Love in Lansing: A Practical Guide to Valentine's Day
Written by Kelly Caldwell
For those in Lansing who plan to dip into the pocketbook on Valentine's Day, REVUE Mid-Michigan has got you covered. No matter how much dough you plan to blow on your sweetheart, we've listed a few options for a unique date night, and a couple ways to treat yourself (for the single folks). 
The 1% Date If your white-gloved driver were going slightly over 30 mph, or if you were walking your poodles a bit briskly, you might miss The Knight Cap, which isn't so much a hole-in-the-wall as it is a hidden gem. This tiny, quaint restaurant operates with the painstaking caliber of a bygone era. The bar is populated by good ol' boys who would be puffing cigars if it weren't for the smoking ban. The wine selection is extensive and lists bottles priced upwards of $200. But the proof is in the chef's treatment of meat and seafood: the filet mignon is seasoned with special herbs and spices and is accompanied by a house-made Béarnaise sauce, and the lobster bisque strikes the right balance of richness. The hostess will take your coat when you walk in, and the wait staff is knowledgeable, warm and seemingly aware that diners come to The Knight Cap to experience a steakhouse the way the upper echelon intended to be.
The Knight Cap: 320 E Michigan Ave., Lansing; (517) 484-7676, theknightcap.com
Crushing amounts of student debt? Can't afford rent? Health insurance still tenuous? Who would want to date you, anyway? Just kidding — you're probably really charming. Prove that charisma really is your most valuable asset when you bust a move on the skating rink and are able to laugh at yourself when you fall on your face. At EDRU Skate-a-Rama, you and your date will have access to a roller rink and some old-school skates for about $16. Remember to hold hands when a heartfelt Backstreet Boys song comes on. Notice how beautiful your date's eyes look in the shimmering refractions of the disco ball.
Skatarama: 1891 N. Cedar St., Holt; (517) 699-2001, skatarama.com
When you and your beloved are alone, you use mathematical or scientific puns to express your attraction to each other. When you're arguing, you make use of extended metaphors and allusions to archetypal characters that support whatever questionable behavior you're in trouble for. Your glasses are taped at the bridge and sometimes you exhibit a nervous tic, but the joke is on us, since you'll be making six figures within the next five years. To get your date hot and bothered, lay beneath the night sky at Abram's Planetarium as the soothing voice of an astronomy expert guides you through the galaxy. Maybe play footsie a bit when the Virgo constellation is pointed out. Afterwards, visit the Michigan State University Museum to check out the "On Equal Terms" exhibition beginning Feb. 5, which celebrates women in construction and heavy industry.
Planetarium: Farm Lane and Shaw Lane, MSU campus. Shows approximately every 20 minutes. (517) 355-4672. $3. Museum: West Circle Dr. and Auditorium Rd., MSU campus. (517) 355-7474. Free.
Down a few PBRs in the basement of your co-op before swinging by to pick up your date on your Honda café racer. Polish your black plastic glasses with the soft fabric of your organic, sustainably grown cotton V-neck and peer dashingly over your mustache at your date as he or she floats down the steps in a pair of distressed vintage boots. Share some beer with your date. Because hipsters are the most educated eaters on the planet, opt for a shopping trip to the East Lansing Food Co-Op instead of spending your parent's cash at a restaurant with suspicious practices. Gather a medley of seasonal vegetables and grains with complicated names to assemble the quasi-Indian dish you're famous for making. By now you should be drunk. After your romantic meal, play Scrabble while listening to Neutral Milk Hotel.
ELFCO: 4960 Northwind Dr., East Lansing; elfco.coop, (517) 337-1266
Scavenger Hunt, 503 E. Grand River, East Lansing, (517) 337-1221; Kirabo, 225 E. Grand River, East Lansing, kirabofairtrade.com, (517) 337-8000; Fabiano's Homemade Candies, 1427 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, fabianoscandies.com, (517) 482-7871
Several weeks before your date, confirm with your BFF that you'll be exchanging adorable Valentine's gifts. This will ensure that you'll receive something cool, since your BFF will secretly be battling you to create the most thoughtful present. Perhaps visit Rae's Yarn Boutique to knit a cable scarf with hand-dyed alpaca wool yarn. Bring along a nice bottle of pinot noir to prove that someone wants to get your BFF drunk tonight, even if it's only you. Choose a restaurant that's suitably cute but not overwhelmingly fancy, like the Traveler's Club International Restaurant and Tuba Museum, which has an impressive sampling of dishes from around the globe and a beer menu that includes a variety of microbrews. After dinner, exchange gifts, watch a chick flick.
Rae's Yarn Boutique: 2004 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, raesyarnboutique.com, (517) 336-YARN; Traveler's Club, 2138 Hamilton Rd., Okemos, travelerstuba.com, (517) 349-1701
First dates are not something you should mess around with. These several hours will make or break your future with this individual, and the stakes are especially raised around Valentine's Day when you're surrounded by googly-eyed couples who are already planning the interior décor of their bungalow. Instead of frantically scrambling to make conversation with the stranger sitting across from you, turn the would-be awkward pauses into moments of hilarity at one of REACH Studio Art Center's "Casual Clay" drop-in sessions. On the third Friday of every month the studio is open to curious novices who are interested in clay work. A facilitator will provide basic instructions and suggestions, and even if your bowl ends up looking more like a telescope, it's guaranteed that you'll have charmed the wits out of your date. It worked for Demi and Patrick in Ghost.
