The Secret To Living Well is Playing Hard

Why We Play, A stupid awesome event listing, book review, vinyl, and more!!

Happy Sunday, friends! On top of what I’m going to call a stupidly awesome event listing, recent stories we’ve shared, writing in the works, and albums that I’m spinning, I’ve got to tell you about a book I’m reading and especially a couple of chapters on play.

The Power of Play

I’ve been reading The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman. If you are into birds, you may recognize Jennifer as the author of the fabulous What An Owl Knows. She is fantastic at relaying the latest research on birds without boring you to death with facts and figures. Her writing is filled with such passion that it makes you want to become a professional ornithologist. That is until you realize you have to spend countless hours and early early mornings in god awful conditions to study our feathered friends.

At this point, you may be thinking, “So Chuck…uh, what the fuck does this have to do with play?” Well, let me tell you, friend. In addition to sharing fascinating information on birds and their small yet nearly bursting with little neuron brains, Jennifer talks about how birds play.

Now, as a side note, I have mentioned to Brenda at home or during walks that I’m convinced that birds like to just go fly. Sort of like when you or I go for a walk or a run, I believe birds like to go for a fly. I imagine them tweeting to their friends, “My beak is killing me after chomping on these safflower seeds. Let's go for a fly.” Next thing you know they launch for a fly across the field and then head back for some socializing over sunflower seeds.

In The Bird Way, Jennifer talks about two birds who are both very smart and love to play. They are ravens and keas. While many birds have been documented playing, these two are particularly playful. Hopefully, during your travels, you’ll encounter a raven, especially in the western United States. A large, black, and somewhat ominous looking bird, I think they get a bit of a bad rap based on their looks. According to The Bird Way, ravens are highly intelligent and champions of play. Most of this play time is aerial, as you expect from a bird. They dive, roll, and play games of hovering close to the ground. Observers have also found ravens sliding down rocky hills just for the fun of it.

The other playful bird is the kea. Kea are alpine parrots that live in the southern Alps of New Zealand. Green with bright orange to red plumage under their wings, these birds are very curious, outgoing, and super playful. They love new things and are keen to investigate everything. Kea also have a play call, which sounds very much like a laugh.

One of the questions raised in The Bird Way is why birds play. Play takes energy that could be otherwise used to serve a biological imperative, such as finding food, staying safe, or mating. Some hypotheses play in juveniles help to teach them skills they need to succeed in life. However, that doesn’t explain why an adult kea or raven would play.

Of course, the curmudgeons in the back of the room will say, “Oh man, those birds aren’t playing! They are searching for food or nesting material.” Perhaps, but what about other animals that play, such as dogs, cats, dolphins, chimpanzees, and us?

My take on play is that it is a mechanism that lifeforms on Earth have developed to prepare for and help us handle the stress of living.

You may have felt the stress of living over the last few weeks. Winter is hard, and if you live where I do, dealing with the current oligarchy of assholes makes living that much harder. Play is a way for us to let that shit go. Play builds a robust mind and keeps it strong. When you play, you are mindful, you are learning, and you feel happy as your body rewards you for something it needs. With play, you can safely expand your horizons or challenge yourself without fear.

What I love about the notion of play, as described in The Bird Way, is that play isn’t just about roughhousing, games, or sports. Play is anything that you choose to do that brings you joy. So reading a book, playing guitar, taking a photograph, or writing a story or in your journal can also be considered play.

That means, right now, we are both playing. I’m playing on a couple of fronts by reading The Bird Way and sharing my thoughts with you with my writing (and photos). You are playing by reading the Sunday Sip. Well, that assumes you weren’t forced to read it, and you actually found it rewarding 🙂

I’m enthralled that I can look back and forward in my life and know I spent a lot of time playing. I think the rewards of playing build up our positive energy reservoirs (sidenote: that sounds new age, and maybe it is…fuck it). My wish for you is that you get time each day to play to your heart's content.

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss

There is so much to share every week. If you have events that we missed, please be sure to post a note on Substack.

Music

On The Tracks Presents Wild Ponies with opener Ben Stalets at the Chelsea Depot in Chelsea on Feb 5 - A songwriting showcase in the historic train depot in Chelsea.

Ska Thursday with Killer Diller and Paradise Beach Revelation at Batch Brewing in Detroit on Feb 6 - Ya man, it’s time to jam.

Songwriters in the Round at Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti on Feb 7 - Four musical artists share music and stories with you.

Hillbilly Knife Fight, Permanently Pissed, Pedro Meadows at Reware Vintage in Berkley on Feb 7 - high energy night of music at a vintage shop.

A Night of Frigid Riffage with Drink Their Blood, Anvil Crawler, Room 101, and more at Sugarbowl Bar & Grille in Kalamazoo on Feb 8 - Prepare to have your face melted on a cold winter night.

