The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is right around the corner (it starts this Friday, and the weather forecast for the opening weekend looks amazing), and so is my 3rd big Summer Festival photography exhibit in the Power Center lobby. The exhibit is entitled STOP.MOTION, and features a new set of images taken at last year’s Summer Festival. The exhibit will run from June 17 to July 8, 2010.

Join us at the artist’s reception on Wednesday, June 30 from 5:30-7:00pm. If you can’t make it to the reception, you can view the exhibit anytime a Festival Mainstage performance is happening at the Power Center. Lobby doors open one hour before each event is scheduled to start.

Many thanks to… Robb Woulfe (Festival executive director) for his continued support and enthusiasm for my photography and for hosting STOP.MOTION. Amy Nesbitt (and the rest of the Festival staff) for making all the stars align — not just with the exhibit, but with the entire Festival. Paragon Display Group, who are masterfully printing and mounting the exhibit pieces as I write this blog entry. Dianne Widzinski for her support and assistance at the Power Center.

Max’s Festival line-up includes: Body Masterpiece, Mucca Pazza, Butterfly Garden, Planet Rock, Craz-E-Crew, and KidZone (every night).

Max (my 7.5-year-old son) is looking forward to several Festival offerings this year. As of now, his “dance card” includes:

Body Masterpiece

Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20 (5-8pm)
From personal experience last year, Max knows that Body Masterpiece’s artists have mad skillz. He’s still contemplating who or what he wants to be made up as this time around.

Mucca Pazza

Friday, June 18 (7pm)
“The group is a collection of shameless band nerds wielding instruments of incongruous traditions, sometimes in competition, often in cooperation.” Yeah, baby. Bring it!

The Butterfly Garden

Wednesday, June 23 through Sunday, June 27
The Italian theater group, Company TPO, designed this multimedia, interactive show especially for kids ages 4-8. Max recently studied butterflies in school, and we’re all excited to see this special, and intimate, Mainstage performance.

Planet Rock: Climbing Wall @ Top of the Park

Friday, June 25 through Sunday, June 27 (5-9pm)
Planet Rock will be bringing its portable climbing wall to Top of the Park! How sweet it will be to get to view the middle of Ingalls Mall from 25′ up!

Craz-E-Crew Stunt Team: Extreme Sports @ Top of the Park

Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4
Craz-E-Crew? You don’t have to convince me. We’re so there. (Or should I say “thAIR”?)

Rico and I plan to attend several Mainstage performances as special date nights for just the two of us:

Caravan Palace

Saturday, July 3 (8pm)
“Caravan Palace is an electro-swing group from Paris with violin, double bass, francophone, guitar, clarinet and trombone and held together by programmed beats and electro-scat vocals.” We gotta check this out!

Devo

Tuesday, July 6 (8pm)
I have to admit, I was totally floored when I learned that Devo had been added to the Festival lineup. (I had no idea they were even still performing.) “Whip It” was my favorite dance tune back in high school, and it’s been on my photography studio playlist for years.

Afro-Cuban All Stars

Thursday, July 8 (8pm)
This one was a no-brainer for us — these guys are amazing!

Die Roten Punkte

Saturday, July 10 (7:30pm)
We’re curious about this act and also about seeing a show at UMMA. Are you ready to Rock and/or Bang?

There was no way I was gonna miss watching my first Shakespeare in the Arb production last week. It’s not that I’m a huge lover of Shakespeare or anything. Quite the opposite: I often shy away from his works. But I really wanted to see some of my favorite performers from the Burns Park Players, including several children, who are in the cast. And I couldn’t let another year go by without the adventure of photographing a theatrical performance in one of my favorite portrait locations.

All I can say is, “What a revelation!” If you haven’t yet seen a Shakespeare in the Arb production, now in its 10th year, this would be a great year to start. Save for the mosquitoes (pack repellent), I would characterize the entire experience as glorious. And I say that, even though on the night I attended, the last 5 minutes of the performance were canceled due to a raging downpour. My camera was safe and dry under a rain cover. My body, however, was not so fortunate: by the time I made it to my car, I was drenched down to my skivvies.

UM Lecturer Kate Mendeloff started Shakespeare in the Arb in 2001, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream was its very first production. Many of the locations and costumes were used in the original production. And several actors are even reprising their roles. I won’t lie and say I understood all of it, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the performances. This production was much more kinetic and visual than the Shakespeare performances I’d seen years ago, and that really helped keep me fully engaged with the action.

Here’s a link to Roger Lelievre’s review in AnnArbor.com. For performance times, ticket prices, etc., visit this page. Finally, the Facebook event page shows which actors are performing which roles on which evenings.

The audience, seated on chairs and blankets, watches the action. During the performance I attended, umbrellas provided protection from both the sun and rain. | UM lecturer Kate Mendeloff not only has directed every Shakespeare in the Arb production, but with flag in hand, she also leads the audience to the various locations within the Arb where the action is staged.

In some scenes there is hardly a barrier between the actors and the audience. The story features a play within a play — here, the character Bottom (Sam Dodge) constantly interrupts director Peter Quince (Jane Glass) as he attempts to cast the play.

One of my favorite scenes: the fairies frolicking among the pines.

As the audience traveled to a new location, these two fairies would race ahead — leaving period music in their wake.

The King and Queen of the Fairies, Oberon and Titania (Graham Atkin and Eva Rosenwald).

Children and young friends of the cast made cameo appearances as fairies.

Oberon (Graham Atkin) observes the action from his lushly wooded perch. Atkin also played Oberon in the 2001 production.

Sleepy time for Titania (Eva Rosenwald). Titania’s attendants included Peaseblossom (Sian Dowis), Cobweb (Megan Mertaugh), Mustardseed (Elise Randall) and Moth (Alison Clinton).

Exeunt. (Rico tells me that that’s the Shakespearean stage direction for “they exit.” Don’t ask me to pronounce it.)

Three Pucks for the price of one. I loved how this mischievous threesome moved and danced as one. (Mandy Bannatz, Jaclyn Dudek, and Greg Kovas)

The four lovers in a confused — is there any other kind? — love quadrangle caused by magic potions (Chris Anderson, Ellie McIvor, Sean FitzGerald, and Allison Stock).

This is moments before the downpour that ended the performance five minutes shy of the end. Fortunately, at this point we were back at the Peony Garden and relatively close to our cars!

All’s well that ends well. (Why does that sound so familiar?)

Photographing the UM commencement on Saturday, May 1 was an exhilarating, mind-expanding experience. For starters, before that day I’d never so much as set foot inside the Big House (weird, I know). And, to the best of my knowledge, I’d never been within a nautical mile of Barack Obama (or any other head of state, for that matter) — let alone gotten to photograph him. Finally, and this may surprise you the most, I’d never shot with any lens longer than 135mm. But I got to do all this (and more) thanks to a great opportunity that fell into my lap.

Silly me, I wasn’t even planning to go.

I don’t generally go see super-famous people, mostly because of the crowds and hoopla associated with such events. So while I felt a fair measure of hometown pride upon learning that President Obama would be speaking just down the street, I had no intention of trying to get tickets — honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar. But I have to admit that when Mary Morgan of the Ann Arbor Chronicle told me she wanted to submit my name for press credentials to photograph the commencement exercises, I got very excited. And once my press credentials were confirmed, I got very, very excited. What a rare and delicious treat! I would get to be (or at least try real hard to pretend to be) a news photographer for a day. And what an assignment: Obama at commencement! Everyone was so excited for me, and I felt so high!

