We're back in the new hot spot for warm comfort food in Muskegon Heights, Soul Filled Eatery with Chef LaKisha Harris and today, it's going to be an amazing combo with a little assistance from her assistant and incredible chef in her own right LaToya Blackshire.

If you've spent any time in or around Downtown Muskegon and become a fan of any of the offerings of the food trucks that have been becoming more and more popular, chances are you've been able to spot the wagon that's painted up like no other with the beautiful colors, bold words and overall message of peace and love that's run by Tacitus Nana-Kwesi Yabani.  "Tac" as those who know him refer to him for short moved here from Ghana not so long ago and has since become a fixture of the Muskegon community.  His food is amazing, his character is unforgettable and he's added a little bit of the "old country" into all of our lives with a spirit that is unmistakable and inviting.  To Tac, a stranger is literally a friend he's not met yet and it shows in everything he does.  His vehicle for introductions.... FOOD!

We've been so lucky this year to be able to showcase the incredible talents of our area young people.  With the state of affairs, their hard work over years and years building up to their chance to shine in front of a crowd has dwindled a little but just because the auditoriums can't be filled with the sounds of the season, that doesn't mean that these kids shouldn't be celebrated.  In fact...if they can't be in the local auditorium, let's go all in and put them out there for the entire world to see on multiple platforms, screens of all sizes and let people watch anytime they like.  Take that COVID.  Muskegon ALWAYS finds a way!

Welcome to another visit to the Soul Filled Eatery Kitchen with LaKisha Harris!  The Soul Filled Eatery is located on Glade Street in Muskegon Heights and serves up some of the most delicious meals you can find anywhere along with the warmth and hospitality you'll only find in a place that's dedicated to making you feel at home. The recipes are handed down by the generation, the sense of community is building from her little spot and the people are coming in from all over West Michigan to try what's coming out of the service window.  We've seen plenty of posts from Grand Rapids, Holland and even Detroit where destination diners are heading to Muskegon for a little slice of Soul Filled!

"The Orchard View Show Choir did the "Zoom thing" and they mastered it.  It's as good as you've seen on any of the networks by producers who make a lot more than anyone in schools and the idea behind it all, is to give our local kids a chance to shine, when it seemed that all might be lost to a year that's taken more than it's deserved!  So, as they say, without further adieu... Ladies and Gentlemen...The Orchard View Show Choir!"

"Looking back over the past 10 years was not only fun and rewarding, but it was touching and heartwarming too. Seeing choir students from the past, always singing their hearts out for Muskegon and beyond, was simply wonderful. In the end, we did our best to include here some “fan and student favorites” with the idea of also doing our best to create a balanced and entertaining show. We knew too that we wanted to include at least a few things from this year’s choir, We decided on three auditioned specialty acts and felt including our entire choir, singing our classic “Siyahamba,” would also be most appropriate. "

This week Paranormal Muskegon talked with passed loved-one reader, Remote Viewer, and Seer, Rick Waid. He is the author of “Awakening of a Seer,” and “My Paranormal Journey, One Man’s Obsession.” He agreed to tell us about his ability to “See”, his paranormal work and remote viewing. 

Got a little Tiger Blood running through your veins?  A lot of people do and the name Ronnie Caviness Jr aka "The Slicer" is known for his playing days in a Muskegon Heights uniform as well as his prowess on social media platforms as he inserts a lot of joy in to what he sends out to the audience while he's doing a multitude of things, especially cooking!  He's got some smooth moves that LaKisha will get out of him before it's all said and done, so ladies, stick around not only for the recipe, but some wiggling. 

The Frauenthal Center is easily one of the premiere places in the State of Michigan for any kind of performance.  Being right here in Muskegon we are so very fortunate to have this beautifully ornate place to share some of the most incredible events and memories in, with the exception of 2020 of course when the best we can do is drive by the "Frau" and patiently wait for the day to come once again when the air is filled with music, the smells of the amazing food at Smash! down on the lower level are coming up and the lobby is buzzing with the chatter of friends gathering and catching up.  It will be back, it's a 100% fact.

We have a kindred spirit in Eric Zane.  We've shared similar backgrounds, we've decided that maybe it's a better chance to do what we love working for ourselves instead of a giant company where decisions are made by what's on a spread sheet and we've even spent some times guesting on each others shows to cross promote, have some fun and be a bit of mutual aid to one another.  After all, we're the little guys now when some of the other teams all still have giant transmitters, huge budgets, easier access and of course, the habit of just pushing a button and "there it is".  Yes, being in the digital world means that it takes a little more effort to get in touch with our content, but much like us at the Muskegon Channel, Eric Zane provides a premium product for listeners/viewers and is better equipped to give amazing value to those who sponsor his show.  We love knowing that Eric is only one trench away in the media pit. 

