While some entertainment for the concert series is still being finalized, all concert dates have been established. You can enjoy Carolina Beach music, shag, oldies, contemporary and more! The concerts will be held at three locations– Main Street (202 Main Street), the Horseshoe on Main Street (oceanfront street end) and McLean Park (93 Oak Drive). All concerts will occur from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

*All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and will end at approximately 9:00 p.m.

 Concert-goers are reminded that coolers are not allowed at either of the Main Street concert locations. The City does, however, urge people to bring their beach chairs and blankets.

The City also encourages patrons to bring their beach chairs, blankets, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages to picnic in McLean Park. The North Myrtle Beach Lions Club will also have food and beverages for sale.

We will update the list as we hear of more concerts.

Most of the shooting takes place in Wilmington, NC and the show is looking for extras! Before you get excited, they claim they are looking for “hot girls” . The scene involves an upscale night club and they are looking for women ages 21-32 and size 10 or lower.

For those who have not seen the show, we wanted to add a video but found it was not family friendly enough for our magazine. We did see some nice shots of Myrtle Beach. You will just have to find your own You-Tube video of the show.

According to the Sun News, they are having a casting call on the week of May 27th.  If you are interested in finding out more, email ebdestras@gmail.com. Besides filling the hottie positions, they are also looking for stand-ins: two men with dark hair, both around 6′ and a woman with long dark hair, 5′ 8″.

Before I get a plethora of emails or Face book comments, this is not my opinion alone. In 2002 I took part in a 2 day meeting held in Kansas City, Missouri and the topic of discussion was, How do Men and Women view competition? There were no professional athletes in attendance. There was male and female representation from the 5 major sports, ( Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey and Soccer) as well as Track and Field, Softball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Swimming, Golf and Tennis. All of the participants were Sports Coaches and Ex-Players, and there were 15 women and 20 men who were considered to be outstanding in their field.

We spent two days discussing, arguing and ultimately coming to conclusions about how Women and Men, as well as Boys and Girls viewed competition, and how they handled the pressures of competition. Now please understand, that this group was made up of competitive people in general. The findings did not make generalities about “ALL” Men and Women, however, given the parameters of what we had, we did, as a group come up with the following conclusions.

1.Who is more competitive, men or women? Obviously, mixed answers as most of the women at the meeting felt that women were just as, if not more, competitive then men. Of course, the men felt that this was not the case. But after defining competition, it was understood, that women view competition much differently than men do. The definition of competition, after hours of massage, was this; “Playing in head to head events where the overall purpose is to win.” That definition made it easy to agree that men, by nature are more competitive than women, and women by nurture, were as competitive, but not as focused on results.. However, the women in the room felt that the overall purpose should be to compete. The women had a much more base understanding of the word competition.

2. How do you coach, or how were you coached in regards to competition? Almost to a person, we all agreed that we were coached to win, but to enjoy competition, and that is how we coached younger players. We also agreed that “Parents” do not understand this concept. Most of the time parents have a win at any cost, or “just have fun” concept. There was very few that had anything else.

Now we all agreed that there are exceptions to every rule, and certainly that we all had come in contact with these exceptions. But overall, we felt we had given the gentleman who arranged this meeting for his doctoral presentation, what he needed. Personally, I agree with our findings. I have coached both men and women, as well as boys and girls and find the women and girls can be just as competitive, but have different (not wrong) goals then men and boys. As men, playing sports and games at age 50 and above, we all have that 10 year old boy inside us that says; “I can do that!” While women of the same age have more the attitude of; “That was fun, maybe next time.” Neither are wrong or right, both have a place in everything we compete in, including business.

