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Author: Jane Simon Ammeson
Jane Simon Ammeson is a freelance writer who specializes in travel, food and personalities. She writes frequently for The Times of Northwest Indiana, Mexico Connect, Long Weekends magazine, Edible Michiana, Lakeland Boating, Food Wine Travel magazine , Lee Publications, and the Herald Palladium where she writes a weekly food column. Her TouchScreenTravels include Indiana's Best. She also writes a weekly book review column for The Times of Northwest Indiana as well as food and travel, has authored 16 books including Lincoln Road Trip: The Back-road Guide to America's Favorite President, a winner of the Lowell Thomas Journalism Award in Travel Books, Third Place and also a Finalist for the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in the Travel category. Her latest books are America's Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness and Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana.
Her other books include How to Murder Your Wealthy Lovers and Get Away with It, A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana and Murders That Made Headlines: Crimes of Indiana, all historic true crime as well Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest, Brown County, Indiana and East Chicago. Jane’s base camp is Stevensville, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. Follow Jane at facebook.com/janesimonammeson; twitter.com/hpammeson; https://twitter.com/janeammeson1; twitter.com/travelfoodin, instagram.com/janeammeson/ and on her travel and food blog janeammeson.com and book blog: shelflife.blog/
The music of beloved singers Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Dionne Warwick is being celebrated at Black Ensemble Theater (BET) in Chicago.
“That’s What Friends Are For,” the latest production at BET, runs through Aug. 10. The show tells a fictional tale of singers Knight, LaBelle and Warwick gathering together backstage prior to a planned Las Vegas residency. They talk about their lives and the friendship they share.
The show, produced by Black Ensemble Theater founder Jackie Taylor, is written and directed by Daryl Brooks. It’s an energetic production featuring powerful vocals from the talented ensemble cast.
“That’s What Friends Are For” stars Rose Marie Simmons as mature Gladys; Michaela Dukes as young Gladys; Sybyl Walker as mature Dionne; Brianna Buckley as young Dionne; Tamara Batiest as mature Patti; Courtney Driver as young Patti; Dennis Dent as Charles Gibbons; Dwight Neal as Luther Vandross; Jaimee Thomas as Michael Peterson and Treqon Tate (ensemble).
Among highlighted numbers are the engaging “That’s What Friends Are For,” “You Are My Friend,” “If Only For One Night,” “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Walk On By.”
Audience members will leave the theatre singing the tunes of these iconic musical artists.
FYI: “That’s What Friends Are For,” will run through Aug.10 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. Visit blackensembletheater.org.
About Eloise Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yardis currently set as a tennis court. And on that court the impactful story of tennis legend Billie Jean King is being played out.
“Billie Jean,” which is a world premiere production, continues through Aug. 10 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The play was written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Marc Bruni. “Billie Jean” was produced and developed in collaboration with Harriet Newman Leve, Stephanie Sandberg, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner.
The show relays the story of King as she goes from a young girl pursuing her dreams to the woman who becomes not only a champion of the game of tennis but a champion for equality on all levels, specifically with women’s rights on the sports field and in business.
Giving powerful performances are Chilina Kennedy as Billie Jean King and Dan Amboyer as her husband Larry King. Also starring in the cast are Julia Antonelli, Elena Hurst, Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jurgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager and Murphy Taylor Smith.
“Billie Jean” has no lulls and definitely keeps an audience’s attention.
About the show, playwright Gunderson says, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart.”
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written world.
I was excited to chat with Greg Bakun, host of GhostBox Radio, about my book, Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest. It was a fun book to write and a fun book to talk about.
Fans of the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” won’t want to miss the stunning production currently on stage in Chicago.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which is on a national tour, continues to Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The theatrical production, directed and choreographed by Matt West, is based on the popular 1991 movie.
The “tale as old as time,” tells the story of Belle, a small-town French girl, who is a lover of books and reading. One day, while in search of her father, who is missing, Belle stumbles upon a castle where a former priest who has been turned into a Beast resides. She is captured and while there she interacts with the Beast and all the other inhabitants of the castle. Lessons learned in this story revolve around love, kindness as well as beauty being in the eye of the beholder. It is only true love which will transform the Beast back to his princely form and it is Belle who is the catalyst for this.
Actors Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast are dynamic in their starring roles and both display strong voices. The production’s ensemble group of actors are excellent as well.
“Beauty and the Beast” features stunning costumes, rousing dance numbers and a score of catchy tunes. Among highlighted numbers are “Be Our Guest,” “A Change in Me,” and “If I Can’t Love Her.”
Musical theater lovers will definitely be drawn into this show.
FYI: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” continues to Aug. 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Pigeon River Discovery Center Hosts a Presentation AboutPresident Carter’s 1986 Grouse Hunting Trip to Northern Michigan with retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveney
Thursday, August 14 – 7-9 pm – Pigeon River Discovery Center, Vanderbilt
As part of its 2025 Community Event Series, the Pigeon River Discovery Center is proud to welcome retired PRC Unit Manager Ned Caveny, who will share his story about the autumn 1986 grouse hunting trip with Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. The free presentation will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, at the Pigeon River Discovery Center, 9984 Twin Lakes Rd, Vanderbilt.