Sobering Piece of Info #1

This helpful tip from the UM Media memo quickly brought me back to earth with a deafening thud: “Photographers: Prepare for a distance of at least 60 yards in the stadium.” 60 yards? Gulp. Certainly they must’ve meant feet, right? Feet and yards are often confused. Nope, not a typo. I had a tough time getting my head around the “60 yards” concept. Typically, when I shoot events, I’m granted unlimited access — anywhere in the house, the wings, backstage, even (sometimes) on the stage. I’m not accustomed to there being several thousand people (some of them secret service agents) between me and my subject. I started to imagine what kind of lens I’d need so that the POTUS wouldn’t look like a spec, like an errant piece of dust on my sensor.

I talked to several photographers, intensively researched lens options, and factored in “Sobering Piece of Info #2” (see below) before settling on renting a 300mm lens and a 1.4x teleconverter (which would bring my effective focal length to 420mm). This lens weighs 6.3lbs; it’s 10.5″ inches long, and the hood adds another 5″ or so. I knew I’d need a monopod (it’s like a one-legged tripod, if you’re into the oxymoron thing) to bear most of the weight and help keep the unwieldy lens steady. When the lens arrived on Friday, I photographed Rich standing 60 yards away, and realized immediately that I needed more telephoto power. Thanks to Mark Bialek, a freelance photographer who frequently works with AnnArbor.com, for lending me his 2x teleconverter at the last minute, which brought my effective focal length up to 600mm.

Sobering Piece of Info #2

In the days leading up to May 1, all the weather reports were predicting thunderstorms for the morning of commencement. There was the distinct possibility that it would be raining in the hours before Obama’s speech — and even during his speech. In my portrait photography work, I can use a sophisticated, hi-tech device known to photo professionals as a “raindate” to protect me, my clients, and my expensive gear from inclement weather. Or, for fun, we can incorporate umbrellas into the photostory. But, I’m afraid, there are no raindates for commencement. And umbrellas aren’t allowed in the Big House, not even for the press. I’d have to find other ways of protecting thousands of dollars of equipment, including the rental lens (worth $5000) from rainy conditions. (Yes, everything was insured, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t freaked out about it getting damaged and possibly rendered unusable.) I passed many a sleepless night tossing and turning over the weather and how I’d change lenses, etc. in a downpour.

What a huge relief it was that I didn’t have to learn whether my assortment of plastic bags would’ve kept my gear dry while allowing me to shoot. After a frightful thunderstorm at dawn, there was (mercifully) very little rainfall after 8:30am. This made life easier for everyone, especially for those of us working with sensitive, expensive, and not-at-all-waterproof equipment.

Sobering Piece of Info #3

I was stunned to learn at 8am Saturday morning that some photographers had been granted special access to the buffer area between the stage and the seats — within 10 yards of the podium! Melanie Maxwell of AnnArbor.com was one of them, and she got some amazing shots. This opportunity was also offered to other local news outlets including the Michigan Daily and the Detroit Free Press, but not the Chronicle. It was obviously too late for me to undergo the requisite background checks at that point, so we were out of luck.

All sobered up, and having a blast

Just being there at all, not to mention getting authorization to bring a high-powered lens to a national media event, was more than I’d imagined or hoped for. I may not have had optimal access to the president, but I’d do the best I could with what I did have. And he sounded great from where I was standing on the risers next to Rich and Mary. Obama's message was so inspiring and so relevant. I could totally get why 92,000 people braved the crowds, weather, and security checks to be here. I’m so glad I was one of them. You really should read an annotated transcript of President Obama’s speech and/or watch it on video.

It was sweet to experience the camaraderie among the news photographers. I imagine they could tell I was new to this media circus thing, and they were very cool and generous, taking the trouble to alert me to things that were coming up — so I’d be ready. That meant a lot to me. I have great respect for news photographers. They have to be crazy fast and efficient — they’re on their laptops uploading photos of what’s happening while it’s still happening. And then they publish the rest of their shots within a very short time of the event ending (unlike me). And the next day, they get to wake up and do it all over again. Amazing endurance. (It’s now Monday, and I’m still recovering from the commencement.)

I even managed to get well-acquainted with a member of the secret service. Well before the speeches began, I would venture away from the risers to snag photos of graduates (and their footwear) milling about, only to be chastised by the same secret service man over and over (and over) again. He had this seriously stern look on his face that never changed. I mean, even though he had to tell me so many times to get back on the risers, his stern expression never escalated to “how many times do I have to tell you? If I have to tell you again, you’re out of here!” And I appreciated that. He was the consummate professional. What can I say, I liked the guy.

Finally I want to express my appreciation to Mary and Dave. I was proud to represent the Chronicle, and I thank them for giving me such an exceptionally wonderful opportunity and experience. And thanks to Rico for assisting me at the commencement, and for his extensive editorial support on this hefty Relish entry!

Ponchoville

The latest in poncho couture

Terry Robert Burleson, Jr. (BA, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) — this is what I can do when I have access to my subject!

This was one of (at least) two teams of very serious–looking dudes positioned on the stadium roof. I didn’t see any of them wielding sniper rifles, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had them close at hand. I certainly don’t envy the hermetic security under which all U.S. presidents (unfortunately) must live.

The stormy weather on Saturday led graduates to don an interesting assortment of footwear. At some point in the late morning, Rico elbowed me in the ribs and said, “Murn, you gotta capture the ‘boots on the ground’ story.”

“My” secret service agent kept his eye on me. | Perhaps because the secret service was doing such a good job of protecting the president, our local sheriff’s deputy could relax his facial muscles a bit and offer a smile.

Grads seeing themselves on the JumboTron created a lot of excitement.

Just a few of the hundreds of assistant photographers I’d assigned to positions throughout the Big House. They were well placed to capture Obama as he made his way up to the podium.

Most people thoroughly enjoyed Obama’s speech.

Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Ornette Coleman, Jean W. Campbell (seated), and, of course, Obama all received honorary degrees. Honorary degrees were also awarded to Susan Stamberg and Charles M. Vest (not pictured).

Kelly Gallagher (School of Art & Design graduate) photographed by a pal at the very moment her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree was conferred.

Not everyone at the Big House was an Obama fan. It’s actually quite a testament to the American (obviously, not exclusively American) spirit that this guy could express this opinion in the presence of President Obama himself — surrounded by a crowd that was overwhelmingly pro-Obama — without fear of harassment, violence, or incarceration. Don’t try this at home (if your home happens to be in, say, Iran, North Korea, China, Zimbabwe, Burma…). This beautifully illustrates a major theme in Obama’s address: that maintaining a culture of civility, one that celebrates disagreement while resisting the slide into demonization, is a necessary precondition for a functioning democracy.

Just because nobody actually knows the lyrics to UM’s alma mater doesn’t mean we can’t pump our fists in the air and fake our way through it. “Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!”

Fussed with the exposure on this shot to show the ominous sky above us. Thankfully we were spared the 80-90% chance of thundershowers that were predicted during Obama’s speech.