REACH Studio Art Center: 1804 South Washington Ave., Lansing; Casual Clay sessions on the third Friday of every month, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; $15 per person, clay purchased separately.
If you're in the point in your relationship where getting all hot and sweaty in front of your mate is habitual instead of uncomfortable, try a hot vinyasa class at YogaState. The warm room makes muscles and tendons pliable, so you can manipulate your extremities in ways you never thought possible. All of the ohm-ing will calm a jumbled mind, and when you sneak a wink at your date as you lie in savasana, chakras balanced and body in tune, the rest of the evening will assuredly proceed blissfully. Be on the lookout for couple's yoga classes, which are frequently offered at local studios in February and focus on poses for two. If a sweat-soaked rendezvous isn't your thing, sign up for a five-week ballroom dancing workshop at the Platinum Dance Academy. Swing classes begin on Feb. 8, and run every Wednesday from 8:30-9:15 p.m.
Yoga State: 515 E. Grand River, East Lansing. $13 per drop-in, $11 for students, yogastate.net; Platinum Dance Academy: 4976 1/2 Northwind Dr., East Lansing. $65 per person, platinumdanceacademy.com
You've been with your significant other for years now, and though you still adore each other, the thought of planning an extensive outing for Valentine's Day is so 10 years ago. That's OK, because grandiose gestures are no longer necessary to remind your partner how much you love him or her. Instead, set aside an evening, turn off your cell phone, order some take-out from Wok & Roll, and snuggle underneath a blanket while playing a board game such as Trivial Pursuit, which requires more interaction than sitting in front of another movie. Wok & Roll's vegetables are crisp and flavorful, the shrimp is perfectly cooked and fresh, and the dishes are not doused in an excessive amount of gloppy sauce, allowing the flavors of meat and veggies to come through. The portions are generous enough that you and your mate can share a meal; try the Szechuan Shrimp, which is perfectly spicy. Pop some champagne to wash it down and celebrate your relationship expertise.
Wok & Roll: 3050 East Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing, (517) 332-1811
No, this doesn't mean balancing a bucket full of water at the top of your girlfriend's door so you can film her reaction when she's drenched. Stick to safer material and visit Connxtions Comedy Club, which offers a "Laugh Package" that includes admission for two, four drink tickets, and one appetizer. Though we, of course, can't guarantee the funniness of the various stand-up acts, keep in mind that everything is more hilarious after a few drinks.
Connxtions Comedy Club: 2900 N. East St., Lansing, $8-$15. Laugh Package is $49. connxtionscomedyclub.com
For an offbeat adventure, conjure forward the wild rhythms in your soul with a small group of like-minded dancers at 5Rhythms, a movement meditation practice that weaves five rhythms (flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness) together to create a "wave." The soundtrack changes each time and is assembled by different people to ensure an ever-evolving dance. The principals behind the practice state that everything produces energy, which moves in waves and patterns. In dancing each of the five rhythms, participants are taken through a broad experience of emotion and expression, and though talking isn't allowed, participants are encouraged to communicate physically through touching or body percussions.
Shopping Local for Your Love: Six Lansing spots to shop for Valentine's Day gifts
Written by David BarkerMackerel Sky
For more modern gifts ranging from clothes to glass hearts; look to Mackerel Sky (211 M.A.C. Ave.) in East Lansing. It bills itself as "a gallery of contemporary craft" and you'll likely find something to fit any taste.
What to look for: "We do a lot of jewelry for Valentine's Day and a lot of ceramics. We have some personal items too, like scarves and garments. I think our No. 1 would be jewelry. We sell all kinds of jewelry at Valentine's Day and we have a wide variety of styles, prices and items." —Tom Dufelmeier, owner.
October Moon
To find a great mixture of scents and accessories for a special someone (or yourself) take time to browse around October Moon (119 East Grand River Ave.) in Old Town, Lansing. Put simply, you'll find something worth buying.
What to look for: "The neck pillows and the wraps are great paired with a lotion or perfume and you can put them in the microwave or freezer when it gets warmer out. I think for Valentine's Day they should get something they can pamper themselves with, so maybe a nice robe with a candle or bubble bath." —Andrea Tuck, Sales Associate.
Fabiano's Candies
Bottom line: Valentine's Day means candy. For a great selection of chocolate and other sugary fare, head to the family owned Fabiano's Candies (1427 E. Michigan Ave).
What to look for: We do have a selection of different size heart boxes from around $3.50 all the way up to $195 - which is seven pounds of candy. The majority of the people know who they're giving it to, so they'll pick out their own special pieces of candy to put in the heart, although you're more than welcome to come in and have one of the boxes we've already made up. It's however you want to do it ... it's whatever you want." —Steve Blair, owner.
