“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and longtime chef & beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this podcast, John Gonzalez talks to Trevor Tkach of Traverse City Tourism during the National Cherry Festival. Not only do they talk about much they had at the Flo Rida concert, they also talk the remaining days of the festival (which continue through July 8). Learn more at cherryfestival.org.

Also during the conversation they talk about how Traverse City has transformed over the years. Tkach, the former executive director of the NCF, talks about how “shoulder seasons” in tourism have become growing in popularity for Traverse City.

They also talk about two upcoming events:

• Party Between the Lines, a new Labor Day event at Turtle Creek Stadium (home of the TC Pitspitters) that will feature two concerts: Nelly/Ashanti (Sept, 2) and REO Speedwagon/Joan Jett (Sept. 3).More details at thefestivalfoundation.org/p/party-between-the-lines
• September will also bring to the area a one-of-a-kind event that is gaining world-wide attention - the International Fireworks Championship. It features teams from the U.S. Mexico, Germany and France, offering spectacular shows in a competition. "It sold out in 30 minutes," Tkach said. Because of the demand they are looking at ways to allow more people into the show. It takes place Sept. 9, also at Turtle Creek Stadium. Learn more at traversecity.com.

Also during the podcast, Trevor and Gonzo are joined by Pure Michigan’s Dave Lorenz, who shares his thoughts on what has made Traverse City so successful. He also admits to being a Nelly fan.

The National Cherry Festival continues through July 8. Learn more at cherryfestival.org.

Behind the Mitten airs on 19 stations across the state.

Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

Affiliates:

*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:

-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant
-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City
-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland
-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake
-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan

*Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids

Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
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