Hamtramck Review » Toast Of The Town

Toast of the Town … 2/1/13

csercombe — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 18:31:48 +0000

Yes, that is a chair.

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

Now here’s a novel idea on how to raise money.

Recycled Treasurers, located on the northend of Jos. Campau, hosted a “Chair Affair” on Saturday which featured several old chairs refurbished by local artists.

There was plenty of imagination and whimsy at work. Tons of local folks turned out, and they had a blast looking over the chairs and taking a tour through Recycled Treasurers, which is jammed with all sorts of things.

Tools, clothes, books, electronics, furniture … you name it, it’s here, and all for dirt cheap prices.

Toast ran into Mayor Karen Majewski and her husband, Matt. The mayor was chuckling over an album cover of an obscure Latin singer with abnormally dyed blond hair.

Guests also got to sample a taste of Hamtramck, which is basically a sample of cuisine from around the world.

A treasure for everyone at Recycled Treasures

The event was held to raise money for the non-profit. Recycled Treasurers is not only a resale shop, it also donates clothing and mattresses and other items to those in need.

At the end of the evening those attending bid on the chairs. Catrina Stackpoole, a former city councilmember here and the director of Recycled Treasures, declined to say how much was raised but by the tone of her voice it sounded like a good amount.

As for the proceeds, she said it will allow her non-profit to continue on with its good work.

“This way we can help people in trouble,” Stackpoole said.

Toast of the Town …

csercombe — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:35:00 +0000

By Ian Perrotta

Mark your calendars, Hamtramck — you now have something to do the second Tuesday of every month.

Beginning in November and continuing indefinitely, BS Art Promotions is hosting a monthly art and music night at Skipper’s Hamtown Bar. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and entertaining night out then this is for you — admission is free and drinks are cheap.

Better yet, because each month focuses on a different theme you won’t get stuck seeing the same art by the same artists show after show. The series kicked off Nov. 13 with the “Low Dough Art Show,” featuring all art for under $50.

On display at the Low Dough show was work by Phil Mason, Kill Monkies, Steve Gamburd and Rob-O, as well as event hosts Beth Amber and Jerry Shirts. Attendees could also purchased tickets for an art raffle, which at just $2 each both paid for the event and allowed for some incredible steals for the winners.

The musical portion of the night featured performances by Bright Echo and Bastion, with intermissions covered by DJ Tim Pop. For the third-beer hunger pangs, as she does each week bartender Joanna Komajda-Smith served up a mean Cincinnati-style Coney Dog for just $2.

Coming up next for BS Art Promotions is “Land of Misfits” on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Billed as “An Alternative Christmas Art and Craft Show,” featured artists include Carly Szajnecki, Natasha Nicole Mark, Twisted Willow, HAND Group Studio, Carl Lundgren and hosts Beth Amber and Jerry Shirts. The show starts at 8 p.m. and will be accompanied by the musical stylings of DJ M3.

“We just wanted to bring art and music back to Hamtramck,” said Beth Amber.

Toast of the Town … 5/25/12

csercombe — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:41:47 +0000

City Councilmember Cathie Gordon will feel the heat this Saturday at New Dodge Bar where she will be roasted.

Charles Sercombe

On Saturday (May 26) one of our favorite barkeeps in town will get red-hot roasted.

Cathie Gordon, who also doubles as a member of Hamtramck City Council, is running for Wayne County Commissioner. She – along with Councilmember Tom Jankowski, another bar owner in town – is among several trying to unseat Martha Scott.

That’s going to be a tall order.

Saturday’s roast will help raise money for Cathie.

But, yeow, is she going to pay the price herself. Roasts are usually just this side of raunchy, and Cathie is a pretty saucy character.

Maria Trzin, who works at Cathie’s bar, the New Dodge, said she’s got a number of roasters lined up and gave a hint of who to expect: The barmaids at New Dodge, local blog writer Hillary Cherry and fellow Councilmember Robert Zwolak.

“It’s pretty much anything goes,” Trzin said of the roast, “but I’ve been reminding them not to be mean.”

Oh come on, in Hamtramck, don’t be mean?

OK, to get you in the mood, Toast thought of a few “blue” jokes – well, it’s our attempt at humor. Here goes:
Cathie Gordon walks into her bar and says, give me the usual. 10 male strippers then jump on the bar.

