What's Up Big Rapids?

What's Up Big Rapids
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entertainment News
  • Updated Weekly

Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

  1. 1d ago

    Small Towns, Big Dreams & Summer Nights

    This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris shares stories from playing with the Kelly Quinn Blues Experience at Horrocks, the crew recaps helping with the Res Life livestream, and we remind everyone that High Strung Steel is back at the Sawmill this Saturday. Our guest is Tyler Huntey, who talks about the incredible momentum happening in Stanwood, why investing in small communities matters, and how the Chamber of Commerce is helping create opportunities for businesses and families alike. Plus: concerts, movie giveaways, Jurassic Park at the airport, bike rentals, wrestling, recycling, and somehow... a viral raccoon named Jimothy. ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:00 – Chris plays Horrocks with the Kelly Quinn Blues Experience 🎸 2:40 – WUBR helps with the Res Life livestream 🎥 4:05 – Movie ticket giveaway winner announced! 🎟️ 5:30 – Have you seen High Strung Steel yet? 🎻 6:42 – Featured Creature: "Piglet" the Fly River Turtle 🐢 8:45 – Guest intro: Tyler Huntey 11:55 – Tyler's path to the Chamber of Commerce 14:10 – Why regional collaboration is working 🤝 15:05 – Chamber Investor Drive & Quiz Bowl at Crankers 17:50 – Stanwood's surprising resurgence ✨ 19:00 – How one relationship led to downtown investment 21:00 – New indoor play place for kids 🛝 25:40 – White Pine Bike Rentals opens 🚲 29:30 – Why invest in a small town? 33:00 – Help preserve Stanwood's history 📖 36:40 – Stanwood Summerfest preview 🎉 39:05 – Thinking about starting a business? The Chamber can help. 40:10 – This week's live music lineup 🎶 41:57 – Dueling Pianos giveaway at The Peaks 🎹 43:15 – Jurassic Park movie night at Roben-Hood Airport 🦖 44:20 – Business After Hours at The Banded Raccoon 44:50 – Meet Jimothy the viral raccoon 🦝 48:30 – Youth Wrestling Tournament 🤼 49:25 – Tire Recycling Event ♻️ 51:15 – Spider-Man premiere & Comic-Con excitement 🕷️ 55:17 – Outro & goodbye 📣 Hashtags #WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #ShopLocal

  2. Jul 22

    Public Art, Popcorn & Big Rapids Creativity

    This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch our breath after another busy summer weekend, swap fair stories, talk movies, and spend some time appreciating one of the things that makes Big Rapids unique—its public art. Our guests are Carrie Weis and Steve Gove from the Public Art Collective, who share how the organization got started, why public art matters, and the story behind the new book highlighting the sculptures and murals that have become part of our community. Plus: new businesses, concerts, movie talk, bike rides, golf outings... and whatever a marshmallow-stuffed donut is supposed to be. 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:55 – Busy summer weekends all around ☀️2:20 – Pat's demolition derby recap 🚗2:37 – Spain wins the FIFA World Cup ⚽4:15 – What's coming up this week5:25 – Walmart's surprisingly great playlist 🎵6:26 – Featured Creature: Chinchilla 🐭9:15 – Appreciating the public art around Big Rapids 🎨10:45 – Shoutout to the Public Art Collective's new book 📖11:53 – Guest intro: Carrie Weis & Steve Gove15:15 – What first drew them to art?17:07 – Sharing your passion with others17:52 – Carrie's role at Ferris and in the community19:08 – How the Public Art Collective began22:49 – Where to get the new book23:07 – What's next for the organization?26:05 – Chris shares his appreciation for collecting art27:05 – Future public art projects29:22 – Why art matters in a community31:28 – How to get involved32:45 – Thanks to Carrie & Steve ❤️33:41 – Ferris dorm construction update 🏗️34:46 – Kraken Jiu Jitsu officially opens 🥋36:45 – Movie ticket giveaway winner announced 🎟️37:58 – Odyssey and Avengers movie discussion 🎬40:11 – Tell Pat your favorite movies of the year!41:37 – Pocket Park concert this Friday 🎶42:28 – Thursday Night Concerts begin 🎵43:25 – Bandshell concert tonight43:55 – Christmas in July Golf Scramble ⛳45:10 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash45:46 – Big Rapids All-Class Reunion 🎓46:55 – Big Dam Bike Ride 🚴49:05 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖50:07 – Bison vs. tourist... the internet delivers again 😳52:35 – Marshmallow-stuffed donuts? 🍩55:00 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#PublicArt ⏱️ Timecodes📣 Hashtags

