On this Podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of "Behind the Mitten" offer some winter fun in Gaylord, a chance to check out a great New Year's Eve Party in Grand Rapids, an interview with legendary band Tower of Power and a tasty Christmas ale for Beer of the Week. This episode aired on multiple radio stations across Michigan, Dec. 16-17, 2017.

Segment 1: John and Amy visit with friends from Treetops Resort in Gaylord where general manager Barry Owens is getting ready for a busy season and showing off some major renovations at the Main Lodge, as well as The Inn. They also talk about dinners, sleigh rides and other activities at Treetops. Also, making an appearance is Paul "King of All Things Snow" Beachnau of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau, who talks about why his community is the state's premiere wintertime location. You can even see the Elk.

Learn more about Treetops at https://www.facebook.com/TreetopsMich/?ref=br_rs

Learn more about Gaylord at https://www.facebook.com/GaylordMichigan/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:32): John and Amy interview Emilio Castillo, founder and leader of the Tower of Power, the California rock band making music for nearly 50 years. The band performs Jan. 17, 2018 at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center in Grand Rapids. Tower’s sound can be hard to categorize, but Emilio says their sound as “Urban Soul Music.” Tower’s rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band. The band’s horn driven sound is unique, and the way they approach everything, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing, is totally their own.

Ticket information at http://www.fhfineartscenter.com/performances.html#

Learn more about the Tower of Power at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTowerOfPowerBand/

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:22): John and Amy visit Rockwell Republic in Grand Rapids, which is getting ready for a BIG New Year's Eve Party, Dec 31, 2017. John and Amy interview Jeff Lobdell of Restaurant Partners, which owns Rockwell. He runs down all the festivities, including an indoor Big Top, specialty menu, drinks, dancing, midnight champagne toast -- all under the theme of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Tickets are $30. The party begins at 10 p.m.

More info on the Rockwell Republic Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/138436676934024/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:40): John broadcasts from Snowbelt Brewing Co. in Gaylord, Michigan. With Amy trying out her new skis at Treetops Resort, Paul Beachnau of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau and Sandy Mattingly of Pine-cone Vacations take over co-host duties with John. They interview Jordan Awrey, marketing and social media director at Snowbelt. He talks about the overall mission of Snowbelt, which offers great beer, food and live music. The brewery was opened by Nate Muellenberg and his wife, Angielena, in August of 2016. Beer of the Week is Santa's Secret Weapon, a Scottish Christmas beer with spices, maple staves and cranberries (7.2% ABV, 18 IBUs).

Learn more about Snowbelt at https://www.facebook.com/snowbeltbrewingco/
*They just announced a new music series, which includes a return appearance of The Accidentals on Feb. 25, 2018. (Tickets on sale Jan. 1)

Learn more about Pine-cone Vacations at https://www.facebook.com/gaylordvacatio/

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten/