Ali & Callie Artcast

Established in 2003, Inland Northwest Opera brings world-class talent to our region while providing a stage for local professionals to share their artistry with an engaged and inspired community. Mike Bullard, board member, volunteer, and performer, talks to us about this valuable organization and its return thanks to some passionate folks in our community. Inland Northwest Opera is a 501(c)(3) organization who produces opera which inspires and educates young and old, provides opportunity for local singers, and fosters access to the dramatic arts in the Inland Northwest. Be sure to join them on Sunday, October 12 at 3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in CDA for a free afternoon performance dedicated to Menotti’s extraordinary ability to blend heart, humor, and humanity in music in The Human Spirit Demands to be Heard. More events are planned with a big stage production of Die Fledermaus at North Idaho College Sept 11-13, 2026. Visit inlandnwopera.org for information, volunteer opportunities and upcoming auditions.

The fabulous Junk2Funk is back for Lucky #13!  We sat down with event MC Shannon Irwin and artist/model Brooke Wood for a lively chat about this wildly popular event happening Saturday, October 18. Junk2Funk isn’t just a fashion show — it’s a “trashion” extravaganza! Every outfit on the runway is crafted from at least 80% recycled or repurposed materials. From plastic water bottles and used grocery bags to old CDs and whatever one might throw away, artists young and old turn literal garbage into high-fashion glory.  Expect: • Hilarious hosting from Shannon Irwin • Show-stopping designs strutted down the catwalk • A loaded, creative silent auction • One unforgettable night supporting KEA, one of the area’s longest-running fundraisers At the Eagles Ballroom - upstairs - a 209 Sherman in  Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Doors at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Get ready for an evening of art, imagination, and a fabulously trashy good time! For tickets and details, visit keaalliance.org

It was such a treat to chat with Robby French, co-owner of Stylus, and Paul Irwin, vinyl DJ extraordinaire, about their upcoming event: WAXfest, happening Sunday, October 5, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. WAXfest will be the area’s very first record and vendor fair, transforming the Stylus parking lot at 2605 N 4th Street in Coeur d’Alene into a lively hub of music, community, and creativity. Guests can look forward to an eclectic mix of food and drinks, local record shops, live DJ sets, flash tattoos, and an array of independent vendors showcasing their work. This is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of music culture and community spirit. We’re thrilled to see so many local businesses and creatives coming together to make WAXfest possible, and we can’t wait to share the experience with everyone. For more information visit styluswineandvinylbar.com

Meet Holly Dolly—an internationally published pinup model with a sparkle in her step and a love for all things burlesque! She first leapt onto the stage in 2015 with a contemporary dance troupe in the Tri-Cities, and by 2019, she was dazzling audiences as an independent burlesque artist. These days, you’ll find her lighting up stages and producing glittering shows all across the Northwest. So, what is burlesque? Think comedy, think theater, think fabulous costumes and storytelling with a wink. Modern burlesque is less about striptease alone and more about empowerment, artistry, and celebrating self-expression in its boldest, most glitter-filled form. Holly shares with us her journey from dancer to producer, how burlesque has become a powerful tool for female empowerment, the joy (and mischief!) of teaching others the art, and what’s next on her jam-packed performance calendar. Want more sparkle in your life? Catch up with Holly at hollydollyburlesque.com or follow her adventures on social media @hollydollyburlesque.

Library Foundation board members have revived a beloved idea from 20 years ago—a literary-themed calendar—but with a timely new twist: celebrating the Right to Read. Mary Sanderson, Bette Ammon, and Ruth Pratt discuss the role of the Foundation and why this fundraiser is so important to the preservation of the library, as well as process of producing the calendar. The 16-month calendar highlights the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation’s dedication to protecting and defending intellectual freedom. Each month showcases a book that has been challenged over the years, paired with playful parodies featuring local community members, leaders, and celebrities. Thanks to the work of libraries and librarians, these titles remain available for “all kinds of books for all kinds of people.” The calendar begins September 2025. Fun, creative, and meaningful, the Right to Read Calendar is available for $35 at The Well-Read Moose, the Second Story Bookstore inside the library, or online at cdalibrary.org/about/library-foundation.

