Country superstars Lady A surprise Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity with $50K for 2026 home builds
By Chelsea Meyer and Steve Summers
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity just received one of the best early Christmas gifts imaginable: a $50,000 donation in building materials courtesy of country superstars Lady A and their partners at Cornerstone Building Solutions.
Keri Asevedo, executive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, said the organization is “humbled and honored” to be chosen as part of Lady A’s Home for Good campaign. The donation provides much-needed siding and windows that will go directly into the nonprofit's 2026 home builds.
Habitat didn't have to chase this grant or fill out any forms to apply. “They called us and said, ‘Hey!’ That is absolutely our favorite way to receive gifts," Asevedo said.
Lady A’s tour across the country includes a commitment to support affordable housing in each city they visit. In Rockford, that commitment means stronger, safer homes for families through Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat crews are currently working indoors for the winter, but once the weather turns construction on the next round of homes will begin in late April or early May of 2026. The new homes will all use the siding and windows provided through this partnership.
Several Habitat staff and volunteers attended Lady A's show, and got to personally thank the band during a meet-and-greet. They even prepared gift packages featuring Rockford Habitat hard hats, handwritten notes from Habitat kids, and yes — sock monkeys for every member of Lady A.
“It’s one of the best Christmas gifts we’ve gotten in a long time," Asevedo said.
To learn more, volunteer, or make your own year-end contribution, follow Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity on social media or reach out directly.
Listen to the full interview below:
This article is by Chelsea Meyer of B103 Rockford with interviews from Steve Summers of 95.3 The Bull. The radio stations are partners with the Rock River Current.
815 Gift Guide: 640 Meats in Loves Park
About the 815 Gift Guide: The 815 Gift Guide is your source for ways to shop local during this holiday season. The Rock River Current and B103 Rockford will be spotlighting different businesses throughout the leadup to Christmas.
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You’ve probably got that one person in the family who’s happiest by the grill, whether they're outside in 20-degree weather or they’ve completely taken over the kitchen. So this year, give them the gift of flavor with something they’ll actually get excited about.
640 Meats, at 6410 E. Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park, is your one-stop holiday shop for gifts that taste every bit as good as they look. And this time of year, they bring out something truly special: their traditional Swedish holiday favorites. We’re talking fresh, handmade Kroppkakor, Swedish-pressed Sylta and Korv, the kind of old-school comfort foods you can only get around the holidays from 640 Meats. If you have Swedish roots, love authentic traditions, or just appreciate incredible food, these are must-haves for the season.
And of course, their Holiday Meat Boxes are the ultimate gift. Each box packed with high-quality cuts, they’re perfect for surprising family, friends, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates a great steak or a well-seasoned meal.
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Location: 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Social: Facebook
815 Gift Guide: The Pickin Chicks in Loves Park
About the 815 Gift Guide: The 815 Gift Guide is your source for ways to shop local during this holiday season. The Rock River Current and B103 Rockford will be spotlighting different businesses throughout the leadup to Christmas.
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If you’re hunting for something with personality, charm, and a little surprise factor, The Pickin Chicks is the place to find it. This shop, 6550 E. Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park, offers a curated mix of new treasures and gently loved finds that make gift-giving feel thoughtful and fun.
Owner Sarah Anderson has been in the estate sale world since 2014, but after COVID she noticed a shift.
“People needed items out of their homes but weren’t necessarily moving or selling,” she told Chelsea Meyer from B103 Rockford.
That change inspired her to launch The Pickin Chicks. It has now grown into a 6,000-square-foot store filled with 70% consignment and 30% new, giftable items. Since opening this location over Labor Day weekend, the shop has quickly become a go-to for unique, affordable gifts for all ages.
From stickers and puzzles for kids to grilling tools, men’s soaps, and even tequila and whiskey-themed goods for the guys, there’s something for everyone. Women’s clothing racks are filled with pieces that often still have original tags — like an $80 item marked down to just $25. The store also supports local talent, featuring resident artists like Plain Jane Art and others who offer seasonal and handmade pieces.
Whether your budget is tight or you simply want a gift that stands out, The Pickin’ Chicks can help you put together something meaningful.
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Know before you go
Where: 6550 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Contact: 815-979-5057; thepickinchicks@gmail.com
Online: thepickinchicks.com
Facebook: Go HERE
Instagram: @thepickinchicksupscaleresale
Twisted Crypt Haunted House opens its doors for the 12th season in Rockford
By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — One of Rockford’s most popular Halloween attractions is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors. Twisted Crypt Haunted House officially opens its doors for its 12th season tonight, continuing a tradition that has become a fall staple for the local community.