  3. Jul 15

    Chicken, Community & Caring for Neighbors

    It's Chicken BBQ week in Big Rapids! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we talk summer heat, golf, county fair week, Five Below, and somehow find time to laugh at a picture of Dom dressed as a giant chicken. Our guest is Kim Easler, Executive Director of Angels of Action, who shares what it takes to organize one of the community's biggest fundraisers, how the organization continues to grow, and the many ways volunteers make a difference throughout the year. If you've ever wondered where your Chicken BBQ dollars go—or how you can help your neighbors—this is a great conversation. ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 – Intro & welcome 1:15 – Surviving the summer heat & Chicken BBQ volunteer tips ☀️🍗 3:39 – Golf season is in full swing ⛳ 4:45 – Dom... in a chicken costume 🐔 5:32 – Conor McGregor discussion 6:18 – Five Below grand opening review 🛍️ 9:18 – Featured Creature: African Pygmy 🐟 11:05 – Guest intro: Kim Easler (Angels of Action) ❤️ 12:30 – Is the Chicken BBQ the biggest fundraiser? 13:00 – Behind the scenes of organizing community events 13:54 – How many dinners were served last year? 14:50 – Pat declares this year's chicken the best ever 🍗 17:20 – Shoutout to Mancino's for donating bread 🥖 18:22 – Chris rolls the dice on eating lettuce 😄 20:13 – How many chickens does it take? 22:32 – Kim's journey with Angels of Action 23:25 – What she's most proud of 24:00 – Growing the Literacy in Action program 📚 26:00 – Why literacy matters 27:40 – What's next for Angels of Action? 28:00 – Virtual cooking classes for families 👩‍🍳 29:30 – Volunteers are always needed 30:40 – Other ways to support the mission 33:10 – Christmas in July Golf Scramble 🎄⛳ 35:05 – Managing multiple golf outings 36:40 – Back-to-school event coming soon 🎒 36:58 – Looking ahead to Light Up the Night ✨ 37:50 – Final Chicken BBQ days! 38:18 – How to volunteer or donate 39:30 – Special Olympics Ice Cream Social 🍦 40:13 – High Strung Steel & Whorled at Quinn's 🎶 41:50 – Pat's movie ticket giveaway 🎬 43:54 – Pocket Park concert series continues 🎵 44:42 – Blue Water Ramblers at the Bandshell 45:15 – Fair Week is here! 🎡 47:21 – Thursday Night Concerts begin next week 49:12 – H.O.B.O. Basketball Camp 🏀 50:35 – Chris doesn't have room for another cult 😂 50:55 – Cornhole tournament at The Peaks 52:12 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash 52:40 – Eagles 80th Anniversary Open House 54:06 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖 54:51 – AI imagines Big Rapids 🤖 57:02 – Daylight Saving Time update ⏰ 58:25 – Outro & goodbye 📣 Hashtags #WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #AngelsOfAction