Rico (who just happened to be wearing his John Coltrane t-shirt) was thrilled when Ornette Coleman received an honorary doctorate. Michigan Stadium is surely big enough to accommodate these two jazz titans! | Do I look a little bit excited?

I was happy to get this photo of Obama. But, of course, for me nothing will ever equal Max’s Obama, with Flag (2009), the quintessential visual representation of our 44th president.

Where did that preciously Foolish hour go? FestiFools came and went far too quickly this year. Even though I was utterly spent by 5pm — as were numerous others, especially those carrying puppets — there were so many more moments I wished I’d captured. Alas, that is the nature of FestiFools: There are just too many wonderful happenings vying for our attention. And, try as we might, it’s impossible to personally experience more than a tiny fraction of them. To which I say, “Wait’ll next year!”

This (the 4th annual) FestiFools was the best yet for our family, and I hope it was the same for you and yours. Rico made me buy the most perfect cyan, patent leather Dr. Martens, which became the inspiration for the rest of my outfit. Max told us last fall — you read that right: last fall — that he wanted to be Harpo Marx for the next FestiFools. We tried to sell him on a few shortcuts (“A wig will be itchy,” we explained). But he was unshakably committed to his vision — and the jumbo, red scissors were absolutely non-negotiable! I hope you saw him because he truly was Harpo. He and Rico tore up and down Main St., making all kinds of vaudevillian mischief.

All indicators strongly suggest that FestiFools has attained a critical mass of love in the community. Every media outlet within 50 light-years of Ann Arbor was talking up FestiFools. Each weekend, the FestiFools studio was crawling with industrious community volunteers either undertaking their own puppet projects, or assisting U-M students with theirs. I know of at least two local elementary school groups who made their own space-alien puppets and brought them to life on Main Street. This year 826michigan teamed up with the AADL to offer an expanded and retooled “Robot Invasion of FestiFools.” Because of all that and beautiful weather (a million thanks to Mother Nature for hooking that up), we had the biggest turnout yet — by far!

Finally, more than 1000 of the colorful, not altogether un-fezlike Frond™ hats were embraced (and often customized to great effect) by the FestiFools public. If you were fortunate enough to get one (or if you’re handy with scissors), this goofy headwear does much more than look cool: it also offers you delightfully Foolish incentives/opportunities/excuses to interact with 33 local businesses who love FestiFools as much as you do. I’m proud to say that the entire Frond thing — both the hat itself, as well as the goofy theater of it — was the invention of my husband, Rico, a member of the FestiFools steering committee. For years he’s wanted to broaden the event, extending it beyond the day of the street party. Because many of the deals are hilarious — and we can all certainly benefit from more hilarity in our daily lives — I hope you’ll consider taking your (genuine or counterfeit) Frond hat out for a spin.

“Robot prongs engage!” Many FestiFools puppets are specifically designed to interact and make friends.

These papier-mâché puppets, created by U-M students Leslee Klein and Jenna Moore, take over Main St. | U-M student Joy Lerner helps us appreciate the scale of Rococo Man’s head.

Right: Andrew Epstein, the YMCA Youth Volunteer Corps coordinator, brings his boundless energy to the event. Andrew arranged for his group of volunteers (ages 11-17) to spend two weekends working at the FestiFools studio.

Left: Community volunteers Jeanne Mackey and Pattie Postel teamed up to design and create a giant puppet.

Fifth-grade boys from Burns Park Elementary carry the alien puppet they created. | Many “freelancers,” such as this young, pogo stick–jumping Fool, joined the party.

Robot Invasion! 826michigan and the Ann Arbor District Library teamed up to create a hyper-efficient (and kid-friendly) robot-making factory. 150 robots were created in the two hours leading up to FestiFools. (Henry Ford had nothing on these kids.)

Thanks to fierce wrangling by this U-M student, this puppet would first stun the object of its attention with a loud scream, then swoop down for a closer look.

Of course, photographers love FestiFools. I even spotted a vintage Polaroid camera!

Thanks once again to U-M student group GROOVE for the groov-a-licious beats.

I love connecting the “dots” at FestiFools. | Fifth-grade girls from Burns Park Elementary carry the alien puppet they created.

I wonder what this U-M student thought about that bacon-and-eggs puppet. | This giraffe was masquerading as U-M student Gabriel Tourek.

Van Gogh (accessory ear and mirror included), was the brainchild of Mark Tucker, FestiFools’ creative director. (Hi Jeri! Hi Joel!)

Watch out for Gorilla #2. He/she looks none too remorseful after viciously chopping off the head of a defenseless chicken.

Max and Harpo are cut from the same cloth! Which reminds me: huge love to Lisa Gottlieb for expertly tailoring — at the eleventh hour, mind you — this adult-size trench coat to fit Max. | Amelia Marx and her classmates from Summers-Knoll School were delightful additions to FestiFools.

Mark Tucker, FestiFools’ creative director, customized his suit à-la–Van Gogh. He pauses for a photo with Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn’s back. Sophia and Alex, of Superior Concept Monsters, worked with students and volunteers in the final days leading up to FestiFools.

Pioneer High School student Alice Carlson carries a puppet she collaborated to create. | Grace Kaufer, a Hebrew Day School student who helped create several puppets, finds space to hula hoop.

One of the elder-statesmen of FestiFools puppets (he was shakin’ his groove thing back at that very first street party in 2007) looks on approvingly at this year’s event. | Linda Lombardini and her son Jason Frenzel Wright are well-equipped to hawk FestiFools t-shirts.

Winding down… Max and Rico take a break from running themselves ragged to watch GROOVE set up for their solo act at 5pm.

Max and Rico are bursting with a post-FestiFools glow. | And don’t forget that your (genuine or counterfeit) Frond hat is your passport to bliss (or at least to somewhat absurd deals). Peace out till next year.

Only four more days till FestiFools! U-M students and community volunteers have been hard at work the past few months creating HUGE PUPPETS that will make their FestiFools debut this Sunday — for just one unabashedly giddy, pedal-to-the-metal, take-no-prisoners hour. And you — yeah, I’m talking to YOU — really, really will want to be there. (Really.)

FestiFools 2010!

Sunday, April 11, 2010
4:00–5:00pm (sharp!)
Downtown Ann Arbor (Main St., between Washington and William)
Complete info at festifools.org

FestiFools heartily welcomes volunteers for the day of the event — puppet wranglers, crowd control, merry-makers, and “roadies.” To join this circus-for-a-day, check out FestiFools: Volunteer at the Event and/or email startproject@umich.edu.

FestiFeast Afterglow

After the dancing-in-the-streets-with-giant-puppets-like-there's-no-tomorrow street party, we’re gonna be mighty hungry. So immediately following FestiFools, we’re hightailing it straight to FestiFeast! Please join us at this family-friendly afterglow party in the Aut Bar courtyard (located directly across 4th Ave. from the Farmers’ Market in Kerrytown).

April 1-11: Morgan & York donates to FestiFools — with your help!

Morgan & York is donating 5% of total sales to FestiFools through April 11. But you gotta mention “FestiFools” to the cool person behind the counter or your purchase won’t count toward the total! Check out this page for the full details.