It's been a long and hard year.  No one is overly thrilled about much of anything and way back when in March, when we all first started hearing the messaging about "We're in this Together" we all assumed it would be a short time of inconvenience and once it was over, we'd be back to normal.  Well, March feels like 100 years ago.

2020 is a little "different'.  We are all making do with what we have.  It's not been an easy year by any stretch of the imagination for anyone.  We know this though.  This is Muskegon and if you look back over the last block of about 50 years, one thing has proven true time and time again.  We are the one community in all of West Michigan that is better at circling the wagons than anyone.  We are the one community in West Michigan that's better at rolling with the punches than anyone and we are the one community in West Michigan who's ability to be as one when the time comes...it's beyond compare.

You read it right, it's a Soul Filled episode of cooking with LaKisha Harris at Soul Filled Eatery on Glade Street in Muskegon Heights, however...since this week isn't exactly about chicken, we've shave this show so you can substitute the other bird that you may have in plenty supply...turkey!  After all, you'll probably have a lot left over and making something other than a sandwich, or hot sandwich, or just picking the turkey off the plate every time you open the fridge because you have to....ya, LaKisha has your back on that and she's doing it with ingredients that will keep the costs under $10! She calls it "Ballin' on a Budget"!

Paranormal Muskegon was back talking with Darren Dykhouse of Lakeshore Paranormal who has been busy chasing down those ghosts; including a late-night visit to historic Stimson Hospital in Eaton Rapids, the Felt Mansion and the Allegan County Jail. We first met Darren last spring when we had the chance to talk with him about the work that Lakeshore Paranormal does in the area.

Marie Cisneros has entertained thousands with her Paranormal Muskegon stories.  She's going to be taking a break from that for a while but...she's sticking around for the horoscope readings that seem to have taken off quickly!!  Starting off 2021 with a look into what's being predicted for you?  Have a listen!!  It's the January 1st Muskegon By The Stars!!

We've been filming at Kitchen 242 since we first met LaKisha Harris.  We had a pretty good idea that she was a rocket about to take off and things got rolling quick.  Like really quick.  She's now got her own place on Glade Street right on your way into town, she can barely make enough food to stay open her posted hours, and true to form, she's using her new found home, and spotlight to bring others right up with her!

Hope Project USA is the front line for victims of human sex trafficking in West Michigan. learn more or donate at HopeProjectUSA.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Text 231-750-7250 for a donation envelope.

It is time again for the City Of The Dead! In Muskegon, that means in addition to the usual pumpkin carving, candy corn and costumes; a walk through Muskegon’s historic Evergreen Cemetery is in order. But there is nothing to fear, unless you didn’t like history class. No worries; no pop quizzes afterwards. Paranormal Muskegon met up with my friend, Bruce Froelich at the cemetery located on Keating Street, Muskegon, Michigan to tell us all about the City of the Dead. Evergreen Cemetery is one of Muskegon’s oldest cemeteries and is the resting place of many of Muskegon’s most prominent historical individuals.

Trick or Treat Yo'Self!
Five Hauntingly Good Foodie Finds in Muskegon
18th Amendment Spirits Co. – 350 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440

We all want the good stuff!  But the good stuff sometimes might be a little bit out reach for some of us.  Things like shrimp and salmon and all of the other rich foods the sea has to offer are delicious and healthy, but they often come with a price tag that might squeeze ya out and then, you're back to eating fish sticks.

Well, LaKisha Harris is here to show you the work arounds and how to make your buck go a little further for some of the deliciousness but she's also going to save you some serious time and get it all done and out in under 10 minutes!  Save time and money and eat the good stuff?  She's got the key and she's also going to share a story with you about her journey to become a chef.  It could be one of those type stories that is all how after culinary school she went on to be a Sous' Chef some where and on and on, but you're going to get the raw and real LaKisha and learn just why she's so passionate about her craft and why she share's the way she does!

It's less than 10 minutes so buckle up and let's go!  Seafood on a budget with Chef LaKisha Harris of L'Soul Filled Eatery on The Muskegon Channel.

Get to it! Treat your family to a delicious seafood dinner that's quick, affordable and so simple the kids could make it themselves!  You'll find the recipe below and you'll also find the Grand Opening of L'Soul Filled Eatery coming soon, so stay tuned for details right here on the Muskegon Channel!  

