Sundance the Night Away

Last Week, I attended the Sundance Film Festival screenings at the historic Michigan Theater along with Liz Parker of of Yes/ No Films. Headquartered in Park City Utah, the Sundance Institute (founded by Robert Redford) has notoriously nurtured and showcased quality independent films since 1981. Little Miss Sunshine and An Inconvenient Truth are two prominent films that premiered at past Sundance Film Festivals. Ann Arbor is one of nine US 'Sundance cities' this year to host screenings and is the only such locale to show not one, but two films. 

I viewed the presentation of Win Win on Thursday, January 27th. Producer and U of M alum Mary Jane Skalski hosted a 'Q & A' session at the work's conclusion.  Win Win chronicles a middle aged,, somewhat burnt out, lawyer who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach. The coach stumbles upon a troubled yet talented high school aged wrestler through his practice, then adds him to the team. An interesting tidbit is that all the high school actors are real life wrestlers. "We thought it would be easier to teach wrestlers to act than to teach actors to wrestle," said Skalski. While I'm not authorized to reveal a ton about the actual plot (due to the flick being officially released in March,) I'll divulge it was much more dramatic and theme-laden than I first imagined. Watching the performance of Amy Ryan, who I best know as 'Holly' on The Office, in a lead role  in Win Win undoubtedly proved to be a fun kick to my viewing experience.

Below are some of my favorite photos from the evening (some of which are not included on FORMzine.) Check out more of my photos on the Sundance FORMzine Album below Liz Parker's enticing article.

Win Win Producer Mary Jane Skalski at Press Q & A

Winter Wandering...

Happy Holidays!

Yep...More holiday lights than Clark Griswold...

House in Pittsfield Township

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Cafe Conversations

Last Sunset of Fall...

Dub Steppin' & More

Evan Glicker a.k.a. Satta Don Dada

Ashley’s Underground (the basement of Ashley’s) radiates a dim, rugged feel.  Pipes and wires run across the ceiling behind the bar counter. An abundance of creative culture compacts into the modestly sized area. DJ’s first flip on their beats around 9:00 PM as a few patrons trickle into The Lion’s Den electronica night.  I sit on a stool bobbing my head, admiring the walls’ assortment of colorful painted images. 


Many more people quickly pack the place about an hour later. The tunes induce euphoric and rhythmic body movements by patrons and staff alike.

The Lion’s Den weekly alternative dance party inseminated when an Ashley’s manager asked Evan Glicker (DJ Satta Don Dada,) who had hosted at the bar and grill for a couple years, about his DJing experience. They discussed starting a weekly electronic music night to boost Thursdays’ previously slower patronage.

Musical integrity, quality, and eclecticism are important to the mission of The Lion’s Den. Glicker seeks quality Metro Detroit acts including but not limited to dub step. “I use dub step as a launch pad,” says Glicker, who also throws in reggae amongst other styles.  

Bartender Chris Zukowski

Regularly featured at The Lion’s Den, Bryan Dulaney (DJ Blkout) plays Detroit techno/ house,  dance hall reggae, and dub. His DJing days commenced during an internship at Ann Arbor born record label, Ghostly International. “Ghostly used to compensate me in records. I got a pair of turntables when I turned twenty,” he recalls. He also acquired records while working at Underground Sounds. Minimal sounding music quickly tinted his tastes.


“A lot of other places you play...It’s like the same roster of DJ’s all the time,” Dulaney explains.  This night, we try to keep it eclectic. A lot of artists play.” Anyone interested in playing may submit a mix tape to Glicker.

The Lion’s Den fuels an opportunity for connoisseurs of divergent electronica alongside newcomers to soak in a fresh musicale. “It's important to seek out new sounds and sights once in awhile to keep things fresh even if you think you might not like it,” says Glicker. “I think you'll be surprised what kind of gems you might come across with this approach.”

A wide selection of affordable drinks are featured at The Lion's Den including Founder’s Ale at $3.00 per glass.


The Lion’s Den is at Ashely’s Underground every Thursday, 21 and up, with no cover charge after 9:00 PM.

Down at the Diag...