AADL Talks To: Eve Silberman, Former Profiles Editor & Writer for the Ann Arbor Observer

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 4:45pm

In this episode, AADL talks to Eve Silberman. Eve has written for the Ann Arbor Observer for over four decades. As profile writer and editor Eve oversaw the Ann Arborites section, which highlights community members. In addition, she has covered and written features on local politics, social services, the city's history, and more.

AADL Talks To: Steve Culver, Publisher of the LGBTQ+ focused Magazine Out Post

Sun, 08/04/2024 - 11:00am

In this episode, AADL Talks To Steve Culver. Steve first visited Ann Arbor in his early 20s, and soon began his publishing career in Ann Arbor at the Ann Arbor News. In 1990, he released the first issue of his LGBTQ-focused publication Ten Percent, which later became the Michigan Tribune and finally Out Post. Steve reflects on 34 ½ years of covering Ann Arbor & Southeast Michigan’s queer community, how his publication has changed over the years, and broader changes in Ann Arbor’s social scene.

AADL Talks To: Zeke Mallory, Designer & Artist

Thu, 07/18/2024 - 5:19pm

In this episode, AADL Talks To Zeke Mallory. Zeke studied Fine Art and Commercial Design at Eastern Michigan University, worked at Mr. Flood’s Party, and has been a successful graphic artist since starting his career in Ann Arbor in the 1970s. Zeke talks about some of his signs and murals around town, his experiences working as an artist, and some of the influential people in his life.

See AADL's collection of Zeke Mallory's posters and artwork here.

AADL Talks To: Jody Kohn, former PR and Publicity for Borders

Wed, 07/03/2024 - 3:29pm

In this episode, AADL Talks To Jody Kohn, who worked for Borders in various roles, including merchandising, PR, Publicity, and Promotions, and director of communications for international stores. She witnessed many changes over the course of her career, and discusses the history of Borders as a brick and mortar from its origins in 1971 through the 1990s and later years. 

AADL Talks To: Robin and Jamie Agnew, owners of Aunt Agatha's

Fri, 04/19/2024 - 1:29pm

In this episode, AADL Talks To Robin and Jamie Agnew, owners of Aunt Agatha’s, their specialty mystery bookstore. The business began in Ann Arbor in 1992, and operated as a brick and mortar for 26 years before moving online in August 2018. Robin and Jamie talk about their experiences working in the store, their favorite memories here in town, and discuss some of the changes in the mystery book genre and bookselling business over the years.

Find more about Aunt Agatha's in our archival collections.

AADL Talks To: Marc and Jeff Taras, Founders of PJ's Used Records

Mon, 04/15/2024 - 7:28pm

In this episode, AADL talks to Marc and Jeff Taras, brothers and founders of PJ’s Used Records. Marc and Jeff tell us about the origin of the store, how they've managed to maintain a close relationship despite being in business together, and the customers who meant so much to them. For 37 years the store survived the rise and fall in popularity of genres and formats, including witnessing the foretold death of vinyl only for it to surge in popularity again.

Find more about PJ's Used Records in our archival collections.

AADL Talks To: Earl Jackson, Artist

Thu, 04/11/2024 - 10:49am

In this episode, AADL Talks To Earl Jackson. Earl talks about his time growing up in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, from his early years to his work at Borders Books and Music where he worked as a framer to the evolution of his career in the visual arts. He also discusses some of the organizations and people who inspired and mentored him, and reflects on the changes in themes and style in his work.

Historical photos and articles about Earl Jackson