Rick Coates

Music Rick Coates Jack O’Malley’s Milestones
25 & 50 are DJs lucky numbers this year

By Rick Coates 6/8/09

You can’t see the smile on his face in the morning, but you certainly here it in his voice. After 25 years WTCM morning man Jack O’Malley is still “smiling,” and for his legions of listeners that is a good thing.
When O’Malley took to the airwaves in May of 1984 in Northern Michigan, he just assumed the stop was just another lily pad as he leaped his way to a larger radio market.
“When I got into the business I was bouncing around, living the life of a gypsy, and when I came to WTCM I figured I would stay a little while because we were expecting our first child,” said O’Malley. “But when you work for a great company and live in a great place like Northern Michigan and you have great listeners, I realized there was no reason to leave. Sure, at one time I thought about a larger market such as Detroit, my hometown, but the job expectancy in major markets is about six months.”

Dining Rick Coates Tastemakers: 24th Annual Leland Wine & Food Festival
Rick Coates 6/8/09

After much speculation and a lot of last-minute negotiations, the 24th Annual Leland Wine & Food Festival will be held this Saturday in its traditional location at the Leland Harbor next to historic Fishtown. All the fun starts at noon (the lines start forming around 10 a.m.) and continues till 6 p.m.
The Leland Harbor is undergoing a much needed multi-million dollar renovation and government red tape has delayed the project. But the great thing about the community of Leland is they have always found a way to work together to make things happen and so festival organizers and constructions crews got together and figured out how to make this year’s festival happen, as planned.
The Festival got its start 24 years ago with two goals in mind: promote the emerging wine industry in Northern Michigan and to kick off the summer season in Leland. Proceeds from the festival have been used to beautify the community.

Features Rick Coates Duals Fest
Get Your Motor Runnin’ at the Duals Fest

By Rick Coates 6/8/09

Don “Duals” Watkins had a lifelong passion for the skilled trades. He built a reputation for his craft of customizing cars and motorcycles, not only in Northern Michigan, but around the country.
Don passed away four years ago on June 12, but his son Kip and others decided to keep “Duals” legacy alive by creating the Duals Fest in 2007, a one-day festival of music, bikes, a hot-bod contest, pig roast and more to raise funds for The Don Watkins Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Music Rick Coates Willie Nelson‘s Long Ride
Rick Coates 6/1/09


In a recent survey of Europeans, Willie Nelson topped the list of people who most reflect a sense of Americana in the United States.
Nelson, known simply as Willie to his legions of fans, has a worldwide following. He has recorded more than 80 studio and live solo albums in a career that spans 50 years. He has appeared on more than 250 albums as a guest of other performers, all while writing more than 2,500 songs.
Willie rolls into Northern Michigan on his Honeysuckle Rose (#3) tour bus this Sunday to kick off the Interlochen Summer Arts Festival concert series.
Willie’s success in the world of country music has been well documented. While he loves to talk music, he is equally passionate about food and family farms. He has been a long-time advocate of healthy eating, and practices what he preaches.
In the concert industry, contracts are known as “riders” and they detail every aspect of the concert from performance fees to stage set up to what the band will be provided for meals and drinks. These riders are often several pages (sometimes 100 or more) and the “catering” section is as important as the sound and stage sections.

Dining Rick Coates Tastemakers: Taste The local Difference Guidde 2009/Short‘s Brewing Company Nicie Spicie 6/1/09

