This week's Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - puts a spotlight on performance, whether it's on the street, on the stage or on the racetrack. In "Licensed to Perform," investigative reporter Patrick Sullivan looks at how street performers have been impacted by last year's Traverse City decision to no longer require permits to sing and play on the street. The ruling followed a much-publicized legal challenge by two teenage brothers who were issued a $200 citation for playing guitar without a permit. Grand Traverse County Magistrate Tammy Rogers ruled the city code was unconstitutional - "a rare kind of ruling in a magistrate court," writes Sullivan. The verdict has opened up the scene for street performers - though barriers still exist in other northern Michigan cities, such as Petoskey, where busking (or collecting money for performing) is banned as a "commercial activity."

The performance theme continues - only this time on the racetrack - with "Need for Northern Speed," an inside look at Fife Lake's Cherry Raceway and Kaleva's Northern Michigan Dragway. Fans flock to the two tracks for "the scream of tuned-up engines, the sweet smell of burrning rubber mixed with the occasional waft of beer, gasoline or sweat" - and of course, "some of the most colorful, creative - and very, very fast - cars and trucks around." Some high-level events, such as Kaleva's Mopar Against the World competition on July 25, push performance to the max with prize purses that can swell up to $25,000.

Another performer who's had a significant impact on his community is Blissfest Executive Director Jim Gillespie, who wrapped up the music festival's 35th anniversary last weekend. When Gillespie founded the event, he "didn't realize that Blissfest was going to be a major part of his life for more than 30 years," writes Kristi Kates, combining his passion for music and people "really opened my eyes and mind to the potential of music and culture to be a transformative catalyst for community." Read more in "Jim Gillespie: A Beatnki's Love Affair With Blissfest."

This week's Northern Express also features overviews of the upcoming Charleovoix Venetian Festival (July 18-25) and Beaver Island Music Festival (July 16-18), a profile of Bella Vita restaurant in Boyne City, a guide to Michigan roadside oddities - and much more! Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 13 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook.