The Muskegon Idol Talent Show With 103.7 The Beat and M-106 at the Frauenthal Center - Auditions Coming up Next Week

In the back of my mind....it's been a want for a long time.  I had hoped to find the time to put on a show that would give anyone in Muskegon a chance to show off their talents and do it in a setting that is promised to give them an amazing back drop.

Since I couldn't find the time...I am happy to share some long time friends "beat" me to it!  

Muskegon's Idol Talent Show is being put on by 103.7 The Beat and M-106, two radio stations operated by Paul Billings in Muskegon Heights.  I have known Paul for a long time and his focus on community and especially youth leaves me with little surprise about this event coming to be.  Paul not only uses his stations to make sure the community is informed and know that resources are there for them, he takes the time to mentor young people and teach them skills they can't easily get anywhere else.  Paul's passion for radio and community is awesome and his work at The Beat is truly what radio in a city like Muskegon ought to be.

Muskegon Idol on Facebook

With any talent show, you have to find some talent.  So...there will be 2 chances to audition.  One at the Lakes Mall September 21st from 6:30-8:30 and the other happens at Dreamers Bar on Pine Street Downtown Muskegon on September 22nd from 6:30-8:30.

Can you sing?  Dance?  Juggle?  Ventriloquist?  Play an instrument?  Poetry?  Rap?  Tell Jokes?  This is a talent show looking for ANY talent you can muster...and of course, the more diverse the talents, the better the show!  Does the fact that a $2000 prize for the winner entice you more?  Well, that's what's up for grabs if you come home the winner!

I had a chance to catch up with Big Rob for 103.7 The Beat to talk about the event and the auditions coming up.  Take a listen to our chat below.

Love the guys at 103.7 the Beat and M-106.  I am proud to call them friends and I am even more excited to watch them continue to offer programming and events that make an impact in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights!  I will be a judge of the talent show at the Dreamers stop to do what I can to expose some great talent here in town.  Come to the auditions if you'd lie a chance to grab the spotlight, or...if you'd just like to see the very beginnings of the next "big act" to come out of Muskegon!  Plan on attending the talent show too at the Frauenthal Center November 12th.  Stay tuned for more details!!

Visit The Beat Online

Visit M-106 Online

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The Grape Escape - Muskegon's Rotary Club Invites You to an Elegant Evening September 21st

A little wine...some delicious craft beer.....delectable food from area restaurants and caterers....and of course...a great cause supporting the Muskegon Rotary and their multiple remarkable initiatives like the Muskegon Promise, providing 2 years of tuition for students heading to college, scholarship funds and projects all designed to make Muskegon a better place and keep connections tight thru the fellowship of Rotary.  Sound like fun?  Well, read on my friend...it's happening Sept 21st at Bella Maria's Ristorante on Pontaluna in Muskegon!

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First off, let's talk about Rotary.  What exactly is Rotary and who are Rotarian's?  Well, Rotary is "a service organization of about 1.2 million friends, neighbors and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in communities and around the world"...according to their website. The true strength of Rotary comes from the diversity.  They look at life thru multiple view points...they apply leadership to social issues to find unique solutions.  Passion and perseverance are key and so is making a difference in towns near and far!  It's a great group of people who strive to make Muskegon better as I have witnessed first hand.

Now, let's talk about the party.  The Grape Escape is an outstanding event that's been going on for years!!  This year, at Bella Maria's you'll find an absolutely astounding selection of wine...thus the "Grape" in Grape Escape....micro brews, auction items, vendors, sponsors who'd like to tell you more about their endeavors and maybe a member or two of Rotary if you think you might be interested in becoming part of this truly community minded group.

Facebook Page and Ticket Link

I had a chance to catch up with Deni Hunter to talk a little about the event and how Rotary does all the great work they do around Muskegon.  Take a listen to our chat for more details!!

It's a great time and an event that has grown and grown over the years in Muskegon.  The Rotary Club are outstanding stewards of our community and a great group to be a part of if you'd like to find a little more out about your own abilities and how you can apply them to make a positive impact with plenty of people who think just like you do.  Click on the Rotary logo below to visit their website.

Muskegon Rotary

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Safe Harbor Christian Ministries - A New Center in Muskegon

He doesn't let bumps in the road stop him.  No getting past the fact that Rev. Robert Teszlewicz is resilient when it comes to Muskegon and taking care of the people in it.  We first met the Reverend when he opened "The Center" in Muskegon Heights and then we followed him to the location in North Muskegon and now, Laketon Avenue is the place of his new outreach, and hopefully the last of his renting a moving truck for a while.

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Safe Harbor Christian Ministries offers programs and presentations about anti bullying, suicide prevention and intervention, pregnant teens, teen parents and youth life plans.  The also strive to offer a place that people can be a part of a group that won't judge, bully or otherwise make people feel uncomfortable.  Our world is increasingly jaded and opinion is often spread without thought to consequence and if you have to deal with that along with trying to find your way in life while growing up....it's an awful lot to bear.