Paranormal Muskegon recently visited with Angel expert, Frank Graham via Zoom who shared some fascinating insight into the subject of Angels, both good and bad and we could not have asked a more learned person on the subject. Frank has done extensive research on Angelology, the Elements, Humours of the body, Spiritual theory, spiritual philosophy, spiritual geometry, and spiritual physics, practical spiritual energy application, protection, demonology, ancient mythology, and the Hermetica. He has taught for The Lansing Center for Astrological Studies and is a certified a master crystalogist through Melodies crystal healing course. He gives lectures as well as hold classes on the elements, humours of the body for energy healing, crystals and stones, herbs, metals, animal totems, the pentagram in regards to spiritual dimensional reality; the angelic hierarchies, the kabbalah, and astrology. In this in-depth and fascinating interview, he discussed the origins of angels; their origins, hierarchy, and types; including when, how and to what extent they interact with humans.

We love to get behind a great cause here in Muskegon and with all of the world kinda scratching their heads about how things work, where things are happening and how they are going to keep the funding coming for their vital causes, we've had a chance to play a small role in them and we're more than honored to do just that. 

It's getting dark a little earlier, there's a little bit of a crisp feel to the air, the calendar just turned to October and before we get invaded by the pumpkin spice crowd, let's not forget just what comes out of Michigan, especially West Michigan this time of year, APPLES!

Hey everyone; Marie Cisneros with Paranormal Muskegon, reporting with the latest excursion into the mysterious side of Muskegon. Today, Paranormal Muskegon went monster-hunting. Well, kind of. Actually we were at the Lakeshore Museum, 430 W. Clay in Muskegon, Michigan and talking with Shetan Noir; who is well-versed on the subject of lake monsters and paranormal mysteries. We figured it was safer that way. It’s hard enough looking to see if there are monsters under the bed than looking for Lake Monsters in our own without some expert advice. The Lakeshore museum was gracious enough to open their doors for our talk, with their life-like and colorful prehistoric marine animal exhibit in the background.

Morat's Bakery is launching unique donut features and introducing new concepts that have not been done before. Morat's continues to push the envelope with new ideas and flavors. Dan Castle, co-owner of Morat's Bakery stated that, "We have been reading that people are starting to look for unique and wild ideas. Today, we confirmed that we will be working with another locally owned business, and will create a mash up of donuts that Muskegon has not tasted before. This is a completely new approach to donuts." Dan also mentioned another project where Morat's will team up with a local brewery to bring a donut flavored beer. 

We're back in the Kitchen!  It's Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers Market with Chef LaKisha Harris of L'Soul Filled Catering and very soon, the Soul Filled Eatery in Muskegon Heights as she's out to answer the age old debate on how grits should be served...savory or sweet. 

When we think of cooler temperatures and fall weather, we typically think of football, sweater weather, and plaid shirts. However, for foodies like me, fall weather means pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts, and comfort food. By definition, comfort food is "food that provides a nostalgic or sentimental value to someone, and may be characterized by its high carbohydrate level or simple preparation." Pasta came to mind when I thought of the perfect fall comfort food. I was able to sit down with Jeff Church, the Lead Chef and Owner of Nipote's Italian Kitchen, to highlight a couple of their comfort dishes.

Who wouldn't love to frolic a little?  Let's be honest, we could all use some frolic.  Well, one of the groups in Muskegon that's synonymous with the amazing ability we always show to make sure the needs of those a little less fortunate than us are met are inviting you to do just that with a fun, themed virtual fundraising event centered around the Orient Express and that organization we're talking about is the Women's Division Chamber of Commerce of Muskegon!

I had a chance to sit down with the founders of "Making Waves Muskegon" to highlight a goodie box that features locally sourced products.

You're in a pinch, you need to show up with dessert and you want to make a splash!!  It's a panic situation and this isn't one of those occasions when you can just be there with a cake from the store....you need creativity, beauty and delicious taste!  Chef LaKisha Harris from L'Soul Filled Catering is here to the rescue!  

"Unprecedented Times".  If we each had a nickle for every time we've heard that since March, we'd have the National Debt paid off, we'd all be driving Corvettes and lighting fat cigars with $20 bills.  Unprecedented times has meant a lot of things to a lot of people and generally, it's not been favorable however.  It has been a call to action however and a plea to all of us to come together to try and face an enemy we can't even see and that has left it mark on the lives of all of us in one way or another.  Some have been sidelined, some have gotten busier than they ever imagined.  Some, quarantined.  Some forced out into circumstances they would rather not be in.  The other phrase we've heard to ad nausea-um..."We're in this together".  But when isolated and pressed into situations that are so extreme, it sure feels like a one man ordeal.  Out of all of it, the importance of capturing what's happened...well, it's a thought that the artistic among us grabbed, and now, it's on display at City Center Arts in Muskegon. 

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." Who else can relate to this quote? For those that know me, know that I have a sweet tooth. When a friend of mine tagged me in a social media post by Yummy Delights LLC, I knew I had to pay them a visit. The post featured one of their popular desserts, which was a fruity pebble covered New York style cheesecake slice. Yum!

We're back at Kitchen 242 in Downtown Muskegon with LaKisha Harris from L'Soul Filled Catering and she's about to put down something you can't imagine!  We're talking Vegan recipes and before you even think about clicking on another page or not watching this video, I am going to stop you right there and help you avoid a mistake.  Don't let the word vegan get you thinking you're in for some bland, tasteless bean filled protein something or another....you're about to get hit with flavor and texture you can't even imagine until you try it.

Learn how to make a delightful Quinoa Salad with Chef Meg

LaKisha Harris shows you some amazing soul food as she whips up some "Get Yo Man Chicken" with flair and style.

Chef Char continues to show you delicious ways to use your fresh pesto sauce including this incredible chicken pasta pesto recipe.

Chef Wanda Liddell of Dominion Kingdom Catering shares an incredible recipe that will be featured at Taste of Muskegon 2020.

Becky Biesiada of West Michigan Meal Prep shows off one of her signature dishes -  breakfast egg bakes.

Chef Meg teaches you to make an amazing grilled fruit salad.

Learn how to make this wonder Pulled Pork Sandwich at home with Chef Meg.

Creme Brulee is always delicious! Chef Meg shows us how to make it at home.

Learn how to cook authentic Ghanaian food with Abeshi Ghanaian Cuisine.

Colleen Nowacki from What's Your Jam shows off a delicious appetizer made with her artisan jams!

Colleen Nowacki of What's Your Jam uses her artisan jam to make a delicious pineapple shrimp dish.

Chef Char shows you how simple and easy it is to make a delightful pesto sauce!

With the fresh Pesto, Chef Char will turn that into an amazing addition to a gorgeous breakfast sandwich!

Elote!  Mexican Street Corn is on the menu today with Chef Char!  Add some real zip to a summertime favorite.

Chef Wanda Liddell of Dominion Kingdom Catering shows you how to make a mouth watering summer salad!

It's a delicious salad whipped up in minutes by Wanda Liddell of Dominion Kingdom Catering

Chef Wanda Liddell of Dominion Kingdom Catering shows you haw to make an incredible strawberry, blueberry mango salsa!!

When we think of cotton candy, it brings childhood nostalgia to mind. When I was younger, going to the movies, the carnival, or the drive-in theater would always mean that my mom would purchase my favorite snack. Back then, we had the funky twist of two cotton flavors, or this pink fluff that was stuffed inside of a container. Thanks to Hey, Sugar Gourmet Cotton Candy, the nostalgic cotton candy flavor has just received a makeover. Hey, Sugar has revamped the old childhood favorite, and has given the new generation unique flavors to try. 

For the latest segment, we visited with Bethany Bauer and Brittany Meloche, owners of The Only Cannoli, Italian Pastry Bakery; located on Third Street, in Muskegon, Michigan. The Only Cannoli is an Italian started by two women who wanted to share their love their Italian heritage and the love and joy of Italian pastries with the West Michigan community. The Only Cannoli offers traditional recipes but also brings new perspectives to the classics, and while these tempting treats are delicious on their own, they’re even better with the age-old tradition of sharing with family and friends.

A short while ago, we got in on the push for the Taste of Muskegon event which was like anything else in 2020, shall we say a little "different"?    It was an awesome opportunity to not only be behind the camera as chef's of all different disciplines rolled out the presentation table for a couple of pictures, followed by the thought of "well, someone's gotta eat it" and if that someone just had to be the guy with the camera, so be it.  Not only did we get to meet some incredible people with great stories to tell, but we also got to help promote their business, show off their personality and share what goes into their creations most of which is love and passion for food!

Fruitport High School Graduation, Previously Live 7/30/20

We first met up with the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society a few years ago when they were tucked away upstairs Downtown in Muskegon.  It was a small but impressive space with incredible displays of different scale model trains, sets designed to look like Muskegon a huge area dedicated to the historical library and a curated feeling from the membership that embraces the rich history of rails and the importance of the railroad industry and the rich history of it. 

After a pause in the normal flow of things, Paranormal Muskegon is back reporting on things mysterious or unearthly; be it ghostly apparitions in the halls of old buildings and houses; shadowy figures drifting through graveyards; or silvery objects flying overhead and to kick it off we hit the ground running. I recently had the pleasure of being invited to be a guest on the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s Podcast filmed at the WKTV studio in Wyoming, Michigan with hosts Wayne Thomas and Kim Kolean; where the discussion embraced all things paranormal; from top to bottom.  On their website; Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s Podcast is said to be; an “engaging program which delves deep into all things paranormal” Michigan leave no doubt that spirits do exist.” And delve we did.