“Top” Secret

According to a source working at the highest levels within the FestiFools organization, plans are already underway to extend the spirit of Foolishness well beyond the 60-minute street party itself. Apparently, it has something to do with hats. (My source offered no more than this cryptic non-explanation: “More like fez than fedora, but really not that much like fez.”) So all we can do is keep our eyes peeled on Sunday, and see how this story unfolds.

Community volunteer Joan French primes a puppet for its final layer of color.

Community volunteers at work. | Max sculpts a face out of clay (when it’s dry, it’ll serve as a mold for a papier-mâché mask).

Pioneer High School students Kristina Talarek and Alice Carlson team up with Kristina’s mother, Karen Sipos, to design and build their very own puppet. (It’s not too early for you — yeah, I’m talking to YOU again — to start thinking about building your very own puppet for FestiFools 2011.)

U-M student Mike Kelmenson fits right in. | U-M associate professor Nick Tobier enjoys a FestiFools open-house event with his daughter. Nick was instrumental in getting the first three FestiFools events off the ground.

Ruth Marsh (FestiFools’ resident superhero) and Gretchen Adracie (of ArtSpoken) do papier-mâché.

FestiFools steering committee member Dave Waterhouse does papier-mâché with his sons.

FestiFools creative director Mark Tucker | Shary Brown (former executive director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair) joined the FestiFools creative team this year!

Two more pieces of exciting “MDD in 2010” news: They’ll be opening this year’s Top of the Park. And they'll be performing at Lollapalooza.

Now, let’s roll the film…

MDD was definitely plugged in and switched on. Kudos to everyone involved in the design and execution of this complex stage show. Go crew!

Tyler Duncan on keyboards | Guitarist Robert Lester

Bassist Christian Carpenter

Vocalist Michelle Chamuel | Drummer Mike Shea

What’s black and white and red all over?

Tyler Duncan with his uilleann pipe

The Michigan League Ballroom felt both roomy and intimate.

A study in circles

fin

Selma’s 1st birthday was the perfect occasion for me to treat myself, after missing this breakfast goodness for many, many months. (Naturally, I brought my trusty Nikon along.) It was a sweet reunion, and I was delighted to see so many of my favorite familiar faces. I was also amazed by how many new people have jumped in to keep Selma strong and vibrant. The house was packed. I believe it was a record-breaking week of — wait for it… — 135 guests!

If you haven’t yet experienced Friday Morning @ Selma, you’re missing out on a warm and inviting, uniquely homegrown, real-deal Ann Arbor experience. Everyone is welcome! Hopefully, we’ll see you there one Friday morning very soon.

To stay in the loop about upcoming weeks, menus, and news, subscribe to the Friday Mornings at Selma email list (which is chock full of delicious information).

Indeed! Where R U? Birthday cake this good, you don’t want to miss. (This photo was, miraculously, not staged — talk about serendipity!)

Remi Holden celebrated Selma’s “first b” with ink. | Waffles up!

Selma raises lots o’ “bacon” ($50,000 in donations to date) for local food-related causes. | Lisa brings home the bacon, fries it up in a pan, and — well, you know.

Some of the many extremely cool Selma volunteers (l-r): Arthur (well, his torso anyway), Nate (in the doorway), Shawna, Courtney, Susie, Garin, and Claire.

“Damn good coffee!”

Lisa greets guests at the “big table.”

Two of the youngest and cutest party guests: one, having finished her meal, has her hat and is ready to split; the other, sitting in a wash of sun, is just getting started.

In the living room: Nate folds napkins while diners wait for a seat.

Selma takes place at Lisa Gottlieb and Jeff McCabe’s home. | Nevon Clark (Lisa’s son) is a frequent presence at Selma, washing dishes and helping in myriad other ways. Thanks Nevon!

Guess what I was doing Friday night during the Olympic ice dancing event (which I followed by reading the scores online after each team skated, since we don’t have our television hooked up to any broadcast/cable/satellite media)? I was prepping the images for this blog entry! It was my small way of rooting for Tessa and Scott. A virtual homage.

Tessa and Scott are currently in 2nd place after Friday’s Compulsory Dance (which makes up about 20% of the skaters’ final score). In 1st place is the Russian team of Oksana Dominina and Maxim Shabalin. In 3rd place are Tessa and Scott’s training partners, US champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White. There are two more components to the ice dance competition: the Original Dance (about 30% of the final score) on Sunday evening and the Free Dance (about 50% of the final score) on Monday evening. The medals will be awarded after Monday night’s event. You know I’ll be glued to the TV — exactly whose TV I can’t yet say for certain — for several hours on Monday evening!

Part II: On ice! As much as we all enjoyed staging photos in the meadow and the river (see Part I), there was another location Tessa and Scott had their hearts set on: their practice rink, Arctic Edge in Canton, MI. I was excited to photograph them training, but I had concerns about what the lighting conditions would be like. Most rinks are bare-bones facilities with industrial lighting, and Arctic Edge is no exception. Plus, Tessa and Scott wouldn’t be standing still. Au contraire, they would be ripping around the rink practicing parts of their various programs. So with iffy light and a large expanse of ice to work with, I wasn’t sure what I would come up with.

The pictures turned out better than I expected. However, I didn’t anticipate how happy they’d make Tessa. She was clearly ecstatic: “WE ARE IN LOOOOOOOVE WITH THE PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The Arctic Edge rink may not have gorgeous scenery or dramatic light; but Tessa and Scott spend countless hours there developing and refining their routines, and it’s obviously a very special place to them. And, truly, they make any place beautiful!

Tessa and Scott give the world such a gift with their skating. They show us what great beauty, talent, and skill — when honed for 13+ years — looks like. It’s a soul-uplifting experience to watch them, to see what is humanly possible. Thanks guys!

Tessa wore a long skirt while practicing their Flamenco original dance program.

A large Canadian flag proudly displayed at Arctic Edge (as it should be!) | Tessa and Scott’s famous Goose. (I’d like to think it’s named after our son Max, whom we fondly call “Goose,” but it’s really a reference to the Canada Goose.)

Tessa and Scott with one of their coaches, Igor Shpilband. (I missed meeting and photographing Marina Zoueva, who was in Nebelhorn with Davis and White.)

This is Max’s first year as an official Burns Park Players cast-member. I tell you, the show takes on a whole other significance for me now that Max gets the magical experience of being one of the kids on stage. This is something he’s been chomping at the bit to do ever since first becoming aware of the Players (their 2006 production of Fiddler on the Roof made quite an impression on him). And he simply can’t get enough of it!

But the road to theatrical bliss did have a few bumps: Max had to rebound from the disappointment of losing the part of Nathan Detroit to Joel Swanson, and then — to rub salt in the only partially healed wounds — losing the part of street-smart wiseguy to the entire male cohort of the 3rd–5th grades! Max has made his peace with this, though, and magnanimously embraced his roll as a member of the mission choir; he’s the consummate professional. It helped when I told him that the missionaries get to boss the gangsters around. Plus, by playing against type — i.e., straight-laced, soul-saving, teetotalling — he gets to showcase his extraordinary acting range, and reduce the risk of being pigeonholed for the rest of his career as the ruffian/crook.

