read it and I’m like, ‘I’m so offended, this is awesome!’” Steel brings cheerful charm to the character — a young actress looking for work in the, uh, adult film industry — and makes her a ditzy, loveable foil to Spiner’s cynicism. “Dakota’s saving grace is that she is oblivious to the fact that her life and the way it’s gone would be viewed as sad,” Steel said. As “Hell” continues its second season and more people get a chance to sample Steel’s work, there is plenty of reason for her to be optimistic about the future. But Steel said as long as she can entertain, she’ll be content. “For stuff like Web [series], it’ll be really interesting to see where it goes. And I just hope that I can remain a part of it, in kind of just my dorky little corner of the Internet. And if I can keep doing stuff that makes people happy and makes people laugh, I’m pretty happy with that.” O

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 23

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special paid advertising feature: business showcase WS Solutions provides consultation, design and construction services for homes and businesses; including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, ooring installation, bathroom renovations, outdoor kitchens, man caves and more, all at an affordable price. Owners Paul Schlachter and Matt Wilson formed the company in December 2010 in a small Maumee ofce. In April 2011, they moved to their current location at 901 Jefferson Ave. in Downtown Toledo. Schlachter and Wilson, who were classmates at Whitmer High School and the University of Toledo, were later co-workers at a local granite fabrication facility and ooring retailer/ contractor for more than two decades. When that company moved to Columbus, they decided to stay in Toledo and go into business for themselves.

“We both grew up here, born and raised,” Wilson said. “This is where our roots are. We believe in Toledo.” The owners said their mission is to exceed expectations. “We want customers to feel they got everything they imagined and more at a betterthan-fair value, and we want to make the process as enjoyable as possible,” Wilson said. “We look at every job, no matter what the scale, as custom and unique. We sit down with each individual and understand their taste, how they want to utilize the space, how it can function for them and then detail it to their needs and specications.” WS Solutions offers, stateof-the-art showroom allowing prospective clients the opportunity for hands-on experience. They actually encourage clients to come in and cook a meal to see how the appliances function.

They offer all level of products from entry level to full custom. There is something available to suit everyone’s needs. One popular segment of the business has been outdoor kitchens, the owners said. “Those are big right now,” Schlachter said. “It’s more than just putting a grill outside; we incorporate design into a patio with walls, seating areas, lighting, replaces, wood-red ovens and more. It’s a true living space, bringing the inside out.” WS Solutions also periodically hosts cooking demonstrations by local chefs in the showroom’s three fully functional kitchens and will host an art show this spring highlighting local artists. “We’re just trying to promote all the things Toledo has to offer,” Schlachter said. “We’re excited to be here.”

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24 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“Is there anyone alive out there? Can anyone hear me?” — Fifth Officer Lowe, “Titanic”

Wants vs. needs “You can’t always get what you want ... But if you try sometimes, you might find ... you get what you need.” — The Rolling Stones

ne of the most frustrating things is wanting new clothes, but not having the money to get them. It seems so easy at times to swipe a plastic card and go crazy buying items that we don’t really need. Reality then LaUREN sets in when we get the bill and our hearts sink when we realize that the new items we bought were really not that worth it. Dressing fashionably and feeling fabulous go hand in hand. However, dressing fashionably and feeling fabulous do not have to equal spending a fortune. When shopping for clothing, do not feel as though you need to “keep up with the Joneses.” Fashion is so amazing because it allows us to let loose, show and explore who we are, and look and feel beautiful. Fashion is also about trial and error; sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn’t work. I agree with spending money on staples such as a little black dress, black pumps, a business suit or a beautiful bag. However, when it comes to the fun, everyday toss-upyour-style items, you should not be spending a fortune. It’s all about finding the right items at the right prices. This will give you the financial freedom to experiment with different types of clothing options to change up your everyday staples. What then are this spring’s “extras” that will help refurbish your older items and where can you find them inexpensively? This spring’s