Howie “Coach” Thompson
Author:  Fat Harold The Legendary King of Shag,
             And The Bands Played On…The History of Beach Music
             Xlibris Publishing
Fitness Coordinator, Author & Inspirational Speaker
“What we do in life echoes in eternity”

Since I like fashion and looking trendy, people often assume that I visit stores like Roberto Cavalli and Versace, but anyone who really knows me, knows that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The only “designer store” I’ve ever been in was on a trip to LA one summer. I took a quick stroll through one of the shops on Rodeo Drive, checked out a string bikini for $423, put it right back where I got it from and never looked back. I certainly don’t have the finances to drop that kind of money on a bathing suit that would provide as much coverage as cotton balls on a string, but looking stylish is important to me. Here’s how I look chic on a budget:

With every change of season, I allow myself to buy 8 new items. Don’t ask me why I picked 8, I just like the number. I like to get bottoms that look great with a variety of colors/styles , unique tops, basic accessories and shoes. I sit behind a desk all day, so I focus more on what I wear on top, than the bottom. Most people only see me from the waist up.

I don’t subscribe to any fashion magazines like Harpers Bazaar or Vogue; they’re fashions are too outrageous and rich for my taste. Instead, I refer to the internet for trendy ideas. A Google search of “Spring 2013 Fashion Trends” can tell me all I need to know about trends and show pictures of the latest craze. Stripes and bright colors seem to be “it” this season. Thankfully, bright colors were also “in” last summer, so I’ve already got some great colored shorts, skirts and jeans that will look fabulous with some new matching striped tops. Google also revealed that anything see-thru is in, but that’s one bandwagon I won’t be jumping on.

Now, that I know what’s in and what’s out it’s time to start shopping. I of course have my list of 8 wish- list items in hand, because otherwise, I’ll over shop…and that’s not good for anyone on a budget. I’ll first check out the Goodwill for anything with stripes. Thrift Stores can be a bit of a strike out however, because there’s not much of a size selection. Once I found the perfect dress, but it was 2 sizes too small. I thought about buying it and waiting until after my next battle with the stomach flu to wear it, but it seemed a bit senseless, even though it was only a whopping $3.50. I also like to check out Loving Kindness Boutique on George Bishop Parkway for great finds.

If I strike out at second hand shops, I’ll take a look around department stores such as JC Penny and Target. Of course these stores can run a bit out of my price range, but they often have steals that no one can deny. Plus, as a Target Red Card shopper, I’ll receive an additional discount at the register, and you can’t beat that.

I always get at least one new accessory each season. Last Spring it was a fedora hat (the cheap kind), a GREAT purchase, but this year I’m in the market for a new bag or scarf. This season, Old Navy has some online (and guess what? They’re striped!) for under $12.

Now that I have a new scarf and a few outfits item #8 is destined to be a new pair of wedges. Shoe shopping on a budget is the trickiest of all, because it’s hard to find ones that are both affordable and comfortable. My shoe store of choice is Famous Footwear….that BOGO sale is almost always ongoing…so maybe I will have room for item #9 after all….

It’s the weekend and there is a lot of things to do in Myrtle Beach from the Blue Crab Festival to the Harley-Davidson Bike rallys.  Please enjoy the weekend but be careful on the roads! Please look at the calendar for even more happenings in Myrtle Beach.

Friday:

Xcon World Festival: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. ADMISSION: 3 Day Badge: $15 per person (in advance) or $20 per person (at the door).  XCON WORLD is a 3 day Multi Media Entertainment and Arts Event which will feature many national, regional and local talents in Film, Books, Comics, Games, TV, Anime, Horror, Sci Fi, Fantasy and More!

pARTy (Pronounced Art Party): 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The Children’s Museum of South Carolina are partnering with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans . The event takes place at the Children’s Museum of South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson Rally Party @ Hurricane Maggie’s: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Extended Happy Hour Specials Including ½ Price Wings, Live Music Featuring Troy Willis

Jamey Johnson: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at House of Blues

Whose Night Out Is It Anyway? 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Uptown Theatre. In this audience-interactive improv comedy show FOR ADULTS (18+), we’ll take suggestions from the audience about life, relationships, work, Myrtle Beach and just about anything.

Champions at the Beach: National and International Dancers with activities and classes all day. Friday and Saturday have 9 hours of workshops in all forms of ballroom dancing. Shows begin at 11:30 pm.

Saturday:

The 32nd Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The festival supports and showcases the fabulous atmosphere of the local Little River Community, North Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area. Also on Sunday.

