Bass-Healing Dub, Roots-Rockin Reggae, join us for
the next installment of REGGAE NIGHT @ the Roche Bar!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
10pm until 2am

We’ll be serving up only the BEST selections of
Reggae to warm your soul and move your feet.

Rocksteady Rhythms all night long provided by:
BHILL (detroit – thedeepdetroit.com )
SHUG ( detroit – thedeepdetroit.com )
FRANCK ( port huron – bluewaterbeat.org )
CHAWK ( port huron )

((( ♫ REGGAE NIGHT ♫ )))
@ the Roche Bar
405 Quay Street
Downtown Port Huron

All you young whippersnappers may think you have all the fun … but let me tell you … when the grave is nearing it’s time to really rock and roll.

Don’t believe me, check out the play, Game Night, at the McMorran Theatre from March 11-13. The play, described as a laugh out loud comedy, was written by local playwright, Jeremy Stemen, and has been sought for production by numerous theater companies since its premiere at Port Sanilac’s The Barn Theatre in the summer of 2009.

“The play was originally titled Start 2 Finish,” said director Stephen Kenny. “Its humor resonates with older audiences as they find it easy to recognize themselves in the situations. Having said that, I know some 19 years olds who really immerse themselves in the show.”

The play is described by its web site, www.gamenighttheplay.com, as a story about the transition of its two lead characters, Jack and Julie, into a new life after retirement. Jack is a newly retired union worker who faces the end of an accustomed, comfortable existence. The wife, Julie, is more than eager to begin new adventures as they move to hopefully, greener pastures.

Jack has his doubts but they make the jump to a new life. The play follows their first few months in a brave new world with its resulting rollicking results.

Like most works, the play is rooted in reality.

“My folks have been retired now for several years,” said Stemen. “They had to get used to the life of living in a new community, not sure of the certainty that surrounds retirement. If the transition is forced, there is a big feeling of ‘now what’. One result was that the folks ended up playing more games now than they did when I was younger; hence Game Night.

“After the treks to my parents, I ‘met’ my lead character, Jack. He immediately became vivid to me. I knew Jack and his life story. I could put him in any situation and knew, intrinsically, how he would react.

“Julie was next, a funny and sweet woman. The rest of the characters all fell into place naturally. The writing just created itself.
Stemen is an accomplished playwright and thespian.

“I have three other works,” said Stemen. “I hope to get them work shopped or produced soon. . I’m absolutely thrilled Port Huron Civic Theatre has chosen to do this play.

“It’s a great honor to be selected the first local playwright to have an original work done by them.”

Although it is a comedy, the play is not for everyone.

The site states, “The play is for MATURE AUDIENCES. So please understand, that the play is not intended for children, but grown ups. What would I consider a grown up? Anyone who watches TV past 9:00.

“The show deals with people who are retiring. And there are quite a few questionable words, and adult situations. But nothing really bad, it’s all in fun.”

Ticket prices are $15.00. Performance times at the McMorran Theatre are March 11th and 12th at 7:00 pm and March 13 at 3:00pm. For further information contact McMorran Place at (810) 985-6166 or visit the play’s web site at www.gamenighttheplay.com.

“Obviously people of retirement age will get the jokes and understand what people are going through,” said Shannon Booze, who plays four different characters. “There is a lot of comedy, a lot of physical comedy, that I think all ages and any audience will enjoy.”

So come and enjoy, Baby Boomers, and come and see what’s in store, young ‘ins.

Flyer for the BWDG first match on Sunday at McMorran.

Blue Water Derby Girls play first match on Sunday

Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

Let’s have some good old-fashioned girl-on-girl action. Speed, style and sensuality are smashing to Port Huron this weekend.

The Blue Water Derby Girls will skate in their inaugural match on Sunday at the McMorran Pavilion. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.