“extras” include a brightly colored statement jacket, a flowy maxi dress, a brightcolored clutch, nude pumps, bright-colored layered bracelets and fun ballet flats. These items can be found at very reasonable prices and will help toss up your old items and make them look brand new. A brightly colored statement jacket is one of the easiest ways to look stylish and put-together. It adds that extra sass and pizzazz to your everyday outfit and you can find so many adorable options that you might just have to buy a few. Pair your statement jacket with pin skirts, black pants or jeans. Try something like this pink ruffle trench coat from Target for $39.99. This jacket is very flattering, plus it comes in a variety of different colors. Flowy maxi dresses are the perfect purchase to help you transition into warmer weather. Pair your maxi dress with a cropped jean jacket, cardigan or fun scarf. The different looks that you can create are endless. This item is perfect for after work, dinner with friends or weekend errands. Find a variety of inexpensive maxi dresses at Old Navy, like this Kelly green racerback maxi dress with rope belt for $29.94. Bright-colored clutches are a definite “it” item this spring. Whatever color you have on, toss in a bright yellow, magenta, blue or orange clutch and your outfit will scream high fashion, style and fun. Again, this item is perfect paired with anything in your closet. Try something like this orange clutch from H&M with gold accent for $17.95. It will look great paired with bright blue, green, yellow, pink or red.

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orful options ranging from $6.80 to $10.80. Get in touch with your girly side and buy a couple of pairs of ballet flats. Ballet flats are the perfect shoe for this season when we are done with boots, but not quite ready for sandals. They look great paired with jeans or skirts and are very transitional for casual or for the office. Find a variety of fun flats at Charlotte Russe, ranging from $19.50 to $24.50. Never forget, even though we may not always have the luxury of getting what we want, if we do a little searching and use what we have we can definitely get what we need. O Lauren O’Neill blogs about fashion at www. mypinmoneyfashion.com. Email her at Lauren@ mypinmoneyfashion.com.

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 25

Low-key commitment M

arch 31, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a mini-retreat held by the Yoga Teachers of Northwest Ohio (YTNWO). The retreat took place at Toledo Botanical Garden (TBG) and featured a mini-seminar on the art of public speaking, a gentle flow class followed by Yoga Nidra, as well as awesome food and company. I felt nourished on every level, and I was reminded of the joy and sense of community I felt back in February when this same association held a wonderful Yoga Day celebration. The mission of YTNWO is “to promote public awareness of yoga, and to provide fellowship, education and mentoring for yoga teachers and to foster integrity by upholding the teachings and philosophy of yoga.” I say mission accomplished. Yoga Day was huge. Nearly 200 people participated in an entire day of yoga for a nominal fee — all of which benefited a good cause. I was one of several yoga teachers who taught for free — my true payment was not monetary. The thing is, I didn’t hear about YTNWO until I was asked to teach on yoga day. At TBG on Saturday, several other association members voiced that they too hadn’t heard of YTNWO until an annual Yoga Day celebration

came around. One of the main topics of discussion during the group’s meeting was how to draw in other area yoga instructors. So I asked the people around me how being a member of YTNWO enriched their lives. The response was instant. The thing about being a yogi is that it’s all about realizing you’re a part of something much larger than you. Yoga centers around the concept that we all are Jennifer connected, and that God flows in all of us. Tap into your center — who you really are — and you also connect with God. Yet, as a yoga instructor, it’s often difficult to simply take classes and be the student that you need to be in order to be successful on the yogic path. Quite frankly, it’s sometimes difficult just to connect with other instructors. That’s

where YTNWO comes in. “There’s a lot of knowledge here to draw from,” yoga instructor Dianne Nonnenmacher said. “We’re often so busy with teaching schedules that coming in and taking the time to take a class is a huge luxury.” Others nodded their heads and agreed that having a yoga class during the group’s meeting was a huge perk. They also acknowledged that this sense of community and camaraderie with fellow yoga instructors was something that makes their group special. As peers, the group recognized how comforting it is to have trusted people to bounce ideas off of, to ask for advice when encountering a student with a special need and to simply benefit from the diversity of yoga teachers in the Toledo area. All agreed that

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YTNWO connects local yoga instructors. this commitment to other yoga instructors is YTNWO’s No. 1 priority. The second thing that the association is about is simple — giving back to the community. Take Yoga Day — all proceeds benefited local charities and a Toledo-area teacher scholarship fund. Yoga Day was essentially a thank you to Toledo’s yoga community — to local students taking classes. Saturday’s retreat (that I was so blessed to join in on) was a thank you to YTNWO members and to the teachers that participated in Yoga Day. If you’re afraid of adding too much to an already full plate, never fear. Commitment to YTNWO is really low-key. You can honestly participate as much or as little as you want, but one thing is nonnegotiable — YTNWO is looking for new members and association officers. They are actively seeking fellow yoga instructors to spread their shared passion for yoga — and with officer elections coming up in May, there’s no time like now to join in on the fun. O For more information visit www.yogateachers nwohio.com/membership or on Facebook www. facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Teachers-of-North west-Ohio/159905570708527.