  4. Jul 8

    Global Connections, Great Pizza & Summer in Full Swing

    Summer keeps rolling in Big Rapids! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the guys recap the Fourth of July festivities, debate whether they've officially become too old to get excited about fireworks, and somehow end up talking movies again. Our guest is Tara Braun, Executive Director of International Studies at Ferris State University and outgoing Rotary President. It's a fascinating conversation about international education, why over 60 countries are represented right here in Big Rapids, and Tara's vision for creating sister-city relationships that could connect our community to the rest of the world. Plus: Cottage Inn sneak peeks, Five Below finally opens, Fair Week begins, and there's live music just about everywhere you look. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:25 – Chris Jane Sells Houses is back! 🏡2:50 – Fourth of July parade & fireworks recap 🎆4:40 – Movie reviews return (and Chris struggles with movie trivia again) 🎬8:45 – Heat wave reminders ☀️9:15 – Featured Creature: Serpae Tetra 🐟11:20 – UFC legends making comebacks 🥊12:40 – USA falls to Belgium in the World Cup ⚽15:10 – Guest intro: Tara Braun 🌎18:00 – Growing up in Big Rapids and discovering the world20:45 – First international trip and how it changed her perspective22:10 – The value international students bring to a community24:35 – More than 60 countries represented at Ferris 🌍30:20 – Connecting international students with the community33:15 – Michigan's sister relationship with Shiba, Japan 🇯🇵36:30 – Building future sister-city relationships39:30 – "Is this like dating for cities?" 😄42:00 – How to get involved45:15 – Thanks to Mark Brejcha46:00 – New wheelchair swing at Hemlock Park ❤️47:15 – Sneak peek inside Cottage Inn Pizza 🍕48:05 – Five Below & Whipped and Dipped are open!50:10 – Fill-A-Bus for the Youth Attention Center 🚌52:08 – Pocket Park & Bandshell concerts continue 🎶53:20 – Fair Week begins! 🎡56:45 – Were you a 4-H kid?59:15 – More live music around town 🎸1:01:45 – H.O.B.O. Basketball Camp 🏀1:03:25 – Cornhole tournament at The Peaks1:04:00 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash & Eagles Open House1:06:09 – Big Rapids High School All-Class Reunion1:07:53 – Drone light show & Dom's all-time worst dad joke 😂1:09:15 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

  5. Jul 1

    Patriotism, Progress & Proud Traditions

    Happy (almost) Fourth of July! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate America's 250th birthday, recap a fantastic ArtStock weekend, talk summer heat, golf, weddings, and all the events filling up the calendar. Our guest is Mark Brejcha—retired military officer, longtime educator, and Director of Michigan Boys State. He shares his remarkable journey from Big Rapids to military service and explains how Boys State has been helping shape future leaders for generations. Plus: Dunkin' is finally open, Spirit Halloween is back, the Dog House keeps taking shape, and Dom somehow finds himself discussing travel-sized ranch dressing. 0:00 – Intro & welcome 🇺🇸1:02 – Happy 250th Birthday, America! World Cup talk ⚽3:30 – ArtStock recap 🎨4:40 – Chris plays a friend's wedding (and the nerves that came with it) 🎶9:57 – Pat's golf-filled summer ⛳11:34 – Birthday celebrations at home 🎂12:10 – Heat wave & thunderstorms ☀️⛈️12:34 – Featured Creature: African Cichlid 🐟14:25 – Library events coming up 📚16:40 – Guest intro: Mark Brejcha 🎖️17:14 – Military career & retirement17:35 – Why he chose military service18:30 – The path that led him there19:45 – Growing up in Big Rapids20:45 – His family story22:20 – Becoming a middle school teacher25:55 – What Boys State is all about30:03 – Famous Boys State alumni30:45 – The history of the program32:45 – Inspiring young leaders today34:08 – Goals as director35:55 – Building the next generation of volunteers37:35 – How to get involved38:38 – VFW vs. AMVETS vs. American Legion41:30 – Big Rapids' incredible participation in Boys & Girls State43:11 – Thanks to Mark for joining us43:50 – Spirit Halloween returns 👻44:34 – Labor Day Festival announcement 🎡45:25 – Red Fox Market celebrates 10 years 🎉46:25 – Whipped & Dipped grand opening 🍦48:07 – Ferris' new "Dog House" dorm update 🏗️49:35 – Dunkin' officially opens ☕50:27 – Pocket Park concert (July 3) 🎶51:15 – Independence Day celebration 🇺🇸52:37 – AMVETS & American Legion BBQ 🍔55:31 – Five Below grand opening 🛍️58:17 – Coon MMA opens new facility 🥋1:00:00 – Fair week is almost here 🎡1:00:47 – Angels of Action Chicken BBQ 🍗1:01:55 – Thursday Night Concerts begin 🎵1:02:50 – Bandshell concert rescheduled due to heat1:03:44 – Hustle Our Buts Off basketball camp 🏀1:04:30 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash1:05:04 – Eagles 80th Anniversary Open House1:06:13 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖1:08:03 – Happy Bobby Bonilla Day 😄1:10:02 – Tiny bottles of ranch dressing 😂1:12:26 – Dom's viral moment of the week1:14:44 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

