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. 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

    51 min

  2. 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

    1h 1m

  3. 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

    57 min

  4. Jun 3

    Birthdays, Business & Big Summer Energy

    Summer has officially arrived in Big Rapids, and so has one of the busiest weekends of the year. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate Dom's 50th birthday, preview Summerfest, debate the upcoming hot dog eating contest, and welcome Sarah Dixon and Matt Schneider from the newly formed Regional Chamber. We dig into why the new Chamber was created, what it hopes to accomplish, and how local businesses and community members can get involved. Plus, there's plenty of talk about upcoming events, local developments, live music, and a jewelry heist that has everyone talking. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:25 – Pat's latest home projects 🏠2:19 – Chris plays his first contra dance 💃3:29 – Summer concert season & Worship in the Park 🎶4:27 – Thanks to Jennifer Jones for joining us last week5:02 – Featured Creature: African Killifish 🐟7:35 – Could E&E Tropical Fish bring live animals onto the show?9:02 – Happy 50th Birthday, Dom! 🎂9:45 – Chris reveals Dom's birthday gifts 🎁11:25 – Dom's plans for the next 50 years12:05 – Pat's birthday gifts for Dom13:29 – Guest intro: Sarah Dixon & Matt Schneider (Regional Chamber) 🏛️15:02 – Why create a new Chamber?16:45 – Community leaders, consultants, and fresh ideas19:09 – Matt's perspective as a board member20:35 – Chris reflects on rebuilding Summerfest after COVID21:53 – Challenges of launching multiple initiatives at once23:00 – Pat gets a chance to settle his "beef" with Reed City 😄23:45 – Chamber kickoff breakfast recap25:25 – Remembering names and building relationships27:16 – Sarah's background28:49 – Chris and Sarah remember the Save the Ponds effort29:59 – What's coming next?31:10 – The pitch to potential investors34:35 – Pat's summary of the Chamber vision35:15 – Matt on the benefits of Chamber membership36:03 – Ways to get involved37:08 – Where to find the Chamber38:12 – Thanks to Sarah and Matt39:57 – RIP Hometown Pharmacy41:11 – Site plans approved for a new homeless shelter41:52 – New Schuberg's menu released 🍔42:36 – Big Rapids Computer Repair moves locations 💻43:37 – The local jewelry heist story 💎46:04 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗47:00 – Free Worship Night at RezLife 🙏48:25 – Ferris Community Concert Band kickoff 🎺48:42 – Summerfest arrives June 6 ☀️51:55 – Hot dog eating contest predictions 🌭54:00 – Chris remembers the early post-COVID Summerfest years55:00 – Pocket Park hot dog showdown details55:55 – Stop by the Banded Raccoon during Summerfest56:15 – Hand of Giants at the Sawmill Saloon 🎸57:49 – Chamber plans for Summerfest58:15 – WUBR T-shirt design contest reminder 🎨59:44 – Dom's viral video & local student success story1:02:24 – Joey Chestnut and the hot dog world record 🤯1:04:18 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerfestBR

    1h 5m

  5. May 27

    Cars, Concerts & Community Comeback

    Big Rapids is officially in full summer mode. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from road trips and Korean BBQ to a growing list of events, projects, and momentum across the community. We’re joined by Jennifer Faris Jones, Director of Explore Big Rapids, who breaks down how the Chamber, DBA, and Explore Big Rapids all work together, and what’s being done to bring more visitors (and energy) into the area. From Back to the Bricks to future ideas like drone shows and expanded regional branding, there’s a lot in motion right now. We also hit a packed list of local happenings — from the return of the Farmers Market and Pocket Park concerts to new businesses, summer festivals, and one very important update… the splash pad is OPEN 😄 0:00 – Intro & welcome0:55 – Thanks to last week’s guest Luke Wyckoff 📸1:40 – Weekly recap: what the guys have been up to2:40 – Chris’ trip to South Carolina 🎉3:46 – Pat’s long weekend recap4:26 – Korean BBQ in Grand Rapids 🍖5:45 – Chris vs his never-ending home projects6:15 – Summer live music preview 🎶7:20 – Featured Creature: Burmese Clouded Archer Fish 🐟9:50 – Wanting more for the community11:27 – Chamber changes discussion12:07 – Guest intro: Jennifer Faris Jones (Explore Big Rapids) 🌆12:45 – New role: exciting or intimidating?13:14 – Chamber vs DBA vs Explore Big Rapids14:36 – Marketing opportunities for local businesses15:13 – Jennifer’s background16:58 – Chase Creek Smokehouse update17:35 – Moment of silence for Schuberg’s sweet potato fries 😄17:50 – RIP South Admiral18:48 – “Heads in beds” — tourism focus18:52 – Back to the Bricks bringing 250+ cars 🚗19:32 – Smaller projects in motion20:09 – Drone light shows someday?20:27 – Drone contest idea21:09 – Parade plans21:32 – More upcoming projects21:45 – Rebranding Explore Big Rapids regionally22:45 – Blessing of the Bikes & more events23:27 – Poker run details25:00 – How businesses can get involved25:22 – Adding events to BigRapids.org 📅26:45 – Intern helping expand event listings29:01 – Callery Pear trees are now illegal 🌳30:10 – Five Below, car wash, Burlington updates 🏗️30:42 – Splash pad is OPEN 💦31:04 – Zinnia Day at the Farmers Market 🌸31:45 – Pocket Park concerts (Fridays all summer)32:29 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃33:15 – Angels of Action Summer Block Party (June 12)33:53 – Free medical clinic this weekend34:40 – Back to the Bricks (June 5)35:00 – What Back to the Bricks is all about35:55 – Event amenities breakdown36:40 – Summerfest vendor preview ☀️37:32 – Banded Raccoon pop-up market38:09 – Bandshell concert series begins June 17 🎶39:25 – Jim Crow Museum progress39:45 – Theater review 🎬41:20 – New ice cream spot: Whipped and Dipped 🍦42:50 – Crusted Creations arcade shoutout43:15 – Congrats to students finishing the school year 🎓44:38 – Viral traffic stop video 🤯46:37 – AI song debate 🎧50:01 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    51 min

  6. May 20

    Photos, Percussion & Summer Kickoff

    Big Rapids is hitting that early summer stride — and this week’s episode covers a little bit of everything. Chris recaps a trip to the Chicago Drum Show, Hand of Giants gets ready to open for Saving Abel, and the guys try to make sense of Detroit sports and… whatever was going on with nutrition in the 80s 😄 This week’s guest is Luke Wyckoff, a National Geographic photographer and Ferris alum with a fascinating path — from stepping away from photography for 20 years to finding his way back and shooting in Kenya with one of the best wildlife photography teams in the world. It’s a great conversation about creativity, burnout, reinvention, and chasing meaningful work. Plus: drum circles, garage sales, summer events, and a whole lot happening around town as we head into June. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:20 – It’s (almost) shorts weather ☀️2:25 – Chamber Golf Outing forces early recording3:52 – Detroit sports check-in 🏀4:50 – Life keeping Pat busy6:25 – Chicago Drum Show + Grateful Dead vibes 🥁7:30 – Hand of Giants opening for Saving Abel 🎸8:50 – Why did people look older “back in the day”? 😄9:50 – Featured Creature: White (Dumpy) Tree Frog 🐸12:40 – Chris goes deep on bird colors 🐦13:58 – Thanks to Jenn from Schuberg’s Bar and Grill15:08 – Guest intro: Luke Wyckoff 📸16:55 – Luke’s background & journey18:05 – From business & marketing to creative work22:05 – Staying fresh by diversifying23:20 – Why Ferris & returning to Michigan27:30 – Remote work vs photography travel29:30 – Getting started in photography31:30 – Walking away from photography for 20 years35:15 – National Geographic trip to Kenya 🌍37:27 – What a safari shoot looks like39:15 – Wildlife photography legends41:35 – Favorite photos (not what you’d expect)46:35 – What’s next: Japan, hockey, Ferris football49:45 – Where to find Luke’s work50:28 – Coach Tony Annese Hall of Fame nod 🏆51:05 – Shoutout to local maker Daniel Evelend52:30 – Community Drum Circle (Friday) 🥁53:04 – Saving Abel show (Saturday)53:30 – Canadian Lakes garage sales54:00 – Walmart remodel reveal54:53 – Folk for Now at the Bandshell 🎶55:25 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 2955:58 – Free RAM Clinic (May 30–31)56:30 – WISE 5K (May 30) 🏃56:50 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) 🚗☀️59:05 – Dom’s Corrections: birds & Shaq wisdom1:01:00 – Outro & thanks #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    1h 2m

