By Katie Sobiech

When the Music Stops (WTMS) stretches farther than just going into schools; and it doesn’t stop when the bell rings. It’s part of a bigger picture, painting a new horizon of hope for teens, many who could care less about their future, because they don’t feel they have one.

Follow-up with students looking for more to life is crucial, which is why WTMS leaders created Generation Akron (GA).

GA, a fairly-new cultural movement, is the umbrella over initiatives such as God.Bar, Awakening and Summit at the Summit. It started as an entirely faith-based venture, in hopes to create a meeting place for young adults who aren’t necessarily comfortable in the “church environment” – but interested in faith.

“We wanted to create a venue where that could happen,” Brandon Kightlinger, Founder of Generation Akron, explained.

(more…)

By Katie Sobiech

Encouraging teens to dream is just a piece of the puzzle of When the Music Stops (WMS).

WMS carries a story behind their performance with a message that continues even when the music ceases to play.

The message that they leave echoes in heart of every teen whose life they spoke to and touched.

(more…)

By Katie Sobiech

Warning: When the Music Stops (WMS) is not your average High School assembly! This local movement is more like a dance party/concert/motivational speech tour all wrapped into one. One power-packed hour includes a deejay, dancing, powerful message, great music, talent and fun, creating the perfect confection to catch the attention of today’s youth.

The Garfield High School auditorium was full of students talking and finding their seats…unaware of the experience that lay ahead of them.

And they were pleasantly surprised.

(more…)