It’s true, I’m in Chicago. OK everyone, are you happy?? Candy industry reporters — you know who you are — please stop staking out my hotel lobby 24-7. Yes, every May I come here for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which of course is the Grammys of the candy industry. I admit it’s always fun to see everyone - we are all pretty tight in the candy biz, even the chocolate people and the gum guys are pretty cool in small doses. But, unless you’ve been living under a rock you know I’m not an active candy guy anymore! There are plenty of other reasons to come to Chicago! I will definitely be back here August 3-5 for Lollapalooza. Let’s just say I probably will not have to buy my own festival pass. Even though the band lineup was teased and then leaked and then finally announced a couple weeks ago, the details of who is opening or guesting for various bands are still in play. I have barely slept since I’ve been in town - seshing all night with Kid Color. We share a lot of the same inspiration so it’s a really easy fit musically. There aren’t a lot of people who really get that colors have sounds that go with them. Ike never understood that MIKE AND IKE® boxes are incredibly musical. (Hint: if I do decide to show up for the last day of Sweets & Snacks, remember that my mood is a little saltier than usual!)

~Mike