Behind the Mitten

On this final episode of 2024, John Gonzalez talks about picking up wet burritos from the Beltline Bar, how he may - or may not - be superstitious, and debuting the show's new intro to celebrate 10 years in 2025.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

SEASON 6, EPISODE 52Gonzo and Amy wrap up 2024 with a "Best Of" show featuring some of their favorite segments from the year.Segment 1: The show opens with the Lansing Area Ukulele Group, better known as LAUGH (the 'H' is silent). This was recorded on Dec. 14 in a loft in Old Town Lansing after they attended the annual Holiday Sing and Strum at Sir Pizza. John French was our guest. He talks about LAUGH, and he also talks about his role as the curator and chief organizer of the Moist Toilette Museum in East Lansing.Segment 2: One of our most popular episodes of the season was our trip to the Michigan Steam Railroading Institue in Owosso to see the Pere Marquette 1225 up close and personal. Learn more at michigansteamtrain.com.Segment 3: Our webmaster and good friend Jeff Bailey joins the show to talk about his hobby as an amateur maple syrup producer. He talks about what it's like to start the hobby from scratch. Learn more about Michigan maple syrup at michiganmaple.org.Segment 4: Jeff Daniels - actor, comedian, playwright and founder of the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea - talks about his beloved Detroit Lions right after the team's loss last season, which, had they won, would have put them in the Super Bowl. He also shares why he chose to live in Michigan rather than Hollywood, and why he hopes theater lovers across the state will come to Chelsea to visit him. Learn more about the Purple Rose Theatre at purplerosetheatre.org.Learn more abiout Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

SEASON 6, EPISODE 51This weekend we wish you Merry Christmas from Saginaw!We are so grateful to our friends at WSGW for having us, and for legendary radio host Mr. Art Lewis for joining us. When we say legendary, we really mean it, Art has been sharing his love of Saginaw on the airwaves for over SIXTY YEARS. He lets us in on what makes this community so special, and reveals a little part he played in a lovely little holiday song about the mitten.The arts are alive and well in Saginaw, and if you've been downtown you've seen the fabulous giant glorious Shine Bright Saginaw Mural Project. We visit with Thor Rasmussen from the @saginawartmuseum and The Temple Theatre to hear about other cool things happening around town, including their last show of the year on December 28 when comedian Desi Banks comes to town.We get asked all the time if there are still regional food specialities to be found around Michigan, and we can confidently say YES. What will you find in the Saginaw region? Our friend Maria Coss, who's family owns the popular Maria's Mexican Restaurant in town, tells us the story of the puffy taco, an absolutely delicious and decidedly local, way to enjoy this popular dish.We hope you'll tune in! Find our affiliates at https://www.amyandgonzo.com/You can hear "Christmas in Michigan" by Brian D'Arcy James here:https://youtu.be/nmR7qqoBK2k?si=AKZ02NFLe881ypz_

SEASON 6, EPISODE 50On this show, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez pick some of their favorite small towns in Michigan, especially during the holidays.Lewiston - A Talley Burger at the Talley Log Cabin Bar or a fish fry at the Lewiston Hotel is reason enough to visit, but in a winter season, the local snowmobile culture returns for frolicing good times.Holly - 50 Miles northwest of downtown Detroit, it's the other up north for those in SE Michigan. Along with great shopping and the Holly Dickens Festival, the annual Holly Dazzle light show and Renaissance experience is back through Dec. 31.Christmas - In the UP of Michigan, this small town has a way with getting you in the spirit with its natural wonder and beauty. Don't expect big light shows and productions, it's a simple way up here. And yes, you can get postcards stamped with Christmas on it. You just have to go to nearby Munising.Croswell-Lexington - From the Horse Parade to beautiful shops, it's always a lot of fun in the Croswell and Lexington area. Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast, celebrating 10 years in 2025. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY DAZZLE FACEBOOK