Located at 5420 E. State St., Twisted Crypt has built a reputation for its immersive theatrical setting. Owner Peter Dunn describes the experience as “putting guests right inside of a horror movie.”
“That first week of September, when the weather cooled down, our phones started ringing,” Dunn said on B103. “People wanted to know when we would open. Now opening night is finally here.”
Twisted Crypt sets itself apart from other haunted attractions by offering more than just quick scares and dark hallways. The experience is designed as an immersive theatrical performance, with actors who create a storyline that unfolds as guests move through the haunted house.
“We’re very actor-driven,” Dunn said. “Our goal is to put visitors right inside of a horror movie. If someone comes out saying we’re unique or different, that’s how we know we’ve done our job.”
Each visit lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, making it one of the longer haunted attractions in the region. While actors may engage directly with guests, sometimes stepping into personal space, Dunn emphasizes that there is no physical contact involved. The focus is on atmosphere, storytelling and live performance.
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Over the years, Twisted Crypt has also gained recognition outside of Rockford. Several cast members, including the character Mama, have won awards for their performances. Dunn credits the dedication of his cast and crew for creating an environment that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
The final night of the season will be Saturday, Nov. 1, following what is expected to be one of the busiest nights yet, Halloween, which falls on a Friday this year.
If you go
What: Twisted Crypt Haunted House
When: Fridays and Saturdays: 7–11 p.m.; Sundays: 7–10 p.m. (through Nov. 1)
Where: 5420 E. State Street, Rockford
Tickets: Go HERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=004nwSm8u8Y
This article is by Chelsea Meyer of B103 Rockford, a partner radio stations of the Rock River Current. She can be contacted at chelsea@b103fm.com.
Belvidere designer's faith fuels brand worn by R&B superstar Chris Brown
By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
(This article is by Chelsea Meyer of B103 Rockford, a radio partner of the Rock River Current.)
My grandpa always told me, “You can do anything you put your mind to. Dream it, and you can do it.”
I thought of those words as I sat down with Queshaun G. Canty, a designer from Belvidere. His journey is proof that when faith, perseverance and vision come together, even the wildest dreams can come true.
Canty, who graduated from Belvidere High School in 2009, is the creative mind behind Gréyce & Merci, a fashion line that carries a message of faith, resilience and boldness to believe in God’s promises. Canty’s brand was recently put in the spotlight when global R&B superstar Chris Brown, an artist we play all the time here on B103, was spotted on stage in Chicago wearing Gréyce & Merci.
For Canty, it wasn’t just a celebrity endorsement, it was a moment that brought him to tears.
Canty’s story begins in a place of struggle. Diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, he endured terrifying seizures as a child. His mom’s faith, however, was unshakable. After one particularly difficult season, she sent him to their family church in Michigan.
“The pastor called me to the altar and said there’s an attack of the enemy that needs to be defeated,” Canty recalled, his voice breaking with emotion. “He laid hands on me, and I never had another seizure after that day.”
As he shared that testimony, I felt chills run down my arms. My grandpa was a Southern Baptist pastor, so hearing a story of healing and faith like this stirred something deep in me. It reminded me that God is faithful — always.
That miracle planted the seed for what would one day become the brand that it is today.
“I wanted to give it more of a luxury feel,” Canty said on B103. “Even though the power is in the words themselves, I wanted it to look like what I saw my brand becoming."
But luxury is just the packaging. The heart of Gréyce & Merci is in its message.
“At the end of the day, it’s about not being ashamed of God’s grace and mercy,” Canty said. “I’m living proof that He can do anything.”
Behind the scenes, Gréyce & Merci is a family effort. His mom, cousin, brother and even his niece help out in the “lab,” as he calls it.
“I couldn’t do it alone,” he said. “Thankfully, my family actually wants to help. My niece loves putting stickers on labels. Everybody plays a part.”
The turning point came when Chris Brown’s team reached out ahead of his Chicago tour stop. They asked Canty to bring clothes for the R&B singer. Nervous but hopeful, Canty delivered
“I sent my family a video saying, ‘Okay, I just dropped off some clothes for Chris Brown ... everybody pray.’” Canty said with a laugh.
Then came the call that changed everything.
“I was at work when someone from his team FaceTimed me,” Canty said. “And there he was ... on stage, wearing Gréyce & Merci.” Brown has since worn the brand multiple times. Even wearing the same shirt twice.
