In The Spotlight
Muskegon is not just a place of the past anymore. There are more and more business popping up all over especially in the down town area. I have the great pleasure of bringing you an exclusive with what is going to be one of the hottest new establishments downtown.
Burl and Sprig is the perfect marriage between rugged aged wisdom and the new centric that is oh so hot right now. Burl and Sprig is the trademarked brand baby of the West Michigan Rum Company. When you walk into the doors of their new bar also named Burl and Sprig you are going to be amazed with the atmosphere that was meticulously though out. Owners Cody and Peter had picked and designed everything. A lot of the supplies used to bring the space together is from right here in Muskegon. 
Burl and Sprig on Facebook
Burl and Sprig on FacebookCody and Pete want you to have the full experience so they are not stopping with their bar, they are carrying it over to everything that will be available on the menu as well. Talking with these men you can see the excitement and the passion for everything that they are doing, starting with their rum. I don’t know if you now this but San Francisco holds the Worlds Spirits Competition. This is a long running and prestigious competition. In 2019 Cody and Pete entered a rum that was aged 23 years called Migration and won a Double Gold metal. The men also entered an 8 year aged rum called Touche that won a silver. Along with these rums you will also be able to purchase one of a kind cocktails hand crafted by professional mixologists with all of its ingredients crafted on site right in front of you. From the words of co owner Cody, it’s a “Rum-centric" experience from beginning to end. From hand carved ice chunks to the forced carbon infused, white chocolate truffle top cocktails, this new addition is sure to empress even the novice of connoisseurs. I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to their soft opening at the end of this, beginning of next month.
To learn a little more, click on the West Michigan Rum Company Logo below! Our very best wishes to the new company in Muskegon.
Parties in the Park! Our weekly Summer gathering spot wraps up the 35th season of fun this coming Friday August 23rd. It's been an awesome season once again of making the best use of our centrally located urban paradise. Pretty much, every week, all Summer long the beer flows, the chat ensues, music is played, friends are caught up with and we all kind of exhale after a long week of making Muskegon happen. But like just about anything in Muskegon, we've found a way to add purpose to the party and give back through a good time and make a difference for some of our area organizations who do for others. 
Visit Parties in the Park Online
Yes, every week at Party in the Park, a different non profit is selected to help run the show and reap the rewards of the gathering. The non profit pitches in with the set up, serving and clean up while the board of directors for Party in the Park takes care of things like sponsorship's, booking the bands, renting the port-a-johns etc. It's a pairing that ends up making a difference for a lot of very worthy causes over the Summer, and a great way to give back.
As we approach the finale, they have really gone all out on the big finish. This Friday, Parties in the Park is welcoming a national name! Laith Al-Saadi was a finalist on NBC's "The Voice" and has numourous tour credits to his name. Big names too loke Bob Seger, BB King and more. He's bringing a brand of Blues/Rock that Muskegon will absolutely LOVE and sticking with Parties in the Park tradition...won't cost you a penny to get in an see the show!
I met up with Tracie Kuhn who's a member of that committee who helps pull it all together. Take a listen to our chat about this staple of life in Muskegon as it gets set to sail into the sunset with a bang this season!
A good time for all! We in Muskegon have to figure out innovative ways to make things happen. What better way than to utilize our centerpiece every week, all Summer to gather as a community and enjoy the company? As one season closes, another is planned for and the 2020 season of Parties in the Park should be bigger, and better than ever thanks to the dedicated committee and amazing groups that come together to remind us all, that we really are one big giant neighborhood here in Muskegon. If you'd like a sampling of Laith's music, please follow the link under his picture to visit his website
It's a special series we're heading in to part two of this week. The Walk to End Alzheimer's is coming up at Heritage Landing on September 21st and with Andy O'Riley being asked to be the spokesmen for the organization in Muskegon this year, we thought it best to take Andy's skills and put them to use by sharing a story with you from a front line perspective. How can you make such a complicated disease which effects everyone differently understandable and help motivate people who may otherwise not know much about Alzheimer's Disease until it creeps into their life? 
Follow the Muskegon Walk to End Alzheimer's on Facebook
Well, you find someone who's been a miracle worker living with the disease. Pretty simple.
Kelly DeVos is a Co Chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer's this year in Muskegon, but when she and Andy met, she simply got a hold of him to see if he would emcee the walk in 2018. As their friendship grew, and the request was made for Andy to take a little bigger role, it was pretty clear to Andy that there was a HUGE story to tell inside her, and it was on him to get her to tell it.
