The General Motors Rockin' On the Riverfront summer concert series is in its third year. I think you'll find that the third time really is the charm. All the fun starts on June 27 at the GM Riverfront Plaza. There will be eight Friday night shows from June 27 to August 22/ Shows run from 8pm-10pm.

Performers include: Pat Benatar, Starship, The Guess Who, Blue Oyster Cult and Foreigner. You will be able to see all of these great acts at no cost because admission is free.

you are encouraged to come early and bring chairs and blankets. Or your can BYOB (that's Bring Your Own Boat) to anchor and watch the festivities on the Detroit River. There will be many food choices available from concession stands on the plaza. For $5, you can park your car at the GM surface lot. Or if you prefer, there will be valet parking at the GM Ren Cen North Lobby on Jefferson Avenue.

With gas prices rising, you may not be able to get away as you’d like, but you can do lots of fun stuff right here in our area.

If you have never had the opportunity to hear a handbell choir, you need to do so. Yes, it may sound quaint or old-fashioned to some of you, but believe me, you will be enchanted by the sounds from these instruments.

A handbell is just what it sounds like, bell that can be rung using one hand. Handbell choirs normally perform (or ring) music that has been composed with these instruments in mind. They have a unique sound, so the music needs to be formatted in a  certain way. It is written an octave lower than the bells’ actual sound.

This Sunday you will be able to hear a handbell choir perform at no cost to you, so take advantage of this opportunity. The Gosbell Handbell Choir will perform on Sunday, June 1 at 7pm at the Utica United Methodist Church. In addition to musical selections performed by the handbell choir, the program includes duets for organ and piano, an organ solo and a vocal solo that will be accompanied by the handbell choir.

Utica United Methodist Church 8650 Canal Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314

As always, we have lots of great events and fun things to do in Macomb County and in the surrounding areas.

This Sunday, all you musicians and guitar enthusiasts can attend the Michigan Guitar Show Swap Meet to see the state's largest display of vintage and used stringed instruments. Come to marvel at the craftsmanship and to buy, sell or trade. The show will be from 10 am to 5 pm and the Mabry Banquet Center, 23397 Mound Road, Warren, MI, 48091.

On Monday, duffers can head over to the Tanglewood Golf Club in South Lyon for a golfing fundraiser sponsored by Farmington Young Life. The fun start early with Continental breakfast (6:30 am!) and then it is on to the 18 Hole Scramble. There will also be multiple hole contests and winners will get their awards at lunch after the golf game is finished. You can register as a solo golfer for $150; it is $500 for a foursome to register. To register and get more details, you can call the Farmington Young Life office at 248-427-0912.

Being introduced to music and learning how to play an instrument can truly change a child’s life.  Music is about more than just sound, it also has a mathematical component to it. There are many math scholars who are also gifted musicians. Whatever the reason you many have for introducing your child to music, you can be assured that they will lead a much fuller and more well-rounded life because of it.

See what music has done for some Macomb County Youth by learning more about and supporting the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS). The talented musicians of the MYS will perform in concert on Sunday, May 4 at 4:30 pm and the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. This nonprofit organization includes elementary, middle, junior high and high school students from our area. Students must audition for the opportunity to join the MYS’s three orchestras—String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.

Visit the Metropolitan Youth Symphony website to read more about the great work they are doing with Macomb County youth.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located at 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton, MI 48038.

Salsa is a dance of Cuban and Puerto Rican origin that combines the dance steps and style of the Old World and the New World. The fact that salsa even has steps and that it is danced by couples makes it somewhat Old World. But the rhythms, music and other elements differ greatly from those in the ballrooms of Europe.

Have you really wanted to learn salsa? Or are you someone who is already familiar with the dance and looking for a place to dance the night away?

There will be a YA Salsa Social this Sunday, March 16. As the name implies, the Salsa Social is not strictly dance, it is also a time to greet old friend and meet new people. They will have an abundance of beverages and snacks on hand so when you take a minute to catch your breath, you can get re-energized and catch up with your fellow dancers.
They also have an online newsletter to keep you informed and in loop.

For the uninitiated and those who need to brush up on their salsa skills there are two lessons (beginner and intermediate) starting at 5:30 pm.

American Legion Post 346
31775 Grand River Ave
Farmington MI 48336

Did you know that Henry Ford had a thing for square dancing? It’s true! Ford help to breathe new life into this type of dancing by including it in his early New England restoration project in the 1930s. Before that time it has fallen out of favor and it seemed as if it would go the way of the dinosaur. But thanks to Ford and others, it came back kicking and spinning and twirling around.

Of course it came back in a newer, modernized form. No one had barn dances or sat waiting for partners on bales of hay in sophisticated cities. In years past, it was assumed that everyone knew how to dance or that they practiced at home with family and friends. These days you’ll find that some venues offer lessons before the actual dance begins to so that newcomers can get acquainted with each other and with the steps.