In other — i.e., not specifically Max-related — news… THIS SHOW IS AWESOME! (But don’t just take my word for it.) I’m blown away by the energy, dedication, generosity, and — why beat around the bush? — raw talent of my neighbors. I am honored to be involved with these folks, and delighted to count myself among the audience members come showtime. If you haven’t yet caught this show, there’s still time to mend your ways and stray no more!

Only Three More Performances!

• Thursday, Feb. 11 @ 7:30pm
• Friday, Feb. 12 @ 7:30pm
• Saturday, Feb. 13 @ 4pm matinee

Tickets

• Reserved Seats: $15
  Available NOW at Morgan & York (1928 Packard, Ann Arbor), or at the door one hour before showtime.
• Patron Seats: $30
  You’ll enjoy the best seats in the house and reserved parking. To purchase, please contact Ken Kollman at 734-478-0449.

The youngest castmembers in Guys and Dolls are the first graders (that’s Max in the middle). | The oldest castmember, 90-year-old Fredda Clisham, threatens to steal every scene she’s in. Her “blind” beggar-lady character is hilarious.

The kids get to perform alongside the adults, and sometimes with their own parents! Here the fourth-grade boys rehearse a number added from the movie version of Guys and Dolls, Miss Adelaide.

I wonder where director Mike Mosallam learned his moves? | Hot Box dancers, including Sally Pinnell and choreographer Susannah Stempke, rehearse A Bushel and a Peck.

One of my favorite moments in the show to photograph from upstage: two policemen (Fred Hall and Steve Gradwohl), two fifth-grade boys, and the victim (Alan Dengiz) chase a pickpocket.

Sally Pinnell is one of the shadowy dancers in the background of the Havana scene. | During rehearsals, the mix of costumes and street clothes can lead to some unexpected juxtapositions.

Fourth-grade, knickerbocker-clad boys horsing around — er, getting in touch with their characters’ NYC moxie — during a rehearsal.

This corn shakes a leg (literally) in A Bushel and a Peck. | The sets are lush and ingenious, thanks to the entire crew led by set designers Mark Tucker and Jeri Rosenberg and set crew head Jim Wallace (standing atop ladder in non–OSHA compliant fashion).

Major props go to props crew head Claudia Boschitz for “propping up” the show with period-sensitive stuff. | Runyonland: Alicia McHugh and Julie Halpert, with their stacks of boxes, have convincingly fallen over each other countless times.

A nervous and conniving Joel Swanson (Nathan Detroit) vs. a cool and debonair Jeff Robinson (Sky Masterson). | Eva Rosenwald (Miss Adelaide) brings the perfect mix of humor, heartbreak, and hope to Adelaide’s Lament.

Tim McKay, Vic Strecher, and Clinch Steward (Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Rusty Charlie, and Benny Southstreet) in the number Guys and Dolls | Eva Rosenwald and Joel Swanson (Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit) bring down the house in Sue Me.

Max is styled and ready to reform those sinners in last Saturday’s matinee. He loved being a member of Sargent Sarah’s choir. | By show’s end Clinch Steward (Benny Southstreet) had “corrupted” Max with some prop moolah.

The happy ending, as seen through my fisheye lens.
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This past summer I again got the chance to work with my favorite ice dancing pair, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir — not once, but twice! And I’m very excited to finally (just in time for the upcoming Winter Olympics) post some of the wonderful photographs we captured. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by how much attention my first blog post about Tessa and Scott garnered. That entry is by far the most viewed Relish entry to date. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising that Tessa and Scott attract passionate fans from every corner of the globe, but I hadn’t anticipated the impact of this on Relish: Bloggers and online forums in the US and Canada, as well as in Japan, Korea, and Russia regularly link to me (“thanks!” “merci!” “domo arigato!” “kamsahamnida!” and “spasiba!”). I hope this follow-up entry will be just as warmly received.

In case you’re not already familiar with Tessa and Scott, they are the beloved, three-time Canadian national champion ice dancers who are favored to medal at this month’s Vancouver Olympic Games. Even though they are a Canadian team, they spend much of their time in Canton, Michigan training with Russian coaches Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva. And they happen to train alongside their good friends (and US national champions) Meryl Davis and Charlie White, who are also strong medal contenders. Ice dancing fans are braced for an exciting showdown in Vancouver. I hope no one questions my patriotism, but I’m cheering for Tessa and Scott to win the gold.

To give you a taste of Tessa and Scott’s on-ice magic, I’ve linked to a few fresh video clips from the 2010 Canadian National Championships held in January. Tessa and Scott’s gala performance — i.e., not a competitive program — playfully lampoons the ice dancing genre. I love their fiery-hot flamenco original dance program. Finally, their free dance program is certain to be a classic.

Part I: Making a big splash! Even before our first photo session (back in July 2008) was complete, Tessa and I were already cooking up ideas for future sessions. Scott and Tessa were willing to try anything fun and Tessa loves fashion, so I suggested a “trash the dress” shoot. “Trash the dress” involves posing in formal attire in altogether incongruous settings where the garments are likely be ruined — like, um, the Huron River.

First, to warm up, we took casual shots in the meadow.

Loved their choice of wardrobe and jewelry for this environment.

The last sun-drenched moments before…

… we changed everything.

It was so enjoyable spending time with Tessa and Scott again. They are lovely inside and out.

Gone Fishin’.

Oops, I’m sorry. Did I just pour water on your head from a rubber boot?

Could Tessa be any more soaked? Or Scott any more euphoric?

Still friends!

Part II: To be continued soon… Stay tuned to Relish for more photos of Tessa and Scott — next time in a completely different (and, for me, somewhat treacherous) environment. Ciao for now!

FutureStars 2010 was an extraordinary event that so totally exceeded my already high expectations, especially in terms of showmanship. And I’m sorry, but you had to be there — if you were lucky enough to get tickets, that is. Long gone are the days when the Pioneer Theatre Guild had to beg, borrow, and steal bodies to fill Schreiber Auditorium.

Here’s what I want to know: What planet do these kids come from? Who gave them the idea they could do those riffs and make those moves? And where did all that soul come from? Producer Susan Hurwitz denies responsibility; she says the kids did it all on their own. As many veteran producers and directors know, sometimes it’s best to just get the hell outta the way and let the performers do their thing. For giving the performers this room to express themselves so fully, we should applaud the entire directorial and production team, which also includes Sadie Yarrington (Theatre Guild alumna), Desi Oakley, Han Park, Joel Sparks, Brian E. Buckner, and Ciara Stella.

Surprises abounded, barriers were broken, expectations were surpassed. Here Leo Bayless-Hall boldly goes where no FutureStars contestant has gone before. He gives the full rock-star treatment to Queen’s Fat Bottomed Girls.

The judges didn’t stand a chance — the onslaught of audacious talent overwhelmed us all. But they had the impossible task of narrowing down the field to five finalists. So impossible, in fact, that they were only able to winnow it to six. Hats off to Philip van Spronsen (screenwriter and University of Michigan alumnus), Zack Pearlman (actor and Pioneer Theatre Guild alumnus), Lucy Ann Lance (local radio personality), and Courtney Clark (owner of Cake Nouveau and challenge competitor on the Food Network) for giving it their best.