SEASON 6, EPISODE 49GAYLORD, MI - This weekend we take you slope side at Michigan's Most Spectacular Resort, Treetops!Centrally located just minutes off of I-75 in Gaylord, Treetops has just received record breaking amounts of snow this week, and first chair ran on Thursday (Dec. 5, 2024). It's a winter wonderland here!We'll learn about what's new at the resort this year from general manager Barry Owens. Treetops is celebrating their 70th year of skiing, and Owens shares a little about the unique ski culture at Treetops (think low-key) and about how the resort is focusing on those beginning skiers, with their Cool School ski packages, as well as more experienced snow bunnies with the opening of two new runs.Snow making is a very big deal at Treetops, where it is considered both an art and a science. Even when they get dumped on, Brad Jacobsen, Director of Flake Making at Treetops and his team are constantly making and moving snow to create the perfect conditions for you to enjoy. It's super interesting how it all happens, plus Brad tells us about his big rig, the giant snow cat that he gets drive around when he's grooming.If we are visiting Treetops, you know we aren't going to miss a chance to see what's happening in one of our favorite towns, so we bring our buddy Christy Walcott on from the Gaylord Michigan Tourism Bureau by. The downtown elk herd awaits you, as does unique shopping in this Alpine-inspired village. Christy likes to eat just as much as we do, so she has some great restaurant and coffee shop recommendations.It's time to go all outdoors. It's time to embrace winter. It's time for Treetops!Learn more at treetops.com or call for a reservation at 866-348-5249.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Amy Sherman of "Behind the Mitten" tells the guys from 95.3 CFX they can learn about regional foods like the "puffy taco" on this weekend's BTM show (Dec. 21-22, 2024), which is all about Saginaw.She also entertains questions from Rob & Kent, as she does every week. Today they want to know if she had a job from Santa at the North Pole, what would it be?TUNE IN to hear her answer.And don't forget to tune in to Behind the Mitten across the state on 95.3 WCFX in Mt. Pleasant, as well as WSGW in Saginaw, and more than 20 other affiliates!Check our website for more info - amyandgonzo.com.

Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten gets all the intel on Short’s Brewing “Holiday Battle Plan,” a 12-pack inspired by the classic movie “Home Alone.”The new variety pack from Short’s Brewing in Bellaire features four brand-new brews and a guide for hosting your own Home Alone watch party.“I think we’re all children of the ’80s, so when it came out in the '90s it was the perfect time for all of us to feel the right amount of nostalgia for it,” said Short’s sales director Kerry Lynch in a podcast with Amy.“(The movie) is such a great holiday classic; it’s incredibly quotable. …We’re also hoping it opens up an entirely new audience who aren't as familiar with all the subtle nuances and...the lines you know.”Lynch said that Short’s has done several different holiday packs over the years, but this year they “decided to switch things up. Since we’re such an experience-driven brewery, we wanted to give folks an experience when they pick up this pack in stores.”In a news release about the Holiday pack she said: “This twelve-pack features four beers to chug faster than Fuller chugs Peps!”The styles vary from Sour to Stout, and Short’s has provided the corresponding movie times for each brew. All you’ve got to do is pick up a pack, chill the beers, and kick back with a holiday classic. The Holiday Battle Plan is available for a limited time in stores (and on draft at select locations) now.THE BEERS:*Junk and Rubbish: Cool cocoa and marshmallow stout – ABV: 7.7% (Movie Time: 23:36)*Silver Tuna: Cranberry and orange sour ale – ABV: 4.1% (Movie time 27:31)*Oh-Kay: India Pale Ale – ABV:5.1% (Movie time 41:48)*Thirsty For More: New Zealand Lager – ABV: 4.4% (Movie time 1:24:13)Find more information here: https://www.shortsbrewing.com/beers/holiday-battle-plan/

