Is there anyone who didn't think at one point they wanted to be a rock star? A movie star? We all have "that dream" at one point or another....and then along comes life. Reality. In fact, I have a quote from a song. Sister Hazel - "There's a wedding dress, And the children were next, And rainy days and baseball games, Then they're grown and they're gone, And you wish they were home, But you're left sitting all alone." It "All Goes By So Fast". Ya, it really does. But Howard Bernard is here to remind us, that it really is never too late! He and his hard rock band are making a debut performance at The Stage at The Corner August 8th. Howard come in full rehearsal attire ready to share the story and the anticipation of the debut show. Keep in mine...rehearsal attire.....we're saving the leather and costuming for the show.
70 years old, and very fortunately....Howard still has his mom in the picture. "Rainy Days and Baseball Games"? 6 kids, 23 grandkids. Probably a few of those. Incredible wife, and life should be on cruise control, right? Well....there's a missing piece still. Mom turned Howard on to a song called "House of the Rising Sun" once upon a time and from there, Howard began to play his own and write his own. Played in some garage bands, maybe a cover band or two while out west, but it's here in Muskegon where he and his band "Dark Blue" are going to take the stage after years of practice, patience and persistence.
The show is August 8th at The Corner in Muskegon. It's a magnificent addition to Downtown. It's a multi-purposed building with a theater setting in it that seats a few hundred. It's been a great addition to live entertainment options adding music, plays and other intimate setting shows since it's opening. Dark Blue.....it's a heavier rock act. Howard mentions Black Sabbath in our chat as one of the influences of his earlier days...so chances are, it's going to pack plenty of loud on the 8th. It was actually a nudge from a bandmate that helped pull it all together as Howard mentions in our talk. Whatever it takes...Howard does lean into the idea that at 70, no one is getting any younger....it's probably time to get out there and do it. Here's to 70! I heard it's the new 50.
Tickets will be available at the door. It's not going to break the bank, and if you'd like tickets early, there's a QR code on the show poster below. Snap them up and head on down to see The Corner if you have not yet and help support a really great guy who's not going to left life sail by without taking that shot.... Check out Dark Blue on August 8th and help a life long dream come true!
To begin, let's say that you're about to meet someone who'd literally drop anything she's doing to help someone else. Her husband, is the same person. Gerald and Dawn Britton are two people in Muskegon who have done WAY more than their fair share in ways that are unseen, un heard and unmatched. They recently downshifted a little from owning the Sand Bar in Ludington along with Big Round Sound, who provides the equipment for live music events all over Michigan and while BRS marches on, Dawn has opened a new spot sure to please just about everyone. Welcome to the Regal Revival.
Located at 1081 Holton Road in North Muskegon, Regal Revival has been open for 9 days! It's a vintage, collectable and consignment shop and it's filled with a combination of attitude and charm. I'd had it in the back of my mind for a quick visit, until this morning when I saw Dawn doing a Facebook live and noticed an incredible about of KISS collectables in the background. That put some urgency in my stopping by. I am not going to let a collection of KISS stuff go unpicked for long.
Upon entering, that's kind of the first thing you see. The corner in eye sight has rock memorabilia as well as vintage shirts and clothing. There are some classic beer adverting items as well and of the KISS stuff...nothing I didn't have already...but that could easily change. Around the rest of the store? Antique furniture, classic cookware and dinnerware, some clothing that isn't necessarily concert shirts and plenty of home decor that suits a casual home or lake living.
The bug began as Dawn would head out for work a little early to go to the Sand Bar. Stopping at the vintage and collectable shops along the way. Once they left the bar business, it was garage and estate sales....finally, the "collection" got to the point of inventory, and voila...we have a brand new "vintage" retail store.
This is also a great place for consignment! Stop in and see if there's space! If you are an artisan, crafter or vintage junkie, the more the merrier. Do it quickly though...it's a small space and will become a place to spend 45 minutes to an hour enjoying the nostalgia and the company in a hurry.
Make sure you follow the store on Facebook. CLICK HERE
Our many thanks to Dawn and her awesome hubs Gearld for their countless acts of helping others and never expecting anything in return here in town. There's a 99.9% chance that you've been touched by these great people in one way or another at some point, even though you didn't know it. Stop in and shop!
Over the last year, I was invited to be a member of the Board of Directors at the Salvation Amry in Muskegon. I agreed and it's been a great learning experience to see just how far the reach is coming out of the small space on Shonat Avenue into all of Muskegon County. After a few meetings of "getting to know you", up came the elections for the Officers of the board, and while my vote went to someone who'd been part of the organization much longer, the concensus picked me.
Sooo...as I find myself the President of the Board at the Salvation Amry Muskegon, I also see that helping share what's happening there will be part of our work for a while.......not that it wasn't already, but....you get it.
One of those seeking me out to be a part of the Board at the Salvation Army Muskegon was Lorri March. She's the Development Director and helps the organization locally raise the funds needed to do the work the Salvation Army does, and it's extensive. From serving directly, to being a hub for relief to other agencies in Muskegon County The Salvation Army lives up to it's mission that began so long ago and continues to strive to even today.
Fundraising is a tough world. There's the standard ask, but there's also some inventiveness that needs to happen and Lorri is REALLY good at coming up with ideas. A Spring craft show is on the horizon this Saturday from 10a-3p. There will be a LARGE amount of artisans and crafters on hand. You'll find all kinds of handmade products as well as some hand made things that will tempt the taste buds. There will be a simple ask for admission, a couple of non perishable food items as the school year is drawing to a close and kids will be needing a little more at home that they won't find in school. There will be over 30 vendors presenting, so you'll have plenty of time to stroll about and enjoy the sights and scenery.
If you find yourself hungry, there will be a light linch available with the proceeds going to help out the Salvation Army as well. Enjoy hotdogs, and soft drinks etc that will be super affordable and more importantly, take some time to meet some of the people who are with the Salvation Army and learn about the work they do in such a purpose driven mission.
Lori and I wrap up talking about some of the upcoming events that will be along this summer. Some new, some are new "standards" which are growing, so stay tuned for more details as we work to help share the word about the great things happening at the Salvation Army Muskegon.
To get a look at some of the vendors coming, CLICK HERE to follow the Salvation Army Muskegon on Facebook.
CLICK HERE to visit the Salvation Army Muskegon online.