The small-local farm is making a comeback. In the 10 counties known as the Northwest Lower Michigan corridor of the state there are now 2,229 farms. A few years back the Michigan Land Use Institute launched the Taste the Local Difference initiative to help farmers connect to consumers. Fresh off the press is the 2009 version of their Taste the Local Difference guide. This 80-page glove-box friendly resource is packed full of information for those interested in seeking out local and fresh foods as well as other non-food agricultural products produced in the area.
The guide lists farms by county and each listing contains an overview of the offerings at each farm along with hours of operation and website and phone number for additional information. Also included is the listing of the 25 farmers markets in the region as well as restaurants and delis that use local products. Another helpful page is the fruit and harvest dates, giving one a guidepost as to what is in season.
Taste the Local Difference has a supporting website that allows users to search for specific items and farms in their area that offer those products. Another great online tool is the local food exchange where both growers and buyers may post items they are looking for or selling.Taste the Local Difference 2009 Guide
The small-local farm is making a comeback. In the 10 counties known as the Northwest Lower Michigan corridor of the state there are now 2,229 farms. A few years back the Michigan Land Use Institute launched the Taste the Local Difference initiative to help farmers connect to consumers. Fresh off the press is the 2009 version of their Taste the Local Difference guide. This 80-page glove-box friendly resource is packed full of information for those interested in seeking out local and fresh foods as well as other non-food agricultural products produced in the area.
The guide lists farms by county and each listing contains an overview of the offerings at each farm along with hours of operation and website and phone number for additional information. Also included is the listing of the 25 farmers markets in the region as well as restaurants and delis that use local products. Another helpful page is the fruit and harvest dates, giving one a guidepost as to what is in season.
Taste the Local Difference has a supporting website that allows users to search for specific items and farms in their area that offer those products. Another great online tool is the local food exchange where both growers and buyers may post items they are looking for or selling.
The Michigan Land Use Institute has been a longtime supporter of preserving farmland in Northern Michigan. while much of their work is rooted in legislative policy, the Taste the Local Difference program is not about politics -- it is about practicality. Supporting the local farmer makes sense on all levels from healthy eating to preservation of our land and agricultural heritage. To learn more, visit mlui.org or call 231-941-6584 to obtain a copy of the new guide. --Rick Coates

Dining Rick Coates Dining on the Fly
Rick Coates 5/25/09

Dining on the Fly is a unique collaboration of three Northern Michigan businesses. The Boathouse Restaurant, Bowers Harbor Vineyard and McCool Outdoor have put together the perfect day for the fly fishing, wine and food enthusiast.
The day begins with a guided fly fishing trip to one of the region’s blue-ribbon trout streams. Led by Certified Casting Instructor and Master Angler David McCool, participants are guided down the stream and given basic instruction of casting fundamentals and entomology (what flies to use). Upon arrival, McCool offers a sparkling wine toast and gives an overview of the sport of fly fishing.
After a few hours on the stream, it is time for Chef Eric Nittolo of the Boathouse Restaurant and Spencer Stegenga of Bowers Harbor Vineyard to take over. This extraordinary evening takes place under a tent next to the stream and is highlighted by a five-course gourmet wine dinner. The Boathouse and Bowers Harbor Vineyards are neighbors and have forged a wonderful relationship that has included several wine dinners in the past.

Features Rick Coates Doug Stanton:
The Making of a Bestseller


By Rick Coates 5/25/09

After nearly a month on the road promoting his new book Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan, bestselling author Doug Stanton returns to his native Traverse City to conclude his nationwide book tour. He will give a reading and do a book signing as part of a fundraising reception for scholarships at Pathfinder School on Thursday, May 28 at the Opera House in Traverse City.
Stanton’s first book In Harm’s Way (the story of the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis during WWII) spent nine months on the New York Times Bestseller List in 2001 including several weeks in the Top 10. He has enjoyed a 20-year successful writing career contributing articles to Esquire, Outside, Sports Afield and he currently is a contributing editor to Men’s Journal. He has written in-depth features on George Clooney, Sting, Clint Eastwood, John Mellencamp and Harrison Ford among others.
His book is currently #10 on the New York Times Bestseller List and a week ago he graced the cover of their Sunday New York Times Book Review. In just three weeks since its release, Horse Soldiers is already in its fourth printing.