This weekend's Behind the Mitten is a "sweet" show!It's all about Original Murdick's Fudge, and how you can ship this special holiday gift to friends all around the country. Maybe you want some fudge or brittle or caramel corn for your holiday gathering. You can order this slice of Pure Michigan from our friends at OMF, who are busy this time of year making fresh fudge from the Straits of Mackinac.Original Murdick's Fudge says: "Our fudge, brittle and other specialty sweets are crafted by hand with Pure Michigan all natural ingredients. Copper kettles, marble slabs, a Mackinac climate and a passion for tradition ensure delight in every bite. We carefully package each order to ensure freshness for the journey from Mackinac Island to you."Get Free Shipping on Orders Over $45! Use Code FREESHIP45 at checkout. ORDER HEREJohn Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten previews this weekend's show on the Paul Miller Morning Show on WPHM-1380 AM in Port Huron. Filling in for Paul was station program director Caleb Gordon.Tune in to the Paul Miller Show from 6 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday.Tune in to Behind the Mitten on 21 affiliates across the state. List of Radio Affiliates CLICK HERE.Tune in to BTM on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron at Noon Saturdays and 8 a.m. Sundays.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Woohoo! It's coming on like a frozen polar express train, you can feel it getting closer and closer by the nip in the air and frost on the brown, dry grass. It's winter, and once again, your friends at Behind the Mitten are here and we are, once again, ready to help you EMBRACE WINTER.We have truly come to believe in the power of the correct winter equipment, having the right stuff can really make or break your time outside in the cold. Our friend Mark Copeland at Jay's Sporting Goods  in Gaylord always knows the best gear, and stops by to talk what kind of equipment we should be getting. Quick takeaways? Layer, and not with cotton. Buy the best boots you can. And of course, shop at Jay's!Our resident ski bunny makes his first to Behind the Mitten of the season. Nick Nerbonne from Pure Michigan joins us once again to share his love of snow and skiing. We discuss favorite ski hills, what Michigan ski culture is like, and generally just gush about how great a Michigan winter can be. We hope Nick will inspire you too.Here are a few more tips on how to embrace winter from our friends at Pure Michigan.We meet some new friends during the third segment, and we sure hope that they'll come by again because we had a great time, and learned so much. We are fascinated by sauna culture, and love a good steam ourselves, and have been seeing these charming wooden barrel saunas around the state for a little while and have been intrigued. So, like the good journalists we are, we went right to the source. The Sauna Guys are the men behind the barrels, and we have them on to share the story of this family owned and operated business located in Baraga in the U.P. Randy and Jeff Maki joined us from the road as they were delivering a few of their handmade saunas down to the metro Detroit area. If you've always wondered what goes on in a sauna, tune in.Finally, we catch up with the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council and member Mariah Frye who works at Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake. Last year's lack of snow has created pent up demand, Frye believes, and this year should be a fun, busy one on our Michigan trails. Where to go, what to do, and where to learn how to cross country ski way better than Amy are all things we touch upon.This week has made it clear, winter is coming! And instead of fighting it, let's embrace it, the Behind the Mitten way.

It's all about Michigan wine this week on Behind the Mitten, and we are awash in the great grape harvest of 2024. Our first guest is in charge of one of the Midwest's biggest, and arguably most exciting, food festival. The 17th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival kicks off November 21 through the 23rd. It's a full on extravaganza of food and food related events and presenations at DeVos Place throughout the weekend. Dawn Baker from Show Span joins us and shares all the new things that you'll find this year, including The Vineyard where you can sample over 1000 wines. Beer City Station with over twenty different brewies pouring their liquids, and the Barrel Room where you can try liquors and cocktails. There are mulitple food and drink pairing options, and culinary demonstrations throughout. This is really a fun festival, it is really huge, and it really shouldn't be missed. Then we catch up with Fenn Valley Vice President Brian Lesperance, who shares a little bit about the excellent grape harvest that Michigan experienced this fall. All that lovely sunny weather that we had put our wines on the road to greatness this year, and Fenn Valley is ready. Look for new releases happening throughout the year, and the next few years as they age to perfection. Sip 'n Shop is happening on December 14 2024, where you can, wander the aisles of artisan crafts while enjoying a glass or two. Right after the holiday season look forward to the chili-cook-off at the vineyard which will feature four cook-off categories: Four Legs (beef and pork), Two Legs (Fowl), Vegetarian (non-meat), and Exotic (Seafood or wild game, including venison). Registration will open for the cook-off on December 1st, 2024.Then the ladies stop by from Shady Lane Cellars. Maddie McCandless, assistant winemaker and Kasey Wierzba, Executive Winemaker and General Manager also share a harvest report from the vineyard, which is located in Suttons Bay. Kasey has been at the vineyard since 2013, and brings years of experience in California to the vineyard. Maddie graduated from Purdue in 2019, got a degree in enology in 2021 and worked at Ram's Gate Winery before finding her home in Northern Michigan. These women are smart, knowledgeable and super fun.Follow John and Amy:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitter at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten

This week we head to an iconic Michigan destination, known throughout the Midwest as a place for old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind fun, with an amazing dinner theater experience, and some of the best turkey dinners you'll find anywhere.It's Cornwell's Turkeyville, and we visited for the very first time—and we can assure you, it won't be the last.On the show, you'll get to meet owner/operator Patti Cornwell and her daughter and "retirement plan" Elyse Bibbings. Together, these women are running quite the production on their family farm located at the crossroads of 94 & 69 just outside of Marshall, Michigan. From an all-turkey menu, which includes the classic dinner, new favorites like the turkey grilled cheese (get it on the cheese bread please!) to an old-fashioned soda fountain featuring house-made ice cream, you'll be eating well when you visit. Elyse also offers the very cool Simpler Life classes through the winter where you can learn to bake bread, how to can, uncover the mysteries of sourdough, and learn to decorate cookies.We'll also introduce you to Dexter Bringham, producing artistic director for the dinner theater at Turkeyville, where they host a 47 week season of Broadway quality shows featuring actors from across the country. On November 7 they'll be kicking off their holiday show, the Winter Wonderettes which will run through December 21.Turkeyville is the type of place to go with family and friends to create new traditions or relive fantastic old memories. Go for dinner, but stay for more. And don't miss out on their gift shop, it is a great place to find a unique gift this holiday season. We also learned that the gift shop is Patti and Elyse's favorite thing at Turkeyville, their passion project so to speak, so you know it's full of lots of good things, including the cutest little stuffed turkey I had to get for Gonzo's newest baby turkey.

Holy smokes! It's a moment in Midland, and we are back at one of our best.We are back at one of the all time greats Bone Daddy's Barbeque with our buddy and BBQ legend Bill Wall. He’s the master of meat, king of smoke, and just so fun. We know you’ll love him. too.A few years ago we were looking for great pasties made UNDER the bridge. We found them at shierspasties in Midland, and we have owners George and Kristin on to give us an update on their family run deli.Our friend Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News shares what makes this community special, as well as beers from a few area breweries. He also shared some news from MiBrew Trail magazine.We hope you’ll tune in!Learn more about Behind on the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.Follow us on Facebook at @behindthemittenBehind the Mitten is co-hosted by chef and local food advocate Amy Sherman and digital journalist John Gonzalez. It is Michigan's Premiere Radio Show and Podcast, established in 2015. They have produced more than 650 episodes.#bbq#midlandmi#mibrewtrail#btm

This episode of Behind the Mitten has us all over Michigan, with reports from Marshall, Manistee, and Marquette. It's all about the M's on this show!Our good friend Sue Damron joins us from marvelous Marshall, where she owns and operates the historic Schuler's Restaurant. We love visiting this iconic spot, where you can cozy up next to the fire, and enjoy some classic cuisine, like prime rib, their famous meatballs, and of course, that bar cheese. We were extra lucky during this visit because we got to check out Schuler's new hotel, The Royal. A super charming spot with an ideal location right above the restaurant. It's a lovely place to explore downtown Marshall.Then it's on to another new place you can stay, the Motel Bear Lake. This classic 1950s-style motel was purchased a few years ago by Marta Turnbull and Kendall McIntyre, who have been undertaking a complete refresh on the property. Located just minutes from Manistee and Arcadia Bluffs, the motel is retro cute, has a seasonal pool, and is both cannabis and LBGTQ-friendly. Amy recently stayed here for a few nights while she explored Manistee, and has awarded the property five million stars. She can't wait to return.If you've been a long-time listener to BTM, then you've probably heard our next guest. It's Mr.Fancy himself, Jay Clancey of  Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette. He catches us up with what's happening at the brewery, which is located on popular Third Street in downtown Marquette. Open seven days a week, you can swing by for a beer or a cider, and are welcome to grab something to eat from one of the local restaurants nearby, or from the adjacent Fish and More. The tap list here is constantly changing, but be sure to try the Sahti if it's on.Then it's back to Manistee, where we talk with Sammie Lukaskiewicz from the visitors' bureau about the Discover Manistee Fall Festival which is happening on October 26. There will be tons of kids activities, fun fall food, and more, all in downtown Manistee, on the shores of Lake Michigan.

