Poignant performance in Uniontown

One night in 1984, Jim Mothersbaugh was out spotting deer with three of his friends, drinking a few beers and sharing a few laughs.

The evening would end tragically with one of Mothersbaugh's good friends dead and Mothersbaugh in a coma as the result of his friend driving drunk.

Mothersbaugh now makes numerous appearances in front of teenagers as the emcee for a live show called "Road Radio."

"He fell asleep at the wheel and from the result of that, I was in a coma for three months," Mothersbaugh told an audience at State Theatre in Uniontown. "This was all because of this stupid attitude that we had."

Mothersbaugh regained consciousness and was able to attend his high school graduation, but he would never be the same carefree teenager.

"It changed my life forever," Mothersbaugh said. "Back then in high school, if somebody would have told me that I would one day be talking to teenagers about the danger of drinking and driving, I would have said 'no way'."

Mothersbaugh's show blends music, lights and sounds. The premise is to reach out to teens before they get behind the wheel and drink.

"This is good for them to hear this," Laurel Highlands teacher Jamie Oros said. "With their senior class prom coming up and graduation, this is good timing for an event like this."

Seven schools attended the Road Radio shows, which were held over a two-day period.

"Any time that you can get the message out is good," Uniontown Area High School Principal Tom Colebank said. "We try to get the message out with any vehicle that we can use."

Teachers from attending schools dressed up as celebrities to dance and join in the fun.

"This program is wonderful," said Albert Gallatin teacher Merritt Stefancik. "This speaks to them and this is what they are into. It contains a great message."

Mothersbaugh began touring with the show after he made his debut inspirational speaking engagement at his alma mater.

"The Road Radio show debuted in Lycoming County in 1992," Mothersbaugh said, adding that the show then was only a slide show and a few lights. "I saw then that there was a real need and that it could really work in schools."

Adding lights, music and visuals, Mothersbaugh is constantly modifying his show to keep his young audiences entertained, and his popularity is solid.

"Since 1996, we've performed the show 65 times during the school year," Mothersbuagh said, adding that they have staged it for job corps, church groups and summer camps, too.

Depending on sponsors for the show, Mothersbaugh hopes to be able to continue his showcase.

Mothersbaugh enjoys the question-and-answer period that follows his shows and is humbled by the genuine outpouring of thanks that he receives.

"I have some kids come up to me and say 'You have changed my life,' and I give all the credit to God," Mothersbaugh said. "It's really amazing, and to be truthful, it's overwhelming."