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26 n APRIL 4, 2012 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“Mr. Lightoller, why are the boats being launched half full?” — Thomas Andrews, “Titanic”

Hope, confusion, disappointment and joy

ame-sex marriage. We all have feelings about it, whether we are for it or against it. Politics aside, I want the Toledo community to put a face to same-sex marriage. I want the Toledo community to understand this is not just a fight for a law, this is a fight for me. My American dream is to live a fulfilled life complete with a wife, children, a home, a career. A compilation of all the things I can be proud of when my life is over. I want to be married one day, yet my world is telling me I’m not worthy of being married. My heart swells up with hope and confusion and disappointment and joy at all of the headlines today that speak of same-sex marriage. I come from a strong and supportive family that has taught me the true meaning of what a family is meant to be. It’s meant to be an escape from the troubles of life, a place to run to when the times get tough. It’s meant to be a source of unconditional love that never wavers. It’s meant to be a model for society and to show just what greatness the feeling of love can create. My parents have taught me that a family can not be defined, it has to be felt. Same-sex marriage. Take religion out of the fight and what do you have? You have a fight for love. You have a fight for what defines a family. A family should not be defined, it should be felt.

Allowing the ban that the State of Ohio has on same-sex marriage to continue to be lawful, denies my very right to recognize that feeling. Now let me tell you why I want to be married one day. I want to be married because I want to share the rest of my life with one person like my parents have done. I want to be married because I want my future children to have two parents who can equally protect them. Emily I want to be married so that my future wife will be legally and financially taken care of after I pass away. I want to be married so that the children I do have with my future wife are not taken away from her just because she is not legally recognized as their parent. I want to be married so that my future wife can be provided the same benefits as me to ensure whatever life brings our way I can be confident she will be taken care of just as well I am.

I want to be married for me. I want an equal whom I can love and gain support from. I do not want to be married to ruin society. I do not want to be married for any God. It was not my choice to be a lesbian; therefore I do not see it as fair that someone is able to choose to take away a right that every heterosexual American has the luxury of registering for Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. In the argument of choice, ask yourself this: Who would choose to be something that other countries would kill you for? Who would choose to be something that entire religions condemn? Who would choose to be something that people automatically hate you for? There is no excuse for you as an American citizen to pretend that you don’t know any gay person, because through this column you are getting to know me.

HICKEY

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Putting a face on same-sex marriage. Should you still be against my fight for my American dream, I would like you to look me in the eye and tell me exactly why I, Emily Hickey, am unworthy. Take religion out of the fight and what do you have? You have a girl named Emily Hickey who was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio who is fighting for a right that every heterosexual person has whether or not they have a desire to be married, whether or not they are religious and whether or not they have ever been in love. You have a girl who is a hopeless romantic and just hopes that one day she can find someone to love and be with for the rest of her life, just like her parents who have been married for nearly 30 years. You have a girl who wants to raise a family with another woman to ensure they are provided with the most fulfilling life. You have a girl who wants to be married to make sure that her future wife will be legally and finally taken care of after she passes away. You have a girl who just wants her wife next to her in her hospital bed after she’s had surgery. You have a girl who wants her future wife to be provided the same benefits as me to ensure whatever life brings our way I can be confident she will be taken care of just as well I am. n PRIDE CONTINUES ON 27

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“You were going to kill youself by jumping off Titanic? All you had to do was wait two days.” — Lewis, “Titanic”

‘‘

I will continue to fight until I am no longer a second-class citizen in my own country. Whether it takes five or 50 years, my desire for an equal life will not subside.

n PRIDE CONTINUED FROM 26

our united fight that I am confident the State of Ohio will see the future of society, a future that will allow me to have the same rights as my older brother and my younger sisters. Be brave, stand strong and help me fight for my future wife and the family that we will have together. Fight for my future children so that they will not feel unworthy as I have been made to feel unworthy for the past 24 years. Many people I speak to are shocked by the laws that this state and this country have directly against me and how I hope to live the rest of my life. I ask those people to help me spread the word of our oppression and encourage those around them to stand up and fight. For those that feel this social “issue” is worthy of being overlooked, I ask you to think again because it is the exception that you make and your choice to look past this social issue that cause me to feel unworthy of attaining my American dream. We can’t all go directly to Congress and request a change but we can help to open the minds around us through conversation. Speak up in your college classes even if you become the minority. Speak up at your family parties even if you’re the only one. Speak up to the strangers behind you in line talking about why they deny me my right to live my American dream. I will continue to fight until I am no longer a second-class citizen in my own country. Whether it takes five or 50 years, my desire for an equal life will not subside. Please help me fight for the right for my father to walk me down the aisle to my future wife, legally. O