Meet Jeni Riplinger, the visionary force behind Emerge Gallery in Downtown Coeur d’Alene—a vibrant hub where creativity comes alive. Emerge isn’t just a gallery, it’s a collective art experience that sparks imagination, connects community, and gives emerging artists the chance to shine. From hands-on classes to unforgettable community art events, Emerge is where inspiration takes root and grows. Mark your calendars! On Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00–7:00 PM, Emerge takes over 2nd Street for its most electrifying event of the year: the INK! Print Rally. Imagine giant wooden blocks—carved with breathtaking detail over weeks or even months—transformed into massive works of art using nothing less than an asphalt roller! Watch as local printmaking pros and passionate artists team up to bring bold, large-scale designs to life before your very eyes. This year’s thrilling theme: “Portals.” NEW this year, the INK! Rally joins forces with the 33 Artists Market, where 20 incredible local makers will showcase their work in a lively vendor market. Together, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community you won’t want to miss. Emerge Gallery is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and every second Friday you can dive into ARTWALK from 5:00–8:00 PM. Plus, with inspiring classes offered year-round, there’s always a new way to engage with the arts. For the full lineup of opportunities, visit emergecda.com—and get ready to be inspired!

The team came together for an impromptu episode exploring the power of art, creativity, and the act of making. Inspired by Amie McNee’s TED Talk, “The Case for Making Art When the World Is on Fire,” they take on the idea that art is frivolous in hard times. McNee argues the opposite—creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Art soothes, connects, and gives meaning. It heals bodies, minds, and communities. It’s also resistance, hope, and a legacy that endures long after us. In this spirit, the team also reflects on nearly five years of conversations with remarkable creative people. To listen to Amie's TED talk visit the TED talk page at YouTube

The Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) has been bringing the arts to life in Bonner County since 1978. For nearly five decades, this local nonprofit has inspired creativity, enriched education, and connected the community through unforgettable arts experiences. Claire Christy, Arts Coordinator for the Pend Oreille Arts Council, invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of the arts with their highly anticipated 3-day Artist Studio Tour—Labor Day Weekend August 29–31, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Step inside the creative worlds of 20 talented artists as they open the doors to 16 unique studios across Sandpoint, Sagle, and the surrounding areas. From paintbrush to pottery wheel, canvas to carving tools, you’ll see art in action, hear the stories behind the work, and even have the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind treasure. The Artist Studio Tour is more than an event—it’s a celebration of North Idaho’s thriving arts community and an invitation to support the incredible talent in our own backyard. Discover more about POAC’s wide variety of programs, classes, and events at ArtinSandpoint.org, and explore the full lineup of participating artists at artinsandpoint.org/artist-studio-tour.

Meet Captain David Kilmer, a man whose life has been transformed by the sea. An accomplished sailor and storyteller, David Kilmer's journey began when his father launched a little wooden boat for him, named Skipper-N-Dad. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for the sea, leading to his first bluewater passage at the age of 25, a transformative 2,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean. By his early 30s, David Kilmer had already embarked on a life less ordinary. He ran off to the Caribbean, driven by a desire to become a boat captain, and spent five seasons working in the Grenadines. His book A Peril To Myself and Others is a vivid portrayal of those colorful and tumultuous times, a testament to the adventurous spirit that has always defined him. His latest book, The Way of the Sailor, is a captivating set of seagoing essays, meditations, and small adventures that explores what it truly means to be a sailor, the challenges and joys of life at sea, and ultimately, how to better navigate life itself. His books often delve into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the open ocean. From 2009 to 2019, David and his co-captain, Rebecca, cruised their 36-foot sailing sloop from Bellingham, Washington, to the Bahamas with stops in 12 countries, including Cuba and a transit of the Panama Canal along the route. Their journey was not just a personal adventure, but a testament to David's expertise and passion for sailing. David is the captain of the private sailing yacht Sizzler. You can purchase David’s book on Amazon or Goodreads, or locally at the Well Read Moose or Mix it Up Home. Follow David on Instagam@captainkilmer or wayofthesailor.com