  6. Jun 24

    Cats, Concerts & Community Spirit

    This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we're squeezing the show in early before one of the busiest weeks of the summer. Chris is headed off for his 20th straight year serving with Through the Roof Disability Ministry, Pat is filling his calendar with golf outings, and Big Rapids is packed with events as we head toward Independence Day. Our guests are Jennifer Thede and Bonnie Clark from TNR Mecosta, who share the incredible story behind their Trap-Neuter-Return program and the impact they've had on the local cat population over the last decade. Plus: ArtStock, AirFest, concerts, fairs, fireworks, and a surprisingly passionate discussion about ear wax. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:11 – Recording early for a packed week ahead3:15 – Through the Roof camp, audiobooks, and windshield time 🚐4:54 – Pat's charity golf marathon ⛳6:50 – Featured Creature: Super Pastel Ball Python 🐍9:45 – Thanks to Tyler Schuberg10:15 – Guest intro: Jennifer Thede & Bonnie Clark (TNR Mecosta) 🐱11:40 – What is Trap-Neuter-Return?13:45 – Nearly 1,500 cats helped in 10 years15:10 – How locations are selected16:30 – Bonnie's journey into TNR18:55 – Wiener Wednesdays at the Sawmill 🌭20:45 – Why this mission matters22:20 – One cat can become 11,000 😳23:25 – How to get involved26:20 – Scooter's fundraiser on June 30 ☕27:15 – Monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities27:45 – New menu items at Gypsy Nickel 🍜28:29 – Admiral stations become Citgo locations ⛽29:40 – The pool is open! 🏊30:55 – Theater update: Toy Story 5 & Spider-Man 🎬32:10 – Bandshell concerts every Wednesday 🎶33:10 – Hand of Giants at Pocket Park & ArtStock 🎸34:00 – ArtStock nearly sold out 🎨37:15 – Tennis in the Park 🎾37:35 – AirFest at Roben-Hood Airport ✈️39:10 – Mecosta County Free Fair update 🎡40:50 – July 3rd celebration & fireworks 🇺🇸42:00 – Special Olympics garage sale & ice cream social 🍦42:53 – Chris vs ear wax 😄45:00 – Will Cottage Inn open this week? 🍕47:30 – Thanks to TNR and Jeremiah48:05 – World Cup excitement ⚽50:45 – Next week: our favorite librarian returns 📚51:15 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