We've been so very lucky to have Becky Biesiada with us since almost day one of the Muskegon Channel and here dedication and willingness to continue to innovate and entertain while providing an amazing workout that you don't have to pay a nickle for every week is to be commended and applauded.  

Oscar Osbo has been in broadcasting for a long, long time.  A career in radio that went for years led to his own enterprise of video production and freelance work.  One thing about Oscar, he's done a great job remaining friends with those he's worked with all along the way.

It may come as a complete shock!  Ok, no it won't.  But we tried for an eye popping first line!  Like most everything adapt and overcome had to be the mantra of one of Muskegon's biggest and best showcases every year which features all of our favorite things!  Let's list them.  Food.  Music.  Beverages.  Hackley Park.  Togetherness.  Helping small business.  Marveling at our growth.  Seeing new things.  Tasting new things. Inviting new people in.  Shall I go on?  If you are a fan of Taste of Muskegon, like anything, in 2020, it's going to have a different format, but don't think for a second that all of what you know and love about it is lost!  Far from it.  In fact, it might be a great way to get even MORE out of this event!  

It's an exciting event for us!!  We were honored to be asked a couple years ago to be the first ever to show the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree, live from the Frauenthal Center as it happened and as this year has unfolded, and left us all wondering what was next for some of our favorite events and school functions, when Shores asked if we'd be interested in debuting the Spring show too, we didn't even blink before we said "How do we help?"

We've been very fortunate in our working relationship with our area schools!  Two years ago, we had the first chance ever to show the world the spectacle of the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree live as the final performance of the season happened and at it's peak during that first year, there were 10,000 plus streams open on every corner of the Earth watching America's Tallest Singing Christmas Tree happen from the beautiful and historic Frauenthal Center in Downtown Muskegon.  It was easily the biggest undertaking we ever went after and we took our end of things as serious as the preparation that went in to the performance of the Tree it self, and it sure paid off. 

Long ago, there was this kid who walked into a radio station one day and wanted a job.  He was willing to do anything and settled on an internship figuring that it was a foot in the door, and that at bare minimum, at least he'd be around radio people to go along with all the weekend dances he dj'd at schools or clubs or wherever he could find a place to play his records and tapes.  CD's were just starting to be a "thing".  He wouldn't leave and after a while, they figured if they gave him $6 bucks an hour for handing out bumper stickers after concerts and staying behind and running the music while the real DJ was doing a live broadcast at some appliance store, well, maybe he'd quit begging for food.  That was 1989 and 1990.

On the staff at the Muskegon Channel you see quite a few of us in front of the camera.  You also hear some of us on the radio.  But as we work to grow and continue to follow our belief that "We've Got a New Story To Tell" about Muskegon, there are some who shy away from the spotlight most of the time.  There are occasional photos that pop up, but like most true artists, and perfectionists our own Derek Wong is generally his happiest making things look awesome and adding the special touches that us "content creators" are kinda busy worrying about other things to notice. 

In West Michigan, we are remarkably fortunate to have the Celebration Cinema Theaters as a spot for gathering to see the movies that make up our lives.  It's a company that recently celebrated 75 years of bringing a premium movie going experience to audiences in our area and they are an industry leader when it comes to technology, amenities and offering programming past just what's on the "now playing marquee.  In Muskegon specifically we're lucky to have Cinema Carousel but we have the sacred grounds of the Getty 4 Drive In which is something that's hard to find anywhere in the country anymore.  We've had an awesome partner in the Loeks family for a long time.

Not long ago, a friend of mine an I were taunting back and forth on Facebook and he called me a "washed up old dj."  It was totally in good fun, but it got me to thinking about some of the stuff that "washed up old dj's have that no one else does.  You know, those things that people seem to love, but somehow got lost in time and as things change, well, those things that made us comfortable and fun...they just fade away.  Well, we hang on to some of that stuff.

Last year, we had our eyes opened up to the world of competitive robotics when the MARS 4004 Rovers team invited us out to do a story on their team and highlight the work and effort the young people from different area schools put in to battle it out in a local, state and regional and national level to see who can build the most competitive machine piloted by the most talented team.  It's all part of STEM learning and the hands on approach for these young people is AMAZING!

Today Paranormal Muskegon sat down with Darren Dykhouse and Jamie Rae of Lakeshore Paranormal, a ghost-hunting team and Paranormal Youtubers in Muskegon. Ghost-hunting has become quite popular and it seems there is no shortage of them in Michigan. Most use a variety of instruments in their search for them but Lakeshore Paranormal is one of the few that rely on their abilities to sense and communicate with the spirit world in their pursuit of the unknown in addition to using devices that pick up ghostly manifestations. Darren Dykhouse is an empath and Jamie Rae is a psychic medium. They agreed to talk with us about their work and shared a few hair-raising stories of the spirits they encountered while on the hunt. 