Amy D’Orazi brings joy into every room she enters. If you’ve seen her perform, you know she carries a rare blend of heart and innocence that’s hard to put into words. A singer, actress, painter, and writer, Amy grew up in the Inland Northwest, where her boundless creativity was nurtured from a young age and she was encouraged to take the stage. After a long hiatus from theatre, Amy returned with remarkable energy and passion—landing one leading role after another. She’s lit up the stage as Inga in Young Frankenstein, Laurie in Oklahoma!, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, and most recently as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. In 2023, Amy received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence in the Arts—a testament to her talent and impact on the community. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she shared, “It's never too late to dream, never too late to take risks or try something new, and never too late to grow... To seek and take risks—that is what it means to be truly alive.” She has performed with Aspire Community Theatre, and tonight she returns to the stage as Ilona in She Loves Me, presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. This charming musical marks the final production of their summer season. For tickets, visit cstidaho.com.

Jaime Rome Crain is a passionate fine artist based in the beautiful Inland Northwest. Working primarily in oil, Jaime dives deep into the complexities of the human experience—exploring themes like memory, emotion, and social issues—through vivid color, expressive figures, and dreamlike, abstract spaces. Her work doesn’t just hang on a wall—it connects, often stopping people in their tracks. And that spark of recognition, that shared moment between artist and viewer? That’s her favorite part. And just recently, the J. Rome Gallery opened, Coeur d’Alene’s newest art spot, founded and curated by none other than Jaime herself. A hometown girl from a family of artists, Jaime is thrilled to bring something fresh to the local arts scene—an inviting space full of contemporary flair, creative conversations, and the kind of art that just might stay with you long after you’ve walked out the door. Jaime’s mission? To help people feel seen, understood, and a little less alone—one bold, beautiful brushstroke at a time. Find more about Jaime and her work and the gallery at jaimerome.com and on Instagram @jaimeromeart.

Meet Noah Johnson, founder of Levity Theatre and a passionate force in the world of improv since 2018. With experience as a performer, teacher, and creator of the Northwest Improv Fest, Noah brings energy, warmth, and joy to everything he does. He especially loves helping people step outside their comfort zones, embrace their authentic selves, and discover the magic of being a little silly. Levity Theatre takes its name from the word “levity”—lightness of mind, spirit, and humor—and that philosophy shines through in every performance and class. Based in Coeur d’Alene, Levity Theatre offers high-quality improv that’s clever, original, family-friendly, and laugh-out-loud funny. Beyond regular improv shows, Levity offers ongoing 4-week improv class sessions each month, plus workshops open to all experience levels. Whether you're a performer, student, audience member, wizard, or someone with an excellent collection of weird hats—there’s a place for you at Levity. Get involved or learn more at levitytheatre.com

More Than Makeup: Meaghan’s Mission of Confidence and Kindness With a heart for encouraging others, Meaghan is on a mission to help women build confidence from the inside out. She is the proud owner of a salon that doubles as a drop-off location for beauty and hygiene products benefiting Project Beauty Share. Through her platform, #MoreThanMakeup, she empowers women by coordinating donation drives, leading confidence-building workshops, and providing makeovers to help women feel seen, valued, and loved. She uses her brushes as the tools for change and connection and is passionate about helping others step into their worth, with one lipstick and one act of kindness at  a time.  Meaghan resides in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with her loving family. As a mom of two and the wife of a Marine veteran, she brings a deep understanding of faith, family and service to everything she does.  ​She is also the author of 52 Words of Encouragement, a devotional-style book that inspires women to embrace their God-given identity one word at a time. Whether she’s mentoring moms, tending to her garden, or serving as a board member for Brighter Life Foundation, she leads with compassion and joy. Meaghan is most looking forward to traveling all throughout Idaho spreading love and encouragement everywhere she goes!  For more about Meaghan visit https://www.idahoamericapageant.com/mrsidahoamerican. And be sure to watch the Mrs. American pageant live-streamed from Las Vegas on August 27.