Tim VanRiper, two-time FutureStars finalist, performed Man in the Mirror. | Kiel Lerch opened FutureStars 2010 with his strong and memorable rendition of Gives You Hell.

Top-6 finisher, rap duo Anthony Porter and Mani Herring (Dark Side Boys) performing Smooth Criminal.

Carly Paull-Baird, Carolyn Buckingham, Maia Gleason, and Olivia Bassett-Kennedy spared no sass in their performance of Lady Marmalade.

Top-6 finisher Robby Eisentrout’s voice was silky-smooth in So Close. | Co-FutureStar Ryan Yunck floored the judges with his brilliant, self-accompanied performance of Piano Man.

Mara Abramson turned us all into believers with her stunning performance of When You Wish Upon a Star. | She was accompanied on piano by FutureStars music director Brian E. Buckner.

This was the event of a lifetime, and I thank my lucky stars I was stage-side to see it. Hannah Pearlman and Space Cadet even had choir accompaniment for an utterly complete performance of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Surely, Freddie Mercury would have been proud.

I loved how Top-6 finisher Space Cadet with Hannah Pearlman assembled themselves in perfect rock-star, photo-op formation. All my group shots should be this easy! Ben Pernick (sunglasses), Amin Lanseur (top hat and wings), Hannah Pearlman (guest vocalist), Ryan Yunck, Ryan King (in table pose), and Max Hully (lying on floor).

Top-6 finisher Maia Gleason expertly delivered a dramatic Lean On Me. | Co-FutureStar John Spalding gave the audience goosebumps with Dance With My Father.

Schuyler Robinson executed a high-voltage performance of Bad Romance.

This year’s special guest performer was 2007 Pioneer graduate and Theatre Guild alumna Lucciana Costa, who has launched her professional music career. She’ll be performing at The Ark on Friday, April 30, 2010. | FutureStars hosts Sara Pelo, Corey Garff, Claire Schorin, and Julia Rampton go formal for the finale.

After several excruciating rounds of voting, it was just too close to call: John Spalding and Ryan Yunck are elated to share the title FutureStar 2010!

This blog entry is a wee bit overdue, as the RE.FRESH exhibit has been up at Café Zola since December 1. Hopefully, you will still have the chance to see the show before it comes down on February 1 March 1 (extended!). Especially if you’re in need of a quick Summer Festival fix, these large-scale photographs (4x6 feet!) of the 2008 season will brighten up a gray, slushy, character-building Michigan winter.

There is no event in Ann Arbor that matches the entertainment value and aesthetic qualities of the Summer Festival. Music lovers of all backgrounds and ages coming together for more than three weeks in the architecturally-rich Ingalls Mall — taking in stunning performances, bumping into neighbors and friends, learning to tango, catching a favorite flick, and generally having a good time. And it all happens in dramatic, evening light.

John Cantu, art writer for AnnArbor.com, blew me away with this very generous review of the show.

Heartfelt thanks to Ann Arbor Summer Festival executive director Robb Woulfe, general manager Amy Nesbitt, and the board of directors for making our summer evenings in Ann Arbor brilliant and magical.

I may be more than two months late in posting about the Bona Sera Supper Club event that went down on September 19. But, on the bright side, I’m just in time to spread the word about the next one (coming up in less that two weeks). Bona Sera is a community dining project that throws gourmet dinner parties in the Ann Arbor area to benefit local community organizations. I met the Bona Sera crew and found out about what they do over waffles at Selma.

“The Night of 100 Drag Queens”: Back in September, Bona Sera held its biggest, most ambitious event yet. 50 guests enjoyed an aphrodisiac-inspired, six-course meal plus hors d’oeuvres on the romantic grounds of a historic estate. A captivating lineup of drag queens sang, lip-synched, and danced the night away. Many of the volunteers who worked the party enthusiastically plunged into the cross-dressing thing as well (my get-up was comparatively tame: collared shirt, tie, and ’stache). The substantial proceeds were split between two worthy organizations: the HIV AIDS Resource Center and AIDS Partnership Michigan.

The next Bona Sera event will take place on December 5, 2009. Titled “Bad Fairy Does Italy,” this event is inspired by the recent Italian travels of Bona Sera’s Chef (who goes by the alias Bad Fairy). It will feature some very secretly smuggled ingredients and wonderful recipes that she experienced in Italy. You can peek at the menu and register for the event here. (The suggested donation is $50.)

All proceeds from the December 5 event will benefit Alternatives for Girls (AFG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in southwest Detroit that serves homeless and high-risk girls and young women. Since 1987, AFG has provided critical services to program participants, including safe shelter, educational support, vocational guidance, mentoring and counseling. The goal is to empower girls and young women to make positive choices. AFG helps them repair their lives, rescue their dreams and restore their faith in the future.

I’ll have Sherman set the WABAC Machine for September 19. Roll the film…

Truffle oil focaccia with black trumpet mushrooms (from Seattle). | Grilled plantain with crème fraîche and chives.

Watermelon agua fresca popsicles with watermelon salad, lychee, and pomegranate. | Who’s the hot dish carrying the cold ones? John Roos is quite the Betty.

Server Lisa Gottlieb Luigi is fierce. | The host, David.

Laura Sanders gets her love fortune done. Laura co-founded the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, which was the beneficiary of a Bona Sera dinner held last summer.

One of the evening’s featured attractions — often imitated, but never duplicated: Hershae Chocolatae.

Arthur and Bambi Love | Jeffrey Willets

Jay Kaplan and Jeffrey Willets (Broadway Divas: Two Tenors on the Edge), pose with Bambi Love.

Jay Kaplan and Jeffrey Willets (Broadway Divas: Two Tenors on the Edge) belt out “Bosom Buddies” from the musical Mame.

While I was shooting the final dress rehearsal for the Pioneer Theatre Guild’s production of Oklahoma!, I was continuously amazed by the quality of the lighting design. The light defined and highlighted each cast member on stage. But more than being merely technically superb, the lighting established its own thematic presence — conveying mood, time-of-day, dreams. Breathtaking!

Truly, the entire production is stunning. Most definitely worthy of excellent light. I’m so glad I could be there to capture it.

Please pardon my short write-up about the show. There is so much more to say, but I’m very behind in my work (you know, my “day job”). If you’d like to learn more about the show, please check out the following links:

• Thoughtfully-written review of the show by Huron High School student Mia Ruff
• Pioneer Theatre Guild member Daniel Mozurkewich’s anticipation of opening night

Only Three More Performances!

• Friday, November 13 @ 7:30pm
• Saturday, November 14 @ 7:30pm
• Sunday, November 15 @ 2pm matinee

Tickets

• Adults: $12
• Students/Seniors/PHS Staff: $9

All performances will be in Schreiber Auditorium at Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School.

More info on the Pioneer Theatre Guild and the current season.

The boys enjoy a close look at one of Will’s souvenirs from Kanses.

Ado Annie (Maia Gleason) is giddy over the men in her life. | One of those men is the unscrupulous Ali Hakim (Leo Bayless-Hall), a Persian traveling peddler.

Beautiful dancing led by co–dance captain Beth Lloyd (third from the left).

Mr. Carnes (Daniel Mozurkewich) forces Ali Hakim to marry his daughter, Ado Annie, at gunpoint.