While Kelly was dealing with her dad with Alzheimer's, she was also a single mom, a career woman and giving up her time to help others. As she puts it and has tried to teach her kids, "We might not always have money to give, but we have time...and we all need to give something back."
In part two, Kelly is going to talk about what triggered Alzheimer's in her father and the early signs of symptoms. We'll let you know in advance, there are moments of laughter, some of fear, some of hope and some of utter frustration. This is a very open, honest and intimate conversation about a disease that sooner or later, we will all be touched by in one way or another. Take a listen to Part 2 of Tuesday's With Kelly on The Muskegon Channel.
Part three is coming up next week. Kelly's dad has gotten to the point where he can't live on his own anymore and as you've seen with Kelly's story so far, family is first. We'll hear about her life at home with her dad and Alzheimer's Disease in a week. If you'd like to know more about the Muskegon Walk to End Alzheimer's or sign yourself or a team up, click on the logo below to visit the website.
It's quite an occasion coming up for the Disability Network of West Michigan. 20 years of service is a worthwhile occasion to celebrate the work that has gone in to advocate, educate, empower and provide resources for people with disabilities. While it might not be a household name like some of the other agencies you are familiar with, the work that goes on with the Disability Network of West Michigan is substantial and even though it's been almost 30 years since the Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law, there is still a great need for their work. 
Tickets to the 20th Anniversary Luncheon
It's not that people generally ignore the Americans With Disabilities Act, quite often...it's a matter of an oversight, lack of knowledge or simply not understanding. People with disabilities account for roughly 20% of the population in the United States, which creates the largest minority group. We hear so much talk about diversity and inclusion in today's day and age, but those with disabilities are quite often left out of the conversation. From providing resources to business and community to working with government to offer thoughts and best practices the West Michigan Disability Network is the only consumer controlled, community based, cross disability, nonresidential, private non profit agency that provides and array of services and is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities. It's a pretty remarkable group who promote personal empowerment and promote positive social change for people with disabilities.
By the numbers, the Disability Network of West Michigan has served 2,277 individuals in Muskegon and surrounding counties. 2,131 hours of individual and systems advocacy, 179 students receiving youth services, 843 consumer goals attained and 2,567 information and referrals completed. They are an agency based on action and their actions lead to better lives for those they serve and our community in general.
I met up with Diane Fleser and Jeffery VanDyke at the Disability Network to talk about their agency as well as the luncheon coming up on September 25th at the Folkert Community Hub. Take a listen.
Nice to see Jeff again. We met him a while back here on the Muskegon Channel talking about his freelance graphic design, now....he's on board at the Disability Network making it happen! Diane, Jeff, Dana and everyone else at the Disability Network are just wonderful people and as mentioned in the video, they are the go to source in our area for anything you might need by way of help, knowledge or resources when it comes to the ADA. To learn more about the Disability Network of West Michigan click on their logo below! Please plan on attending their luncheon September 20th to support their great work.
I met up with Aaron Parker, an aquatic biologist for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), formerly the Department of Environmental Quality or DEQ, last weekend. We had a short discussion about harmful algae, which has been in the news lately. Specifically, we talked about cyanobacteria, but most people know it more as toxic blue-green algae (even though it is not algae). Under certain conditions, some types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals. Not all blue-green algae are toxic, but it is not possible to tell by looking. Tests are done to determine this, but Aaron says even if is there is blue-green algae that does not test as toxic, to stay away, as that could change. 
Learn More About Algae Online
Learn More About Algae OnlineWhat causes these harmful algae blooms? They happen from summer into fall, when our lakes are warm. The blooms form when the lakes are calm – winds usually disperse them. The essential ingredient is nutrients -- phosphorus and nitrogen from lawns, stormwater or agricultural runoff, and sewage from septic tanks or treatment plants. (Note to lakefront property owners: green lawns to the lake’s edge help to promote algae growth; sometimes these harmful types.) Invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels have made the lakes even more susceptible to the harmful algae. The blooms can last for days or even a few months. There are a number of different types of algae in our lakes, but blue-green algae stand out – the blooms look like oil or paint slicks across the top of the water.
