The Kool Kids Concert at McGraft Park in Muskegon August 30th

You live and work in a town for a while and you think you have a pretty good grip on who's doing what, and more importantly who's doing what and why...and then from out of the blue, you get a message on social media about an event coming up wondering if you could share a link. Take a look at the link and you think to yourself, this might be a better story than a share, so you set that up and BOOM you find out more than you ever imagined was going on!



Let's start off with the sizzle!  Do your kids like to "whip and nae nane?"  Well, that's by an artist names Silento and he's coming.  Have you ever seen your kid "flossing"?  Not the kind of floss they get at the dentist office....do your kids like dance troops they see on YouTube and maybe some of the big talent shows like AGT on TV?  It's going to be a HUGE day for kids and families at the Kool Kids Bash at McGraft Park on August 30th.  It's a star stutted day with meet and greets, fun for everyone and it's all got a purpose behind it... the Reds Youth Project.

Get Your Tickets Here for the Kool Kidz Concert

If you have not heard, the Reds Youth Project is a mentor-ship program for young people  who need a hand with direction in their lives.  How to make good choices, where to ask the tough questions, where to go when something just doesn't seem right and there doesn't seem to be anyone else to turn to.  Erika Bell is a mentor in the program and she's gotten to where she is today organizing this benefit concert and bash by having just that kind of positive influence in her life as she grew up.  There is no one who doesn't need a balancing point from time to time and a group like the Reds Youth Project finds a way, somehow to fill in the cracks that are left behind no matter the life circumstance.

Like any other small organization, they have to find ways to raise funds where they can.  It's a never ending struggle for smaller organizations without dedicated fundraising arms to find the money they need to function, but they do it...and they do it because they all know that they are making a difference.  They have seen it play out time and time again, and in the end, taking care of the next generation is essential to community building and long term success.  Grass roots takes on a whole new meaning when you look at the time and care being put in to make a difference.

Back to the concert.  Silento took his "Watch me Whip" song to 2.4 million sales.  That's a lot of records or downloads or however the kids get their music now a days.  "Backpack Kid" first popped up on Saturday Night Live when Katy Perry played "Swish Swish" on the show and has become a way for kids to pass the time while getting down and The Future Kingz made their America's Got Talent debut in season 13 of the show! This is a BIG day for young music fans and it's happening right here in Muskegon.

I met up with Erika Bell at the site of the upcoming show with the band shell as our back drop.  Take a listen.

Pretty cool, and honestly...if you watched the interview, I am truly in disbelief it took me this long to meet Erika.  As we were wrapping up, I asked her if she was still looking for sponsors for this event and she said that the best form of sponsorship she could use....is someone to buy some tickets for kids who can't afford it.  She's a first time promoter of such an event and wants the experience to be a great one for the kids first and foremost.  Below, you'll find a link to the Reds Youth Project and you can help if you choose by getting a hols of Erika there and doing what you can to support this amazing day focused on kids at McGraft park in Muskegon August 30th.

Muskegon Welcomes the Nance Family to Head The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Muskegon is a staple in the community for those who seek a little solace from what life can deal out from time to time.  Be it poverty issues, substance abuse, disaster relief, hunger issues the Salvation Army is always right on hand to help when all else seems lost and hope is distant!  For the Salvation Army, it's a 24/7 365 mission while some of us only think of them when we hear the bell ringing at the holidays.



One thing very unique to the Salvation Army, is that they are not a stagnant organization.  Their actions require engagement and they also require hands on people who immerse themselves into a community and actively participate in the mantra of "Doing the Most Good".  We have been amazing lucky to have had incredible leaders of the "S.A." over the years and we've always done our best to help share the news when some new faces come along to take over the mission and add their uniqueness to the business of human need here in Muskegon.

Follow the Salvation Army of Muskegon on Facebook

Meet Major's Mark and Valerie Nance who have recently taken the helm at the Salvation Army of Muskegon.  They are very familiar with West Michigan having put their time in in Grand Rapids as well as Cadillac with the Army and are very excited to now call Muskegon home, as anyone would be, and they feel that it's the will of God that they are here to continue the mission.  Mark was considering retirement due to a back injury, but healing hands got him back in shape and it might have just been a sign from above that there was a need for the couple to put down some roots on the West Coast of Michigan and get to work.

They are in the process of getting to know the town a little better.  Coming up with some strategy....taking what they have learned elsewhere and applying it here, and learning what's worked here and what can be fine tuned.  Anytime you come to a new town, it's a new adventure but in speaking with Mark and Valerie things sure seem like a perfect fit for them to be a part of Muskegon, take a listen.

As mentioned in the video you'll have a chance to meet the Nance family at the United Way Downtown Muskegon on Clay Street from 3:30p-5. Stop in and welcome our new neighbors and see if there is anything you can do to help them in their calling to do the most good for all of us in Muskegon.  Of course, stay tuned to Positively Muskegon and The Muskegon Channel as we keep you updated with what the Salvation Army is up to!  They are always striving to "Do the Most Good".  You can click on their logo below and visit the Muskegon Salvation Army website.