Music Rick Coates JTX Plans to party Boyne Falls like a rock star
Rick Coates 5/18/09
Could a new generation’s rock star named JTX upstage one of the biggest band stunts in Northern Michigan’s history?
It is hard to imagine that the visit by rock superstars KISS to Cadillac High School nearly 35 years ago would still have an impact on the community and those who were part of it all. But the visit by KISS is still considered one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll publicity stunts of all time. John Neff who helped to spearhead the event says that “a month doesn’t go by that I am not asked about that moment and yes, it still has a positive impact on Cadillac.”
Jump to 2009 and such a concept probably would be more acceptable... or would it? Well the students of this year’s graduating class at Boyne Falls High School thought so when they sent a MySpace message to up-and-coming rock star JTX (J.T. Harding) and invited him to speak at their graduation. His story and music have served as an inspiration for students.

Dining Rick Coates Tastemakers: Crystal Mountain Michigan Beer & Brats Festival/ Keweenaw Brewing Company Lift Bridge Brown Ale
Rick Coates 5/18/09

Crystal Mountain Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Now in its fourth year, the Crystal Mountain Michigan Beer & Brat Festival (this Saturday) has become the festival Northern Michigan has been longing for to celebrate the craftbrew industry in the state. Two major festivals take place downstate; in August near Ann Arbor, and in February in Grand Rapids. While the 50-plus craftbrews from microbreweries around Michigan might be the attraction, it is the collection of brats that sets Crystal Mountain’s festival apart from the others.

Dining Rick Coates McGuire’s Resort Famous Bar Cheese

Certainly McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac is known for more than just their “Famous Bar Cheese” -- after all, they are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. But the mere fact that they are able to take something as simple as bar cheese and make it exceptional has been their trademark since Curly and Velma opened their motel and rootbeer stand in 1949.
Back in the early days they were known for their “famous pancakes,” and patrons who inquired were always told the recipe was a family secret. Well, eventually it was discovered that the chef was adding root beer to the batter.
McGuire’s has built their reputation over the years on exceptional service and “out-marketing” their competitors. During the ‘60s, Curly’s son Jim took over as general manager and eventually, with his wife Sandy, they became owners. Jim became a legend in hospitality circles and helped to set the standard for the family resort business in Michigan. Now his son Mike has taken over the reins. The third-generation McGuire continues to keep the Resort family-focused and he often jokes with patrons that he and his wife Marsha are busy “grooming the fourth generation of McGuire’s to take over someday.”
McGuire’s Resort offers a couple of dining options with Curly’s Sports Pub offering a relaxed casual dining experience and The Terrace Room with wonderful sunset views and a fine dining menu. Both locations offer the Famous Bar Cheese.

Features Rick Coates Up in smoke
Rick Coates 5/11/09
There is much speculation coming out of Lansing that Michigan might finally join the ranks of 30 other states and ban smoking inside restaurants and bars. While the focus of this debate is centered on eateries and watering holes, the proposed bills are actually for the elimination of smoking inside of any public place as well as public and private worksites.
In 1984, Garrison Keillor wrote a fictional tale for The New Yorker titled “End of the Trail” a humorous account of “the last cigarette smokers in America.” His parody is based on a fictitious 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution that banned smoking. The story chronicles five people -- who apparently are among the last cigarette smokers in America -- hiding out and “located in a box canyon south of Donner Pass in the High Sierra by two federal tobacco agents in a helicopter who spotted little smoke puffs...” Federal agents were sent in to apprehend the five who were later sentenced to write 20,000-word essays.
While Keillor’s humorous take from 25 years ago on the possibilities of a total ban on smoking in America seemed unrealistic then, one must wonder today if such a concept will become a reality. Especially in light of smoking bans in public places mandated by law and now in effect throughout the country. Even the anti-smoking movement believes that it is unrealistic to believe that smoking will ever become illegal and their efforts are better spent eliminating smoking from public buildings and workplaces.