Christian Music Festival: 3:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Between 8th and 9th Avenue on Ocean Boulevard, Performances by TobyMac, Matthew West, Tenth Avenue North,Building 429, Jamie Gace, Outcast Moto and Emcee Bone Hampton

8th Annual Makai Luau: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  Held at the Hot Fish Club, Murrells Inlet, SC.  All proceeds from this event fund the projects of the Grand Strand Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.

Jackyl: 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm at House of Blues

Whose Beach Is It Anyway? 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. In this audience-interactive FAMILY FRIENDLY improv comedy show, we take suggestions from the audience about the funny things that pertain to Myrtle Beach and create instant comedy right before your eyes! Similar to the television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

We are now accepting entries so nominate your favorite happening places HERE.Voting will occur from midnight June 1, 2013 to midnight July 17th, 2013.

We have over 150 categories ranging from health and wellness to music to restaurants! Check them out along the top. Be sure to nominate your favorite people, places, events, and businesses in the Grands Strand now!

What are you waiting for?  Now is the time to nominate.  You don’t want your favorite to be excluded do you?

Relive memorable moments from Disney classics in this multimedia concert. Disney In Concert will transport the young and young-at-heart on a musical journey featuring songs from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lion King, and more. Listen and watch as favorite Disney stories come to life through memorable melodies, film clips, and more. Share in the magic of Disney and discover anew why these timeless motion picture scores continue to enchant us all.

Come early and start this fun-filled, magical evening at 5:00 pm with the Pre-Koncert Kids Karnival! You will enjoy,

• Princess makeovers from Sparkles at Broadway at the Beach;

• Mermaid and pirate makeovers by Ripley’s Aquarium;

• Princesses from Silver Lining Dance Studio;

• Hands-on animation activities through the Animation B.C (Before Computers) A History of Art in Motion exhibit presented by the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum (June 4- September 22 at the museum);

• Take part in a pirate adventure and learn about the Pirate exhibit at the Children’s Museum of SC; and

• Tasty treats from many vendors available for sale before the concert.

Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets by phone at (843) 448-8379 or online at www.longbaysymphony.com/tickets. Tickets for Disney in Concert from $35-$50, children 16 and under are $15. Pre-Koncert Kids Karnival children’s tickets are $10 (Karnival only)or $5 with a concert ticket. Accompanying adults are free for the Karnival.

We are proud to be a media sponsor of The Long Bay Symphony.

It’s that time again! Time to get out, get active and slim down to look great in that summer attire. But where do you start and what kind of fit activities can you get into here in the Grand Strand?

We here at Grand Strand Happening understand that with everything out there, you can be overwhelmed by the choices and end up doing nothing. So we are calling all Gyms, Trainers, Group Instructors, Coaches, Fitness Class Leaders, Health Clubs and anyone that considers what they do a fit activity to reach out to our Fit blogger @maralana or email at maralana.wc@gmail.com to be apart of our GS FIT SERIES! She will then send you a short questionnaire asking you about your activity and schedule time to reach out and introduce you to our community.

We are also looking for some great input from you as a reader/viewer. What would you like to see? What activities have you always wondered about or just wanted to experience? Reach out to Maralana and let her know so that she can get you more info!

Together we can motivate and inspire each other to get fit, get moving and participate in all the activities the Strand has to offer!

Get excited! What fit activities do you already enjoy at the beach?

From the Vine website

Thanks to all of you reading and sharing, Grand Strand Happening is being found by people wanting to share great content with you!

Mercedes Ann Bell is a researcher for a site dedicated to online education. She found an article we wrote last year about Hands on Networking Myrtle Beach (HONMB), now a Meetup Group  during her  research and  thought we would be interested in an article she recently published examining the use of the Vine twitter app in classrooms, including demos, tutorials, and suggestions on utilizing its potential.

Since we have been interested in learning more about Vine, we said Yes! and thanks for sharing.  You can read all about it here http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2013/04/vine-education/.

We wanted to share a little clip with you here:

What do you think?  Are you going to try Vine?