Jon Torrence at the Starling Lounge in Blissfield on Feb 8 - Enjoy a musical performance of phenomenal songs by one of the best in the state.

Slowfoot at Billy’s Tip N’ Inn in White Lake on Feb 8 - Motor City rock and roll played to perfection.

Fangs and Twang at the North Star Lounge in Ann Arbor on Feb 8 - Feisty country music that is the preferred music of Big Foot as well as other supernatural beings.

Ladyship Warship at the Ferndale Library on Feb 9 - Warm up your Superbowl party with live music at the Ferndale Library with some swamp rock goodness.

The Emporium On 3rd, Grand Opening, New Location 816 N. Third Street in Marquette on Feb 14 - Music lovers rejoice! The Emporium featuring Vintage Vinyl will have a new home. This awesome local store is a treasure trove of vinyl and more. Stop in and say “Hi!” to Jon.

My Folky Valentine - 20th Anniversary Extravaganza at the Ark in Ann Arbor on Feb 14 - Annie and Rod Capps host a folky celebration made with love.

Life of Suppression, Ill Collens, Stubborn Assholes, Ghidora, Wired God at Sanctuary Detroit in Hamtramck on Feb 15 - Hard and heavy metal music.

Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils, Midnight Proof, and The Codgers at Odd Fellows Concert Lounge in Wyandotte on Feb 15 - Soulful Americana is on tap.

Manchester Underground Presents Ryan Racine and The Little Victories at River Raisin Distillery in Manchester on Feb 15 - Ryan Racine is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from southeast Michigan. Though performing in bands for nearly 30 years, Ryan released his first solo album, “Outsider’s Heart” in 2018. The album is a culmination of his experiences, both musical and personal, sonically planted in the American Roots styles that have been a mainstay of his career

Beers

Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week on Feb 1 - 8 - A week of delicious craft beverages, fun and unique events (beer Olympics anyone), food pairings, yoga, tamale making, board games, music, and more. All happening in the nifty town of Kzoo. Come out, as we’ll be covering some of the fun on Feb 7 and 8th!!

2025 Day of the Dragon at New Holland Brewing in Holland, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek on Feb 8 - A legendary release awaits on Saturday, February 8th, at all our New Holland Brewing Pubs! On this epic Day of the Dragon, we unveil the mighty 2025 Triple Mash. Alongside the Triple Mash release is our ultra-rare Triple Barrel Triple Mash, a brew so exceptional only 100 bottles per brewpub exist.

Music Bingo: Galentine's Edition at Hear.Say Brewing in Ann Arbor on Feb 11 - Grab a music bingo card and mark it off as you enjoy one-minute samples of songs themed around Galentine's Day. A portion of bar proceeds will be donated to the Women's Center.

Batch Brewing 10th Anniversary and Lush II BBA Stout Release Day in Detroit on Feb 15 - Celebrate 10 years of Batch Brewing with the release of their amazing bourbon barrel-aged stout.

Michigan Brewers Guild 19th Annual Winter Beer Festival at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park on Feb 22 - Enjoy beautiful beers in the great outdoors just north of Grand Rapids. Stop by Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen to get a taste of our collaboration sweet stout “Camping With Uncle Charlie”!

Various Intrigues

Michigan Oddities and Horror Fest at FMB Expo Center in Monroe on Feb 1-2 - Featuring 100+ Vendors, Horror Celebrities, Food Trucks, Real Human Bones, Ouija Board Exhibits, Metaphysical Items, Tarot Readings, and more

Heikki Lunta Winter Festival in Negaunee from Feb 7-9 - The Heikki Lunta Winter Festival is inspired by the Heikki Lunta snow god folklore that originated in the Upper Peninsula. The festival celebrates winter, showcasing the amazing opportunities during the snowy season in Marquette County.

Book Release: Jackson’s Automotive History at Ye Ole Carriage Shop in Jackson on Feb 8 - The Jackson County Michigan Historical Society is delighted to announce the release of its long-awaited publication, The Surprising Automotive Heritage of Jackson, Michigan. This remarkable work, authored by JCMHS Vice President and City Historian Linda Hass and JCMHS President Maurice Imhoff, spans over 280 pages and is richly illustrated. It uncovers Jackson’s storied contributions to the automotive industry from its earliest days to its continuing legacy.

Februhairy Festivus 2025: The Cardboard Sled Competition at Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek on Feb 8 - Winter fun with cardboard sleds

Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Expo at the Ann Arbor District Library on Feb 9 - Explore the wild and wide world of fiber arts.