“Chris Brown doesn’t let people tell him what to wear,” Canty said. “He likes to choose for himself from a rack of clothes. Out of so many big brands, he’s chosen Gréyce & Merci again and again. I believe it’s because of the words I put on my shirts. They have meaning, and I think it speaks to him.”
Seeing one of the biggest R&B stars in the world wearing his designs left Canty overwhelmed with emotion.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “It made me think of all the ups and downs, the times I wanted to quit, the hardships I faced. And then, in that moment, I realized: the vision God gave me is real. I was seeing what I saw in my spirit, now with my own eyes.”
For him, it’s never been just about clothes. It’s about being a vessel. “My brand is bigger than my brand,” he said. “It’s bigger than fashion. It’s about showing people that God is real.”
Canty isn’t slowing down. He recently dropped a new collection and has big plans for a nationwide pop-up tour, bringing his brand to cities across the country.
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This article is by Chelsea Meyer of B103 Rockford, a partner radio stations of the Rock River Current. She can be contacted at chelsea@b103fm.com.
Rockford's Mika Strick-Martinez takes over as head cheer coach at NIU
By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — If you have a kid in cheer around the 815, chances are you already know Michaela Strick-Martinez.
Strick-Martinez, who goes by Mika, has been everywhere from coaching at Jefferson High School, to leading cheer camps, and inspiring the next generation of local cheerleaders and athletes.
Now, she's taking her passion for cheerleading to the next level. Strick-Martinez has just been named the head coach for Northern Illinois University's cheer team.
“Very over the moon. Excited. I am ready for a challenge,” she said in an interview on the Chelsea & Friends Morning Show on B103. “I always teach my kids that in life we have to make sacrifices and push ourselves. So I want to model that, too. This opportunity is going to push me to be a better individual, a better coach, and just keep learning. Life is exciting when you keep pushing yourself.”
She will continue to coach Jefferson's cheer team, which she has done for seven years, while coaching at NIU.
The 2012 East High School graduate, who went on to play softball at Rock Valley College and then Judson University, has long had her sights on coaching cheer at the collegiate level.
She started by giving back to her former middle school, Lincoln, as a volunteer coach. She also created a cheer program at Judson that’s still thriving today, continuing to cheer for basketball, volleyball, football, and more.
“Being able to inspire young adults to keep pushing themselves has always been my goal,” she said. “I come from a big family, so teamwork and supporting each other are part of who I am. At the college level, athletes already know the skills I teach in high school, so now it’s about building relationships and helping them grow in a bigger way.”
At NIU, Strick-Martinez will be coaching at the Division I level, where stunts are bigger and more difficult, and the facilities are top-notch. She’s especially excited about creating a bridge between Rockford’s cheer community and NIU, bringing her hometown pride to the Huskies.
Even as she steps into her new role, Strick-Martinez isn’t leaving Rockford behind. Along with coaching at Jefferson, she'll continue mentoring middle and high school coaches throughout Rockford Public Schools.
“Just a year and a half ago, I told our athletic director, Dawn Williamson, that I wanted every school cheer program to have coaches and teams. That’s now reality,” she said. “All the middle schools have teams and coaches. The high schools are fully staffed and competing. The NIC-10 cheer community is growing, and it’s amazing to see the spirit and competitiveness spreading.”
Mentoring new coaches is just as important to her as working with athletes. “When I started coaching, I had some amazing mentors, but there were gaps too. I had to learn things the hard way like budgeting, running tryouts, and organizing practices. Now I get to guide new coaches and watch them grow. Even some of my former athletes are coaching now, which is really special.”
She said her biggest inspiration is trying to be the coach she needed when she was younger.
“I always tell my kids, if you have a dream, there’s a reason for that dream. There’s a fire in your heart for a reason,” she said. “I love helping kids and now young adults. They see the best version of themselves. Watching them grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
At NIU, Strick-Martinez is already planning kids’ camps, building the Huskies cheer program, and preparing to take the team back to nationals in Daytona.
“It’s been a couple of years since NIU competed at nationals. I’m so excited to bring some fire and competitiveness to this team and represent the Midwest,” she said.
Even with her new role, she is keeping her Rockford ties strong. Families and fans can follow along on the NIU Cheerleading Instagram page for updates on camps, events, and the Huskies’ journey.
This story is by Chelsea Meyer. You can reach her at chelsea@b103fm.com.
125 Ironman races, one purpose: Todd Crandell brings his message of hope to Rockford
By Chelsea Meyer
Rock River Current/B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — This weekend, thousands of athletes will fill downtown Rockford and beyond to take on the challenge of a grueling Ironman 70.3 triathlon.