Exposure to the toxic blooms can cause skin rashes or breathing problems. Swallowing lots of water, like kids do, could cause flu-like illnesses or even harm a person’s nervous system. Breathing in toxics from water spray – while on a boat or jet ski -- can cause skin and throat irritation. A big concern is for animals, such as dogs, as they can drink lots of water while swimming and playing. The best plan of action is to keep dogs away from and out of water if harmful algae are suspected, and also, if the presence of toxins is confirmed.
If you suspect there are harmful algae blooms in a lake by you, the best advice is: “When in doubt, stay out!”
People can email photos to EGLE, if they suspect the harmful is present in their lake. Watch the video for the email address and other information, and see more at EGLE’s page on harmful algae blooms, or click on their logo above to visit their website.
Note to White Lake area folks: if you think Aaron looks familiar, it may be because you know his father, Dan Parker, a longtime Montague native and environmentally minded resident. Protecting the environment runs in the family!
Time to get your move on, but motionless. HUH? It's episode 111 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel and this time it's about using some steady resistance to work those muscles by holding a position for a set amount of time. Seems easy right? Well, let's find out. It's a practice in stability, stamina and core strength. There are so many different ways to stay in shape and having Becky as a Certified Personal Trainer on the Muskegon Channel gives you the opportunity to try different methods and finding what works best for you.
As you advance with your workout programs, maybe you want to make the jump to a group setting or a one on one training setting, Becky offers both. You can join her at The Gym in North Muskegon or you can set up what works best for you. It's a commitment to a better you and working with Becky will make it fun, interesting and show you the value of your personal health.
Like any workout, please consult a physician first to make sure you are able to do this or any other work out. Warm up, stretch out and hop to it! It's episode 111 of Fit and Healthy with Becky on The Muskegon Channel.
Done and done! Come back later and do it again! Tell some friends or better yet, share it around and create a group. It's all about you and getting you to a point where it's fun and purposeful. There is no right or wrong time to start. It's just a matter of the inspiration and spark to get ya going. We're happy to give you that first step every week with Becky! You can visit her website by clicking below.
Lori and husband, John, own Lundell Farms, right in the heart of a lovely forested setting in Muskegon County. They wanted healthy food for their family, so they planted a garden. Next came the chickens. Then some pigs, turkeys, and lambs. And that’s how Lundell Farms happened!
City Leaders affirms hate has no home in Muskegon. In the meantime they cannot make any comments during active investigation in regards to a city police officer of being in possession of certain items associated with a hate group.
A little over a year ago, Andy O was asked to emcee the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Muskegon. Not a stretch really, kind of what he does. Over the years, between Positively Muskegon and The Muskegon Channel, we've covered the events that go along with the Walk to End Alzheimer's because sooner or later, just like cancer, everyone will know someone who's been effected by Alzheimer's Disease. It's a dreadful condition that deteriorates memory first and slowly kills those suffering while their entire life is washed away and their friends and family are left watching helplessly while the once strong fade into a world no one ever imagined.
As we've worked together and after the emcee thing, the "ask" for a hand got a little bigger from the Alzheimer's Association. Andy was given the honor of being asked to be the Spokesman for The Alzheimer's Association for Muskegon. After the initial shock passed...ya, he's an OK emcee and all, but a role like that...um...well, it was a great honor and Andy said yes. But, how do you speak for so many who have all experienced the same disease, with different onsets.....different progressions....different symptoms in different people and only one known outcome...a sad ending. So, how do you tell a story you have limited knowledge about? You find an expert. 
Follow The Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on Facebook
When asked to emcee, the call came from Kelly DeVos. Kelly works at Shelby State Bank and her father is suffering with Alzheimer's Disease. Kelly is also a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and got involved because she wants to do her part for what's happening with her father. Kelly was recently married to Matt who's mother also suffered from Alzheimer's. They are a great couple with a lot of first hand experience "in the trenches" if you will, when it comes to this disease. Most of the time though, Kelly was a single mom of 4 while she was also taking care of her father and trying to find answers, hope and maintain a home. She's simply put, an amazingly powerful, humble and incredible person who sets an example for all about persistence, the true value of family and balance. Andy and Kelly struck up a friendship after that initial contact and as it grew, so did the idea of how can the story of Alzheimer's best be told.
It took a lot of nerve for Kelly to sit down for this series of 4 interviews. But her mission is very clear on the subject. She's out to give courage, strength and hope to others who are in the same fight as she is with Alzheimer's. Over the next few weeks, leading up to the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Muskegon, we hope that you will follow this incredibly open and honest discussion about living with and caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease. You'll learn some early warning signs, you'll hear about the heavy toll it takes on the person, the family and how close it can be to bringing people to the breaking point. There are no holds barred...the only edit you'll find in any of the 4 interviews is where a battery died, and if you follow this conversation...you'll see in no short order just how devastating and dangerous this currently incurable disease is.