’’

You have a girl who is sick and tired of being told every single day that she is unworthy of the American dream she grew up believing she could attain. You have a girl dreaming of her father walking her down the aisle. Politics aside, when you choose to fight for equal rights or fight against them, you are directly fighting me. Since 2004, the great State of Ohio has enforced a law stating that there is a ban on samesex marriage. To those that oppose, while I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion, when you have an opinion over my future I most certainly take every decision you make and voice very personally. To those that support, I encourage you to speak up even if your voice shakes. It is through

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Marvel co-publishes ‘artist edition’ with rival By Jim Beard Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

As the old saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Industry leader Marvel Comics has taken that to a new degree by allowing rival IDW Publishing to print a new high-priced “Artist Edition” honoring one of Marvel’s legendary artists and characters. According to IDW, an “Artist Edition” prints famous stories scanned in color from the original artwork at full size so that fans may see all the “pasteovers, blue pencils … editorial notes, art corrections” and more from the actual pages. The new “John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man” edition of the series has Jim Collins of JC’s Comic Stop pretty jazzed. “What makes this a musthave?” he asks. “First, it’s the size of the original art, 12-inches-by 17-inches, 152 pages and contains scans of the original art from Amazing Spider-Man Nos. 67-69, 71, 75, 84 and some unpublished covers from the time period, too. John Romita may not have been

the first Spider-Man artist — that honor will always be Steve Ditko’s — but Romita made the character his own and Spidey went to a different level with his artwork. “This collection is a tribute to that which was Romita’s Spidey. Looking through this masterpiece takes me back to when I was lucky enough to have had these issues as they came out from 1968 to 1970. It also makes me wish I owned some of these pages myself — fat chance since the average page from this collection would set you back several thousands of dollars. “I want to make copies of the pages from this book so I can frame them. The storytelling is very powerful and does not rely on the colorist to pretty up the art. This is the truest form, as raw as raw gets. So, if you claim to be a Romita or Amazing Spider-Man fan and this edition is not yet in your collection ... shame on you. Go out and purchase it; do it today.” The next two volumes of IDW’s “Artist Edition” feature the legendary Will Eisner’s “The Spirit” and Marvel’s “Daredevil: Born Again.” Sometimes you just need a little help from your friends — or your rivals. O

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“The purpose of university is to find a suitable husband. Rose has already done that.” — Ruth, “Titanic”

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Catch “Jedi of Pop Culture” Jeff McGinnis on Tuesday mornings on 92.5 KISS-FM.

‘Mass’ controversy

G A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol.3, No.14 Established 2010. Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com EDITORIAL

Mary Ann Stearns, Design Editor mastearns@toledofreepress.com James A. Molnar, Lead Designer jmolnar@toledofreepress.com Sarah Ottney, Special Sections Editor sottney@toledofreepress.com Jeff McGinnis, Pop Culture Editor PopGoesJeff@gmail.com Whitney Meschke, Web Editor news@toledofreepress.com ADMINISTRATION

Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com CONTRIBUTORS star@toledofreepress.com Jim Beard • Amy Campbell • Zach Davis John Dorsey • Matt Feher • Jerry Gray Dustin Hostetler • Stacy Jurich Vicki L. Kroll • lilD • Martini • Jason Mack Rachel Richardson Julie Webster • Don Zellers

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amers the world over have taken note of a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. “The Art of Video Games” highlights the progression of interactive entertainment from its earliest days to the present. For those who have celebrated the virtues of video games, the existence of such JEFF an exhibit certainly seems a validation of their core belief — that games can deliver an artistic experience. Message boards all over the Internet are abuzz with discussion of what this show may mean for how seriously the mainstream takes gaming as an art form. But there’s another discussion that has erupted over the past few weeks — one which, I think, has much greater implications for how seriously games can be taken as an artistic media. And so far, the results ain’t pretty. On March 6, “Mass Effect 3” was released for most major video game systems, the final part of a (duh) trilogy of space-opera action-RPGs. What fans found particularly endearing about the series was its emphasis on player choice — the games seemed to take pride in all the things a player could alter or influence during its storyline, right down to their character’s gender. By most accounts, “Mass Effect 3” was a spectacularly satisfying conclusion to the saga — up until about the last 10 minutes. Now, without spoilers, let’s just say for a series that prided itself on giving the player a chance to influence events, the game’s ending gives gamers a choice between three courses of action. Each