The new location on Laketon offers spaces for meeting as a group, game nights for people and hopefully will become a true resource for anyone who'd like to take advantage of their offerings or better yet...offer some help to those who are dealing with such problems.  You can be a dance instructor, a tutor, life planning, esteem building....are you seeing the theme?  If you'd like to help build people up...or if you need a hand, we try and find the resources for ya!

Safe Harbor Ministries on Facebook

Essentially, the message is that there are people here for you in Muskegon that are willing to be a source for respite, advise and help if you are struggling. Sure, teens often find this kind of thing much more prominent in their lives, but there are those who have been there before and want to help...and for those looking for a hand, there are places that won't be judgmental.  It helps build a safety net in the community when people know there are trusted places for them to build a network of support.

I got caught up with the good Rev. once again to hear the story and more over, find out what drives him through some of the bumps in the road.  Take a listen to our chat below.

It's out third visit with Rev. Robert Teszlewicz at his third place in a year.  I think it's pretty safe to say his commitment to the people of Muskegon and areas surrounding is steadfast and he's doing all he can to help address some of the issues society and young people face today.  Like to take a second to thank Rev. Robert for inviting us back and if you'd like to know more, you can visit their website below for some of the different things offered at Safe Harbor Christian Ministries.

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The Michigan Irish Music Festival September 15th-18th in Muskegon

I remember back years ago, I was asked at the radio station "Hey, can you do a remote on Friday?"  "Sure - where?"  "Heritage Landing, some new Irish Festival."  That was 1999 or 2000 as I recall.

Who knew that "Some new Irish Festival" would turn into what is now a national attraction for all things Irish and a festival that has grown to epic proportions and become a staple in West Michigan and the Midwest.

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In 2016 The Michigan Irish Music Festival happens again September 13th-15th at Heritage Landing in Muskegon and as you can expect it's grown again and offers more to see an do than can be packed into one day.  Music, food, entertainment, story tellers, cooks, vendors, displays, a Catholic Mass...language lessons, bagpipes, dancing, athletics....you get the idea.  It's a big endeavor and a marquee event for Muskegon.

It's grown so much that it takes 956 volunteers to put it on.  It takes multiple sites all constructed at Heritage Landing and it takes a focus dedicated to customer service and an all around entertainment that has been awarded repeatedly....copied often and envied by many festival organizers all over the country.  Artists from Ireland come to play...authenticity to Irish tradition is paramount and the experience for attendees is second to none.

 What was once kind of the "end of the Summer party" has become the top festival in Muskegon and it's because of the hard work of their dedicated board of directors of 21 people who all dedicate their time and energy to producing this festival.  Not to mention the incredible army of people who work on site during the weekend and the sponsors who all believe in the rich rewards that a festival of this magnitude brings to Muskegon.



I was able to catch up with Chris Zahrt who's been with the festival since day 1 to learn a little more about this years event.  Take a listen.

It's something to be very proud of and something to protect.  It's a jewel of an event and the work of so many should be respected, rewarded and above all... reveled in!  It's still a pretty good sign that the end of the Summer is here, and the long cold months ahead will keep us cooped up inside for a while.  It's time to get out and celebrate one last time....enjoy friends and neighbors and quite a few visitors coming in to our little neck of the woods!  Many thanks to Chris Zahrt for taking a minute to talk about this years festival.  If you'd like more information or tickets...click on the link below!

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The United Way's Day of Caring - Kicking off The Fund Raising Campaign For Human Needs

This week, we welcomed The United Way of the Lakeshore to Positively Muskegon as a sponsor, and honestly...it's an honor.  To have a group like the United Way recognize the work we do at Positively Muskegon to tell the story of our community in a better light.  It's kind of validation to know that a group that works so hard to make Muskegon better sees value in what we do!  Thanks to the United Way!

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We'd have been here telling the story of the United Way Day of Caring regardless of the sponsorship because it's important to let you know just what kind of work the United Way is doing around town and the lives they touch.  The United Way continues to focus on the A.L.I.C.E. program which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.  To sum it up, ALICE is a program for the working poor who somehow survive day in and day out in an increasingly expensive word and struggle to make ends meet.

Learn More About ALICE

The United Way helps agencies like The Salvation Army and Community enCompass who are on the street level every day offering assistance to people with everything from food pantry needs, to housing assistance, clothing, neighborhood building, places for people to do their laundry and use a computer if they need one.  Simply put...The United way relies on you to fund the activities they do to build community and help those who need a hand up.  You can see...just the couple of agencies mentioned here help weave the fabric of stronger communities and a brighter future.







I was able to make it down to the Muskegon Farmers Market as the United Way Day of Caring was happening and I asked for a little different type setting for some points of view.  I asked the United Way to find me three different points of view on the impact the United Way has and what the Day of Caring means to each of the guests.  I met Eric Jepsen, Matt Kaley and Brandon Steury to learn more  Take a listen to our interview below!