“Expect controlled anarchy,” said coach Jeff “Darryl B. Payne” Good. “The match will remind you of a Mount St. Helena’s type of chaos. The eruption may be overwhelming but it sure will look pretty as it explodes.”

Unlike its 1970 predecessor, roller derby is governed by stringent rules. The days of a reliance on cheap theatricals with a predetermined outcome are long gone. It now has its own governing body: the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

“Today’s version of roller derby has more rules than hockey,” said referee Scot “Zoso Naughty” Kavanaugh. “The skaters no longer exchange punches, clothesline each other or toss their opponents over the rails. These girls are true athletes.”

The rules remain reminiscent of the days of the “Blonde Bomber” Joanie Weston from the famous ‘70s San Francisco Bay Bombers. Jammers (designated scoring skaters) still must lap the opponents to score points. The strategies remain similar.

“Imagine football, except both teams have the ball at the same time,” Good said. “The goal is to get your jammer through first. Then your team has unlimited time outs which can be used to stop the other team from being able to score.

“Each team must play offense and defense at the same time. Even at an amateur level, you will not be able to believe the skills set of these ladies.”

Roller derby is being called the fastest growing sport in America. The grassroots explosion of do-it-yourself startup franchises is phenomenal, Good added.

“Of the 120 U.S. teams, only 30 are older than three years old,” he said. “Twenty alone have started this year. The sport has evolved from 40 teams nationally in 2007 to nearly 500 worldwide today. Roller derby has exploded in Canada, Australia and Europe.”

BWDG logo.

The players find an intrinsic worth in the game that lives up to its violent reputation.

“The sisterhood is amazing,” said skater Brenda “Anna Phylaxis” Good. “We’ll knock each other down one minute and hug the next. This game empowers women. We can open up and be ourselves, while playing a hardcore contact sport.

“This is not just for jocks, cheerleaders or princesses. It is also for those of us who once stuck out in ways that we wish we didn’t. Roller derby is for all walks of life.”

Rocket Ray will perform music before the match and at halftime, and a DJ will play background music throughout the bout. A cash bar will also be available.

“If you like to watch well trained girls in cute outfits getting hot and sweaty while knocking each other down to score — you will love this,” Brenda Good said.

Upto two children aged 10 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Tickets are $10.

“We’re the team the established leagues are worried about,” Jeff Good said. “The overall event will border on spectacle, but I assure you the action on the track will be amazing.”

Don Lierman
Contributing Writer

In these days of devastating economic duplicity, the notion of traveling the world ranks low on the financial food chain.  The furthest many of us can afford to venture these days is a trip across the Canadian frontier.  This weekend the world can come to you.

The Port Huron Museum presents the World Festival 2010 on Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Seaway Terminal in Port Huron. Hours for the event are noon to 5 p.m.  The event, formerly the Festival of International Cultures, will feature music and dance, crafts, food and displays from many of the cultures that compose the Blue Water Area.

“World Fest is an event that is ready to explode,” said Susan Bennett, director of administration and community relations at the museum.  “It is in its fourth year.  The attendance, number of participants and interest has grown steadily. This year, with a grant from the Blue Water Arts Council, we have added a Children’s Discovery area.  Kids can learn a new language, cook and sing.

“This is the only event in St. Clair County that celebrates many cultures, in one day and one location.  Some may remember the ethnic festival in Hart Plaza in Detroit – this is similar and local.”

Over 20 nations will be represented with educational information provided by community groups and vendor booths.  The main stage will offer a full schedule of music and dance.  A food court will allow visitors to purchase diverse selections of cuisine along with a separate area to buy beer, wine and other international beverages.

Admission for museum members is $2 per person with a $5 family maximum.  Non-members will be charged $5 with students and seniors $3.  A $15 family admission will be offered for two adults and four children who reside at the same address.  Military personnel with identification and children under four may enter free of charge.  Parking is free.

“The Port Huron Museum is fulfilling its mission to explore and celebrate the cultures of the Blue Water area,” said Bennett.  “Where else can a family of six go around the world with food, entertainment, and activities for $15 – with free parking?”

