First, there was Breed – Flint’s hip-hop pioneer whose work resulted in a new musical sub-genre that put Flint on the map for rap talent. In the early 80s, rap or hip-hop was gaining a hold on the country. When the Sugar Hill Gang released “Rapper’s Delight” in 1980 to a national audience, the song got the world’s attention and young people began to embrace the sound. In 1984, Run D.M.C. released their self-titled debut, LL Cool J released his debut “Radio” in ’85 and the genre exploded. Street corners were full of youngsters and adults showing off their newfound talents or engaging in good-natured “rap battles.” DJs started working crowds in every major city. Despite the increasing interest in hip-hop throughout the country, artists and players on all of the major labels hailed from the East and West Coasts with L.A. and New York at the forefront; but in 1991, a man from the Midwest broke out with a new style and sound that would pave the way for a region and a city. That man was MC Breed and his story, along with that of fellow Flint artist, Ira “Bootleg” Dorsey, is the focus of Michigan State University’s “Rap on Flint” project.
Since 2010, the Swartz Creek Area Art Guild has been a place of community, talent and learning. Founded by Nancy Olds and Karen Pinkston, the Guild is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to “Promoting interest in the visual arts through education and development of artistic activities.” The Guild is open to all fine arts and crafts creators with only one requirement: love and enjoyment of all things artistic. “We accept everyone who wants to become a member,” says current President, Sheridan Baldwin. “Our artists are local and have talent in a wide variety of mediums.” Guild volunteers operate the Swartz Creek Art Gallery located on Miller Road. Inside, you will find a wide-range of beautiful works including crochet, jewelry, glasswork, pottery, wood carvings, paintings, mixed-media, magnets and more. “Our artists are a talented bunch,” says Baldwin. The gallery is member-run and often relies upon volunteer help during classes and events.
YouthQuest, a no-cost after-school enrichment program operated by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, celebrated its tenth anniversary in July. “This is a huge milestone!” exclaims Nefertari Jones, Program Director. “We are a mainstay and still going strong!”
This summer, Flint kindergarten teacher, Jessica Reed, received a makeover of her classroom at Northridge Academy. This fantastic surprise was all due to the generosity of a longtime family friend, Melanie Ralbusky, a former teacher who is now a designer.
What should you cook for dinner on a rainy, late summer day? It’s time to put the grill away and enjoy this tasty spaghetti carbonara from damndelicious.net that only takes 15 minutes to make.
Now is peak season to pick peaches at local orchards. And what better way to savor the flavor of summer than serving a homemade peach cobbler, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Here is an easy recipe that I use from myrecipes.com that your family will love!
When I’m in search of something different to serve my family after a busy day, I often reach for this recipe for easy Red Beans and Rice. It is not only delicious; it brings back memories of sultry days spent in New Orleans.
Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV), 4119 N. Saginaw St., Flint, is hosting a community forum for its upcoming Flint Sports Complex on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 3:30 to 5pm.
There is nothing better to serve with a grilled burger than a crunchy pickle that you made yourself. Here is a recipe for Easy Refrigerator Pickles that is a summer cookout must have!
Come on down to Fenton and join in on the fun! The annual Taste in Fenton that attracts hundreds of visitors is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 4-8pm. The event will be a little different this year, according to Dennis Richardson, chairperson of the popular event. “It will be a ‘traveling’ Taste in Fenton,” he reports. “We will be sending people out to participating restaurants.”
Fresh out of trade school, a young Bryan McCree found himself at Doobies Irish Pub in Downtown Flint on open mic night. His friend, Tony Ennis, pushed him to get on stage and do a little stand-up. “Tony said, ‘You’re funny. Get up there,’” McCree remembers. “I did five minutes off the top and it was exhilarating. That was it for me. I felt I had found my purpose.” McCree was 21 and 40 years later, he still lives on stage making audiences laugh with his odd, physical, Flint-style comedy. He has toured all over the U.S., gone head-to-head with some of the most successful comics of the day, done countless interviews and made appearances on sketch comedy shows such as “MADtv.” Now at the age of 60 (with two shiny, new hips), Flint’s King of Comedy opens up about life in Flint, family and what it takes to make it on the big stage.