Should players demand new ending for ‘Mass Effect 3’?

of them leads to an ending that is fundamentally the same as every other ending, leaves plenty of plot holes and is thematically unsatisfying. Fans expressed outrage. It wasn’t just that the ending wasn’t a “happy” one — they said it didn’t fit anything that had come before in the story that they had spent the past five years playing through. Soon, the outrage crystallized into a demand: They wanted BioWare, the company that developed the game, to change the ending. Protests began in earnest. Among them was Retake Mass Effect, a group which, in theory, decided to put the community’s outrage to good use. They encouraged people to donate to the charity Child’s Play (a group which gives toys and games to sick children) in an effort to demonstrate the community’s generosity. The movement collected over $80,000. But cracks in the facade were showing, as well. Some confused gamers thought that they were actually giving money to BioWare to produce a new ending. A “high number” of donors contacted online payment site PayPal asking for their money back, according to Child’s Play founder Jerry Holkins. All the problems led to Child’s Play asking Retake Mass Effect to shut down its fundraising efforts. Finally, after weeks of clamoring, success seemed to be achieved. Ray Muzkya, BioWare’s co-founder, released a statement claiming that fans’ protests had been heard, and that the company is “doing our best” to respond to it. Many

mCGINNIS

POP GOES THE

CULTURE

have assumed that this means a new or altered ending is coming, possibly via additional downloadable content. As I’ve watched this controversy unfold, I’ve been of two minds on the whole thing. On the plus side, the fans are right — the ending doesn’t fit and feels like a massive violation of the world they have put so much time into. It is fully within their rights to criticize the problems, of course, and to give voice to their outrage. But I begin to have issues when the idea of demanding a new ending comes up. If games are to be taken seriously as an art form, don’t their creators have the right to tell their story as they see fit? Granted, we are talking about an interactive media, and the players bring their own context to the table. But until now, no one has fought to change the basic structure of a game’s narrative after it has already been released. There have been many examples of movies, books, etc. where fans were angered by a story’s conclusion. Criticism and discussion is part of the process. What may be unheard of is such an effort to force creators into changing the work just to satisfy the audience. If games are art, and we are going to take them seriously as such, who are we as fans to demand that the artist change the experience, just for us? If (via some freak timetravel accident) I met Picasso, I wouldn’t demand he add a kitty to Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, just because my friends and I want one there. If you didn’t like “Mass Effect 3’s” climax, complain. Shout from the rooftops. Criticize and bitch all you want, that’s your right. But when people insist that it be changed, a potentially dangerous precedent is being set. And as we sit on the verge of games being considered art with a wider audience, I think it’s more important than ever to respect the opinions of the artists behind them. O Email Toledo Free Press Star Pop Culture Editor Jeff McGinnis at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

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‘Mass Effect 3’ offers sci-fi action, outstanding multiplayer mode

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Set in the 22nd century, “Mass Effect 3” (Electronic Arts), the latest and final installment of the game series trilogy, has great sci-fi action and an outstanding multiplayer mode (including online) complete with a unique ending that might test some fans’ visions. Elements from the 2007 “Mass Effect” beginning installment and the 2010 sequel “Mass Effect 2” work well in this third installment

that continues character journeys while offering an engaging and easily adaptable experience for novice players. More than 700 different plotlines make a customized storyline for each player. Players can even change the main character, Commander Shepard, into a male or female character. The strong story gets great support from a very intuitive level design and great real-time strategy,

especially when designating weapons to teammates. Teammates sometimes get in the way when grabbing essential items as players battle against an Earth invasion while finding adventures in related space missions. Player choices also factor into the events in noticeable ways while quick saves prevent any lost progress (***1/2, rated M for blood, partial nudity (the banshee creatures mostly), sexual content, strong language and violence; available on PS3, PC and Xbox 360, which includes voice-control ability via Xbox Kinect). O

“Seeing her coming out of the darkness like a ghost ship, it still gets me every time.” — Brock, “Titanic”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / APRIL 4, 2012 n 31

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Jack: “Where to, Miss?” Rose: “To the stars.” — “Titanic”