Muskegon's Summer Just Got Busier - First Friday's!

It's an argument as old as time, "There's nothing to do in Muskegon".  Well, that's all about to change this Summer as Downtown Muskegon is taking some steps to make sure that at least once a month you have something to do!   "First Friday's" will be taking over Downtown and a series of events are planned to keep you occupied, maybe bring a few new faces into town and most of all, to continue to drown out the naysayers.

If you've been following this blog a while, you'll remember way back when we talked to Ellen Berrends about "Holidays in the City", she dropped a hint that something new was coming this summer, and the time to announce has finally come!

Downtown Muskegon's Website

First Friday's are going to be a family friendly series of events over the course of the summer beginning May 6th.  You'll find different things of interest, music, vendors and more.  You'll also find a chance to get to know Downtown Muskegon all over again with the great restaurants, breweries, shops and over all ambiance.

There is going to be something for just about everyone, and as the series get's closer, we'll  talk again with Ellen about the specific events but for now....click on the logo below and follow First Friday's on Facebook and share it with your friends.

Follow First Friday's on Facebook

One important element about all of this.... GO THERE.  Head Downtown with friends and family.  Bump into people you know  Meet new people.  Show your pride in the community and make visitors feel welcome! 

Our community is what we make of it.  We'll see you Downtown Muskegon this Summer!!!

The Weekend Begins!

One word out of anyone that "There's nothing to do in Muskegon" this weekend and you'll be sent to your room!

If you need a little relief from cabin fever take a look at everything going on this weekend!

Sorry we couldn't find a more exciting host!

Here's the links!!  Let's see your smiling face this weekend!

Career Day at Mona Shores Middle School

It's always been a treat to be invited to speak at a school when it's time to talk about careers and the future.  Believe it or not, it's probably one of the most rewarding part of a media career to be able to share some of the knowledge and experience and give a young mind a hint of what is in store for them if they choose to follow in the path you're there to speak about.  One thing is for sure, it really doesn't hurt to be able to get them to participate and be a part of the lesson instead of just siting there.

I was invited to Mona Shores Middle School by Carol Mogdis to talk a little about how I got started in media as an intern, the path it took me to get to be on the air, a music director, program director and now running a blog that's out to show the better sides of all things Muskegon.  Question were asked, information was shared as were a few things from "behind the scenes" about media, media production and ways to connect with an audience.  Yes, we talked about the need for good English, public speaking, writing and credibility.  As the sessions wrapped up, we talked a little bit about meeting rock stars and movie stars, what's career day without some fun right?

Below, we took a short video of each session with a live audience to find out from some of the kids in class what life is like in the 8th grade.  What future plans will be and give them a chance to be the stars of the show.

Muskegon Welcomes Buster Mathis Jr.

Once in a while, a story comes along that is just a dream!  I mean how often do you get a call saying that former Heavyweight Contender Buster Mathis Jr. Would like to spend a few minutes talking about an MMA show he's putting on at the VFW on Apple Saturday night....well, you drop what you're doing and go find Buster Mathis Jr.

Buster Mathis Jr. was ranked 10th when he got the chance to step in to the biggest stage of his time...a fight with Mike Tyson!  You'll hear a little more about that in the clip!

Our order of business right now is to help Buster get the word out about his event coming up at the VFW on Apple Avenue this Saturday Feb 6th!  Tickets are $25 and you can get the at All Signs, Racquets, The VFW and more!  You can also ask the fighters on the card about tickets and then join the fun Saturday night!

It's going to be a great show, but more over, Buster is out to help kids beat bullying!  Boxing is a great confidence builder and a great form to learn for self defense if ever needed.  Boxing teaches discipline, sacrifice and persistence.  It's a great art and with the expansion of MMA into mainstream popularity it's not what it once was, but it is still one of my favorite things to watch!

Have a listen to the interview below and try not to pay too close attention to my geek's outlook on meeting Buster and hear what he has to say about the event, his career and how kids today can benefit from the years of experience he brings to Muskegon to put on a show!

What a guy huh?   I loved how he talked so much about his dad so I thought I'd wrap things up with another moment from boxing lore, and to be honest....I'll keep the story we shared off camera about Ali being at his house when Buster was in the 11th grade at Grandville High School. Imagine going back to school and telling that story?  Make sure you check out the MMA Fights this Saturday at the VFW on Apple!  Buster will be there and you'll find too, he's a great guy with a great message!

