This weekend, some folks with TC 350 headed out to the Dune Climb at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to help raise awareness about a very important number for Michigan and the rest of the world. It’s set to the music of Getdown to 350 by May Erlewine. The song will probably tell you all you need to know, but if not, check the info below the video!

What is 350?

350 is simply the number of parts per million that scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. For all of human history until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Right now, we’re pushing 400 and all that CO2 is trapping heat, melting glaciers, contributing to the spread of disease and in general, screwing things up to a point where we could very well create our own demise. But 350 is more than a number–it’s a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. You can get much more information at 350.org (including this nifty animation that makes it simple).

Right now, the 350 movement is focusing on a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009 to send a clear message to world leaders that the solutions to climate change must be equitable, grounded in science and meet the scale of the crisis. Have a look at the October 24 map to see some of the events that are slated for Michigan.

Elberta

Lakeside Shakespeare
When: August 7th, at 7:30 pm
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Professional Actors from Chicago travel to Benzie County to perform Love’s Labours Lost.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
When August 8th and 9th, from 10 am Saturday to 10 am Sunday
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Benzie County Relay for Life teams participate in a yearly walkathon to raise money for the American Cancer society. Food, games, live entertainment and prizes. Come to participate or just to see what the relay is all about.

Onekama

Onekama Days
When: August 6th through the 9th.
Where: Onekama
What: Annual community gathering, featuring a car show, live music, steak fry, fireworks, parade and much more.

Thompsonville

Summer Sounds 2009 at Michigan Legacy Art Park featuring Laith,
When: August 7th, at 7 pm.
Where: Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Spa and Resort
What: Detroit musician Laith Al-Saadi performs at Jessie Frohlich Amphitheatere. Tickets are sold only on the day of the concert. Sales start at 6:30 pm. For more information, call 231-378-4963 or visit www.michlegacyartpark.org.

Frankfort

Crystal Lake Art Center’s Preserve the Arts!
When: August 7th, from 6 to 7:30 pm.
Where: Former U.S. Coast Guard Station
What: Silent and live Auction. Dinner packages at Arcadia Bluffs, private cooking classes, golf outings and original artwork will be auctioned off for the benefit of the CLAC. Drinks and hors d’oeuvers will be provided, along with live music by classical guitarist Carol McAnulty. Tickets are available in advance at the CLAC as well as on the night of the event. For more information, call 231-352-4151.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: August 8th, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Where: Open Space Park
What: A traditional famers market where local growers bring fresh produce, hand-crafted foods and locally raised meats for the public to purchase.

Benzonia

Benzie Bass Kids Challenge Fishing Event
When: August 8th, from 9 am to noon.
Where: Vacation Trailer Park
What: Children 16 and under can learn how to fish and may take part in a fishing competition. Parents or guardian must accompany and care for children during the entire event. Any species of fish are allowed. Prizes and hot dogs provide for children. Contact Ray Stark at 231-882-4291 or visit the website at www.starkswater-woods.com for more information.

Arriving Tuesday afternoon in downtown Traverse City, the shops and restaurants were already buzzing with business. The streets were alive with a playful spirit, filled with children and families enjoying Tuesday night’s festivities, participants of the 5th Annual Traverse City Film Festival. Oscar-winner and Festival creator, Michael Moore, infused the listeners with his passion and commitment for the event and the people who make it happen, year after year. A thick crowd gathered to celebrate the beginning of this year’s festival and to see Traverse City’s own Rich Brauer receive the 2009 Michigan Filmmaker’s Award.

The evening evoked an ambiance as potent as votive candles warming a dinner party and transformed a charming little affair – a night at the theater – into a night of magic. Bold red letters hung on the marquee; a stage was set in lights; the streets were busy with shuttering cameras and ticket clad tourists. Separated by only a city block, a stunning foreign film, Troubled Water, explored themes of forgiveness and redemption. The film was screened for two theaters filled perfectly full. Concluding the shows, a question and answer session occurred with the film’s director who had traveled from Norway to present and speak.