Curley and Jud (John Spalding) in the smokehouse wax melancholic about Jud finally being appreciated — at his funeral. | Jud is desperate for a woman of his own.

The beginning of the Dream Sequence: gorgeous dancing and lighting.

Dream sequence: Laurey awaits Curley at the wedding altar.

Dream sequence: Laurey is aghast at how women are objectified in Jud’s world.

Dream sequence: Curley is dead after a fight with Jud.

Aunt Eller (Emily Steward) imposes peace between the cowboys and the farmers.

Laurey’s picnic lunch triggers a bidding war.

Will (Schuyler Robinson) and Ado Annie argue over the ground rules for their relationship.

The final showdown: Jud’s got a knife!

The ensemble included several cowboys-in-training — i.e., younger siblings of Theatre Guild members.

The election and MLB World Series are now officially over, and everyone here has adjusted to the time change. Finally, we feel at liberty to turn our attention back to Halloween.

This year, Max had his heart set on dressing up as a guy from Star Wars — and he would not be deterred. We understood that Max was likely getting massive exposure to Star Wars tee-shirts, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. thanks to his school buds. But we didn't anticipate just how much Star Wars had infiltrated his psyche. As far as we know, he’s watched only 10 minutes of one of the movies (The Empire Strikes Back) at a friend’s house. But clearly Max had gotten a taste, and was hungry for more. And all the Star Wars Lego kits we reluctantly allowed to adorn/festoon/clutter our house apparently weren’t enough to satisfy him.

It soon became clear why Max, who knows precious little about the Star Wars series, was so singlemindedly determined to be a Jedi master: he’d get to have a light saber. I know this because when we ran down the list of possible characters, he would always ask, “Does he have a light saber?” Whoever decided that the main dudes in Star Wars should fence with oversized fluorescent glow-sticks is an intergalactic genius. After heated discussions weighing the advantages and disadvantages (mostly disadvantages) of green masks (Yoda) and beards (young Obi-Wan Kenobi), we were able to sell Max on being Anakin Skywalker. The photo on the costume package showing a kid holding a blue light saber clinched the deal.

We weren’t able to go out with our regular trick-or-treat gang this year, but I had a feeling we’d hook up with another posse once we got to the Burns Park Halloween Mecca — i.e., Granger Street. Until then, we were amazed by the breakneck speed at which Max, unencumbered by social obligations, would sprint from house to house. He asked about going around with other kids, but who could possibly keep up? Just when Max was taking a breather, friends appeared! Now Max was trick-or-treating with Harry Potter, a pirate, a paper boy, a ghost, and a rather elaborate pizza pie. When those guys were ready to head home for cider and pecan pie (yum!), Max still wanted more. Not just more candy (our kid has a strict quota, and he knows it!), but more trick-or-treat adventures. The thrill of the hunt. The chase. And, in the 1600 block of Brooklyn Ave., the chance to duel with another light-saber-wielding kid… er, Jedi.

Rollen Stewart (aka Rainbow Man) stopped by for some Jedi training.

Anakin and Rollen experiencing religious ecstasy — or is that just a sugar high?

The next day, U2’s The Edge (aka Grandpa Mel) came by to jam. | Max as a fierce rocker, sporting a favorite tee-shirt.

For this fall’s Elephant Ears fashion shoot, we really wanted to take the action outdoors — and, amazingly enough, the weather obliged. We gathered up a smaller posse of kids than usual, and carpe’d the diem one gorgeous morning in early September. The whole shoot was a breath of fresh air. It was great fun capturing these adorable kids in a beautiful park and playground, where they could run and play. Jenna at Elephant Ears chose the most perfect outfits. I just love the colors and styles!

You can view large photos of the kids (and racks overflowing with gorgeous children’s clothing) on display at Elephant Ears, located on the 2nd floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops (tel: 734.622.9580).

Hours

• Weekdays: 10am–6pm
• Saturdays: 9am–5pm
• Sundays: noon–5pm

Until next time: Over and out — with love!

While we were briskly walking to the publicity shoot location at beautiful Greenview Park, I actually broke into song: “The hills are alive with the sound of music…” However, since the clouds were dark and menacing, perhaps I should have been singing “Here comes the rain again…” Indeed, nearly 15 minutes later, we were all racing back to our cars to escape the pouring rain. We may have been wet, but we were happy, for despite being rushed we still managed to get some great shots.

The cast and crew were definitely well prepared for a fast-paced shoot. Costumes, hair, and make-up were great, as always. Pioneer High School seniors Tim Van Riper, Lydia Hiller, and John Spalding snapped into their roles as Curly, Laurey, and Jud, respectively. Tim has a lot of experience as a leading man (this being his 3rd leading role with Pioneer Theatre Guild), and he knew exactly what to do for the publicity shoot. Thanks to producer Susan Hurwitz and art director Kiel Lerch for helping to direct and improve the shots — especially given the crazy-fast pace of the shoot, their input was essential.

Tickets

• Adults: $12
• Students/Seniors/PHS Staff: $9

Performance Schedule

• Saturday, November 7 @ 7:30pm
• Sunday, November 8 @ 2pm matinee
• Friday, November 13 @ 7:30pm
• Saturday, November 14 @ 7:30pm
• Sunday, November 15 @ 2pm matinee

All performances will be in Schreiber Auditorium at Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School.

More info on the Pioneer Theatre Guild and the current season.

Tim Van Riper and Lydia Hiller imagine “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” What you see here involved some pretty complex post-production, but I won’t bore you with all the details. As I wrote above, all these shots were taken under dark, foreboding clouds, literally minutes before a drenching cloudburst. So, lest you’ll think me a liar, I must explain one detail: the lovely blue sky with puffy/streaky clouds was accomplished by compositing a stock image of the sky with my original, gray-sky image — et voilà!

It had already started raining when I took this “dark” — literally, as in low-light; and figuratively, as in moody — shot of Jud (John Spalding). This scenery lended itself perfectly to Jud’s character (mysterious, threatening, sad) very well as is. Obviously, there was no need to add a cheery, blue sky to this image!

Last June, I photographed Laurence Carolin for Make-A-Wish. Based in Ann Arbor, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan grants the wishes of children throughout Michigan facing life-threatening medical conditions. The goal is to affirm the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

Laurence is one of the most friendly, generous, and inspirational people I’ve ever met. In many ways he’s your typical teenager: he loves soccer, music, the band U2, and cooking. But, in at least one other way, he’s rather extraordinary: Laurence is committed to spreading awareness of, and working to end, extreme poverty in Africa. He has certainly made the issue come alive for me.

Two years ago, Laurence was diagnosed with a malignant, inoperable brain tumor. He resolved to make the very best of his difficult situation. When Make-A-Wish offered him a wish, he initially asked to meet Bono. Laurence credits U2’s music and lyrics with literally keeping him alive during the darkest days of his illness. However, when a meeting with Bono couldn’t be arranged, Laurence wasn’t deterred. In fact, he came up with what he considers a far better wish: realizing that he actually has everything he needs, he wished to give his wish money (the money that would have been spent fulfilling his wish) to the United Nations Foundation to fight extreme poverty and disease in Africa. He credits U2 with inspiring this choice as well. Extreme poverty in Africa was a problem Laurence first learned about from the One Foundation, an organization co-founded by Bono.