La Bodega
For those looking to give a gift that stands out for being unique, fashionable and socioeconomically conscious, stop in to one of East Lansing's best kept secrets: La Bodega (619 East Grand River).
What to look for: "We sell really exotic beaded jewelry and everything is one of a kind. Usually we don't have doubles of anything so any necklace you pick up is going to be handmade. It's unique and it's fair trade so you're supporting a good cause." —Kayla Holcomb, manager
Hyacinth House
One can't go wrong on Valentine's Day with flowers. Try Hyacinth House (1800 S. Pennsylvania) in Lansing. It has a great selection as well as fantastic arrangements. Keep in mind, it not only is what you get, but how it's presented.
What to look for: Try the "Heart and Soul." This arrangement features "a heart made entirely of red carnations nestled in a cloud of baby's breath and ferns and presented in a tall red vase adorned with a pretty ribbon."
Michigania
For those feeling the Michigan spirit, there are few places more Michigan focused than the appropriately named Michigania (112 Washington Square) in Lansing. It offers a wide variety of Michigan produced — and themed — goods.
What to look for: There are few things that say Valentine's Day better than chocolate covered cherries. Or, if you're looking for something to keep the cold away, try any number of the cocoas and teas. Lastly, one can't go wrong with a gift basket.
Lansing space rockers release sophomore indie album
Photo by Casey Cavanaugh
Since forming in the spring 2007, Elliot Street Lunatic has been making waves across the state - frequently playing rock venues from Lansing to Mount Pleasant. The Lansing-based band's 2009 album Into the Void helped it land opening slots for a long-list of emerging indie bands, and now the Ghost Town Lullabies LP will follow it up when it's released at Friday, Jan. 27 at The Loft in Lansing. The band includes songwriter Jason Marr (guitar/vocals), Eric Robins (guitar, vocals), Jordan Hahn (bass, vocals), CJ Kjolhede (drums, vocals) and Liza Robins (tambourine).
REVUE Mid-Michigan recently caught up with Jason and CJ to talk about the new album, the band's progression, and the Lansing music scene.
Are you guys still dedicated to the "space rock" niche you've become known for?
JASON: We used to call ourselves space rock, pretty much exclusively, but these days we tend to cover a lot more ground, from rock n roll to ‘60s-style pop songs. But if we were going to put it under a genre umbrella, it would be indie rock/alternative rock.
Has your sound changed since the band started?
JASON: We are a completely different band from the first days in the basement. We started off with a grunge-punk sound with progressive tendencies, and, especially once Jordan and Eric joined, became a lot more upbeat, spacier and more harmony based. In the past two years we've really refined that sound as well, writing more concise and more colorful songs, but leaving the harmonies and spacey feel intact.
I heard the recording process for the new album, Ghost Town Lullabies, was quite a journey for you guys.
CJ: We recorded out in California, south of L.A. with producer Casey Crescenzo (of The Dear Hunter, a national indie band). We played with them at Mac's Bar in September of 2009 and I was becoming a huge fan. Casey offered to record us that night ... It couldn't have turned out better, as far as we're concerned. The songs have a life on the album that we couldn't have given them anywhere else. We can't wait to have it out there for people to finally hear; we've been hearing it for months now.
When people approach you after shows, who do they compare your sound to?
CJ: We're always hoping that someone will hear The Beatles, My Morning Jacket or Minus the Bear in our music, but our influences are all over the map, depending on who you're talking to. I'm really into bands like The White Stripes, as well as my all-time favorite, Radiohead. Jason tends to lean in a more prog-rock direction, with bands like The Mars Volta, while still being a big fan of Portugal. Eric was meant for the ‘60s and Jordan is a big fan of Say Hi and other synth-minded indie pop.
What's your take on the strength of the Lansing music scene?
JASON: The Lansing Scene is one long sine wave. There will be great months where everyone is working together and everyone is making music at the top of their game, but then all the MSU students graduate and move away and the scene takes a hit. We've seen fewer and fewer kids under 21 coming out to shows lately. Things are great right now with Joe Hertler and Good Weather for Airstrikes both having released great albums this year, as well as Jeff Pianki and Audrey putting out great short releases this year.
Buying holiday gifts for friends and loved ones is becoming an increasingly more impersonal experience as the years pass by and technology grows.
Hostile buyers often stake out the lowest prices for electronics on the Internet, or hold out until Black Friday and fight with other civilized adults over blow-out sale items at the crack of dawn. Fisticuffs over a bargain-priced MP3 player, or some other gadget, won’t create any positive holiday karma. Besides, these electronic doo-dads will be obsolete in a year anyway – dust collectors in a pile of other “must have” items people momentarily obsess over.
Mid-Michigan folks may consider buying personal gifts (and fun nights on the town) for their loved ones that reflect who they really are. REVUE Mid-Michigan has jotted down some localized suggestions, organized by a few personality types. From music and film geeks, to thespians and food junkies, East Lansing and Lansing is a hotbed for irreplaceable, mom-n-pop shops, galleries and diners. Here are a few recommendations to get you started on your winter spending spree.
Illustrated by Ryan Hipp