For more information about the World Fest, contact Anita Varty, Volunteer Coordinator, at (810) 982-0891, ext. 118., or e-mail her at avarty@phmuseum.org. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund next year’s World Festival and well as the Port Huron Museum.

The cast of the "Unnessecary Farce" at the Barn Theatre in Port Sanilac.

Michigan native’s play to be featured in Port Sanilac

Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

If you believe that laughter is the best medicine, perhaps a few chuckles will help you forget the heat. Cool off with a few smiles and a lake breeze at Port Sanilac’s Barn Theatre this weekend.

A production of Paul Wade Smith’s nationally renowned “Unnecessary Farce” concludes its run, August 19-21, show times at 8.p.m.

“’Unnecessary Farce’ is a clever and funny script,” said Barn Theatre actor Kelly Kennedy. “The play is filled with outrageous physical comedy. The fact that the playwright, Paul Wade Smith, is from Michigan is fantastic. I commend the Barn Theatre for helping to promote homegrown playwrights.”

The synopsis of “Unnecessary Farce” is described by its web site, www.unnecessaryfarce.com, as:

The setting is two adjoining rooms in an economy motel. It is early morning. Two inexperienced police officers, Eric Sheridan and Billie Dwyer, have been sent to videotape a meeting between the local mayor and the town’s accountant, with the aim of uncovering an embezzlement scheme. But the day is not starting off well.

Billie has been spotted by the mayor in the motel lobby. And Eric and the accountant, Karen Brown, have just spent the night together, a fact they’re trying to keep secret. But when they start going at it again in Karen’s room, just as Billie – in the other room – accidentally begins videotaping them, things begin to unravel.

Billie attempts to erase the tape, but, flummoxed by the remote control, she only manages to start it playing again just as the mayor walks in – thereby establishing his honor’s uncanny knack for entering the room the moment anything sexually suggestive is happening.

The mayor is accompanied by Agent Frank – the head of Town Hall security – an impressively nervous man who warns the officers that anyone who dares to try to find the missing money will incur the wrath of a local mafia called the Scottish Clan. Agent Frank speaks with particular fear of a man named Todd – “The Highland Hitman” – a formidable villain, who always dons a kilt and plays the bagpipes before making a kill.

When Billie, momentarily alone, discovers a plaid duffel bag in the room – with a kilt inside – this straightforward investigation suddenly turns dangerous. Too frightened to answer Todd’s questions, Billie makes the Scotsman angry. And as he gets angrier, his accent gets thicker, until it’s impossible to understand a word he’s saying.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s wife has arrived. Is she merely concerned for her husband, or could she somehow be involved in the criminal plot?

Will the embezzled money be recovered? Can Billie be saved before Todd plays the bagpipes? Will Eric and Karen get to have sex? And can the cops manage to capture the crooks without resorting to… Unnecessary Farce?

The play is not recommended for young children. Ticket prices are $9 for side section seats and $10 for center section seats. The Barn Theatre is located at 242 S. Ridge Street in Port Sanilac. Box-office hours are from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. For further information, call 810-622-9114.

“I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to make people laugh,” said Kennedy. “So come on out to The Barn … There may be bats, but there are even more laughs!”

Will on the Water takes place this Saturday at the Municipal Office Center in Port Huron.

By Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

Billy Shakespeare was the gangsta rapper of his day.

Sex, blood and off-color humor prevail in his work. So, too, does love and tenderness.

Yet, these days, many feel his work is boring and out of time.

Not so.

Enter Stage Right (ESR) wants to bring the passion and timeliness of the bard to you. On Aug. 14, the inaugural Will on the Water festival will be held on the north lawn of Port Huron’s Municipal Office Center. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the downtown corners of McMorran and Merchant.

Don’t let the antiquated prose scare you.