A groggy Cathie Gordon walks into her bar with a male blow-up doll strapped to her back, and says: “Boy, I really tied one on last night.”

Cathie Gordon walks into her bar and her barmaid asks if she ever had “sex on the beach.”

Cathie says: “Yes, but I got the crabs.”

Anyway, it’s $10 at the door, which includes a barbecue spread. The roast begins promptly at 9 p.m. Local fave “Joetown” will be the evening’s DJ, and one of Cathie’s favorite bands, The Orbitsuns, will round out the evening.

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

Toast of the Town …5/11/12

csercombe — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:22:51 +0000

Toast (far right) enjoys a night out at Paycheck’s on Saturday for a fundraiser for buddy “Morrocco” (center). That’s another friend, Mark Niemenski, of Hysteric Narcotics fame, posing in the photo.

By Charles Sercombe

Once again, indulge Toast once again and let me report that last Saturday’s fundraiser at Paycheck’s Lounge for cancer-stricken Mark Rowe, aka Morrocco, was a freakin’ smashing success.

Sheesh, by 9 o’clock the place was packed – something bar owner “Paycheck” needs to see more often.

Here’s a hint, old buddy: Book good bands. And speaking of that. Hey, Detroit rockers, come back and discover this divey jewel – it has a great sound system.

Spot on that night were the Orange Roughies and Junk Monkeys, both staples back in the mid-80’s when Hamtramck bars ruled the world. The Orange Roughies, by the way, just released a CD of their first album and their unreleased second album. You can order it through www.gangplankrecords.com.

As for Morrocco, who not only has cancer but is without medical insurance – is there anyone who does have insurance these days? – he had an insanely good time and was incredibly grateful.

“Even I can’t exaggerate my thanks and gratitude to everyone involved last night; everyone who attended, worked the doors, worked the press and especially the fantastic bands,” Morrocco said on his Facebook page. “It was the most fun I’ve had since I’ve come down with cancer. I received so many hugs and kisses that for one night I felt like the Maestro of Love again. The whole scene was overwhelming. If anyone tries to tell me life sucks, I’ll have some choice words to correct them. Thanks again to everyone!”

Before the night ended at Paycheck’s, Toast and girlfriend Mary Raetz and band buddy Mark Niemenski sped over to Skipper’s Bar on Conant at Evaline to catch our new favorite band, the Dexter Linwood Quintet.

Fronted by legendary Detroit strummer Jeff Meier and bassist supreme Betty Brownlee, the band rocked through their 60’s garage catalog.

We happened to run into a couple of local luminaries, notably Tom Stackpoole. Man, you are one wild guy, Tom.

We’re kidding, Catrina.

And was that Walt and Lisa we ran into? Or was that earlier at the Strawberry Festival? Hmmmm … apparently that was a long day.

Oh, another side note, we had a great dinner earlier in the evening at Polish Village Café, where Toast, for some reason, had a problem pronouncing Poland’s beer of choice, Okocim, and ended up calling it “Pokeymon” all night.

Long story, short, best schnitzel in town.

OK, let’s move on to what’s coming up, and as usual the New Dodge Lounge, thanks to the booking talents of Toni Callwood, has been consistently offering some of the more interesting shows in the metro area.

Coming up on next Friday, May 18 (hey, this week we are giving you an early warning) are roots rockers Daniel Harrison & The $2 Highway.

The guys will be celebrating the release of their CD “Humidity.”
Admission is $8.

Hey you hound dogs, go out and support local music.

Toast of the Town …5/4/12

csercombe — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:17:20 +0000

Steve Hughes reads from his new issue of “Stupor,” which he will be doing again on May 12.

By Charles Sercombe

Excuse Toast for making a shameless plug for this Saturday night (May 5).

Please, please, if you are a rock and roll fan, or more specifically a fan of the 1980s, head on over to that venerable old haunt, Paycheck’s Lounge.

There are a few good reasons to go. One is that it’s a rare night to see the Orange Roughies and Junk Monkeys perform. If you are too young to know who they are, throw caution to the wind and check them out.

You will not be disappointed.

Another reason to go is that this night’s performance is a fundraiser for a dear, dear friend of Toast, Mark Rowe, or as his many friends call him, Morrocco.

You know, as we age, the bad stuff starts to happen. Such as cancer, for example.

Yeah, the “C” word.