The advice week in and week out is the same - "Warm up, stretch out and consult your Dr. to make sure if you're ready for this or any other workout".  It's the boiler plate line for any workout program but what is proper stretching?  Becky will show you in episode 135 of Fit and Healthy With Becky on The Muskegon Channel. 

It was a splendid night again at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro in Downtown Muskegon as we rolled out the 14th episode of Muskegon Tonight Live!!  A cold February night didn't keep a decent crowd away as Restaurant Week was kicking off in Muskegon and everyone enjoyed the great food and drink that Smash is known for.

To follow up on some of the stories of ghostly happenings around the Muskegon area, Paranormal Muskegon wanted to ask some experts about it, so we contacted the West Michigan Paranormal Team to see what exactly what, if anything, is haunting Muskegon.  West Michigan Paranormal Team is comprised of Deanna Headley and Candi Hess, have done a number of paranormal investigations in the Muskegon area as well as other states over the last few years. Lovers of everything mysterious, paranormal or ghostly, these brave and personable ladies spend their weekends investigating reports of hauntings and ghostly shenanigans around the Muskegon area, from darkened cemeteries to Muskegon’s iconic historical buildings as well as private residences; all to find some ghostly apparitions or strange phenomenon. 

It's an event that's been building steam and flavor for a few years now.  Tiffany Woods Apartments has been hosting an chili cook off and competition for a few years in their beautiful club house.  It's been well attended by the residents there and every year, a few more pots full of the best secret recipes and family famous chili have come with their game face on to be judged by the blue ribbon panel as well as the attendees of the get together.  

It was a great night to celebrate a couple of things.  First, the one year anniversary of Muskegon Tonight Live!  Yep!  January of 2019 we got things underway in the middle of the "Polar Vortex" we were enduring at the time.  Not many people were out doing anything for a good week at the time, but we had a decent crowd turn out for our first episode and outside of the "little teeny tiny" problem Andy had in December, we've made Hometown Hospitality venues our home since!  Both Smash and Pub 111 in Whitehall have been outstanding and we're going to be back all year at both!

It’s always a sincere pleasure to meet with truly talented, inspiring people in our West Michigan community...that is why it was so great sitting down with two of the most talented, inspiring people I know….Trent Klairter and Deirdra Ross. Both incredible Drama and Music Teachers and Directors at Reeths-Puffer Schools. We chatted about some very exciting events happening for students and for the public.

Today Paranormal Muskegon visited the Hackley Public Library to find out more about its history as well as to see what we could find out about some of the stories that have circulated for years that the library is haunted by the ghost of its founder, philanthropist and lumbar baron, Charles Hackley. We spoke with Program and Marketing Coordinator, Mallory Metzger, who was kind enough to talk with us about its history and share some of the accounts of possible paranormal activity that a few have reported. Mr. Hackley was one of Muskegon's most prominent lumber barons of the day. As co-owner of a large lumber company started in Muskegon in the 1850's, he was also instrumental in the foundation of many of Muskegon’s other buildings and establishments; including a hospital, school administration building, and a city park and continues to be an iconic figure here. 

 Hackley Park's Christmas decorations are up for the season!

Oh what a night we had at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro on November 21st!  It was a short month between shows it seemed, Smash is really becoming a destination for GREAT entertainment in Downtown Muskegon and we booked a little early in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday coming up and all of the incredible entertainment Smash has planned!  Hey, that's what we're in business for!  We LOVE to see places succeed when we're there and we're so incredibly thankful to Smash for being our anchor in Muskegon!  

Today Paranormal Muskegon was on location at the Montague Museum in Montague, Michigan. Having learned from their website that the museum had amongst their exhibits a couple of rather curious artifacts, we wanted to check them out in person as well as find out more about the history of the museum.  The building was formerly a United Methodist Church, which was evident by the beautiful stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings. The church was built in 1872 and sold for a nominal fee of $1.00 to the Museum Board in 1969, where it has been since then. 

It's a growing and booming market.  Sports memorabilia and collectibles are something that everyone enjoys and as the hobbies continue to be fueled by interest from collectors as well as companies wanting to feed the beast, collecting, trading and swap meets have taken on a whole new level of fun while maintaining that classic feel of being able to go to an event to find that "magical unicorn" of an item that you just have to have to round out that card collection of a certain team from a certain year or maybe it's that one item you had as a kid that you've been looking for ever since.