On this episode of Behind the Mitten we meet in the middle, and head to Mt. Pleasant. Fall is the perfect time of year to visit, as the entire state turns maroon and gold in honor of the Central Michigan University Chippewas, wink wink. We recorded at the famous Shepherd Bar, located just south of town, and you won't believe what they have planned for Halloween.We start with our good friend Chris Rowley from Meet Mt. Pleasant, where she is the executive director and the local expert on all things Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County. She shares fall fun that can be found throughout the area, including those incredible fall colors that are just fantastic this year. We then get to meet the owner of the Shepherd Bar, and all around great guy, Kent Roth.Kent has owned the bar for over thirty years and has built it into a gem of a spot, popular with locals and tourists alike. Shepherd is known for it's maple syrup festival, and many of the dishes on the menu get a little sweet enhancement from the local crop. From personal experience, the Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger here is excellent, as is the shaved ribeye hoagie. Please be sure to say hello to Kathy Dickman, she's been lighting up this place while waIting tables here for almost thirty years. Kent and his huge crew of community volunteers do a carved pumpkin display out behind the bar every year, and it is a pretty big deal. When we say a display, we mean a DISPLAY. This year, they are planning on carving 2,000 pumpkins. TWO THOUSAND. Then they'll light 'em up, and you can come walk through any time between October 26 and Halloween. Grab a beer and a burger and absorb a little local flavor.Jordan Ensing then steps in. She is the Marketing Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and shares that the downtown construction in MP is finally complete, and the new town center is open. Saturday mornings it's the site of the local farmer's market, and now features a beautiful new space for community events. Jordan also shares some breaking news that everyone is very excited about: Santa Claus is coming back to downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season.Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator for the Mount Pleasant Area Conventions and Visitors Bureau shares some ideas for indoor activities around town, including the new Valhalla axe-throwing bar, the always excitiing Soaring Eagle Casino, new indoor golf simulators to practice on, and a new restaurant to try, The Twisted Fork.There is so much to experience in Mt. Pleasant this autumn, whether it's paddling down the Chippewa River on the perfect sunny day, or rolling large on the roulette wheel. It's always time to get Fired Up for Mt. Pleasant.

MT. PLEASANT - Fire Up EditionAre you planning to attend this weekend's 2024 Central Michigan University Homecoming (Oct. 12)?On this special podcast we sit down with Chris Rowley, Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as her associates, Jordan Ensing, Marketing coordinator, and Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator.We talk about some of the Homecoming festivities, things to do in Mt. Pleasant, where to eat and share details about a train excursion from Owosso to Mt. Pleasant, exclusively for Homecoming.More details:Central Michigan University 2024 Homecoming game against Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 12 to kickoff at 4 p.m. ET! Contest to be nationally televised on #espnu! https://bit.ly/4gI3m6nTrain Excursion:Saturday, October 12th 202412:00pm - 10:30pmBoarding: Steam Railroading Institute405 S Washington St., Owosso, MI 48867Climb aboard a fall color tour on the diesel-powered Maroon and Gold Express. Passengers will have two options. Attend Central Michigan University’s homecoming football game against the Ohio University Bobcats or use the time in Mt. Pleasant to dine at Mountain Town Station and visit the downtown area.$90 Deluxe Club Class train ticket in a vintage diner car & football game ticket$85 Football Coach Class train ticket & football game ticket$75 Coach Class train ticket onlyBook your tickets now:https://michigansteamtrain.com/events/LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ABOUT THE MICHIGAN STEAM RAILROADING INSTITUTEHERE.Learn more about Mt. Pleasant at meetmtp.com.Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook or check out the website at amyandgonzo.com.

Let's go ABOVE the Mitten this weekend!Have you heard about the BIG game that is being played on October 13 in majestic Marquette? It's kind of a big deal, and we'll bring you the whole scoop right from the source.The Northern Michigan University Wildcats are hosting the exhibition basketball game of the year, when they take on the Michigan State Spartans at the Superior Dome on October 13. MSU Coach Tom Izzo, an NMU alum, is coming home, and the whole town is ready to celebrate.We'll be sharing how this whole thing came together, and why community events like this are so important to NMU and Marquette. We'll talk about some of NMU's other collaborations in the area, including a very fun one with our good friends at Blackrocks Brewery. Alumni themselves, they've brewed up a special beer for this game (and to be served at other alumni events throughout the fall) the very tasty Wildcat Lager. You can try it too when you are at the brewery.While we can't attend this fun event, since tickets are currently sold out, we are excited to hear that we'll be able to watch it on the Big Ten Network, how cool is that?We hope you'll tune in!Learn more about the game at nmuwildcats.com.Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook or check out the website at amyandgonzo.com.

