Weekend Scene

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11.18.10

Ever thought youd party inside of an igloo?
The Entertainment District plans to make that possible this weekend

also inside

New WMU ensemble Birds on a Wire plays at Dalton Tom Dickerson visits Northern United Brewing Packing for holiday travel

11.18.2010

birds on a wire igloo in entertainment district

hops and stops

the stylish bronco
Editor in Chief Katrina Murphy 387-2097 herald-editor@wmich.edu

scene staff

A&E Editor Sebastian Fryer 387-3820 herald-arts@wmich.edu Photo Editor Marissa Ingle herald-photo@wmich.edu Graphic Designer Dave Doss
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Birds on a Wire flock to Dalton
together. risks that may or may not be The world debut of electronic calculated, Colson said. Often, and synthesizer performer Peter the results are surpri sing and Making its reputation Peceres Hiranyaloka featured frequently lead to new and through classics of the avant- WMU School of Music profes sor exciting ways of thinking about garde and the works of living Bradley Wong on Yamahas DX-5 the way music can be organized composers, Birds on a Wire wind synthesizer. The song and executed. held a performance Tuesday at features woodland instruments The ensemble started in 2009 Western Michigan Universitys with a blend of electro nic when a number of students Dalton Center Recital Hall. sounds. approached Colson. The ensemble features a mix I approached Bradley Wong From the very beginning of WMU students, WMU School with the idea of comp osing of the planning stages, students of Music faculty and professional a work for him, playing the are involved with the choices of musicians. synthesizer, Pecere said. the music, Colson said. These Several musicians, including He performed regularly students are quite sophis ticated a number of WMU students, with musicians that shared his and have a keen sense of how compose and write music for the commitment to contemporary certain pieces of music fit together ensemble. The ensemble features music. I wrote the work for on a concert performance. a large mix of instruments. Each that personnel, which includ es The uniqueness of the piece often requires different flute, cello, two percussion and group really comes from the musicians. piano. cooperation of each members Birds on a Wire performed an Birds on a Wire is directed musical taste and interpretatio n, interpretation of the Blackearth and composed by David Colso n, Colson said. Percussion Groups Take That. director of the WMU Schoo l of The students inspire me to Its performance is made up Music. Colsons performance s consider all kinds of music I entirely of four drummers, have been recorded on might not have thought about, filling the auditorium with the New World Records, MMC Colson said. Im thrilled about percussionists own fast-paced Recordings Ltd., Red Mark and students being involved with all tone and rhythm. Innova. His compositions have matters of running this ensemble. It was an extremely exciting been performed and record ed I like that my role becomes more performance to watch, said throughout Europe and the of a consultant and a guide. Caitlyn Pierce, 22, a WMU United States. Birds on a Wire will hold student. The whole experimental another performance at the This is the first time I nature of modern music accept s Wellspring Theatre at the Epic have ever seen only a group the idea that as a compo ser Center on Friday, March 18 at of drummers performing and musician you take certain 7:30 p.m. Western Herald

By Rachelle Damico

Entertainment District opens Igloo Square

By Laura Christian

Western Herald This weekend, Kalamazoo will have the opportunity to party inside of an igloo. The Entertainment District, located in downtown Kalamazoo, will host the grand opening of The Igloo in Arctic Square. The event will also include the opening of the modern chic upper-level deck at 5 p.m. It will have the addition of an upscale drink list and a new menu. The Igloo will open between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., said Traver McLaughlin, marketing communications for Reedy Corp. Kalamazoo has never seen anything like this before and I dont know if any other place has ever seen an igloo outside, with a bar and dance floor anywhere else in the United States, McLaughlin said.