For Todd Crandell, who traveled here from Toledo, Ohio, the race has a deeper purpose than the finish line.
Crandell has been competing in Ironman events for 26 years, and this Sunday will be his 125th race. The exhausting race is a means for him to inspire people to achieve lasting sobriety and improve their overall well-being.
“This is my life’s purpose,” Crandell said Friday on the Chelsea & Friends Morning Show on B103. “With every pedal stroke, with every swim stroke, with every step I take running one of these things, it's more than a race. It’s a way of life, and it’s a way to deliver a message of hope.”
Crandell is one of 2,700 athletes expected at the starting line Sunday for the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
Once in the grip of severe addiction, he’s now a sober suicide survivor, a licensed professional clinical counselor, and the founder and CEO of Racing for Recovery, a nonprofit he started to help others overcome addiction and mental health struggles.
“I started doing Ironman races in 1999,” he said. “Then in 2001, I formed Racing for Recovery. I realized this was bigger than me. It’s a tool to show people what’s possible.”
Since then, he has competed in Ironman events across six continents in 22 countries including Korea, Russia, China, and soon, Germany and Sweden. Now, he's bringing that global mission to Rockford, using the race not just to test his physical limits but to connect with the community.
“Yeah, these races are fun, and it’s great to travel and see new cities,” Crandell said. But for him, every race is a platform. Every city is a chance to reach someone who feels lost or hopeless and tell them you can change your life.
“With sobriety, anything is possible," he said.
Outside of his triathlon achievements, Crandell is also the author of six books, the creator of four documentaries and a motivational speaker. His journey from addiction to transformation drives his passion to help others recover, rise, grow and thrive in every part of their lives.
Crandell said he races for every person fighting a silent battle. He races for those who think they’re too far gone. He races to prove that no matter how hard life gets, we can always reach the finish line. And he races with a message of resilience, recovery and the reminder that it's never too late to start again.
This article is by Chelsea Meyer. You can reach her at chelsea@b103fm.com
For Jemih and for Rockford: One artist’s mission to beautify the city and inspire his son
By Chelsea Meyer
Rock River Current/B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — If you drive past the corner of Charles Street and Center Terrace, you'll notice faces taking shape on a vibrant mural outside of Da Catch.
That’s the work of local artist Jesse Leach, who’s on a mission to bring bold color and deeper meaning to Rockford’s neighborhoods, one mural at a time.
His latest project is called “Food for Thought,” and not only is it eye-catching, it’s packed with purpose.
“It’s about representing our community, sparking conversation, and adding beauty to a space that deserves it,” Leach told me last week when he stopped by the B103 studio for an on-air interview.
The owners of Da Catch, 4410 Charles St., commissioned Leach to transform a retaining wall, which was scuffed and had cracking white paint, into a vibrant new piece of art. He's been working on the project, drawing and painting everything by hand, for about a month.
Leach, who also does live paintings for weddings and other events, has been an artist for about six years. He said he was mentored by Roni Golan, the owner of The Underground in downtown who is known for his large, collaborative live paintings.
But Leach didn’t start off with a paintbrush.
“I actually started with colored pencils,” he said. “It wasn’t until another local artist suggested I try painting that I really shifted my focus.”
Now, he's transforming blank walls into meaningful murals across the city.
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Some of his earliest inspiration came from family. “Since my youth, my aunt Kimberly Owens inspired me when it came to being an artist. I feel I learned some artistic skill from her and my grandfather, may he rest peacefully,” he said.
But these days, his biggest source of motivation is his son.
“My son is my motivation because he is young, innocent and brilliant,” Leach said. “I'm always trying to wow him. I feel he deserves an awesome father because he is very awesome.”
Leach named his art business For Jemih as a tribute to his son and the future he hopes to build for him. “All the art I do is strictly for him. So people possess my work, but I’m building his art collection, basically.”
“I just want him to shine at whatever he does, shine bright, too. Be a star,” Leach said. “So I’m showing him how to be a star early. He is a really great kid, and him existing keeps me going. My superhero.”
As for the business side of things? Leach says he loves it. “The prices on artwork, that’s exciting,” he laughed. “I like that part too.”
Between his passion for his craft, his love for his community, and the way he lights up when talking about his son, it’s clear Leach’s murals aren’t just art, they’re legacies in the making.
Da Catch is not the only spot getting a splash of Leach’s creativity. He’s also working on a new mural at Lajefa’s Multicultural Barbershop, 221 Seventh St., adding more color to the city's Midtown.