Our first chat, is about life before and up to the diagnosis with Alzheimer's Disease. We are very proud to present our first edition of Tuesday with Kelly on The Muskegon Channel.
A short introduction and there is so much more to come. It all leads up to the Walk to End Alzheimer's which is coming up at Heritage Landing on September 21st. You can form a team. Walk as an individual. Be a sponsor of the event or, just come down and learn a little more. See first hand those who battle and those who provide care and be a part of the quest to one day, hopefully find a cure for this horrible disease. You'll find the link below for the Alzheimer's Association in our area. Click on it and get involved. Come back next Tuesday too for the second part of our conversation where we talk about the first signs Kelly saw in her dad and the early diagnosis.
It was a picture perfect day for a boat race on the beautiful banks of Bear Lake in North Muskegon. August 10th saw the Cardboard Boat Regatta brought to you by J. Nedeau Realtor. We were contacted months ago about the idea of being part of a build your own boat event as part of the North Muskegon Family Funfest. We jumped at the chance because who doesn't love a tired and true event where a little innovation and some willingness to sink or swim can prove to be a pretty good time! 
City of North Muskegon Online
It started off with a boat show at the beverage tent! Competitors lined their boats up for the Peoples Choice Awards. Not all of the boats were present, but a nice showing none the less while Yard Sale Underwear rocked the crowd. Some boats had yet to even be built....so....that's another story. Teams arrived, rules were set and we took a few minutes to meet up with the competitors, talk a little strategy and smack and then get ready meet up on the beautiful shores of Bear Lake.
We've put it all together in a little video that you'll have some fun watching. Take a look at the Cardboard Boat Regatta sponsored by J. Nedeau Realtor at the North Muskegon Family Funfest.
The City of North Muskegon is filled with friendly and awesome people who really know how to put on a great time. Events from the Art Fair, to the Taste of North Muskegon...the Foam Pit looked like a great time...the Beverage Tent the massive parade and more...the North Muskegon Family Fun Fest is a staple of our area when it comes to Summer fun. Our thanks to the teams, the spectators, J. Nedeau Realtor and everyone involved in the fun! We hope you enjoyed the recap of the Cardboard Boat Regatta!
You wake up and are ready for a new Fit and Healthy with Becky and the headline reads a "ball". Well, we didn't mean to give you the impression that you were going dancing or anything, but...being in better shape will help make you a better dancer, runner, whatever you want to be...so there's that.
We're welcoming Pro Med of Muskegon on as a sponsor of The Muskegon Channel and Positively Muskegon. It's quite an honor for us as they want to get the word out about what they are offering to people who are looking to start a career or possibly make a career change to be a part of the fascinating and very fast paced world of the First Responder community. Let's go back a little to tell you how this all came about though.
About six years ago, Renae Hesselink, vice-president of sustainability for Nichols Paper & Supply Company in Norton Shores, made the decision to go solar. As a sustainability professional, she is knowledgeable about the benefits of going green, and especially the benefits to the planet. Sustainability means incorporating economic, social, and environmental goals to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Renae found a company who agreed to train local workers to do the solar installation. This was important to her, so her community would benefit as well. The cost was $15,000, minus $5,000 she received back as a federal tax incentive. She uses electricity for lights, appliances, and air conditioning. Heat for her home is provided by natural gas.)
Renae began receiving payback for her investment immediately. Annually, she generates about 70% of the electric that she uses from solar, from around April through October or sometimes even into November or December. She has no electric bill except for the add on fees everyone pays. By her estimate, she will have paid herself back by about ----. The 16 solar panels on her roof also have upped her property value, approximately 4 percent according to a recent study.
And of course, Renae appreciates that she is reducing her carbon emissions, responsible for warming the earth’s surface and creating a climate crisis. Solar energy is clean and renewable. For more information on solar energy, see either site linked below!
There's a long road ahead for the beginnings of a new hockey team, league, concept and venue in Muskegon....but like we've seen in Muskegon more than once, sometimes when the odds seem stacked against something, Muskegon is the perfect spot to put down a couple of seeds, tend them properly and watch them grow. Everyone in and around this new venture that should be getting off the ground this Fall in Muskegon is working to have that recipe for success repeat itself and if it does, well, it would be a great addition to the storied sports history we have and add another chapter to what we have happening now! 