“We are presenting scenes, rather than entire plays, that are fun and physical so people can get past the language part of it,” said Regina Spain, Managing Director of ESR. “Our goal is to emphasize the joy within the Bard’s work that sometimes gets obscured by his style.”

Will on the Water will showcase highlights from “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth” and “The Taming of the Shrew.” An original performance will also be presented that illuminates the wealth of everyday phrases derived from Shakespeare’s writings.

“What makes this event special is that we do not type cast Shakespeare’s characters,” Spain said. “We look at the personalities of the actors and their skills rather than ‘play by the book’. For instance, the players portraying Mercutio and Tybalt from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ will be female.”

As well as performances on Port Huron’s very own Globe stage, a variety of interactive “Pageant Wagons” will allow the patrons to experience life in the days of Shakespeare. These include sword fighting and dancing. Also, “Stalls” will offer delicacies of the period and “Town Criers” will extol the virtues of the festival’s sponsors.

“We call it ‘User Friendly Shakespeare,’ because we want to emphasize the fun and vibrancy of his world,” said Elaine Schatzline-Behr, Artistic Director of ESR. “Remember, he wrote his plays to be performed aloud rather than read in the classroom. His theater was very popular because it was very entertaining

“We want to give participants a sense of what a summer day would have been like in London in 1599. One of the reasons that Shakespeare was so popular was that not only his theater was fun but downtown London of the time was a hopping place. We decided to recreate the world people would have traveled through to get to the Globe Theatre.”

Some of the other interactive experiences for the attendees will be May Day style dance celebrations, drumming and games, including the original version of horseshoes.

People are urged to attend in period costume, much like patrons of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Globe stage performances will occur every half hour. All other activities will run throughout the day.

“The festival should be a fabulous addition to the area,” Spain said. “Our goal is that this year we are starting a little small with scenes rather than full plays. Each year we hope to grow a little more.”

For further information, log on to www.enterstageright.org or contact Regina Spain at 810-334-6415.

bwfest2010map
Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

Perhaps the idea of an evening gazing at sail boats never floated yours.  Maybe the celebration of a boating race is not your cup of grog.  Well, prepare to have your timbers shivered.

Port Huron’s annual Boat Night expands into a three-day extravaganza this year.  The inaugural Blue Water Fest takes place, July 15-17, in the downtown area.  In addition to the traditional activities associated with the start of the Bayview Port Huron Mackinac Race, a wide range of attractions including a live music festival, carnival, and film festival will be offered.

“We’re very excited to launch the Blue Water Fest,” said LeeAnn Peart, Director of Downtown Port Huron.  “This should be a wonderful success story for the area.  There will be events for the whole family … and it’s free.”

Family entertainment will be a focus of the affair.  The Physician’s Health Care Kid’s Zone will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with the help of Operation Transformation, a local non-profit group.  Activities will include moonwalks, a Meijer’s Kid’s Stage, beach parties, magic, ventriloquists, and much more.  Best Buy will provide a tent filled with electronic games as well as staff to assist those who need a bit of help in conquering them.

In addition, Best Buy is providing a Rock Band Contest on one of the entertainment stages; a live or taped underwater viewing of Great Lakes fish; and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

A carnival will be provided by McDonagh’s Amusements.  A unique collection of rides will be offered which include Michigan’s only double Ferris wheel, The Big Ben, and a Launch Drop Tower, the only ride in the country that allows the patron to experience a 14-story vertical drop.

On Thursday, July 15, Operation Transformation will host special free family activities in the northeast corner of the Majestic Theatre Parking Lot.  Magician David Yanik will be featured as well as hair wrapping, games, children’s tumbling mats, clowns, face painting, balloons, and much more.

Organizers of the Blue Water Film Festival will sponsor a film tent on Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Family oriented shorts from the silver screen and present will be shown; some of which were locally produced.  All movies will be approximately 30 minutes in length.