See Igloo Page 5

Photos courtesy of Bill Fahl

From Igloo Page 4

The event is for customers 21 and older. After 9 p.m., the cover charge is $5. If customers come in before 9 p.m. and order a drink or dinner, they will receive free cover for the night. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to win a wrist watch by signing up at the Medawar Jewelers table during the event. To get more information on The Igloo, visit http://www.districtsquare.biz.
for more news, visit www.westernherald.com
Photo courtesy of Bill Fahl

northern united brewing

done North Peak Brew Pub and I really liked the Traverse City area. When they offered me the one There are places youll run in Royal Oak, I was like, Nah, it across that will change your mind looks really nice, but its just not Northern United Brewing about a state, twist your views on for me. stereotypes, and ultimately make Hows the beer culture over you enjoy every second while in Nova Scotia different from youre in that environment. Thats the one in Michigan? pretty much what its like to be MH Over there, they around brewer Mike Hall whos a drink tons of beer, but its just part of Northern United Brewing not quality beer. Theres some located at 13512 Peninsula Dr. good breweries, but not very in Old Mission Peninsula in the many maybe five, but its northwest corner of Michigan. just a Canadians version of Not only is Mike Hall the brewer mass produced beer. Theres behind North Peak bottled ales, Moose Head, Alexander Keiths, he is a mad man that keeps you Sleemans just boring, mediocre, laughing for days on end and may yellow s---, you know? (takes a quite possibly get you arrested. big sip of his India Pale Ale) During our conversation, he Did you start out decided hed rather take our beers homebrewing? across the street so we could MH Yep, I started out check out the stunning blue view homebrewing with my dad when of Grand Traverse Bay. I was 13 years old. Hes English, so he didnt like the beer when we Youre originally from Nova moved to Canada and decided Scotia so what brought you to he could make it better himself. I Traverse City? brewed with him through junior MH About 15 years ago, I high and high school, then went came over here to build Grizzly to [a] university. I had to keep Peak Brewing Company for a making beer in order to be able to friend of mine down in Ann keep drinking. Arbor. Then I built one over When you homebrewed with in Grand Rapids called Arena your dad, was that more of a and after that I did Bonfire hold this, hold that kind of in Northville. So, while I thing? was traveling around, doing MH Oh no, no, no. He consulting for breweries all over showed me how to do everything the country, I kept coming back recipes, equipment, basic stuff. to the same group. Eventually We talked about flavors a lot. We they said, Why dont you just started out with the basic kit and join us so you dont charge us so augmented it with extra hops and much.? Basically, they made me messed with the water treatment. an offer I couldnt refuse. When Mike Hall this offer came up, I had already See Hops Page 7 Western Herald

By Tom Dickerson

Photo courtesy of Gabby Baginski

From Hops Page 6

my application a little more qualified than the guys I was When did you know that up against. A lot of them were this was something you self-taught or came rolling wanted to do for the rest of out of Budweiser retirement your life? with their knowledge of one MH Probably when I was kind of beer and thats about five, really. (Shares a laugh it. Maybe some book smarts, with me) First time I found but not really any practical a beer on the coffee table application. But now, the trend unprotected. No, Im kidding. has seem[ed] to have gone the Career wise, I was in [college] other way. America is making when I decided to take it a a lot of really interesting beers little more seriously took much more exciting beers some time off, traveled around and the English are seeming Europe, and ended up stopping to buy into that. In fact weve at brewery and staying around been offered a contract to for an apprenticeship. When I ship our Siren Amber Ale to got back to Canada, I got a job England to a Marks Dispenser at a brewpub as the assistant which is like a Target of brewer while I was finishing Great Britain. Plus, Im going my degree. When I was done over there in December as with that, I kind of semi a guest brewer to brew our goofed around for a little bit Diabolical IPA for a pub chain then went back over to Europe thatll be launching 50 in for a formal apprenticeship London and 30 in other cities. in England. I did two years So, theyre buying American in England, came back for a beer in big quantities and were year in Canada, then traveled going to make it in handfuls. around the states. As far as the brewing After lots of laughs and tons trends are concerned, was of beer, I regretfully departed there a big difference between the comedic presence of one of England and the United the most interesting brewers I States? had ever met, but not before I Its kind of weird because did a keg stand out of a huge we were always a few years kettle of beer. Mike might be behind them so whatever a little nuts, but he deserves was going on over there in nothing but respect after Englands microbrew scene building more than 40 brewing seemed to be four years back systems around the country for the USA. So, when I was and training more than 100 over there and came back brewers (Sam Calagione over here to consult, I had of Dog Fish Head is one of a pretty good idea of what them). When hes not too was coming at me which was busy brewing beer all over the good because it gave me an world, distilling spirits using advantage over other people. Michigan grown ingredients, During that time, I also got or collaborating with Ron my senior membership in Jeffries of Jolly Pumpkin, Mike the European Institute and Hall is awaiting your thirsty Guild of Brewing and became visit to the secret hideaway at Mike Hall (left) speaks with Tom Dickerson. a master brewer which made Old Mission Peninsula.