Follow the Muskegon Voyagers On Facebook
The brewing got under was a couple of years ago actually. It was the initial talks for the new "I.H.L" the Interstate Hockey League which was being formed to give players post college a chance to keep playing and maintain their skills. It was also a dream to be able to give hockey fans another league to follow at their local arena's that might not have had a team for a while. Places like Holland, Lansing, Fraser and Port Huron. Sure, Muskegon makes the list too but we've been "Hockey Town West" since the beginning of time so it's only natural to have a single A pro team want to play here.
Right now...try out camps have happened. We've also gotten to the point where the team, and league is looking for some sponsorship's. They are also just starting to get the word out about the team, arena and how they hope to fold into Muskegon's sports scene. I met up with Muskegon Voyagers General Manager Alex Hoffman to learn a little more about how it's all coming together at Lakeshore Sports Center, which will serve as home ice for the Muskegon Voyagers, take a listen.
A big endeavor, with humble beginnings...just the kind of thing we like to cover! Alex and his team are going to be working their tails off to launch this and like we've seen time and time again in Muskegon...it's that grit...that drive and determination that makes us who we are. We shall see. Best of luck to the Voyagers on getting yet another offering to Muskegon's avid sports fans up and off the ground. We've got it all. Football, basketball, hockey, soccer, auto racing, figure skating and of course high school athletics that can't be matched! It's a great time to be a Muskegon sports fan! Click on the photo below to visit the Muskegon Voyagers website!
A move to the beautiful surroundings of Ross Park in Norton Shores this week! Becky is gearing up for the BIG Arts and Dash 5k and wanted to give you a glimpse of the setting for the event coming up, so for the next few weeks we'll be making use of one of our areas most tranquil and scenic areas in Muskegon County.
One of the best parts about this weeks episode is that you get a way to add a little extra to your work out without the need for buying any equipment or really going out of your way to do more than find a bench...or in this case, a picnic table. Becky is going to show you how to make a useful tool out of your body and a little added resistance from every day items!
As always, warm up, stretch out and consult a physician before you begin this or any other work out program! Stay hydrated with plenty of water and let's go! It's episode 109 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel.
Boom! A great way to enjoy the great outdoors and change up the routine a little! Becky is a Certified Personal Trainer. She offers group or one on one settings to help you get to or maintain personal goals for health and fitness. She's also the Race Director for the Arts and Dash 5k coming up and if you're up for a great event targeted at any fitness level, click on the photo below to get yourself signed up!
Summer is still in full swing. Even with schools starting early there is still so much for you to pack in before that first day back. Thursday August 8th North Muskegon will be kicking off there Northside Family Fun Fest with a Parade starting at 7:30pm. The parade will begin at Fleming St. head down Ruddiman dr. and end on Charles St. You will not want to miss this one because there will be over 100 entries.
Make sure not to make plans for Friday night on August 9th because you are not going to want to miss all of the yummy food that the Taste of Northside will have to offer. Not to mention there will be a beer tent, Live music (Yard Sale Underwear), pony rides, a car display and so much more.
The fun continues Saturday August 10th with the art fair in Walker Park from 9am-4pm. Along with the Art Fair, Walker Park with also be holding the kid’s expo, candy scramble and a Frozen Yogurt Eating Contest that is being sponsored by Yodels Frozen Yogurt. The festivities continue through the day with so many more fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including the nightcap with the fireworks at dusk over Bear Lake Beach.
For a full List of the events, activities and times throughout the whole Northside Family Fun Fest you can visit the links below.
It was an awesome night in Downtown Muskegon! The Frauenthal Center seemed to be the focal point with the US Coast Guard Band playing a huge and patriotic concert upstairs and Muskegon Tonight Live happening in the lower level of the building at the delicious and intimate setting of the Smash Wine Bar and Bistro!
Sure the July episode happened on the 1st of August, but July is a very busy month in Muskegon...so to have an extra week to exhale with all the July events going on didn't seem to matter to anyone.
We talked about the Muskegon County Veterans millage that's up for renewal with Michael Baauw. How they manage to provide more services to our veterans with less money than bigger counties and how the amount of the millage has not gone up in 25 years. We also had some fun talking about the Burning Foot Beer Festival coming up at Pere Marquette in August, Allen Serio is the event director and came by with some free tickets and the North Muskegon Family Fun Fest is coming up quick! North Muskegon City Clerk Lee Ann Clausen come on to talk about the events and fun for everyone!
