Art Lives

Josanne Francis is a Trinidadian Steelpan performer and educator based in Maryland, USA. In the episode, Josanne talks about Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFE) and Steel on Wheels, two arts education organizations she directs. We also discuss the challenges of keeping one’s artistic brand relevant, and why and how Josanne performed at the Haiti International Jazz Festival in January. Josanne’s website is: josannefrancis.comJosanne was recently featured playing pan on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in a music feature put together by Jon Batiste & Stay Human for Mardi Gras/Carnival 2021. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Bruce Jacoby has worked in the music industry for over 30 years. Based in southern California, he specializes as a drumset technician for touring and recording ensembles. In this episode Bruce talks about touring with popular music artists, including Michael Macdonald, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, and Gloria Estefan. He also outlines how the LA recording studio scene has changed in the past 20 years, recounts some favorite experiences, and describes recent work with Tool and Avenged Sevenfold . At the end of the episode, Bruce tells a great story about his first experience working a concert, in 1982 with the Dixie Dregs. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Yuko Asada is a Japanese American musician who specializes in the steelpan. She builds and tunes steelpans, composes and arranges music, teaches, and performs on multiple steelpan voices as well as the piano.In this episode Yuko describes her duties at Northern Illinois University, and how they have changed since the pandemic. She also speaks about how the pandemic has affected her artistic and personal life, and has advice for younger artists, especially those who study cultures other than their own.Some of Yuko’s most recent performance and educational projects include:Pan In Unity, a virtual steelband of 691 performers from 23 countries, produced in 2020 by Yuko Asada, Dr. Mia Gormandy Benjamin and Tracy Thornton.Virtual Steelband (2015) and Virtual Steelband II (2017) were the first large online mass-steelband projects, founded and produced by Yuko Asada, Abram Breiling, Dr. Mia Gormandy Benjamin, and Scott McConnell.Yuko’s composition for traditional Thai instruments and steelband, "Forn Dueng Khrok Dueng Sak," was premiered in 2016. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 3:3 Transcript Malika Green is an American jewelry designer and maker who lives in Trinidad & Tobago. Malika tells us how her art has been influenced by her move to a new country, how the pandemic has affected her business, and how jewelry design contrasts with her previous musical career.Malika’s jewelry can be found on her instagram page, malikarachelledesignsand her website: malikarachelledesigns.comIn the podcast Malika describes watching her mother, Lorna Green, found the Cultural Academy for Excellence in Baltimore in 1996. Since that time CAFE has become a widely-celebrated youth enrichment program that uses the performing arts to promote leadership and academic achievement. Please visit cafeyouth.org for more info. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 3:2 Transcript Li-Hsuan Hsu is an art educator and researcher whose interests lie at the intersection of arts and leadership.In this episode, Li-Hsuan tells us how she uses art to teach students leadership and coping skills for difficult times. She also speaks about how the practice of making art can create a space to pause, recalibrate, and process our emotions. Some of Li-Hsuan’s recent research can be found here.Some recent artwork can be found here. Art Lives Podcast RSS Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.

Aditya Kalyanpur is a virtuoso tabla player based in India and the United States. In this episode, Aditya shares the story of his study with legendary North Indian classical music master Ustad Allarahka Qureshi, also known as Alla Rakha, who first became known to Westerners as Ravi Shankar’s drummer. Aditya tells of his close relationship with Alla Rakha, or Abbaji, and his equally talented sons Taufiq Qureshi and Zakir Hussein, including the ganda bandhan ceremony they had when he was ten years old. We discuss the differences and similarities from traditional guru -disciple training (gurukul), training in Alla Rakha’s evening school, and online classes today. Aditya also talks about the challenges and pleasures of touring, the many responsibilities of a professional musician, and his dedication (shraddha) to practice (riyaz). We recorded the interview at the beginning of the COVID-19 quarentine, so you will hear us speak about that as well.Aditya’s website is: https://adityakalyanpur.com/ Here is a short composition played by Aditya Kalyanpur and sitar player Niladri KumarHere is his 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Day performance with Herbie HancockAditya spoke of: Legendary vocalist Dr. Prabha AtreMaster violinists Dr. T.N. Krishnan and Dr. N. RajamFusion artist Abhijit PohankarThe outro music on this episode is “Raga Jhinjhoti” performed by Aditya Kalyanpur and sitar player Pandit Nayan Ghosh, from Pt. Ghosh’s Enchanting Sitar album Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Dr. Nicholaus Meyers is a music composer, conductor and performer. In this episode Nick recounts his musical path and training, and explains why one’s career path may or may not be defined by college degrees. We also learn how Nick’s composition “Slightly Funky” (our theme music here at Art Lives!) came to be. You can find out more about his compositions and recordings on his website, nicholausmeyers.com. Dr. Meyers is Director of Bands and Percussion at East Central University in Oklahoma. Art Lives Podcast RSS Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.