Music Rick Coates The Bihlmans‘ are back
Rick Coates 5/4/09

This month, as moviegoers flock to the theaters to see the much-anticipated dance film Love N’ Dancing starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy and Billy Zane, they will hear several tunes from Northern Michigan’s own The Bihlman Bros.
“We are real excited about this opportunity to not only have seven of our songs playing throughout the film but to have three songs on the official soundtrack as well,” said Jeff “Jabo” Bihlman. “It is also really cool that our song “Better Place” is the theme song for Amy Smart.”
This week the Bihlmans -- Jabo and his brother Scot (“Little” Bihlman) -- are in L.A. for the official red carpet premiere of the film and the after party.
“We offered to perform after the film ends, but the producers were ‘no, no we want you to come and hang and enjoy yourselves,’ so we are cool with that,” said Little Bihlman. “So we are going out and hanging with the celebrities, the paparazzi, the critics and others at the Arclight Cinema for the showing of the film and then over to the Green Door (the hot spot for the who’s who of Hollywood) for the big party.”

Music Rick Coates The Bihlmans‘ are back
Rick Coates 5/4/09

This month, as moviegoers flock to the theaters to see the much-anticipated dance film Love N’ Dancing starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy and Billy Zane, they will hear several tunes from Northern Michigan’s own The Bihlman Bros.
“We are real excited about this opportunity to not only have seven of our songs playing throughout the film but to have three songs on the official soundtrack as well,” said Jeff “Jabo” Bihlman. “It is also really cool that our song “Better Place” is the theme song for Amy Smart.”
This week the Bihlmans -- Jabo and his brother Scot (“Little” Bihlman) -- are in L.A. for the official red carpet premiere of the film and the after party.
“We offered to perform after the film ends, but the producers were ‘no, no we want you to come and hang and enjoy yourselves,’ so we are cool with that,” said Little Bihlman. “So we are going out and hanging with the celebrities, the paparazzi, the critics and others at the Arclight Cinema for the showing of the film and then over to the Green Door (the hot spot for the who’s who of Hollywood) for the big party.”

Dining Rick Coates Giovanni’s Roadhouse Prime Rib Dinner
Rick Coates 5/4/09

Giovanni’s Roadhouse in Interlochen is part of the TC Food family that includes Fire Fly, Bubba’s and Grandview Catering. Proprietors Jeff and Trish Wiltse are long time foodies in the region who have built their success on the foundations of quality comfort food and exceptional service. A few years ago they purchased Giovanni’s, and kept some of the original flavor that made the restaurant a popular destination for pre- or post-Interlochen concerts, while adding their magical touch and character to the operation.
The “foodie” movement today has many facets. One is the resurgence of standards. One of those standards making a comeback is prime rib and Giovanni’s Roadhouse does it up right. Thursday night is “Prime Rib” special night featuring your choice of an eight, 12 or 20 ounce portion. Prepared to perfection, this cut of beef calls out for a good bottle of wine and “The House” has an impressive and extensive wine list. The Condesa de Leganza Crianza from Spain hit the spot during a recent visit.

Features Rick Coates The simple philosophy of John Gorka
Rick Coates 5/4/09

Folk troubadour John Gorka has enjoyed international success as a singer/songwriter and returns to Northern Michigan this week. He will appear at the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay on May 7, continuing his lengthy tour.
“I started this tour 25 years ago and it just keeps going,” chuckles Gorka. “I feel very fortunate to have come into the music industry when I did.”
Gorka won the coveted Kerrville Folk Festivals “New Folk Award” in 1984. He was immediately signed with Minnesota’s up-and-coming Red House Records before landing with Windham Hill a few years later. Gorka has since returned to his roots and is back on Red House with a new CD coming out later this year.
He has toured relentlessly over the past 25 years, averaging 150 shows annually and building a fan following across the country, as well as in Europe, where his tours led him through Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland and Germany.