Morrocco, old buddy, has it bad. As in esophageal cancer.

It gets worse. The guy has no insurance. You don’t want to know how many friends of Toast have found themselves in similar situations.

But that’s a topic for another day.

That’s Mark Rowe (left) with Toast and good pal Terry Murphy kicking up some Toronto fun in better days back in the 1980s.

Saturday is a day for a celebration of a good friend. And it’s a return to some really good music.

Toast wishes all of our readers could hop on a time machine and travel back to the good old days of Paychecks in the mid-1980s when Hamtramck was an incredible music Mecca.

Hey, what are we saying? You don’t need a time machine for Saturday. It’s all going to happen one more time.
Hop on board.

Keep next Saturdays open in your calendar. On May 12, Hamtramck resident Steve Hughes will debut his newest issue of “Stupor” at Leopold’s Books, near Wayne State University, on 15 E. Kirby.

Stupor is one incredible collection of things overheard and things just plain made up.

Hughes, a working-class bon vivant (kidding), has been kicking out these fascinating glimpses of people’s conversations and ruminations for over a decade.

The latest issue has been getting some national attention. It’s also a double-plus special issue because Hughes has teamed up with international art star Matthew Barney.

It’s going to be an incredible night of words and … beer. Yes, beer and art. Can anyone think of a better combination?

OK, beer and bowling.

Toast of the Town … 4/6/12

csercombe — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:44:05 +0000

Hey all you single guys and gals, Monday is the day to make your move.

By Alan Madeleine

Who are you inviting to your Dingus Day?

More formally known as Easter Monday (the day after Easter Sunday), or even, in Poland, “Wet Monday,” it’s actually celebrated in a variety of ways around the Christian world.

However, the term “Dingus Day,” or “Smigus-Dingus,” is particular to the Poles. So, why am I reminded of a certain Monty Python bit set in Ancient Rome?

Particularly big in Eastern Europe, especially Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it’s also characterized by the odd custom of young male suitors waking their intendeds by splashing them with buckets full of water, smacking them on the legs with birch or willow switches, and so on.

In fact, women have, in recent years, turned the tables some, and now do this as well to the boys!

And while we don’t necessarily expect to see much of those kinds of shenanigans going on in public – unfortunately – it would be pretty special to see our town’s young folk running around in their nightshirts, nailing each other with super soakers and whacking each other with saplings.
Ahem.

Well? Wouldn’t it? Kind of like a “Thirst Games”?

But I digress.

Stateside, the pseudo-holiday is big here – oddly, it may be even bigger now than it was when the city was predominantly Polish.

Wyandotte also has some fun with it, apparently. It’s also a big deal in Buffalo, New York, as well as South Bend, Indiana (think about it), and North Dakota. Other areas, for example in North Carolina and parts of Texas, recognize the day as a holiday.

Locally, the New Dodge Lounge is having a big to-do on the day of. Starting at 10 a.m., they’ll feature Polish beer and vodka specials, bands and a DJ, a polka contest, and more.

Should you bring a squirt gun? We didn’t tell you to.

Some of our prominent local Polish families have their own stories. Joan Bittner, of the Polish Art Center, remembers when daughter Kathleen went to Poland with her father, and ill-advisedly wore bright green PJ-like pants, rendering her a constant target of soakings all day long. Most of the local women, Joan Bittner says, knew to stay indoors!

Resident Cindy Cervenak recalls an incident involving Fr. Darrell Roman, now with Sweetest Heart of Mary but then (in the late 90s or early 00s, she thought) here at St. Florian, where he outfoxed some of the altar servers by dousing them with a bucket of water from above on the church’s front steps, even as they were plotting the same on him!

The moral of this story? If you’re out and about on Monday in Hamtramck, you might want to wear your raingear.

Toast of the Town …

csercombe — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:25:16 +0000

Al and Marie Pronko: Ready to battle it out.

By Alan R. Madeleine

Maybe it could end up being another reality TV show?

The good folks over at Maria’s Comida might have a hit on their hands with their inaugural charity venture, which they’re referring to as a “Daddy/Daughter Bake-Off,” complete with celebrity judges, a live raffle/auction and tons of pastries, all for charity’s sake.

Here’s the deal, straight from the mouth of Marie: The event occurs this coming Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Maria’s Comida.

