Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra for their 84th season and Music Director/Conductor Kirk Muspratt's 25th Anniversary Season!

Maestro Kirk Muspratt
Naperville Magazine

The 2025-26 season kicks off with a night of  Italian music at La Dolce Sinfonia, October 17 at 7:30pm. Celebrate Maestro Muspratt’s 25th anniversary season with a concert full of his favorite Italian pieces. From the soaring drama of Cavalleria Rusticana to the sweeping grandeur of Pines of Rome, this program brings Italy’s most beloved music to life. Tenor Jesse Donner lends his powerful voice to favorites like Nessun dorma, O sole Mio and Funiculì, Funiculà, while the orchestra shines in the lush beauty of Cinema Paradiso and Mendelssohn’s vibrant Italian Symphony. Music about Italy, music written by Italians, music from movies about Italy and Italians, and even a little Sinatra too! It’s going to be one big party!

The beloved Holiday Pops, a South Shore Holiday Tradition, will have two performances in two special locations: December 4 at the Hard Rock Live (age 21+), where you can enjoy an array of dining and cocktail options; and December 6 at Valparaiso High School. Both shows will be at 7:30pm.

On March 6, at 7:30pm, fairy tales come to life with Spellbound. Lost slippers and glowing feathers; fairytales will leap off the page! Prokofiev’s Cinderella enchants with its graceful melodies and playful twists on the classic fairytale with narration by Phil Potempa. Stravinsky’s Firebird ignites the stage with fiery rhythms and a thrilling battle between light and darkness. It will be a spellbinding journey full of wonder and excitement.

The season will conclude on May 22 at 7:30pm with The Music of Tina Turner at the Hard Rock Live (21+). All hail the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll! Superstar singers LaKisha Jones, Nova Y. Payton, and Armando Imagines will take you on a journey through Tina Turner’s legendary musical career as your orchestra elevates iconic songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Disco Inferno,” “Proud Mary,” and more. As sentimental as it is powerful, this production pays tribute to the eight-time GRAMMY-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in a way that proves Turner was “Simply the Best.”

Additionally, the Symphony has introduced the Spotlight Series of Sunday afternoon concerts at 2:30pm in Munster: Woodwind Quintet, Sunday, November 9 in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts Gallery; Stories with the Maestro, Sunday, February 15 in the Theatre at the Center; and Requiem for the Living with the Symphony Chorus, Sunday, March 29, in the Theatre at the Center.

Concerts are performed at Living Hope Church, 9000 Taft Street, Merrillville/Crown Point, unless stated otherwise.

Tickets range from $49 - $89 for the season concerts, and $30 general admission for the Sunday afternoon concerts. Students are just $10 for all concerts. Subscriptions are available for the 4 season concerts at a 10% discount off regular ticket prices, or you can supersize your season by purchasing all 7 concerts and receive a 15% discount. Subscriptions are available until October 17. GROUP SALES ARE AVAILABLE AT A DISCOUNT beginning at 10 people. 

This Symphony Gala, Sabor Vivo!, will feature James Sanders and Conjunto. Join the Symphony for a sizzling evening of afro-Caribbean jazz, cocktails, dinner, entertainment and silent auction, October 10 at 6pm. Tickets are $175 per person, and tables of 10 start at $1750.

Call the Symphony office at (219) 836-0525 or visit the website at www.NISOrchestra.org for more information or to order tickets.

See the main article on photosmidwest blog

Could this be you?

 By Leslie Jones McCloud

     Hip hop continues to dominate global music in 2025, blending trap, drill, and conscious rap with massive streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. As of October 2025, the genre’s reach spans North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, driven by viral hits, award wins, and cross-cultural collabs. Drake remains the all-time streaming king with 121 billion Spotify streams, but Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” has become a cultural juggernaut, topping charts and earning multiple awards. Emerging stars like Doechii and GloRilla are pushing boundaries, while veterans like Eminem and Travis Scott hold strong.

Below, I’ve compiled the most popular elements based on Spotify monthly listeners, Billboard charts, global streaming data, and recent X buzz. Popularity metrics prioritize worldwide streams, chart peaks, and social engagement.

Top 10 Hip Hop Artists Worldwide (Based on Spotify Monthly Listeners & Global Streams, October 2025)

These rankings draw from Spotify’s global data, Billboard’s influence lists, and all-time streaming totals. Kendrick leads 2025’s narrative with Grammy sweeps and tour announcements.

Rank	Artist	Key 2025 Highlights	Global Streams (Billions, All-Time)

Top-Selling MAGA Merchandise Items

Based on recent sales data from major retailers like Amazon, the official Trump Store, and campaign shops, MAGA-themed merchandise (primarily apparel and accessories) has generated massive revenue—over $140 million on Amazon alone from April to September 2024, outpacing competitors by a 5-to-1 margin. While “pics” might refer to pictures or photos, the dominant trend is visual merchandise like hats, shirts, and flags featuring bold Trump imagery and slogans. These items often incorporate iconic photos (e.g., Trump’s mugshot or rally shots) and have exploded in popularity post-2024 election.

Here’s a breakdown of the top sellers, ranked by estimated sales volume and revenue where available. Data draws from e-commerce reports, campaign disclosures, and store listings as of early 2025.

1. Trump Flags (Overall #1 on Amazon)

• Why it’s top-selling: Generated ~$41 million in sales (April–September 2024). Features waving American flags with Trump portraits, “MAGA” embroidery, and patriotic motifs.
• Price range: $15–$50.
• Visual appeal: Large, photorealistic prints of Trump in heroic poses (e.g., fist-raised after the July 2024 rally shooting).
• Availability: Amazon best-seller; also at Walmart and MAGA.com.