  7. May 13

    Birds, Burgers & Big Rapids Boom

    Big Rapids is buzzing — and not just with birds. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate the unveiling of the new bird statue at Northend Riverside Park, talk bird walks, and even float the idea of bringing back the local Audubon Society. We’re joined by Jenn Rumsey, owner of Schuberg’s Bar and Grill and President of the Downtown Business Association. From growing up in the Schuberg’s legacy to navigating its viral popularity, Jenn gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Big Rapids’ most iconic spots — plus updates on what’s ahead for downtown. We also cover major development updates across town, summer events right around the corner, and everything else that makes this place feel alive right now. 0:00 – Intro & welcome2:00 – New bird statue + community birding event 🐦6:00 – Bird walk this Friday at 4:309:00 – Restarting the Big Rapids Audubon Society?10:30 – Guest intro: Jenn Rumsey (Schuberg’s + DBA President) 🍔11:45 – First memories of Schuberg’s14:00 – Family legacy behind the restaurant14:30 – Going viral — handling the popularity16:18 – Small space, big demand18:30 – Managing expectations when it’s packed21:25 – Running a business with your spouse24:40 – The mystery of bar tools 😄25:35 – Jenn’s go-to Schuberg’s order27:55 – Downtown Business Association updates32:33 – Social district awareness push35:05 – Downtown discount cards available now36:30 – Collaboration between DBA, CVB & Chamber37:55 – Featured Creature: Dwarf Gourami 🐟41:10 – Big changes around town (Five Below, Chipotle, carwash, more) 🏗️42:09 – New childcare center on east side43:30 – Thanks to Dr. Pink44:55 – Former Clark station site discussion46:30 – Hanchett property update (55+ housing)48:14 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15) 🎤49:00 – Toastmasters at Ferris (2nd & 4th Thursdays)52:58 – Wheatlake 5K (May 17) 🏃53:32 – Pocket Park Music Series starts soon 🎶54:50 – WISE 5K (May 30)55:30 – Free RAM clinic at Ferris (May 30–31)57:28 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗59:00 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:00:15 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs event 🌭1:00:52 – Personal note: prayers for a family friend ❤️1:01:30 – Dom’s Corrections: chaos as usual1:04:55 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories Follow us on Facebook here On Youtube Here Follow Schuberg's Bar on Facebook

    1h 5m

  8. May 6

    Spring Blooms, Bulldog Builds & Big Rapids Buzz

    Big Rapids is officially in that sweet spot — trees blooming, projects moving, and the calendar filling up fast. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we finally solve the mystery of those white flowering trees downtown (spoiler: not dogwoods), check in on the Chipotle construction progress, and recap a busy weekend that included live music, a marriage retreat, and a whole lot of community activity. We’re joined again by Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink, who gives updates on everything from the new marching band energy on campus to major projects like Stadium Hall, the Jim Crow Museum, and a planned indoor activity facility. It’s a great look at how Ferris continues to grow and shape the future of Big Rapids. Plus: farmers market kickoff, Mother’s Day plans, car shows, concerts, job fairs, and one very serious debate about Schuburgers. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:05 – The mystery of the white flowering trees 🌸 (Callery Pear!)2:10 – Chipotle site nearly ready for construction 🌯3:40 – Sawmill show recap + marriage retreat weekend6:15 – Are mixtapes still a thing? 🎶7:40 – Thanks to Arthur Johnson from Artworks8:15 – The Beard Mechanic ribbon cutting 💈9:15 – Featured Creature: Heckel Discus fish 🐟11:15 – Guest intro: Dr. Bill Pink (Ferris State President) 🎓11:45 – Strong opinions on mixtapes (analog wins)14:55 – New marching band energy on campus16:10 – Campus construction updates (Stadium Hall, Jim Crow Museum)19:20 – Dorm upgrades coming soon22:05 – Jim Crow Museum timeline (September opening)23:05 – Indoor activity facility plans 🏟️29:05 – Katke Golf Course update ⛳30:00 – Cody “Beef” Franke story & legacy31:32 – Diesel Days impact on students33:40 – RAM Clinic returning May 30–3135:20 – Building connections with local clergy41:35 – The Big Event + community connection45:00 – Thanks to Dr. Pink47:45 – Farmers Market starts Friday 🌱48:05 – Library love + Book It program returns 📚50:33 – Theater updates (tickets + signage) 🎬51:41 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show 🚗52:20 – Mother’s Day plans 💐53:20 – The guys’ Mother’s Day strategies (or lack thereof 😄)54:55 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15)55:55 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16) 🏃56:46 – Pocket Park music series starts May 29 🎶58:20 – WISE 5K (May 30)58:45 – Free RAM medical clinic at Ferris59:45 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) ☀️1:01:10 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs hiring event 🌭1:02:30 – Final thoughts with Dr. Pink1:03:15 – Schuberg’s debate + Pizza Hut talk 🍔1:08:30 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    1h 10m
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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
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What's Up Big Rapids
  • Show Website
    What's Up Big Rapids?