Rock Out At The Watermark 920 to Benefit the Grand Rapids Home For Veterans

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is an amazing place.  The care they provide to those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all hold dear.  They have residents from as far back as World War 2 to the Vets coming home today from the battles we have going all over the world.  One things is for sure, all of the Vets are entitled to the best that can possibly be provided them and it's up to all of us to do what we can to help.  Does it have to be a big money thing?  Nope, not at all.  Can it be a function that will be enjoyable for people and a chance to hear some great live music?  You better believe it can!

Jack Clark and I met up at the venue, The Watermark 920 to talk about their event coming up this Friday February 5th.  You'll hear music from the likes of Christopher Cordle, Channing and Quinn and The Accidentals will be coming down from Traverse City to be a part of the show!  There will be great food from Fatty Lumpkins, Pigeon Hill providing some taps, a silent auction, 50/50 raffles and a lot of really awesome people having a great time, for an ever greater cause!  Have a listen to the chat between Jack and I below!

You can see, it's gearing up to be a great time and it's for a great cause.  The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is all of our responsibility and to be asked to come out for a good time to help the cause....not much to ask of ya!  If you'd like to donate an item or two, you can find Jack Clark on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.

Click on the photo below to find the Facebook event information!!

Event Invite on Facebook!

Just for the fun of it....how bout some music from our featured entertainers Friday night at the Watermark 920.

A Happy Sunday To You!

A very happy Sunday to you!  Thought I'd just take a moment to say thank you!  Thank you for taking the time to read the blog, share the stories on your social media and the occasional pat on the back when I see you in person!

Gratitude is a big part of the blog!  It's important to remember that media, should be a reflection of the community and the members in it who work to make home a batter place.  We simply couldn't do it without the amazing people here in Muskegon.

Taking a look back over the last week.....we grew.... A LOT!  That's good news.  We met a Angie Murar who beat cancer and now helps others going thru chemo!  The Salvation Army of Muskegon came to us to announce their amazing Kettle Campaign results and we met a veterinarian who puts pets before profits and keeps Muskegon's furry friends happy and healthy.  We talked to Sarah Sass who's ready to open The Coffee Factory next week, and we found that people are really taking notice of Muskegon and investing in homes and business and opening a Lighthouse Property Management here in town soon.  Of course we can't forget "Watch Us Go Pink" coming up all through February!

Have a look back on some of our talks with the remarkable group of people who we talked to last week.  People who believe in what we have, right here in Muskegon!

The Coffee Factory in The Watermark Center Opens Feb 3rd!

Follow The Coffee Factory on Facebook

The stage is set the moment you walk through the door.  The most incredible sensation is smell.  Think of a warm kitchen with the smell of fresh coffee brewing and a hint of cinnamon raisin.  The Coffee Factory invites you in beginning February 3rd!

 The smell is quickly followed up by the historic pictures, sound by Big Round Sound and the incredible re purposing of a lot of material that was left when Shaw Walker closed up.  Today, it's part of the ever growing and remarkable asset to Muskegon, The Watermark Center.

There's a stage back there!  

 It should come as little surprise to those who know Sarah Sass and her undying commitment to Muskegon and her attention to detail to make sure anything with the Watermark name is an outstanding experience from start to finish.  Plans got under way a couple years ago to bring The Coffee Factory to life and with the work completed it's time to open yet another delicious destination in Muskegon and some jobs as well to make sure the local economy keeps moving!




I had a chance to talk a stroll through The Coffee Factory today and talked with Sarah about the project.  We also had a chat about Muskegon as a whole and the momentum we've got going here in town!  Of course, I made the effort to find out what the plans are for the remainder of the massive old building in Muskegon!  Take a listen to the interview below!

As you can see, it's another great addition to Muskegon and a new place to gather to catch up with friends.  Enjoy some of the great food from Rebel Pies and you are even welcome to "pick up a fatty" from Fattty Lumpkins and come in and enjoy the warm and inviting surroundings of The Coffee Factory.  It's located at 930 Washington Ave Suite 1-B.

The Coffee Factory's Website