  7. Jun 17

    Champions, Chamber Talk & Community Connections

    This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch up on summer concerts, birthday parties, movie nostalgia, and a whole lot of community momentum. Our guest is Tyler Schuberg, lifelong Big Rapids resident, fourth-generation business owner, Chamber President, and apparently a seven-time insurance sales champion with a surprisingly good Macho Man Randy Savage impression. We talk about what makes Big Rapids special, what we've lost along the way, what we'd like to bring back, and where the community could be headed next. Plus: Airfest, ArtStock, football camps, concerts, fairs, fireworks, and one very enthusiastic discussion about old tunnels beneath the city. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:00 – Pocket Park, Community Band, and birthday parties 🎶2:05 – Toy Story 5 vs Masters of the Universe 🎬3:10 – Pat checks out the new Acrisure Amphitheater4:30 – Scooter crash context (for the newcomers) 🛴6:45 – Featured Creature: Mooseface Loach 🐟9:00 – Guest intro: Tyler Schuberg 🏆9:55 – What excites Tyler about Big Rapids right now?14:17 – Update on Ferris' proposed indoor training facility16:50 – Favorite Big Rapids memories growing up20:10 – What community traditions should return?22:00 – Remembering the Jaycees24:00 – Could the Haunted Jail make a comeback? 👻26:30 – The perspective of a fourth-generation business owner30:25 – Underground tunnels beneath Big Rapids?31:45 – Why Tyler got involved with the Chamber34:25 – How businesses can get involved36:15 – The upcoming Tyler vs Tyler Chamber challenge 😄41:00 – Toy Story arrives at the theater41:30 – Colmus Family Band at Pocket Park42:30 – Bandshell concert series every Wednesday 🎶43:15 – Youth football mini-camp 🏈45:20 – Grab & Go meal program for kids46:02 – Airfest at Roben-Hood Airport ✈️47:13 – ArtStock debuts at the Schuberg farm 🎨50:10 – Fourth of July festivities 🎆52:15 – Fair season is almost here 🎡53:35 – Wellness and life coaching workshop54:30 – Shoutout to local student musicians 🎺54:55 – Tennis clinic in the park 🎾55:25 – Welcome home, Dom!57:05 – Viral moments: World Cup fans & Messi ⚽59:12 – Thanks to Tyler Schuberg1:00:50 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

  8. Jun 10

    Golden Glizzies, Summer Nights & Small-Town Surprises

    Summerfest is in the books, the Golden Glizzy has a champion, and Big Rapids is rolling full speed into summer. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the guys take a breather from guest interviews and catch up on everything happening around town. From the massive success of Summerfest and Back to the Bricks, to new businesses taking shape, summer concerts kicking off, and some truly questionable viral videos, there's plenty to talk about. Plus, after months of requests, Chris finally shares the infamous scooter crash footage. 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:52 – Summerfest recap and community appreciation ☀️2:20 – The first-ever Golden Glizzy Award 🌭🏆5:23 – Banded Raccoon vendor show + Quinn's Music success6:55 – High Strung Steel at Pocket Park & Canadian Lakes 🎶9:20 – Pat's family-filled weekend11:15 – The meeting he wasn't invited to 😬12:25 – Life changes everywhere lately13:25 – Weekend plans: America and charity percussion 🇺🇸🥁14:30 – Thanks to Sarah Dixon and Jennifer Jones16:30 – Back to the Bricks was HUGE 🚗17:25 – Guestless and winging it this week 😄18:45 – Featured Creature: Ferrets!21:25 – New kitten + Scary Movie discussion 🐱22:45 – Date-night movies at the theater 🎬24:55 – Chipotle construction update 🌯26:30 – Which new business opens first?29:15 – New jiu-jitsu, karate, and MMA options 🥋32:30 – Pocket Park concert series every Friday 🎵34:10 – ArtStock arrives June 27 🎨35:05 – Angels of Action Summer Block Party ❤️37:15 – Free summer meals for local kids38:55 – Youth football camp announcement 🏈40:25 – Artworks Road Trip program 🚐42:03 – Bandshell concert season begins next week43:15 – Fourth of July celebration plans 🎆44:50 – Chris struggles without a guest or intern 😄46:45 – Fireworks truck explosion video 🤯50:22 – The scooter crash footage finally appears 🛴💥54:50 – A moment of gratitude ❤️56:22 – Pat lands the plane and wraps up the show #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#SummerInBigRapids#CommunityStrong

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

Information

  • Creator
    What's Up Big Rapids
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © What's Up Big Rapids
  • Show Website
    What's Up Big Rapids?