Leach expects to finish "Food for Thought" within about a week. He considers it more than just paint on a wall: It's a love letter to his son and a gift to the city he calls home.
This article is by Chelsea Meyer. You can reach her at chelsea@b103fm.com
DeAndre Hemby’s journey from Auburn High School to drumming for Teddy Swims
Rockford native returns to hometown to perform at Hard Rock amid national tour
By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — DeAndre Hemby’s story is one of passion, persistence and the powerful pull of music.
Born and raised here in Rockford, music didn’t begin for him at Auburn High School — it started long before.
More music: Rockford-area musicians, regional bands keep Hard Rock rocking multiple nights a week
Hemby grew up in family where music was always present. Despite his love for basketball, he was drawn to rhythm as a child, choosing music over sports. Both activities fueled his energy, but in the end, his heart belonged to the drums.
After graduating from Auburn High School in 2013, Hemby made a bold move. He left Rockford to chase his musical dreams in Atlanta while attending Gwinnett Tech College.
In May 2022, his life changed when he connected with the rising star Teddy Swims and became the drummer for his band.
Swims — whose music blends R&B, soul, country, and pop — has been rising on multiple music charts, including hitting No. 1 earlier this year on the Billboard Hot 100 for his song "Lose Control."
Hemby's first tour with the band was nothing short of spectacular as he found himself playing across Europe — a dream that once felt far from his Rockford roots. For Hemby, whose friends call him Dre, this wasn’t just a career move, it was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
One of his favorite songs to play with Teddy Swims is “Bed on Fire.” He lights up as he talks about how fun and dynamic the setlist is, noting that Swims loves to switch things up every night.
“Every song is fun to play,” he said, “but 'Bed on Fire' and 'For the Rest of Your Life' are special to me. Teddy keeps things fresh, so every night feels like a new experience.”
The friendship among Hemby, Swims and the band is more than just professional — it’s personal. Every night before a show, they have a ritual: a pinky promise handshake.
“We pinky promise that no matter what’s going on during the day, when we hit that stage, we leave everything out there,” Hemby said.
This bond isn’t just for show.
“We don’t just say we’re a family — you can visibly see it," he said. "These are my brothers up there, and that energy is what makes our performance so transparent.”
Hemby's advice to aspiring musicians is simple yet profound: “Follow your passion, not the money. When you chase your inner drive, the money will follow."
Hemby went on to say that coming from Rockford, a small city, there’s always fear in making a leap to bigger places like Atlanta or Los Angeles.
"If you follow your dreams for the right reasons, everything will align," he said.
Now, he is preparing for a milestone performance in his hometown at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
This moment is huge for him — a chance to come full circle and show his city how far he’s come.
Hemby’s journey from Rockford to the world stage is a testament to following your passion and trusting the process, he said.
As he gets ready to perform at Hard Rock Casino, one thing is certain: this hometown hero’s story is just getting started.
This article is by Chelsea Meyer of B103 Rockford. You can reach her at chelsea@b103fm.com.
Teddy Swims to rock Rockford's new Hard Rock Casino, featuring hometown talent on drums
By Chelsea Meyer
B103 Rockford
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ROCKFORD — Teddy Swims is bringing his soulful voice and electric energy to the new Hard Rock Casino next month.
But this Sept. 20 show has a special connection to the city — it’s a homecoming for Teddy’s drummer, DeAndre Hemby, who was born and raised right here in Rockford.
"It feels really good to come home to perform with Teddy and the guys," Hemby said in a message to B103.
For Hemby, this isn’t just another gig — this is home. The Auburn High School graduate developed his skills locally before going on to tour with major artists like Teddy Swims. This performance is not only a chance for him to showcase his drumming, it’s also a moment to celebrate his roots and the community that shaped him.
"Never have I had the opportunity to perform with other artists I've worked with in Rockford, nor does Rockford get their own big acts to come through on normal occasions," he said. "They normally stop in Chicago or Milwaukee. So, it's good, one, for me to come home and see so many familiar faces in the crowd — and two, the city and Hard Rock to get a good vibe and major positive buzz."
As one of the most exciting new voices in music today, Swims has captivated audiences with his genre-blending style, moving seamlessly between soul, pop, and R&B. With hit tracks like “Lose Control” and “The Door,” he’s gained a massive following, and now he’s ready to bring that energy to Rockford’s own Hard Rock stage.
The concert was announced Monday on Swims' website and social media platforms.
Pre-sale tickets start at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
This article is by Chelsea Meyer. Follow B103 on Facebook.