Shop keepers and locals were embracing the opportunity to participate in Tuesday’s Festival events, which drew attendance from far and wide. The Festival films this season span a wide range of topics, but those passionate about supporting local communities, independent films and the visual arts, were naturally drawn to the scene. Northern Michigan residents hungry for “big city” culture to satiate quaint “little city” life, praised the event. Many young people stationed in the area found an oasis for their creative inclinations. Others simply love film and devour the opportunity to participate in the screenings of documentaries, obscure films, classic, political, and comedic films–just some of the genres represented throughout the week. Along with panel events, lectures, and free family films, the calender of any attendee could be completely filled!

Driving home I noticed Will Smith’s head–the size of a truck–looming against the backdrop of night sky, as adventurous viewers reclined at the Open Space to entertain aliens for a night by the Bay. Though I could not see the audience, I imagined children and parents snuggled up beneath the stars, feeling a warm breeze off the lake, their hearts filled with laughter. Who could resist a night so fine?

Explore many more photos, videos, blog posts and tweets from the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival and also check out Absolute Michigan: On Location at the Traverse City Film Festival.

Nestled on the river as if it grew there, the late artists world-renowned studio and shop is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Kids are fascinated to watch the paper being printed on old time Heidelberg presses, or watching the wildlife that comes right up to the back doors.

~ Gwen Frostic Presscraft Papers – 5140 River Rd., Benzonia (231) 882-5055

A summer tradition for visitors and affectionately known as “the Shed” by the locals, the Cabbage Shed in Elberta has hosted some of the best in Northern Michigan entertainment during its 26-year history. Over the years, owner Jim Clapp has offered just about every kind of live music, from rock & roll to blues and country to swing and Cajun. This summer the tradition will continue with their acoustic style “Back Room Concert Series,” featuring a variety of folk, blues and bluegrass in a concert-like setting.
The Shed has also become a family tradition with daughter Becky Clapp taking on the day-to-day management of the bar and restaurant. “I grew up here, washing dishes at first and now it feels good to be working with Dad and giving him the chance to spend time doing other things he wants to do. And I love keeping the spirit that he started here alive, cause it’s such a cool place.”

Originally built in 1867, it was the area’s first general store; and until the turn of the century, sailing schooners shipped in its supplies. It became a Farmer’s Cooperative in the 1920’s and at one time was stacked with cabbages bound for shipment by rail. Tradition prevailed when Clapp resurrected the Cabbage Shed on August 31, 1985.

With its collage of deserted road signs, plank floors, steaks, ribs, white fish and Fuller’s Ale on tap, it’s a popular meeting place for the locals and a favorite vacation spot for visitors.

The Shed is also rolling out a new menu this summer that will change weekly as they focus on more local, seasonal fare. They have increased their seafood offerings with all new fresh fish including grilled Wahoo with pineapple salsas, poached Halibut in a shrimp and scallops bouillabaisse and grilled tuna Nori rolls. Old favorites like the Shed Sirloin, baby back ribs, sesame crusted whitefish. Shed burgers and their ever-popular homemade borscht and all homemade desserts are also available.

The Shed pours nine draft beers, ales and stouts and scores of bottled brews from around the world. They also stock eleven single malt scotches with handpicked Scottish selections. Other specialties include the world’s best martini (they keep the gin in the freezer) the original Shed Sangria, a super Bloody Mary and a well-balanced wine list.
Check out one of these upcoming performances while enjoying a dinner before or during the show, and a cocktail or two along with great views of Betsie Bay. For more information, call the Shed at 231-352-0843 or check out their website at www.cabbageshed.com.

July 17 – Legacy is an award-winning Irish folk band featuring traditional Irish music out of Mississippi. Tickets are $10 at the door.

July 24 – Josh White Jr., son of legendary blues man Josh White. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

July 28 – The Tannahill Weavers bring traditional music from Scotland’s premiere band. “An especially eloquent mixture of the old and new.” New York Times. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.

August 7 – The Laws are a country/folk duo from Canada, $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

August 9 – Mike and Brooks Lindner, these blues men are from Austin, Texas, there is no cover charge.

Aug 12 – Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt, a magical collaboration of two of Michigan’s top folk artists. Tickets are
$15 in advance or $18 the night of the show.

August 21 – The Ragbirds, an exciting roots/world music band, tickets are $10 at the door.