This week we are all over on Behind the Mitten, from Tecumseh to Bellaire, to Lansing and beyond. Sounds like everything is normal then, right?Located in southeast Michigan south of Ann Arbor, charming Tecumseh is hosting their annual AppleUmpkin Festival on October 12 and 13. Featuring carnival rides, inflatables and bungee jumping, there are also crafts for the little ones, play putt-putt, and explore a corn box.What is a corn box? We have no idea but will find out for you.  There is also an antique fair, arts and crafts showing, and live entertainment. We love that there is no cost to attend. Get more info at Downtown Tecumseh area; downtowntecumseh.com.Ahhhhhh thank you google! A corn box is like a children's sandbox, but with the sand replaced by CORN KERNELS. #themoreyouknow Moving along, John brings us a great interview with our friends at The Wharton Center in Lansing to discuss their upcoming Broadway season which begins Oct. 8 with Les Miz. Speaking of maize,The Wharton will have the Michigan premiere of “Shucked,” a Tony award winning show about “corn,” in January. Other shows include MJ The Musical, Chicago and Life of PI. More info at whartonseason.com.After all this we got thirty, so we visit with our good friend Kerry Lynch, director of sales and marketing at our beloved Short's Brewing Company. Did you know they make a stand-out NA hopped up beverage called Thirst Mutilator? And that they just came out with a crazy new flavor that will remind you of your childhood? No? Well, we'll tell you all about it, plus their new fall release, a nice little beer called Only Tourists. It's always fun to hear what's going on up in Bellaire.Affiliates:*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing9 a.m. Saturdays on 92.1 Grand Haven's Favorite, WGHN-FM*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan*Noon Saturdays and 8 am Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM Radio.*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand RapidsFollow John and Amy:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitter at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten

On this "Behind the Mitten" podcast, John Gonzalez talks to the Wharton Center's Bobby Hoffman about the upcoming production of "Les Misérables," which kicks of the 2024-2025 Broadway series in East Lansing.OCT 8-13, 2024"Les Misérables"Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more.Learn more about the show at whartonseason.com.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten talks to Bobby Hoffman, the public relations manager at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts about the upcoming 2024-2025 season.Along with a performing arts series, the Broadway Series season includes:Les Misérables - October 8–13, 2024Shucked, January 21–26, 2025MJ, February 11–16, 2025Life of Pi, March 11–16, 2025Chicago, April 8-13, 2025As well as:Hamilton, May 21-June 1, 2025and The Book of Mormon, June 19–22, 2025More info at whartonseason.com.

It might not seem like it with this incredible weather we've been having, but fall is right around the corner. We paid our friends in Manistee a visit, and are here to tell you that this just might be the perfect place to visit for fall colors.....and so much more.We recorded this week's show at the Manistee County History Museum, where we met the director Mark Fedder. This place is an absolute treasure trove of treasures! You can spend hours here just looking because this is the kind of place that just puts it all out there.....and we mean it all. We'll share what the most popular exhibit here it, and you just might not believe it, but HELLO it's true.Our buddy Sammie Lukaskiewicz from Manistee Tourism joined us, and not only told us about some very cool ways to see the blazing fall colors, she also took us out to lunch at The Outsider. Check out their burger, holy moley Batman! We love that they encourage you to take your food out and about around town, and even have a map on the wall showing you where the picnic tables are downtown.Have you heard of the S.S. City of Milwaukee? We had no idea that this historical ship has been rehabbed into a fabulous BOAT-tel that you can stay on during the summer. We learn from the executive director Rob Laurain that come October, the boat transforms into The Ghost Ship, a floating haunted house that is sure to scare your pants off.We also head a few minutes north of downtown Manistee to beautiful Arcadia. Paul Brown, Township Supervisor, comes by to share all the news about this small community's efforts to rehab and transform their gorgeous local beach. Now, you can rent kayaks here, borrow FREE bikes to ride, enjoy some local cuisine, and of course, soak up the beauty that is Lake Michigan.Off the air, we strolled and shopped downtown Manistee, and let's just say this is one healthy downtown. We can't wait to come back.We hope you'll tune in!@sscityofmilwaukee@manisteetourism#visitmmanistee#manistee#puremichigan#behindthemitten