Maria’s is at 11411 Jos. Campau, about a block and a half north of Caniff on the west side, just north of Hungry Howie’s. They’re expecting a pretty good turnout, so you might want to get there early.

The whole “shebang” costs $20 at the door. It will be set up as a “strolling” event, with appetizers provided by Maria’s, and pastries from Ethel’s Edibles, Love’s Custard Pies, the Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts Program, and more.

At about 7 p.m., the celebrity judges will sample a batch of competing pastries as whipped up by “Daddy” Al Pronko and “Daughter” Marie Pronko.

Judges are: Chef Joe Decker (one of only 12 certified Master Pastry Chefs in the country, and a current instructor at Schoolcraft, where Al got his training); Chef Tom Keshishian (“Chef Tom,” another of Joe Decker’s former students, founder of Street Eatzz, and former host of channel 56’s “Dining in the D”); and Erin Rose (founder of Positive Detroit/positivedetroit.net and Pick MI Date/pickmidate.com).

Patrons can get in on the voting — by voting with their wallets. Again, everything is going to charity, which in this case means Marie’s former employer of five years, Orchards Childrens’ Services, who just happen to be celebrating their 50th year of providing shelter, food, clothing and life-skill support to area youth.

Still haven’t spent out? There’ll be a number of items raffled off, or up for bid, throughout the evening, including a hotel stay at the Greektown Casino, local artists’ art, a “Michigan basket” put together by Marie out of locally made products, and a parade company tour, among other items.

For more info, you can call Marie, at her Comida, at (313) 733-8406.

And the heck with Lent.

Toast of the Town …

csercombe — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:22:31 +0000

By Charles Sercombe

Remember when you were a kid and before you rode a bike, you had to endure those hideous training wheels?

Yes, they were effective in teaching you how to balance. But even as a kid, it seemed, sort of, well, dorky.

This Saturday (Feb. 18), from 1 to 6 p.m., it’s time to hook up those training wheels again. But this time, forget the bike. We’re talking about a bar crawl to practice up for Tuesday’s Paczki Day and the following week’s “Hamtramck Blowout.”

What we’re really talking about is the bending of elbows and all-day libation endurance.

For you non-imbibers, you can still participate and order up on the soda side of things.

There’s a fun bunch of folks in town who occasionally hold a bar crawl with a special theme. Last time it involved a poker game of sorts.

This time, it’s a scavenger hunt that’s officially being called “Training Wheels Bar Crawl Scavenger Hunt.”

Here’s what their Facebook site says:

“Get your training wheels on! This is a pre-Paczki Day pre-Blowout bar crawl and scavenger hunt. Teams of 2 – 5 people. Get your clues at New Dodge at 1p.m. Bring a digital camera/phone. $10/person. Proceeds will benefit crime prevention programs in Hamtramck.”

So far, said co-organizer Nadine Gazik, 30 folks are on board. Here’s what else she had to say about the event in an e-mail she sent us:

“A fun and challenging scavenger hunt for teams of 2-5 people. Each participant is asked to give $10.

“All proceeds will benefit crime prevention programs in Hamtramck. At 1p.m., teams will meet at New Dodge Lounge and receive their lists of items to find in Hamtramck.

“Teams will travel up Jos. Campau and must check in every hour. Check in points include: Motor City Sports Bar, Suzy’s, Baker Streetcar Bar and Belmont Sports Bar.

“The team that finds the most items will win. In the event of a tie, a Hamtramck history quiz will decide the first place prize.”

For more info, go to their Facebook site at: http://www.facebook.com/events/336835393023789/

They could also use some donations of the following items:

o Five gift certificates for prizes (recommended amount $5, each)
o Merchandise for prizes
o Cash donations
o Food for a group of up to 50 people

You can call Nadine at (313)778-2428, or fellow organizer Kevin LaPointe at (734) 552-9883.

Toast of the Town …

csercombe — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:28:11 +0000

Rich Pyle: Rocker and pawn star.

By Alan R. Madeleine

Rich Pyle is one of the undisputed stars of the hit truTV series “Hardcore Pawn,” filmed in Detroit at American Jewelry and Loan on Greenfield Rd., near Eight Mile.

This you may already know, but were you aware that he is also the drummer with SuperLast, a hard rock band currently gaining some, dare we say, national momentum? Certainly, Rich’s celebrity status doesn’t hurt in bringing awareness to his and his bandmates’ music project. And, they’re coming to Hamtramck this weekend (see details at the end of the article)!