Here's the show in it's entirety if you missed it! We had a great crowd and a great time!
It was all done in an hour! (We're known to run over a little) We can't thank our guests enough and Smash is an awesome setting for such a great show! We are however thinking that we might shake it up a little...stay tuned for some details on that...in the meantime...if you'd like to know more about what's going on with any of our guests, click on the links below and find their websites!
It's a one stop spot for all things important to the senior citizen community. It's also a chance for seniors to get together and catch up on what's new, what's going on and maybe get a little info on somethings that are interesting, informative and enlightening when it comes to health, security, lifestyle and more. It's happening at Orchard View High School on August 9th and it's free to all who'd like to come courtesy of the Senior Marketing Group of Muskegon. 
Find SMG on Facebook
The event gets under way bright and early Friday the 9th at 9 a.m. with registration and some touring of the event. Vendor booths will be open from 9-1 showcasing great products and services all tailored to the needs of the aging community. There will also be complimentary screenings for things like blood pressure, veins, hearing checks, balance checks and more. Maybe even a manicure.....fancy! Some points of interest might be their break out sessions. Floral arrangement....bird watching...a session on care giver burn out to address how those caring for someone with a terminal illness has to cope with all they are feeling. How to stay young for the first 100 years? They will be talking about that! Veterans needs...insurance dealing with Medicare and Medicaid and more. It's open to seniors...adults and anyone who'd like to know more about these topics.
It all wraps up with a couple of speakers at the end where everyone will gather and some fun prizes will be given out along with raffles and more! It's a day packed with so much and it's all put on, for free, by the Senior Marketing Group who work to help business that serve older adults connect with them to develop relationships and provide what they need the most.
Lisa Luckey is with the Senior Marketing Group, we met up at The Day Spring Assisted Living Center to talk about all that's to come if you can make it out, take a listen.
So much to do and see, and a free lunch! This is a splendid day focusing on seniors and their needs. It's also a great way to get out of the house for a while, spend a little time socializing and picking up some info on things. It's a free event so, make plans to head on out to Orchard View High School and enjoy the fun and info! You can click on the photo below to visit Senior Resources website.
I point out in this interview of White Lake area musician Tommy Foster that when I first met him when he was a teen, the first thought that came into my mind was that he would have a unique life path ahead of him.Not only has he confirmed this by his choice of career, but also when we met for the interview. He suggested sitting in the “seat” of a huge tree. (I had thought we would sit in the gazebo by White Lake.) Neither of us could make the climb, so we ended up standing in front of the massive trunk. No one else so far has suggested we climb into a tree for an interview!
I was truly honored to interview Tommy. He is one of our area’s treasures, a homegrown musician, beloved by his hometown folks and well beyond. He is known for being part of Foster and Popps, the Foster Kids, and being a solo performer for over a quarter of a century. He currently plays with the FAN Club, whose original members include: Tommy, Justin Avdek, and Scott Nesbit (FAN --from their last names). Additional members are Ezekiel Kinney, Eric Engblade, Rich King, John King, Mike Lynch, Mark Lavengood, Drew Howard, Chas Millican, Everett Domeier, and Jeffrey Niemeier. He is also a former member of the Echoes of Pink Floyd production.
Tommy says one influence has been his mother, Virginia Foster, who played the violin. He’s painfully honest when he relays how he was flunking out of college and a guidance counselor helped him to determine his interests. The results indicated he should be a mortician or musician. True . . . He took music theory, found it held his interest, and the rest is history.
Tommy sings and plays many instruments, including acoustic and electric guitar, lap steel guitar, and he dabbles in pedal steel guitar, piano, mandolin, and bass guitar. He has been influenced by country music, blues, folk, bluegrass, R & B, rock, jazz, classical, and even heavy metal.
Life as a full-time musician isn’t easy. It involves lots of time on the road. One week, Tommy might be in Chelsea, a few days later, back here in Whitehall, for a concert at the Montague bandshell like he was last week. A lot of perseverance.
His advice to aspiring musicians is likewise, to persevere. Keep the music going, and work at whatever job you have to as you build a musical career.
You can find Tommy Foster or the FAN Club on Facebook - Click on image below. As I always tell folks, if you have not heard Tommy Foster yet for some strange reason, you should -- right away!
Tommy Foster Facebook