We've seen the emergence of the "Con".  Where it's an entire weekend of dress up and cos-play around everything pop culture.  Toys, games, gamers, movie stars, developers, computer nerds....you name it.  Entire Garrisons of Star Wars characters show up and a sensory overload ensues.  All a lot of fun but there are those collectors too who like to stick to sports and maybe dip into some of the pop stuff as well.  See Bill's Detroit Tigers Collectors Page on Facebook

As Bill Welch and Rusty Morningstar saw it, Muskegon was a little behind on the sports card and collectible shows.  Sure, they remember going to the mall back in the day for the shows and of course anyone can go on Ebay and buy stuff, but it's the combination of a lot of things that make the collecting fun.  It's the strolling past the vendors, the random chats about sports memories, the anticipation of what you might find minus the search engine on some website and maybe, you'll see something there you have and had no idea how much it was worth till you saw it's match at the show!  Oh ya, there's another great thing about sports card and collectible shows... meeting the sports stars themselves!

This Saturday, at the VFW located at 5209 Grand Haven Road, Bill and Rusty open the doors at 9am for the fun!  You'll be able to meet and get autographs from Denny McClain of the 68 Detroit Tigers, Dave Rozema of the 84 Tigers, Larry Foster of Detroit Tiger fame as well as Terrance Taylor from the University of Michigan and Jay Vincent of MSU fame!  Admission to come in to the show is free but some of the signers do ask for a small fee.  There will be awesome food catered by Bone Ends of Whitehall, which Rusty happens to own and that timeless atmosphere of the collectors show will be back once again.

I met up with Bill and Rusty to talk about the event.  Take a listen.

A great time coming up.  If you're a long time collector or just see it on TV, stop in.  If you'd like your kids to meet some of your favorite sports hero's, they will be there.  If, like us you want to help a couple of local guys trying to keep alive a great tradition and pretty timeless event...get there from 9a-3p this Saturday!  

 Behind The Mask Masquerade Ball RED CARPET 2019

Previously live from the Trillium Event Center

Today Paranormal Muskegon visited the U.S.S. L.S.T. 393, A World War II vessel moored at the Mart Dock, in Muskegon, Michigan to learn about some of the history as well as some of its mystery. Patrick McKee, member of the Board of Directors of the LST 393 Museum and Ike Villapando, were kind enough to show the Paranormal Muskegon team around and tell us a little of its background, including touring it.  He explained that it has the distinction of being only two of the remaining LST vessels left out of the 1,051 that that were built in July 1942 . They were launched on November 11, 1942 and commissioned on December 11, 1942, being launched in response for the need for ships for combat vessels that could invade by sea. The LST measured 328 in length with a 50 foot beam. Built in “Cornfield Navy” Shipyard in Seneca, Illinois and several other states, these hardy ships were built in a mere 60 days, with over a 1,000 of them being built in just three years.  Visit the LST on Facebook

It's hands on history in Muskegon.  To Learn more about the LST 393 you can click on the photo below to visit their website.  Our thanks to Patrick and Ike Villapando who helped open the ship for us for today's story.

It was quite a night for the return of Muskegon Tonight to Smash Wine Bar and Bistro!  We had spent 2 months up at Pub 111 in Whitehall enjoying what the White Lake Area had to offer a little more.  Pub 111 was nothing but awesome and we're excited to go back, but Smash is where it all started and we were so glad to to be back in the warm surroundings talking about all things Muskegon and surrounding again with a great audience and outstanding guests.

It's the return of Chef Char to the Muskegon Channel!!  After a super busy Summer filled with appearances at festivals and of course her TV schedule and classes for all ages at Kitchen 242 in the Muskegon Farmers Market, Char is back on the Muskegon Channel just in time for a Halloween treat that will delight all the little ghosts and goblins out there and....fill them up before they head out trick or treating. 

What a night!  We were so incredibly lucky to have had another completely sold out show and packed house at Pub One Eleven in Downtown Whitehall on Wednesday September 25th!  The food was amazing, the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere is one of inclusiveness and neighborly fun, just like you'd expect from a neighborhood pub in a quaint community.  It truly is a place where friends gather and community is built.

Over the last year or so, Ricarlo Williams - Winston has kind of become part of the family here at the Muskegon Channel!  He was our very first comic guest on Muskegon Tonight Live, he helped arrange countless big name comedians to make an appearance with us while he was with the Back Alley Comedy Club in Sherman Lanes and he's also become a great friend and trusted partner.  Ricarlo is a very hard working and dedicated comic, husband, dad and event organizer and not so long ago, he decided it was time to up his game and venture out on his own to start his own career as not only a touring comedian, but a promoter for other comics and promoter of shows, large and small, to help bring a little more laughter to his hometown of Muskegon! Click Here to Follow Fresh Ghost Comedy on Facebook

The new venture is called Fresh Ghost Comedy.  You'll find the shows popping up at different venues in town.  Right now there are scheduled shows at Racquet's and our main spot for Muskegon Tonight Live at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro!  Fresh Ghost Comedy can also handle bookings for private functions like parties, fundraisers and more.  Ricarlo is plugged in really well in the Midwest region and can help find just the right comic for the kind of show you'd like to have!  He's also working to give young comics a shot to get started in what's considered one of the hardest disciplines of entertainment....stand up.  Smaller shows give that guy looking for a few minutes of stage time a chance to get up there and get going, and building a growing future talent is essential in any endeavor. 