We shot him some queries by email, and he obliged us by hustling some well-thought-out answers back in no time flat — which this procrastinating writer dearly appreciated.

Let’s briefly start with what’s currently making you the most well-known, before we jump ahead to questions about the band, and that is, your longtime association with Les Gold and American Jewelry and Loan.

How did you get into the business initially? Did you know Les from somewhere else prior, or did you just apply for a job like anyone else? What are your areas of specialty?

Pyle: I went to high school with the jeweler, Jeff West, who worked at the shop repairing jewelry on the weekends. It seemed like a cool place to work, so I asked him to get me a job after we graduated, and I’ve been there ever since.

Because of my background in music, my area of specialty was obviously musical instruments. With my gift for gab, it turned out that I was a pretty decent salesman, as well.

How has your life changed since the show came on?

What’s it like dealing with the fame? Do you get recognized much on the street? Are you happy with the recognition?

Pyle: Life — both in and outside of work — has changed quite a bit since the success of Hardcore Pawn. On the job, we get people in from all over the world for photographs, autographs and memorabilia, which is quite a change because we never even sold a T-shirt before this whole thing started.

We even get famous sports athletes and Hollywood celebrities who come into American Jewelry to meet us because they are our fans. That in itself is really weird

I do get recognized out on the streets, and it doesn’t bother me at all because I am a people person and enjoy meeting new people.

What’s a typical day like now, at work? I don’t imagine the cameras are rolling the whole time you’re open, every day – are some people disappointed because they come in solely to be on TV – and then, you’re not taping that day?

Do you have to screen out the fame seekers first in the parking lot — you know, the ones who really don’t have anything to sell, but just want to try to get their mugs on the show? Does every other mook in town come in trying to pick a fight?

Pyle: My typical day at work is as it has always been, but now I have a camera in my face recording every single move I make.

We do have people come in that want to experience the “behind the scenes” viewing of the show. We don’t have to deal much with people wanting to visit to just get on TV, as the production crew handles that.

Remember, we are filmed from open to close six days a week, but you are only getting 1 percent of what is filmed and, of course, the most exciting events are the ones that get televised.

It does seem that there are a lot of angry people that come into the store, but that isn’t necessarily the case.

Now — on to your band. I listened quickly to parts of a couple of the tracks your Myspace site links up to. I’m not the biggest fan of pop nu-metal, but I have to say that I love the clean production on the records and I like the fact you’re a bit more melodic in a way that almost recalls some of the 70s hard rock I grew up with.

The site links to “similar bands” like Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte, and then it starts to get weird — I don’t think your sound is too much like either Florence & the Machine or Paramore, but maybe that’s just me.

Who would you list as the bands’ influences, and who were your personal ones, if there’s any difference?

Pyle: My personal influence is Rush. Neil Peart is like a god to me, as probably with most drummers.

As far as the band goes, our influences are pretty diverse. To name a few: The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and (up through the years) some Chris Cornell, STP (Stone Temple Pilots), Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters.

Do I remember right, that you were friends first, and then sort of came together for what sounds like was meant to just be some loose jamming initially, but then which grew into something more.? Can you tell that story, very briefly?

Pyle: It actually started off as being a recording project — a few of us had never even met (at that point). When I went to the studio and met Tim Reamer (one of our guitarists and our keyboard player), we realized that we went to the same school, but neither of us knew that the other played an instrument.

The recording went smoothly. The chemistry between the band members was so strong that here we are, three years later, getting ready to release another album.

If the band starts to break big — and it could — how does that impact the day job (I imagine that some, or all, of the other guys could have the same issues)? Does Les let you go on tour for three (or six) months a year every year, or do you just keep it local and let “them” come to you?

Pyle: If the band has opportunities in the future, we will address that as it happens. So, if anyone out there reading this wants to sponsor a tour for us, our ears are open.

Are you working on another record yet? Anything you can say about it?

Pyle: Yes, we are currently in the studio. The new album is a little edgier, more personal, and it’s a better reflection of each of us.

It’s also allowing us to showcase each individual on one track or another. With our first album, we were brought in by the late Tim Barnes to play our parts in the studio, with limited creative input.