“We’re very ecstatic to be part of the event,” said Jeremy Stemen, Co-Executive Director of the Blue Water Film Festival. “We feel it will bring a lot of people here to experience the vibrant culture the Blue Water area has to offer.”

Four different stages, MetroPCS, Bud Light, E&A Credit Union and Soaring Eagle, will present a variety of music from diverse genres.  For complete schedule, see related article.

“The Blue Water Fest promises a top-notch, eclectic mix of musical talent sure to please all music fans and really put this event on the map,” said Blue Water Fest producer Jon Witz. “We are thrilled to be attracting such a high caliber of performers to this first-ever event. Festival attendees will be thoroughly entertained and impressed.”

Other festival events include a juried art fair featuring works in a variety of media for display and sale by 80 artists.  Visitors can also experience a Taste of Port Huron featuring local cuisine and Merchant Row with shops offering Michigan homegrown crafts and creations.  On Saturday an AOJ Flash Mob will exhibit a ‘lively’ presentation as a group of individuals come together, perform a surprising act then quickly disappear.

Saturday will feature a Margaritaville themed-party.  The event will begin as powerboats arrive after the sailboats leave the Black River to get in position for the race.  Boat slips will be available to owners of 30-ft., 40-ft. and 60-ft. powerboats and other craft interested in participating in the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening.

“The Parade of Lights will be a spectacular sight with its bright display of lighted boats on the Black River,” Squadron Cdr. Dennis M. Raetzel, AP, said. “The 2010 Parade will be a fitting and memorable part of this summer extravaganza, both for those viewing it as well as the participants.”

Other activities on the river include an historic Tall Ship on display throughout the festival and Jet Ski demonstrations.

A memorial service for 'Lighthouse' Bob Hanford, who served as keeper of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse since 1988, will be held Saturday, June 26, at the lighthouse on Omar Street. Hanford is known for the many tours of the lighthouse he gave over the years, seen here in 2006. Photos courtesy of Port Huron Museum.

Service For Hanford This Saturday

Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

Robert “Lighthouse Bob” Hanford devoted more than 20 years to the Port Huron community as keeper of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Saturday, June 26, the community will honor the life and service of Hanford with a memorial service at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the lighthouse. The memorial is open to the public.

Many remember Hanford from the many tours of the lighthouse he oversaw as lighthouse keeper, a position he held since 1988. Prior to those years, Hanford, who passed away on June 4, served in both theatres of World War II and spent 25 distinguished years with the Detroit Police Department.

“Bob was truly a member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’” said Bill Thornton, a fellow U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member. “That generation, which came of age during World War II, produced outstanding individuals whose characters were honed by that bloody conflict.”

Hanford was born in Plainfield, New Jersey and his family relocated to Detroit in 1934. Nine years later he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and during WWII as a landing-craft operator, he deployed troops at the invasions of Normandy and southern France in the Atlantic Theatre, and at Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific Theatre.

“In 1942, Bob enlisted in the United States Coast Guard at the age of 17,” Dave Bennis, a friend and co-worker at the Fort Gratiot Light Station, said. “As both of his parents had died, his brother had to sign the enlistment papers. At D-Day, Bob’s memory was etched, that the ocean was red for three days with the blood of the troops that didn’t make it through that fateful day.”

Bob Hanford is seen on the spiral steps leading to the top of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.

After the war, Hanford returned to Michigan and spent 25 years with the Detroit Police Department. He was cited for numerous awards, including a meritorious service award bestowed upon retirement. As well as general police work, Hanford was a member of the Motorcycle Division and was involved in undercover assignments. After retirement, he became the bodyguard for General Motors CEO Roger Smith for seven years.

Locally, Hanford is best known for his involvement as the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Keeper. Thousands of light house fans, school children and tourists have been enlightened by Hanford’s tours of the grounds, as well as numerous presentations he presented during the winter months.