Murder Masquerade - A Valentine's Day Dinner Theatre Event at Commonwealth Commerce Center in Jackson on Feb 14 - Monster Box Theatre has you covered on Valentine’s Day with dinner, a show, and murder!

Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club Annual Train Show at the Saline Middle School on Feb 15 - All aboard!! Model trains are the name of the game.

Fiber Arts Show at Art 634 in Jackson on Feb 15 - Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of fiber arts.

The Vintage Market presents My Vintage Valentine at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Saline on Feb 16 - forage for that vintage item you need to make a space on Antiques Roadshow.

Patterns, Pies & Pastries at Peace Pie in Marquette on Feb 19 - Hungry fiber art enthusiasts gather for crafts and conversation (and great food!)

In Other News

Music and Food are what is up at Life In Michigan. I shared a story on Jeff Fest 4 in Kalamazoo. It is more than a concert. It was a gathering of fans and bands celebrating the birthday of Jeff from the band Drink Their Blood as well as the overall music community.

Brenda provided a wonderful recap of Ann Arbor Restaurant Week and our experience with some great chefs here in Ann Arbor. The question for you, dear reader, is this? Is Brenda on her way to being the next Anthony Bourdain in terms of food stories?

MJ Galbraith at Rural Innovation Exchange shared the winners of the Michigan Chinook Cup, which took place at the Great Beer State conference we attended. Cheers again to our friends at Dog Star Farms, Mr. Wizard Hops, Bell’s Brewery, and Top Hop Farms.

Jack Thomas at Hour Magazine shared a list of 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists, including Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim restaurant in Ann Arbor. We had a wonderful time talking with her last year, which Brenda captured wonderfully.

At the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp magazine, Lori Stratton shares an interview and thoughts on the debut album from Premium Rat called Stranded On Land. Be sure to check out the music if you are into great alt-rock meets power pop punk.

Substack Restack Attack

Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:

Small Stack: Suck it up, you're a tourist by

Ange Yang

- I have tried not to be a tourist, but I know damn well that I am. I love Ange’s take to just embrace it and go for it. She also offers some tips for visiting Vietnam. Be sure to check out Ange’s substack Vegemite Is My Congee where she shares a great story on the food and drink she had while visiting Vietnam.

Radio Amor: What is folk music in the year 2025? by

Marty Slagter

- I’m not a huge folk music fan, but I dig how Marty looked at how the definition of folk music evolves within the context of the Ann Arbor Folk Fest. He covers a range of artists who each have their unique takes on the more global aspect of acoustic music, which allows these artists to transcend the typical definition of folk music.

The Light Within Us - Australian Wildlife Photography by

Nicole Brown Photography

- Fantastic photos of a place I hope to visit one day. I found Nicole through Notes on Substack, and I’m so thankful for that. Her photography is wonderful, and her words provide insight into her adventures.

Adventures Yet To Print

Last Wednesday night, we went to Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo for the Sounds of the Zoo fundraiser and celebration of Irene Stearns, the last surviving member of the Kalamazoo Gals. Hopefully, that story will be out later today.

This week, we are back in Kalamazoo for their craft beverage week and will be sharing stories from that adventure on Discover Kalamazoo!

Detroit Vinyl and Beer status: Yep, still patiently waiting.

What Are You Reading?

I’m still working my way through the Kalamazoo County Characters by Dianna Higgs Stampfler. Physical books take time to read as I can’t listen during our morning walks. My routine is to read a bit while we enjoy brunch (we skip breakfast and eat after a workout around 11 am - in case you are curious). So far, the book has been quite enlightening. Dianna has done a great job of sharing detailed snapshots of a host of people from all walks of life who have made their mark in Kalamazoo. For instance, I had no idea that celery used to be a gourmet item and that the largest producer back in the day was in Kalamazoo County!!

What Are You Spinning?

Sadly, I can’t remember exactly when or how I was introduced to A Life Once Lost’s Iron Gag. My fuzzy recollection is of seeing someone share the band on social media. My initial purchase of this album was a CD. However, I later found a vinyl copy to enjoy.

There is so much to love about this album. Kicking off with “Firewater Joyride,” the big burly guitars and hook-riddled riffs instantly spark a snarl. There is a generous use of pinch harmonics, but they are artfully placed without being Zack Wyld over the top. The drums and bass are bashing and punchy, with just the right amount of swing to ride that groove. The vocals have a hardcore viciousness that I love. You feel the anger and spite, particularly in songs like “Detest” and “Others Die.” This album demands you jam it fucking loud!

That’s A Wrap

As my buddy Sturgill once said:

“Keep your head out of the clouds

And remember to be kind

And just stay in school

Stay off the drugs

And keep between the lines.”

Thank you for reading. I hope your week is awesome! Don’t forget to kick out the jams!

Now, here is your moment of zen: