Spring Events Showcase NZ Teen Achievements

Pie Eating.jpg With the end of the school year approaching, many NZ programs celebrate or wrap up the year with special activities or events. This year’s Awards Night/Senior Recognition was combined with a “lot party” (defined as slightly smaller than a block party) featuring performances by a number of popular musical acts, a cookout, an eating contest, and free slushies for all. Many parents and families joined the awards portion of the evening, which gave the NZ to recognize teens with outstanding accomplishments. The rain may have canceled the moon bounce, but couldn’t dampen the spirit of the more than 175 people attending. Special thanks to volunteer Michael Sullivan and UM’s Telluride Association for donating much of the food.

Riot Youth capped their year with the ever popular Queer Prom event held on April 30^th. This year’s theme “Favorite Decade” inspired some great decorations and music which was enjoyed by the more than 200 people who attended. The event was supported by the Google Gayglers and other community volunteers, who helped to create a safe, supportive environment for our LGBQQ+A teens.

seed(2).jpg New this year for the SEED program (Students Education Each other about Diversity) was the Middle School Diversity Showcase. During the school year, the SEED teens worked with 8^th grade students from five area middle schools facilitating discussions and activities focused on the issues of diversity. Part of the curriculum was the opportunity to learn and express themselves through art, music, and poetry. During the Diversity Showcase, some of the 8^th grade participants shared their reflections, poems and songs with the parents and other students attending. Also in the audience, were Dr. Todd Roberts, Superintendent, and Dr. Joyce Hunter, Administrator for Middle and High Schools/Career and Technical Education, for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. This year’s SEED program was sponsored by a grant from Comcast. Maria Holmes, Comcast’s Regional Community Affairs Manager for Michigan, attended the Diversity Showcase and was presented with an award for Comcast’s support of the program.

One of Neutral Zone’s newest programs, the Green Group, presented the documentary “The Age of Stupid” which features a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, and reflecting on why more wasn’t done to stop climate change. The event, funded by Toyota, was held at the Michigan Theater and included booths and information from local green businesses. The event, the first sponsored by NZ’s Green Group, was attended by almost 100 people; a diverse mix of young and old.

The opening for the show introduced a theme that the curators had focused on throughout the year: intensity. As fog filled the stage, and "lightning" flashed, the speakers rumbled with thunder and rain. The Washtenaw County Rugby Club took the stage, performing a pre-game chant to start the show, and paving the way for popular teen pop punk band "Echoes." Other highlights included the Cass Tech Dance Workshop, an act that was courted by the curators for nearly two years, CHS senior Max Bowen's septet "Max'd Out," breakdancing crew "the Breakbenders," percussion ensemble the "Huron Trash Talkers" and a 45 person orchestra conducted by Pioneer senior Jacob Joyce. Not only did this diverse line up provide something for everyone, but the transitions between acts were smoother than ever, and the impeccable flow created a total experience that went above and beyond your average teen talent show.

Each year, the curators are challenged by University of Musical Society Programming Director Michael Kondiolka to think outside the box in the choices they make forthe show. This year's team met his expectations, choosing acts that would not normally be considered as performers, such as the Washtenaw County Rugby Football Club and the Dueling Fencers. They also pushed the boundaries in their marketing approach, creating a poster design shrouded in the mystery of the "cosmic wolfalope." As a result, they sold more t-shirts than ever before, sold out the show faster, and created a production of which they took great pride. Once again, Breakin' Curfew showed the teen curators and performers that their hard work and talent is valued and appreciated by their peers, parents and community. We can't wait to see what they'll create next year!

Hobbs + Black Hosts Smashing Wine, Word & Song Fundraiser
On April 17, the Neutral Zone presented its annual Wine, Word & Song fundraiser at the elegant offices of Hobbs + Black Architects in downtown Ann Arbor. Friends and community members mingled around the decadent spread of appetizers and desserts (donated by gracious local businesses and volunteers), while enjoying the sounds of teen jazz musicians.

As always, the highlight of the evening was the debut performance of this year's Ann Arbor Youth Poetry Slam Team, whose work ranged from introspective and melancholy to comedic fun. While this event has traditionally taken place in a private home, guests enjoyed the opportunity to get an inside peak at Hobbs + Black's creative use of the former church on the corner of State and Huron. Thanks to all of the generous donors, volunteers and our gracious guests, the event raised over $13,000 for Neutral Zone programs!

Future Neutral Zone Teens!

Associate Executive Director Lori Roddy and her husband Dan Birchok welcomed Anna Roddy Birchok on May 7 @ 6:50 a.m.

Board Member Tara Mahoney and her husband Dan welcomed Ryen Elizabeth Mahoney on May 9 @ 8:30 a.m.

Congratulations and welcome Anna and Ryen! We'll do our best to make sure the NZ is still an amazing place when you get to high school!

Summer Programs Begin on June 21

Sign up for weeklong intensive workshops in Literary Arts, Music Technology, Visual Arts and Leadership today. Questions? Contact Rebecca Bowman: rebecca@neutral-zone.org, 734-214-9995 ex. 224

Neutral Zone is a diverse, youth-driven teen center dedicated to promoting personal growth through artisitic expression, community leadership, and the exchange of ideas.