Ricarlo and I sat down for a few at Smash Wine Bar and Bistro, and talked a little about the upstart of the business and his future plans to not only infuse some entertainment around town but to make his mark for himself a little and the other comics.  Take a listen! 

Boom! Love it!  We started all of what we do with a free blog website and a GoPro camera!  Ricarlo is light years ahead of us and poised to bring a lot of great entertainemnt to Muskegon and a lot of opportunity to venues, comics and fans!  It's been a great working realtionship with Ricarlo and The Back Alley and to add more laughter to the world...a noble endeavor on all accounts!   Stay tuned, the weather is cooling off and comedy season is upon us!  We'll tell you where to get the guffaw's, belly laughs and snickers right here on the Muskegon Channel!

With the thought of full disclosure...Andy O'Riley is the Mayor Pro Tem of Roosevelt Park and this article is appearing out of nothing but pride in community and a sincere wish for you to come and join us for an awesome day with a little something for everyone in the family at the annual day to celebrate in Roosevelt Park, which is Saturday September 7th 2019!!  Now that we have the disclaimers out of the way, let's get down to the fun!  The City of Roosevelt Park Online

Hey, for years in the Muskegon area Roosevelt Park Day was THE event!  Over time though, as things do a fresh approach was needed and while the party on Broadway was great, it had dwindled a little and the time had come to shake things up a little so, to utilize the assets that Roosevelt Park has the most of was the idea that came up and so set in motion a move to the center of the city at the expansive park at the Community Center where the park itself could be surrounded by food trucks with every kind of fare to please any palate.  We could also add in some extra free fun for kids with the grassy areas dedicated to kids games and inflatables from Kangaroo Palace.  Crafters and vendors all have plenty of space by the tennis courts do display and sell their incredible hand crafted items.  We can put up a stage, rope off an area for some ice cold beverages and while we're at it, let's call Lewis' Farms and see if they'll bring down the Candy Cannon and blast that off at the Del Mar Playfield at 3:30.  It all seemed to come together nicely.

Of course, it all kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Trinity Lutheran Church with proceeds going to benefit the Muskegon Rescue Mission.  Fill your family up for only $4 for those 13 and over and $3 for kids 6-12, kids under 5 eat free!  The breakfast will be held at the Roosevelt Park Community Center.  The parade gets underway at 10 lead by Grand Marhsall, Eagle Scout Jason Fitzpatrick.  It's free for entries if you have a business or organization that would like to join, but you do need to complete an application that can be found by CLICKING HERE.  Once the parade is complete, the morning set up will be done and you are invited to come get a taste of the trucks!  Delightful temptations of savory fare, sweets, deserts and more.  Sights, sounds and smells will abound and the music gets rolling with the Mona Shores Fiddlers, followed by Country Current a little later in the day, and the evening rounds out with everyone's favorite local party band Yard Sale Underwear!

The BIG moment for the kids happened last year for the first time though.  Scott Lewis of Lewis Farms came down for a visit and brought along the Candy Cannon!  Every Saturday and Sunday the Candy Cannon goes off at Lewis Farms, however, 3:30p is the time to be at the Del Mar Playfield as 80 pounds of candy goes boom and then rains down on the kids!  It's quite a sight to behold!

Andy O, Roosevelt Park City Manager Jared Olsen and City Clerk Ann Wisnewski gathered up to talk all about the fun and what's to come.  Take a listen. 

Consider yourself invited!  Roosevelt Park considers itself a "Proud Community" and it's our chance to throw out the welcome mat with great entertainment for all ages, delicious offerings of all kinds of food, great music, great community togetherness and with Mother Natures blessings...some perfect weather for such an occasion!  It's going to be a full day of fun September 7th!  We'll see you at Roosevelt Park Day!

It was a great night of talk and fun as we took Muskegon Tonight Live to the northern tier of Muskegon County to enjoy the surroundings and awesome food and drink at Pub One Eleven!  It's an amazing spot and a sincere focal point in Whithall where so many amazing things come out of.  Not only amazing things like burgers, wraps and other tempting food specials, but programs that impact the community....an idea hub to make things better as a community and a place where friends meet to share special occasions or just swap lies for a while over a couple of cold ones.  

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