Dr. Kenneth Jimenez is a performer, educator, and instrument repair technician. He has over 20 years of repair experience and is an Instrument Repair Technician at the International Music Camp, where we recorded this interview. Dr. Jimenez maintains an active schedule as a trumpet artist, including an ongoing collaboration with percussionist and composer Dr. Nicholaus Meyers. (In fact, it’s their recording of Nick’s composition Slightly Funky that you hear at the beginning and end of each Art Lives episode.). Ken is Assistant Professor of High Brass and Music History at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota. Ken Jimenez’ personal website is: https://kenjimenez.com Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download S2:E3 transcript Violinist Daniela Arley and percussionist William Ramos perform in the Orquesta Sinfònica Nacional de Costa Rica, and together as Duo Arley-Ramos, featuring music for the violin & marimba. In this episode, Daniela and William tell us about their respective musical histories, including William’s grandfather, who ran away with a circus. As members of the Orquesta Sinfònica Nacional de Costa Rica (OSN), Daniela and William get to play a great variety of music for enthusiastic audiences, yet still participate in other musical projects, such as their new duo collaboration. We discuss the importance of new creation, preserving the old classics, and the concept of “giving back.”William has four albums, including Turrialba 1920s.Here is a clip of William playing his arrangements of Costa Rican folk music. This is a delightful clip of Daniela playing soon after she joined the OSN. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers, and performed by Nicholaus and Ken Jimenez. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Karla Huston is a poet based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Karla was the 2017-2018 Poet Laureate of Wisconsin. On this episode Karla tells us what it means to be a Poet Laureate for a State. She also discusses how her artistic and educational roles have informed each other, and what it means to be a good Literary Citizen. At the end of the episode, Karla reads “The Theory of Lipstick,” which won a Pushcart Prize in 2011.You can find more information about Karla and her work, which includes 8 chapbooks and a full collection, here: www.karlahuston.comKarla recommends reading any poetry that speaks to you! She is currently reading these wonderful works:Tyehimba Jess, OlioAllison Joseph, Confessions of a Barefaced WomanIlya Kaminsky, Deaf RepublicTed Kooser, Kindest RegardsDorianne Laux, Only As The Day Is Long Art Lives theme and transition music is composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Logo designed by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, on Apple podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download S2:E1 transcript Christopher Lee is an international flute performer and teacher, a Certified Personal Trainer and founding member of Whole Musician, a team of teachers who provide holistic artistic workshops and residencies.Based in Toronto, Chris performs all over the world. He spoke about preparing and staying healthy for performance while traveling, and explained the Whole Musician vision and what Whole Musician does during a typical artist residency. In the second half of the episode, Chris shares the remarkable story of his sudden heart attack last fall, and his astounding full recovery since. Christopher Lee’s website is: www.christopherlee.ca.On this episode we hear an excerpt of “Paçoca,” from his album Bailar Conmigo. Art Lives theme and transition music is composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Logo designed by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, on Apple podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Rebecca Kite is a musician, author, educator, and instrument designer and builder. This episode contains everything from Episode 10 plus more details about Rebecca’s training, her marimba studies, and further explanation about the timpani she designed and built with Barbara Allen. We also learn about her current pedagogy project. Very few people have make a broader range of meaningful contributions to Western percussion over the last 40 years, and Rebecca tells some of that story in today’s podcast. It was a great honor to speak with her. You can find links to her writings and recordings on her website, www.rebeccakite.com. Art Lives Podcast RSS Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.

Download Episode 10 Transcript Rebecca Kite is a musician, educator, author, and instrument designer and manufacturer. Very few people have make a broader range of meaningful contributions to Western percussion over the last 40 years, and Rebecca tells some of that story in today’s podcast. It was a great honor to speak with her.You can find links to her writings and recordings on her website, www.rebeccakite.com Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 9 Transcript Jennifer Uphoff Gray is the Artistic Director of Forward Theatre, a not-for-profit professional theater company based in Madison, Wisconsin. In this episode Jennifer talks us through her self-designed training, from her “lightbulb” moment to Broadway. We learn how Jennifer collaborated with other artists to form a new thriving arts organization, one that allows her to maintain her family legacy of community engagement and social justice. We also discuss day-to-day-life as an artistic director, and her belief that personal suffering is not required for creative expression.Jen’s “Three Things:”Watching an aspiring director learn, apprentice and now direct theatre professionallyExcellent new dramatic art available on entertainment streaming services, which allow unusual and experimental storytellingThe passionate dedication of her colleague, Julia Nicholas, Forward Theatre’s Development Director Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 8 Transcript Dr. Clifford Alexis was a virtuoso musician and composer, an innovative steelpan builder and tuner, a brilliant educator, and mentor and friend to people all over the world. Cliff first came to the U.S. in 1964 as a member of the National Steelband of Trinidad and Tobago. He performed all over the world with this group and as leader of his own groups, and then taught for 12 years in the St. Paul, Minnesota public schools, and 27 years at Northern Illinois University. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from NIU and the Chaconia Silver National Award from Trinidad and Tobago. This is special episode of Art Lives. It is part of a 2008 interview presented now to honor Cliff, who passed away on Tuesday, January 29 at age 82. People have shared incredible stories this week about Cliff, what he taught them, how he cared for them and how he changed their lives. He was dedicated to his family, yet somehow took care of countless others. In the 1980s and 90s there was a lot of misinformation in the United States about the origins of the steel pan in Trinidad & Tobago, where Cliff was born. Many first and second generation steelpannists did not speak about their shared history, Cliff included. Finally, in the early 2000s, more players and pan builders agreed to speak on the record, including Cliff. (My doctoral research was inspired by Cliff’s pan story, and this interview, as well as other introductions he made, enabled my entire project.) Cliff has said some of this information in other interviews, but he includes some wonderful details here, including Cliff’s touring years in the 1970s, and how he learned to love teaching. You will hear passion, honesty and comedy in this interview. I think friends, family and new listeners alike will enjoy hearing him talk about his remarkable life. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 7 Transcript Zahra Gordon is an award-winning Caribbean American poet, journalist and writer living in La Brea, Trinidad & Tobago. On this episode Zahra recounts her experiences growing up in both Trinidad and the United States. We learn of Zahra’s mission to rescue voices from the past before they disappear, and gain a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of thought that creates Zahra’s art. Zahra’s blog, “Zee Speaks,” contains links to her published work. In addition, Zahra runs Speakeasy Solutions, which provides private tuition in English language, literature, reading and creative writing. Zahra’s “Three Things:”* TEZA, a film by Haile Gerima*Citizen, a book by poet Claudia Rankine*The works of Kerry James MarshallZahra also mentioned authors Chester Himes, Zora Neal Hurston, and professor, scholar and poet R. Victoria Arana. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here and on Apple Podcasts. Art Lives Podcast RSS