The tracks we are laying down now are 100 percent ours. We’ve given the new songs a test drive with our audience before recording them this time, and have had a lot of positive feedback.

How many times, roughly, have you guys played live together now as an official “band”? Have you played Hamtramck before? Or, where else around town have you gigged?

Pyle: As an official band, we’ve played out several dozen times. We’ve played DTE, opening for Def Leppard and Heart after winning the Detroit Fox Rocks competition, where we won by fan vote, beating out 70 other local bands. (Hey! I saw you at that show! — Ed.)

That is a huge honor, because there is so much great talent in Detroit. We’ve played The Machine Shop, The Crofoot, The Pike Room, Hardrock Café, The Blind Pig, The Token, Blondies, Planet Rock in Battle Creek, New Way Bar, All Around Bar, Rack ‘N Roll, U Detroit Café, Simon’s After Dark, Trenton Street Fair, etc.

Last spring, we traveled to New Hampshire to perform at Laconia Bike Week with Jackyl. This was by special invitation from Jesse Dupree of Jackyl and Full Throttle Saloon, which is also a truTV reality show.

We’ve also performed with Great White, Robert Bradley, and Gary Hoey to name a few others.

Did any of your, or the band’s, equipment come from American Jewelry and Loan? From some poor schmoe who couldn’t afford to come back and get it in time, or from people who just sold the stuff outright because they needed cash fast?

Pyle: I have not bought any cymbals from a music store other than American Jewelry in the past 20 years. It would be stupid for me to go anywhere else because it is so much cheaper at the pawn shop. A lot of musicians get their equipment from us.

If there’s anything else I didn’t address, feel free: Take your shot! Thanks for your time, and good luck at the gig!

Pyle: SuperLast has five band members: Mike Azuri, lead vocals; John Quiroz, lead guitar and vocals; Tim Reamer, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Tim Downs, bass guitar and vocals; and, me, of course, on drums. For booking inquiries, contact our manager Tracey Linden at (734) 341-1626.

SuperLast, featuring Rich Pyle from the show Hardcore Pawn on drums, headlines a gig this Saturday night, Jan. 28 at the New Dodge Lounge, along with Bison Machine and Citizen Zero on the bill. The New Dodge Lounge is located at 8850 Jos. Campau, a couple blocks south of Holbrook on the east side of the street, across from the Checkers burger joint. Show starts at 8 p.m. $5 cover.

Toast of the Town …

csercombe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:15:24 +0000

George Cvetanovski must be lucky, or else have great genes.

Or, he’s a testament to the healthful powers of soccer playing and Macedonian beer.

Cvetanovski, a first-generation Macedonian American and the sole owner and operator of the 7 Brothers Bar for almost 35 years now, celebrated a milestone birthday this past Friday, in a bar filled with his loyal subjects: Actors, and others, from Hamtramck’s arts community.

His energy level matched those around him well, these other 100 or so folks that came and went, whose average age probably hovered around 30 – young enough to be his grandchildren (this reporter excepted). For although George Cvetanovski was turning 80 on this night, he surely didn’t look much over about 65.

The jukebox blared as per usual, and folks tried to squeeze in a game of darts amid the crowd. The many, many actor headshot photos that line the wall here – yours truly’s among them – seemed to stare down in approval at the melee below.

Actress and comedienne Jaime Moyer, still back visiting here from her L.A. transplant, worked the bar as in the old days, and a slew of faces familiar to the town’s theater community spilled out on the sidewalk to smoke, noshed on some food, or chatted loudly in pairs or small groups.

Among those who would be familiar to the avid Detroit theatergoer were Dawn Rasnick, Lauren Bickers, Jill Dion, Dave Davies, Peter Prouty, Brian Papandrea, Amy Probst, Brian Spangler, James Mio, Dyan Bailey, Molly McMahon, Planet Ant Artistic Director Inga Wilson, Phil Bolden and Robin from the Hastings Street Ballroom.

Cvetanovski’s bar is an old-time watering hole. Although there are grills, no food is cooked here. Even tonight, the food comes from Jet’s Pizza and elsewhere. But there are the aforementioned darts, and there is pool, and there is above all that outstanding jukebox.

And there is George. Lean and wiry, he almost looks like he could still get back out there on the footie pitch and swat away a few “benders.”

But, for now, he’s seemingly in his glory – tending bar, not goal, at his self-modeled “Home of all Arts.”