“She moves in mysterious ways.” This second wish caught Bono’s attention, and now it was Bono who wished to meet Laurence. Ultimately, both of Laurence’s wishes came true: Make-A-Wish donated $5000 to the UN Foundation in Laurence’s honor. And he also got to spend some very precious time (talking, hanging out, praying) with the members of U2 backstage before their recent concert in Chicago.

Laurence has become an unforgettable person in my life. And thanks to his work, I have a greater appreciation of the problems plaguing Africa and how I can help combat them. Such as by contributing to the UN Foundation.

You can read below, in Laurence’s own words, about how ending extreme poverty became his life’s mission.

My name is Laurence James Carolin. I’m a 15-year-old, who lives in Michigan in the U.S. My life story began in South Korea, just south of the DMZ, where I was born in the military town of Dongducheon.

At the age of five months, I was adopted by my parents, Lisa and Patrick Carolin, who lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I don’t know what life would have held for me in South Korea, but I had all sorts of opportunities in the U.S. to do an endless number of things with my life.

From my excellent medical care to my personally beneficial education, I have had the kind of start that I wish everyone could have.

In 2007, my easy life was challenged. I began a troubling road when I started experiencing headaches and fatigue, and then severe depression that made me suicidal, and led to me being placed in a mental institution. After my release, and additional symptoms ensued, including problems with my balance and vision, I received a CAT scan that revealed a huge mass in my brain.

On December 27, 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer, soon identified as a glioblastoma multiforme, an inoperable, malignant brain tumor. Since that time I’ve received radiation and chemotherapy, procedures I’m lucky enough to have had the chance to receive living in a country like the U.S.

That said, I wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the music of U2…

U2 not only inspired me musically, but inspired me to see the world differently. You let me see the world for what it is, and that is that I live in a country that’s unique and prosperous. Compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. is on a mountain of gold.

By opening my eyes to war, poverty and disease around the world, I realized that I was in a position to help make a difference. I felt privileged to be able to take the wish granted me by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and turn it into a donation to the United Nations Foundation.

My goal has been to educate as many people as I can about extreme poverty, and to inspire them to make a difference as well. Some of them have added their own contributions to the United Nations Foundation. Although my ultimate goal—to see extreme poverty end during my lifetime—will not be achieved, my belief is that the mission will continue not only through donation, but through the peoples’ voices to get government on our side.

More about Laurence…

• Ann Arbor News | May 26, 2009
  Dexter student passes on Make-a-Wish donations to the United Nations Foundation to treat patients in Africa
• Lucy Ann Lance Show | June 14, 2009
  14 Year-Old Laurence Carolin’s Wish Is To Help Others
• Faith Magazine | September 2009 (cover story)
  What would you wish for?
• State Gazette (Dyersburg, Tennessee) | September 23, 2009
  Bono, U2 give VIP treatment to patient who donated Make-a-Wish funds to extreme global poverty
• One Blog | October 2, 2009
  Meet Laurence Carolin (includes excerpts of Laurence’s essays about why it’s critical to help end extreme poverty in Africa)
• AnnArbor.com | November 13, 2009
  Dexter teenager with inoperable brain tumor asks community to help charity

Laurence’s mom, Lisa Carolin, told me that the image on the left is her favorite of all the shots I took of Laurence. We photographed Laurence with one of his guitars and his favorite soccer jersey for the Liverpool Football Club. Of course we talked about U2, and Laurence re-enacted (accents and all) the voicemail message he had just received from Bono and The Edge.

The U2 songs that helped Laurence through his difficult times included One, Where the Streets Have No Name, Beautiful Day, and Walk On.

Peace out! Laurence with Make-A-Wish CEO (and Fairy Godmother) Susan Lerch.

Follow the money! Friday Mornings @ Selma — everyone’s favorite breakfast salon that’s too legit to quit — has so far raised nearly $15,000. So where’s it going? Most of it is being loaned out this month to two small, local farmers in a novel currency: hoop houses.

What what? A hoop house is a greenhouse-like structure made with lightweight metal and heavy-duty plastic. It’s much easier to build and far more affordable than the traditional glass greenhouses you may be familiar with. The hoop house’s function is to protect seedlings and plants from harsh winter temperatures, which enables a year-round growing season. Even in the dead of winter — and using nothing more than the sun’s rays — the hoop house is able to trap enough heat to keep the plants alive. It’s unbelievably cool… er, warm.

Rhapsody in Green

Imagine it: Farmers in Michigan will be able to harvest and sell tender, delicious, highly marketable greens in January! Hoop houses provide a very affordable way for small farmers to extend their growing season, and expand our opportunities for buying fresh, locally-grown produce.

The cost of each hoop-house kit: about $5000. The brute force and know-how to assemble it: priceless. Actually, it’s provided free-of-charge by priceless volunteers. Everyday people like you and me. Friends of Selma and of the participating farmer. You’re invited, too!

Rico, Max, and I showed up when most of the metal framing had already been roughed in, and was in the process of being bolted down. Soon the crew would begin cutting and attaching the hard-plastic end walls and sliding door at one end of the hoop house. We were all inspired by the project and the location — and the insanely scrumptious buffet spread (this being a Selma event, it wasn’t exactly your typical construction-site fare). Max inserted himself into quite a few roles including digger, sorter, entertainer, and more.

1st Hoop House Build

Perhaps you’ve noticed that over the last several decades more than a few auto-related jobs have left the (once mighty) Motor City. And the population has declined substantially, leaving 70,000+ vacant/abandoned lots within the city limits. This exodus has made possible — and in terms of economic, communal, nutritional, and spiritual health, perhaps even necessary — a repurposing of urban land for agricultural use. To tweak a catchphrase from Channel 62’s “The Scene,” it’s time to turn Motown into Growtown! (If you didn’t spend time in or around Detroit 20-odd years ago, you may not get the reference.)

One of these “repurpose-ers” is former middle-school teacher Greg Willerer, who established and runs the Brother Nature Produce farm. The farm’s output supplies several local restaurants, including Motor City Brewing Works, and is also available at Eastern Market.

Don’t Miss the 2nd Hoop House Build!

More info:

• http://www.repastspresentandfuture.org/hoop-house-detroit-1-day-1-hoop/
• http://www.repastspresentandfuture.org/about/our-mission/small-farms-small-farmers-initiative/

Adam Fu, Kip Koschell, and Max dig out one end of the hoop house... | while Jeff et al dig out the other.

Heidi Kumao (left) and Sunny Kawenski bolt the metal frame to the wooden base.

An overview of the hoop house in progress, with some of the 40 volunteers who helped build it.

Tomm Becker working on a corner. | Joanna Campbell and Trilby MacDonald assemble one of the sliding doors.

Drills, baby, drills! | Lynette Gaitskill and Max oversee the construction.

Lisa Gottlieb and Max perform the Hoop House Boogie.

Men and their power tools. | Filmmaker John Swain documented every facet of the hoop house project, even the ukulele jam session.

Shannon Brines (an extremely long-legged, Dexter-based hoop house farmer) admires one of the newly installed hard-plastic end walls.

(l-r) Matt Burton, Jeff McCabe, Garin Fons, and Greg Willerer.