2. Red MAGA Hats (Campaign All-Time Best-Seller)

• Why it’s top-selling: Over 2 million shipped since 2023; $22.67 million on Amazon. Official campaign version made in the USA; ubiquitous at rallies.
• Price range: $40–$55.
• Visual appeal: Embroidered gold “MAGA” text on red fabric, often with side-flag patches. Simple, meme-worthy design that’s easy to spot in photos.
• Availability: Official Trump Store and WinRed; variants like “Trump 2028” hats are surging.

3. Black “Dark MAGA” Hats (Elon Musk-Endorsed Hit)

• Why it’s top-selling: $1.6 million in sales since November 2024—nearly double the red hat’s post-election revenue. Boosted by Musk wearing one at rallies.
• Price range: $40.
• Visual appeal: Matte black with white “MAGA” embroidery; edgier, “dark mode” aesthetic for a modern twist.
• Availability: Trump campaign store; sold out multiple times in 2025.

4. Mugshot T-Shirts (Fundraising Phenomenon)

• Why it’s top-selling: Over 36,000 units sold in August 2023 alone, raising $20+ million total. Trump called it “the highest-selling T-shirt in history.”
• Price range: $34.
• Visual appeal: Features Trump’s defiant Fulton County mugshot photo with slogans like “Never Surrender” or “Wanted for President.” High-contrast black-and-white design.
• Availability: Official campaign site; still popular on Etsy and Amazon.

5. MAGA Shirts and Tees (Broad Category Leader)

• Why it’s top-selling: Rounded out Amazon’s top 5 with ~$10–15 million in sales. Includes “Ultra MAGA,” “Trump 2024,” and anti-Biden variants.
• Price range: $25–$40.
• Visual appeal: Graphic prints with Trump rally photos, eagle motifs, or satirical elements (e.g., “Fuck Biden”). Cotton blends for everyday wear.
• Availability: MAGA.com (124+ best-sellers), Walmart, and True Patriot Supply.

Other Notable High-Sellers

• Inauguration Collection (2025): MAGA hats ($48), whiskey glasses with etched Trump seals ($60), and fleece blankets ($200). Launched 168 new items post-election, with the full lineup costing $36,000+ to buy out.
• “Gulf of America” Tees: $24,000 in monthly sales; features cartoon eagles and beachy Trump vibes.
• Global Twist: MAGA hats are Amazon Canada’s #1 clothing item, showing international demand.

These items thrive on viral imagery—Trump’s photos turn merch into cultural icons, driving impulse buys. Sales peaked after key events like the election win and Musk’s endorsements. For official purchases, check TrumpStore.com or WinRed.

Financial Literacy for spendthrifts

 

Link to book

By Leslie McCloud — Over 35 and Up

Financial literacy isn’t just for bankers or investors—it’s for all of us. Whether you’re rebuilding after a financial setback, planning for retirement, or teaching your kids about money, it’s never too late to learn how to make your money work for you.

1. Track Where Your Money Goes

Before you can change your money habits, you have to see them clearly. Write down your spending for 30 days or use a budgeting app. You might be surprised how the “small stuff” adds up. Awareness is the first step to control.

2. Make a Simple Budget

Budgets don’t have to be complicated. Try the 50/30/20 method:

• 50% for needs—bills, food, rent
• 30% for wants—fun, fashion, travel
• 20% for savings or paying off debt
  This helps you manage your income without feeling deprived.

3. Build Your Safety Net

An emergency fund equals peace of mind. Aim to save three to six months of living expenses. Start small—$10, $20, or $50 at a time—and make it automatic.

4. Know Your Credit and Debt

Understand how your credit score affects loans, insurance, and even job opportunities. Learn the difference between good debt (like education or home equity) and bad debt (high-interest credit cards). Knowledge prevents costly mistakes.

5. Keep Learning About Money

Financial literacy grows over time. Read one money book a year or listen to a few minutes of a finance podcast each week. Great places to start include The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey or Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.

Over 35 and Up Live Podcast

🎙️ Over 35 and Up Live

Welcome to Over 35 and Up Live — the uplifting, faith-filled space where grown conversations meet real-life growth. Hosted by Leslie McCloud, this live YouTube broadcast expands on the popular Over 35 and Up audio podcast, bringing gratitude, spiritual insight, and everyday inspiration straight to you in real time.

Each live session explores topics like spiritual maturity, emotional healing, personal purpose, and the power of faith to guide us through life’s challenges — especially after 35. Expect open discussion, reflection, and encouragement rooted in Scripture and wisdom from voices like Joyce Meyer and other spiritual teachers.

Join the chat, share your story, and be part of a community that’s growing in grace, gratitude, and strength.

✨ Because life doesn’t stop after 35 — it starts to make sense.

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Hello, Again

I breath deeply the rosemary. It’s supposed to help memory. *crikets*

I havent’t updatd this and another blog in a long time. Since it has been a year since I posted here, I figured I’d jump in with some random stuff.

We know who lost and who won the election. I try not to be political these days because for what. No one wants the opinion of another black woman.

I have an Amazon Influencer store and I have a Tik Tok affiliate shop. Find the links below.

I’ve been working out, skating and swimming for my health.

Gotta do something to get ya winded and into heaven.🤓

Over 35 and Up visit here for “high value content!”