“Bob was quite the character,” Bennis said. “One time a school boy asked him if the lighthouse was haunted. Bob didn’t bat an eye and replied, ‘Maybe not yet, but it will be one day.’ When kids would camp the grounds, he would sometimes climb into the tower and flash a lantern to spook them.”

The United States Coast Guard – Port Huron Station and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are opening the grounds of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Saturday’s memorial, with Ray Carrier, chaplain of the Michigan Allied Veterans Council, officiating. The council will also provide the honor guard at the memorial.

Representatives from the USCG Auxiliary, USCG 9th District (Cleveland), Detroit and Port Huron Stations will attend the service, as well as from the vessels Hollyhock and Bramble.

Parking is limited to the Lighthouse Beach lot and entry confined to the double gates into the station on Omar Street.

Bob is survived by his daughter Lynne (John) Capadagli, sons Scott Hanford and Kim Hanford.

Producer Ryan Falcheck portrays Chris in a promotional poster for a new Web series "Part Timers."

Local Film Crew Debuts Web Series

Donald Lierman
Contributing Writer

Many think making a film is easy: just turn on some lights, point the camera and yell, “Action!”

But making a good quality product is a lot more difficult than one might think. It takes a lot of pre-production planning, countless takes and hours in post. Yes, making a film is definitely a lot of work. Not to mention expensive.

A group of local filmmakers are taking on the task to create a coming of age comedy Web series, called “Part Timers,” about locals saddled with temporary employment. The series is proof that a small budget does not preclude a professional product.

What does it take to bring that cinematic dream to the screen?

“The script is where it all begins,” series producer Ryan Falcheck said. “Without a good script to begin with, the production is doomed from the start.”

Next, comes the assembly of the production team.

“The producer guides the projects from beginning to end: from pre-production to post-production,” Falcheck said. “They (also) secure the funding for the film.”

Equipment has always been a big deterrent to novice filmmakers, but the cost of good quality cameras has dropped in the past few years. With the right network of resources, a filmmaker may be able to borrow other invaluable filming items.

“We used a Cannon 7D to film “Part Timers,” he said. “In a previous film I worked on, the cost of the camera was about $10,000. The Cannon 7D allowed us to shoot a quality film for much less. The Cannon provides a simple lens set that allows us to shoot the full spectrum: close up, medium shot and long shot.

“The only problem with the Cannon is that you can only shoot on 4GB flash cards, that only allow 12 minutes of taping at a time.”

Other fundamental pieces of equipment include microphones and an audio recording device to capture sound.

Lastly, a proper light kit is a preferred, yet not essential for filming Falcheck says.

“The light kit will help you shoot in low light,” he said. “The Cannon 7D shoots well without bright light, but going in without a light kit reduces the daily shooting schedule.”

Promotional poster for the new comedic Web series, "Part Timers," created by local filmmakers, including Jesse Dunsmore (pictured).

It’s important to have a good crew too. Crew members are the ones behind the scenes, typically not seen in the movie, unless, as in “Part Timers,” cast members double as crew.

“I’ve never been lucky enough to work with a full crew,” said Falcheck, who has worked on several films. “But if I had my wish list, I would have at least two grips (crew handymen), two production assistants, an assistant cameraman, at least one sound operator (who runs the sound mic through a sound board) and a script supervisor (who watches for continuity).”

Continuity is the flow of the movie from scene to scene, to ensure movements flow and props stay in the same place.

“What I would like to have, which I’ve always had to do without, is a first assistant director,” Falcheck said. “He is the person who holds every together on the set.

There’s also the director of photography. “He comes up with the visual vision for the film and the shot list. Finally, the Director keeps the vision of the film on track.”

When completed the film goes into post production.

“An editing program is essential,” Falcheck said. “I prefer Final Cut, although if the budget is especially constrained Movie Magix 16 is an option.”

When it’s all is completed, the final step is to get the movie noticed – via press releases, newspapers, internet and film festivals.

To see the Falcheck and his crew’s final product, log onto the series’ Facebook page.