Expert or novice, all are welcome to join in Old Fashioned American Square Dancing at the VFW Hall on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from 7-9 pm. The hall is located at 125 E. McHattie, South Lyon, Michigan. The cost is $4 per person and you can call 248-486-0043 for more information.

Chicago is coming to Michigan! No, not the city (although that would be a sight to behold), but Chicago the Tony-award winning musical. That's six Tony Awards, six Grammy awards, and two Olivier awards to be exact.

The show has been performed more than 15,000 times all over the world as has grossed over $850 million worldwide. About 17 miliion people have seen the show performed internationally.

Some of stage and screen's best and brightest have starred in past productions, including: Joel Grey, Alan Thicke, Brooke Shields, Huey Lewis, Paige Davis, Jasmine Guy, Marilu Henner, Taye Diggs, John O'Hurley, Loue Gossett, Jr., Usher, Bebe Neuwirth, Jennifer Holiday, Sandy Duncan, Vicki Lewis, Wayne Brady, and Melanie Griffith.

Add some sizzle to your January by getting tickets to see the "Razzle Dazzle" and "All That Jazz." The musical will be at The Whiting on Friday January 25 one an evening show and on Saturday January 26 for afternoon and evening performances. The afternoon performance is at 3pm and the evening shows start at 8pm. This show isn't for the kiddies, so get a babysitter and get ready for some grown-up fun. Call The Ticket Center (810-237-7333) or go to www.thewhiting.com for purchase information.

Wayne County and beyond: why not take center stage yourself,instead of sitting on your couch watching American Idol? You've sung in the shower or the car for too long. The world wants to hear your voice. Now you have a chance to show everyone what you're made of--get out there are shine.

Where you ask? Why at Idol 500, of course! Pier 500 has already kickedoff this season of Idol 500 in grand style and they are waiting for you to join in the fun. The next show is Wednesday, January 23.Think about it: you can get out there, take a chance, meet some new people and take advantage of some fantastic drink specials or you can sit at home, listen as Paula giggles and Simon insults someone and watch Randy nod his head.

Ok, ok, so you say that you are really not a singer. That is alright because singers need an audience. Interacting with actual people beats watching them on tv any day. So if you don't want to grab a microphone, come out and cheer for your friends that do want to show off their pipes.

Come on down anytime after 4pm to eat, hang out, etc...it's only $5 and that low cover charge will bring hours of fun and entertainment. The singing starts at 9:30pm.

Visit www.myspace.com/idol500 or www.mystrosentertainment.com to get more details. You can also call Craig Martin at 734-652-5585 with any questions you my have.

See you next Wednesday!

The clock is ticking, but you still have time to try and get into one of our area's great New Year's Eve celebrations. That is, if you want to get out of the house. You can always sit at home and watch the ball drop on TV with a bowl of popcorn.

For those inclined to get out and see the old year off in a festive atmosphere, Callahan's in Oakland County's Auburn Hills area will have a NYE '08 Party. The fun starts at 8pm. There is a a sit-down dinner that is sure to be delicious because you don't want to end the year with your stomach growling. While you are still digesting, the REEFERMEN will be on hand to entertain you. After this, you can toast the new year with your fellow diners. And then, because you don't want to start the new year begin hungry, there is a buffet. Inquire about tickets by calling 248-858-9508 or visit www.atcallahans.com.

Also in Oakland County and also starting at 8pm is **THE GALA**Rock Financial Showplace. This will be at the Diamond Ballroom with hosts BellaBlue, Jody Haddad, Jay Noonchester, Mikey George, Limelight Entertainment, and Six Degrees Magazine. No doubt you will be well cared for by all of your gracious hosts if you attend. You can call 866-396-3115 or got to this website to learn more.

Macomb County residents can head over to the Lakeland Banquet & Event Center for a celebration with plenty to eat and drink: open bar, appetizers, buffet, midnight toast and continental breakfast. The Sun Messengers will be there to entertain you. Call 586-772-0459 to get more details.

The great thing about this time of year is that there are so many festivities and celebrations to attend. Christmas just ended and now it is time to think about New Year's Eve. Well, actually, the time to think about New Year's Eve was before now, since people tend to book and reserve pretty early to welcome in the new year. But have no fear--there are still celebrations you can attend, even if you don't make a decision until the 31st.

Why travel to New York City when you can stay home and party in Downtown Mt. St. Clemens? You'll have just as much fun and be home a lot faster. The fun starts at 10:30pm at the Clock Tower on Main Street. Once you have been welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies, you can join your fellow partygoers as you sing the end of the year away with karaoke. Then Willie Jones and The Royal Jokers will entertain you 11:30 pm until just before midnight. That is when the Mayor's Choir will be front and center. There is a countdown to say goodbye to the old and give a big ol' Michigan hello to the new. Then the piece de resistance: Fireworks at Midnight.

Call 586-469-4168 for more details.