It's a lot of work and a lot of people that make the United Way of the Lakeshore the remarkable organization it is.  They reach much deeper than the ALICE program and their work helps strengthen our community and others around the country.  Your part in the help is contributing what you can.  Be it time, talent or treasure an active role in the community is important for everyone.  If you'd like to know more about the United Way of the Lakeshore, click on their logo below!

Visit the United Way of the Lakeshore Online

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The United Way is the subject of this article and does not endorse any political candidates who have a paid ad on the blog 

Rock Against Abuse September 10th at Hackley Park in Muskegon

Muskegon is long known for it's music scene!  We've had a great bunch of musicians and bands over the years and they have all kept people entertained at local bars, community party's and festivals as well. Some have made it all the way to "The Big Time" while others settle for a great crowd on a weekend night providing the soundtrack to the party.  Know this though.. Muskegon bands are no different than any of us.  They can combine to be a force for good and make a difference in lives.


This Saturday, Rock Against Abuse will prove just that at Hackley Park.  From 12n-7p fans will have a chance to check out some of their favorite bands in the cool and comfy setting of Downtown Muskegon and the stunning setting of Hackely Park.

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You'll get to check out Lakeshore Drive, Two Heded Chan, Product of Society, Of All We Cherish, Bianca Luz, Minus Two, Biffy the Beat Slayer,  and Kill Tomorrow.  Best part is, you can catch them all outside in the open air as opposed to some dark bar setting, not that there is anything wrong with a dark bar setting.  :)  It's going to be a loud afternoon for sure, but the big part of it all, is that it's a benefit for the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon.



The need is great and the services offered are immense when it comes to the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon.  They serve thousands of people in the Muskegon Area annually and they always find innovative and fun ways to raise a few bucks to continue their work.  Rebel Road is a big one, but it takes a sustained annual presence to make sure those effected by abuse are cared for, or the abuse is stopped before it starts.

Rock Against Abuse on Facebook

It's an all hands on deck effort by a lot of local people who want to do their part.  James Saville was able to take a few minutes out of his day at Excelsior Computers to talk a little about the event and what fans can expect Downtown Muskegon this Saturday.  Take a listen to our chat below.

We all do our part in Muskegon.  It's one of the best parts of being here.  No matter the nitch, someone finds a way to fill it while showcasing our local talent, beauty and state of mind.  If we can raise a few bucks for a worthy cause and have a good time doing it....let's do it!  Tickets for Rock Against Abuse will be available at Hackley Park next Saturday. Admission is $5 bucks and all proceeds go to the Child Abuse Council.  For the official Rock Against Abuse website, click on their logo below!

The Red Project - Empowering People to Make Positive Change

Right from the get go, I'd like to tell you....I am not sure that this story is for everyone.  There are those who will disagree with the path, the purpose and methods of The Red Project.  I am right in the middle of all the arguments and I am not sure exactly where I stand on all of this....but....the story deserves to be told so those in need can make a step in the right direction, even if it's a baby step to change their life and get past the issues they face with a clean bill of health and new awareness of how great life can be.

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Addiction is real.  To be honest....addiction is a growing problem and if you think it's limited to booze....you need a wake up call.  Heroin is killing people on a daily basis.  West Michigan has a serious problem with it right now as I have heard that heroin is easier to get and costs less than marijuana.  Again, that is just what I have heard through different people....I'd hope they are all wrong, but chances are...they are not.

The Red Project began in Grand Rapids but is putting down some roots in the Muskegon area too.  The goal of the program is to recognize addiction, the problems associated with addiction and provide the tools and education necessary to help people begin to recover while protecting their health the best they can.  The Red Project offers clean syringes, overdose protection and education, HIV resting and counseling and peer groups to help those who have found themselves caught in the world of addiction and can't seem to find their way out.  Trust me....I know the feeling all too well of not having a place to turn and in as much as I recognize the thought by some that a program like this enables drug use...drug use or alcoholism is not an over night fix in someones life.

The Red Project Online

I first heard about the program from Echo Brown of The Red Project when she contacted me about the upcoming event called "The Truth" at the Frauenthal Center on October 13th.




I'll be telling my story of alcoholism and addiction, Nate Johnson will discuss his days as a crack dealer and Anny Donewald will be talking about the sex trafficking industry and her work to get women out of it.  It's going to be a powerful night of speakers and there will be groups like The Red Project on hand to tell you more about their work and how you can get help if you need it.  I had a chance to catch up with Brandon Hool to learn a little more.  Take a listen to the video below.

I hope that this article is met with an open mind.  I understand the resistance to enabling people....but I also understand that there are those who are truly lost in a world they never imagined their life would be in and that thye can't find the way out.  It's sad...it's scary and until an addict is ready for change, I guess offering a way to prevent the complications that can be associated with addiction is a step in the right direction.  If you'd like to know more about The Red Project, click on their logo below and thanks to Echo Brown for taking the time out to talk about the work going on.  Hope comes in many forms whether we can see it or not.  Here's some hope for those still suffering from addiction.  If you'd like to meet the people from The Red Project - they will be at "The Truth" on October 13th.  You can click on the image below for more details.

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