David Lloyd Bradley is a ceramacist and educator living in Phoenix, Arizona. David views his art as an agent of understanding and change. In this episode, David talks about his daily life as a professor at Paradise Valley Community College, how he connects his work to social justice concerns, his ongoing projects with suicide survivors and veterans, and how a recent Fulbright trip has blossomed into a continuing multimedia project documenting the lives and work of over three dozen Bosnian artists. David’s Three Things:*Scottsdale Public Art David mentioned one of their many annual events, the Canal Convergence. *Balkan Social Justice Library Guide David compiled this LibGuide about Social Justice Art in the Balkans. Hosted by the Paradise Valley Community College library, it includes reading lists, photos, and videos, including some of David’s interviews with Balkan artists. *David’s personal website, https://www.davidbradleyart.com Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here and on Apple Podcasts. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 5 transcript Clarice Cast is a multi-percussionist, composer and educator based in Los Angeles. On this episode Clarice describes her artistic upbringing in Brazil, university experiences in the USA, and her mulit-faceted career. She shares her thoughts on striving for perfection, maintaining self-compassion, and taking artistic chances. Clarice’s “Three Things:”Her MotherThe PandeiroDogsThis episode ends with an excerpt from Srishti, played by guitarist Fareed Haque and Clarice Cast, from Fareed’s album Trance Hypothesis.Clarice’s website and Youtube channel host many of her videos, including this video with Catina DeLuna. Art Lives Theme and Incidental music composed by Nicholaus Meyers. Art Lives Logo created by Eduardo Moreno. Art Lives is available here and on Apple Podcasts. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Download Episode 4 transcript Leslie is Director of Galleries and Curator at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, an art historian, and a photographer.Leslie is Gallery Director of the Allen Priebe Gallery, and the Annex Gallery at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She explained what a gallery director does, and how she helps to bring artists’ work to new audiences. Leslie also speaks about the value of art in our society and lives. Leslie’s “Three Things:” Connecting with other people who share the same passionA membership in the American Alliance of MuseumsHer family Leslie mentioned the incredible “passport” benefits that one can get from joining a museum or the American Alliance of museums. Explore these as well: North American Reciprocal Museum AssociationAssociation of Science and Technology Center PassportPublic library programs, such as the Miami-Dade Public Library Museum Pass Title and transition music heard on this episode was composed by Nicholaus Meyers: Slightly Funky, performed by Ken Jimenez and Nicholaus Meyers, and End of Time performed by Elizabeth DeLamater. Art Lives is available here and on ITunes. Art Lives Podcast RSS

Art Lives Podcast RSS Download Episode 3 Transcript Greg Dudzienski is a saxophonist, composer, and an educator based in Chicago. In episode 3 we discuss the value of practice journals, documenting creative work, imposter syndrome, and redefining success. Greg’s conversation is in 2 parts - Episode 2 & 3. Each episode ends with an excerpt from Greg’s album La Luna, with: Francesco D'Errico - Piano Marco De Tilla - Bass Marco Fazzari - Drums Greg read excerpts from Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He also paraphrased author Austin Kleon.Greg’s “Three Things:”* John Coltrane - A Love Supreme and Crescent *Natalie Prass - Her new album is the Future and the Past*Paul Simon - His new album is In the Blue Light Title and transition music heard on this episode was composed by Nicholaus Meyers: Slightly Funky, performed by Ken Jimenez and Nicholaus Meyers, and End of Time performed by Elizabeth DeLamater. Art Lives is available here and on ITunes