Caveney began working for the Michigan DNR in 1966 and was hired in 1974 as the first area forester of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. He had been grouse hunting in the area since his years as a forestry student at Michigan State University. Ned’s extensive knowledge of the local landscape made him the perfect person to lead Carter and fellow hunters, including Michigan-born MSU alumnus Jack Crockford, who was a friend of Ned’s who also worked for the Georgia Game and Fish Commission during Carter’s time as president.
It was a common interest in hunting that brought these men (and a handful of others, including the Secret Service) to the Pigeon River Country in search of the elusive ruffed grouse.
During this visual presentation, attendees will hear first-hand from Ned about the experience and the chain of events that led the President to northern Michigan where he bagged his first grouse.
Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces a new, higher-proof addition to its renowned Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, this innovative expression is designed to offer enhanced flavor, versatility and control in cocktail creation while maintaining the smooth, approachable profile that defines Sazerac Rye.
After extensive development to ensure the elevated proof complements rather than overwhelms its signature flavor, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof delivers a richer, more structured whiskey that stands up beautifully in both bold and classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Manhattan.
“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”
A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey pays homage to both the character of New Orleans and the rich history of American spirits. Known for its spicy, peppery, and dry profile, rye whiskey plays a vital role in cocktails that demand a harmony of sweet and dry ingredients.
“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”
Similar to its 90-proof counterpart, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof features aromas of clove, vanilla, anise, and pepper. On the palate, it reveals subtle notes of candied spices and citrus, leading to a smooth finish with hints of licorice. The higher proof amplifies these flavors, offering a richer, more balanced drinking experience.
As of July 1, 2025, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now available at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle; taxes and fees will vary by market.
Additionally, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program as its newest single-barrel offering. This provides select accounts the opportunity to hand-pick their own barrel of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. As part of the launch celebration, the first 100 on-premise accounts to select a barrel will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead to display in their bar or restaurant.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Distillery dates back to 1775. Its history includes such legendary distillers as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka at its historic location.
The Distillery has won over 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its diverse range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives.
Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is excited to announce the 2025 Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Competition results. This event represents Michigan’s only statewide industry driven wine competition and is an opportunity for the Michigan wine industry to unite, engage, compete, and celebrate the premium wines representative of our wine industry.
Dr. Analisa Lappanen of Golden Muse Winery in Baroda, Michigan, one of the few women-owned wineries in the state, is passionate about vintage and antique hats and the Belle Époque era of Paris, France. Photo by Jane Simon Ammeson.
Partnering with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) for the official third annual Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Awards in 2025, MWC is thrilled to announce the exciting results from the competition. BevTest spent April and May conducting a series of professional blind tastings to rate and rank a set of Michigan-produced wines, meads, and ciders at the BevTest Chicago testing facility.
Chateau Fontaine won two of the five coveted Governor’s Case awards for best white wines in the state.
The final tasting results with all wine’s scores, medal ranks, constructive criticism, Best of Category, Governor’s Case Winners, and Governor’s Cup winners can be found on the Taste Michigan website now.
The Michigan Governor’s Cup winner for 2025 is Cherry Creek Cellars, of the River Raisin Wine Trail with their 2023 Charamar Collection Pinot Noir. This wine ranked the highest out of 154 entries from 33 wineries submitted to the competition.
White Pine Winery has a tasting room in downtown St. Joseph. Photo courtesy of White Pine Winery.
We are pleased to announce the following award categories and corresponding ‘Best of Category’ awards:
Lemon Creek Winery, established by the Lemon family as a fruit farm in 1855, remains in the same family. Photo courtesy of Lemon Creek Winery.
Wineries and wines with their medal ranks are now listed on the Taste Michigan website. In partnership with the Taste Michigan brand, MWC will be coordinating events and promotional opportunities for the winning wines of the competition including a prestigious award ceremony where we will gather to transfer the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Trophy from Verterra Winery to Cherry Creek Cellars.
The official trophy will be housed at the 2025 Best in Show winner tasting room for one year. MWC provides personalized plaques to signify each year’s winner. This physical award is becoming an iconic part of tasting rooms around the state for the wine industry and consumers alike.
Two K Farms 2021 Bellenoir Red Blend was one of the Governor’s Case Winners this year. Photo courtesy of Two K Farms.
MWC is excited and honored to be able to market Michigan wine through this event via retail and restaurant marketing projects, Taste Michigan campaigns, media opportunities, and more.
Big Little Wines.
We would like to formally thank our membership for making these events and projects a reality and invite the whole of Michigan wine producers and grape growers to consider joining our organization as well as suppliers and vendors to the industry, educators, members of the trade, and all other industry affiliates and supporters. We have many opportunities available for membership and sponsorship of our organization with each allowing us to continue producing projects to increase and reinforce the Michigan grape and wine industries.
Photo courtesy of Peninsula Cellars.
Join or Sponsor the Michigan Wine Collaborative Here!
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.
For more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.
