AADL Talks To: Bev Willis
Bev Willis is an Ann Arbor historian who has worked with several historical organizations, including the African American Cultural and Historical Museum, the city’s Historic District Commission, and the Washtenaw County Historical Society’s Museum on Main Street. Bev talks with us about her passion for local history and the mentors, family members, and cultural influences that helped chart the course of her career.
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents #64 - I Killed the Count, Part One
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents is a podcast dedicated to examining each episode of the original "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" television series, show by show in chronological order. It's March 12th, National Alfred Hitchcock Day! To quote the Hitchcock Festival website: "It is not the birthday or the death of Hitchcock, and it is unclear why it is celebrated on this date." But what a perfect time to present the first episode of the only multi-part story in the series. Who killed Count Mattoni? You won't find out in THIS episode! Then, Al takes a sip of "Champagne."
Groundcover | Volume 15 | Issue 5
We're closing out Black History Month with an essay from La Shawn Courtwright, chronicling "parts of her history" as a writer and advocate. This issue also features a poetry section, Undercover Art Intel, and housing policy solutions from Finland!
AADL Talks To: Janis Bobrin
Janis Bobrin came to the University of Michigan in 1969 to study urban planning and quickly became politically active in environmental issues with a particular interest in water resource management. She eventually served six terms as Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner. Since retiring as Drain Commissioner in 2012, Janis has served on numerous regional boards including the Huron River Watershed Council, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Dawn Farm. Janis talks with us about some of the projects she undertook as Drain Commissioner and the many challenges she and her staff faced over the years. She also talks with us about Ann Arbor's ongoing efforts to address the Pall-Gelman dioxane spill and issues surrounding urban planning and density.
Read more about Janis Bobrin in historical articles from the Ann Arbor News and Ann Arbor Observer.
AADL Talks To: Peter Andrews
In this wide-ranging interview from 2010, Peter Andrews recalls his varied career producing and managing local and regional music talent — from managing the Scot Richard Case (SRC) band and bringing bands like The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and the Yardbirds to Ann Arbor’s Fifth Dimension club, to booking national acts for University of Michigan student groups. He also discusses his role in Ann Arbor’s legendary Blues and Jazz Festivals, producing the John Sinclair Freedom Rally at Crisler Arena in 1971, and bringing John Lennon and Yoko Ono to town.
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents #63 - The Cream of the Jest.
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock Presents is a podcast dedicated to examining each episode of the original "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" television series, show by show in chronological order. In this installment, Charles Hannover Gresham resorts to blackmail to play a blackmailer in Wayne Campbell's new play. But that's just a taste of the cream of the jest. Then, Al flirts with "The Farmer's Wife."
AADL Talks To: Steve Adams
Steve Adams was born, raised -- and still lives -- in Ann Arbor, and he can trace his family's local roots back to the Civil War. In this episode, Steve recalls growing up in the historic Black neighborhood near Mack Elementary School, and a progressive teacher at that time, Allene Green, whom he credits with having a major influence on his life. Steve recounts his connection to several iconic Ann Arbor institutions: Pioneer High School during the school's division into Ann Arbor's second high school, Huron High; the Del Rio restaurant and other local music clubs and venues; the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festivals; and, in particular, Border's Book Shop, where he worked for 32 years, from 1974-2006.
What Scares Us - Episode 17: Train to Busan
Join us for a deep dive into Train to Busan, the 2016 South Korean action horror movie directed by Yeon Sang-ho. In this episode: We discuss if dads really have it easy, plan for a zombie outbreak in Ann Arbor, and Amanda sings a beautiful rendition of Aloha Oe.
If you like what you heard today and want to let us know you can email us as WhatScaresUs@aadl.org.
And for more episodes check out https://aadl.org/whatscaresus.
Groundcover | Volume 15 | Issue 4
It's Black History Month! This issue is filled with vendor perspectives on racial justice: from the carceral system to community programs to homelessness.
AADL Talks To: Peter Stipe
Author and former Ann Arbor policeman Peter Stipe recounts his journey from being a wayward youth growing up in countercultural Ann Arbor to becoming the most decorated member of the Ann Arbor Police Department. Peter shares memories of his time with the AAPD, including harrowing encounters on emergency calls and the many people and events that helped shape his career. Peter also shares his love of local history and discusses the changes he's seen in the city over the years.
Peter's story is detailed in his 2021 memoir, Badge 112.
You can read and view historical photos about Peter Stipe and the Ann Arbor Police Department, or read other histories of the Ann Arbor Police Department.