Photos courtesy of Gabby Baginski
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packing for holiday travel

By Katie White

Western Herald Pacing and nervous lip biting. Irritable, ill tempered and indecisive. Counting on fingers, disheveled drawers and messy rooms. Recognize any of these symptoms? Theyre signs of a holiday traveler in distress. Living far from home can be stressful but having to deal with packing for the trip can be even worse in the holiday season. For my fellow fashionistas who panic when packing for the trek home, fear not, for you are not alone! Like you, I get a nervous stomachache when opening my suitcase and staring into my closet but my time here at Western Michigan University has taught me a thing or two about holiday packing. First things first: figure out what all is happening at home. Are friends having a small cocktail party before Christmas or are days filled with sledding ahead of you? Where will you be for Christmas Eve and Christmas day? Knowing what is ahead of you will help define your wardrobe better. You dont want to be invited on daylong ski trips and casual movie nights having only brought home your best going-out ensembles. Plan for what you will be attending but also be aware of what you still have at home in your own closet. Next, make a list and piles. This has been a lifesaver on all of my trips. Write down how many days youll be away so you have a visual awareness to not go too overboard with particular pieces. When youre picking out clothes, put them in category piles (e.g. shirts, pants, etc.) so you can narrow down your decisions before you put them in the suitcase. Be aware of the size of your luggage and what youre putting in it; the piles will help with that. Certain ways of folding help keep clothing fresh and unwrinkled, as well as spaceconscious.

The Stylish Bronco

For liquids, toiletries and accessories use plastic bags. These are another space-saver. They keep all jewelry together so you dont have to worry about pieces being jumbled around and lost. Theyll also keep you clothing safe in case something explodes, which is a no-brainer. For nice garments, keep them on the hanger! Itll save you a lot of grief when the day comes to wearing it. For shoes and it may be extremely obsessive compulsive I keep my heels in the shoebox they came in. The heels stay in nice condition and I just pull the box with the pair I want to take to wear. With flats and boots, I just stack and fold them. They end up making a nice barrier between my clothing and toiletries. Ive always found that having an idea of what youll have on your agenda while youre home in hugely important. Keep in mind the company youll be seeing and the venue things will be taking place because you want to be your fabulous, fashionable self but also mindful of the event. Dont give grandpa a heart attack because of your skirt length or embarrass yourself by having to bundle up in five layers of leggings and jeans because you dont have the appropriate winter outerwear. Make conscious, respectful wardrobe decisions

11.18.2010 while hunting in your closets and drawers. When making those conscious wardrobe decisions, remember the proper undergarments! Guys, remember belts, v-neck or crew neck undershirts, and ties. Ladies, be aware of the cuts on particular pieces removable straps for bras, colors and styles of underwear and tights. You dont want to wear a cute white dress and find out last minute all you have is bright pink panties. Pack your technology last. Save this packing for last so you can make sure things are fully charged, especially if you need day-of directions.
Take the time to pack, and dont rush! Thatll only cause you to forget the essentials. Once youre on the road, have a full tank of gas, good music to keep you alert, and a fully charged phone. Holiday travel has become something I prepare for. and usually need a good cocktail afterward. But the more prepared and organized I get for it, the better I look at every holiday party! Putting a little thought not only behind your clothes but your packing, too, gets you home quicker, as well as ready for all the family dinners, shopping trips, wrapping parties and holiday shindigs you can handle!