Paper Flowers: Remembering Fleetwood Mac is an exceptionally talented tribute band featuring Allison McCready, Cary Beare, Brian Burke, and Kosh—musicians recognized as some of the finest in the industry. Together, they bring the legendary music of Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie to life with passion and precision. Their performance is a heartfelt homage to the iconic sound and enduring influence of Fleetwood Mac. Get to know the band members and discover what led them to this incredibly successful venture. To find out where you can catch their next show, visit paperflowersmusic.com or contact ian@atomicmusicgroup.com. Note: We experimented with a new setup for this complex recording and encountered some technical challenges. We've worked hard to minimize them in post-production.

One of our favorites of the free summer concerts is the Riverstone Summer Concert Series in Riverstone Park on Thursday evenings starting July 10 through August 28 from 6-8 pm put on by the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance. Board members, Ruth Pratt and Max Mendez, share this season's line up, another exciting one with a variety of genres, and great opening acts. Bring your chair or blanket, get there early, and enjoy a drink or something to eat as you listen to great music in a gorgeous setting. For more information about the concerts visit artsandculturecda.org.

North Idaho native Caden Butera has been passionate about filmmaking for as long as he can remember. Driven by a lifelong mission to create art that offers fresh perspectives, sparks the imagination, and, above all, entertains, Caden has steadily turned his passion into a profession. He is the founder and owner of Paradox Studios, a multi-media production company specializing in original films as well as professional photo and video services. Paradox Studios is a family affair: Caden collaborates closely with his brother, Rylan Butera, who serves as co-writer and composer, and their parents, Jackie Butera (Producer and Unit Production Manager) and Mark Butera (Executive Producer). Caden’s first full-length feature film, Recollection: A Sci-Fi Thriller, has been earning accolades on the film festival circuit. Set in a near future where technology allows people to erase painful memories, the story follows Kate, a woman whose supposedly deleted memories resurface—revealing a disturbing truth about her past and the powerful company behind the technology. The Paradox Studios team is currently working to bring Recollection to a wider audience through a streaming platform. To watch the trailer or explore more of Caden’s work, visit paradoxstudiosco.com.

Michael B. Koep has built a life out of rhythm, storytelling, and adventure. A fourth-generation Coeur d’Alene native, he’s worn many hats—college educator, international touring musician, visual artist, novelist, and swordsman. Celebrating his 5th appearance on the podcast with the honorary 5-timer jacket, we talk to Michael about his passion for live music—and his deep love for the community—leading him to take up the mantle of Chris Guggemos, Coeur d’Alene’s legendary “Music Man.” Through KOEP Concerts, he ensures that North Idaho summers are filled with music, producing the Cd’A City Park Concert Series, the Hayden Summer Concert Series, and the high-energy Music at McEuen Wednesdays. For more on the concert series’ visit koepconcerts.com.

Fans of the Inland Northwest music scene might remember Manito Park, a melodic rock band from the early '90s. If you were old enough, you may even have seen them perform as they were regulars at the CDA Resort and the Fore and Aft. But even fewer likely recall the group’s earlier incarnation as Gotham. In 1989, Gotham released a powerful set of arena-style rock tracks—reminiscent of bands like Journey and Styx—on a cassette-only album titled Home Sweet Home. Now, more than 35 years later, that long-lost recording is getting a fresh revival. Thanks to Australian label Melodic Rock Classics, known for unearthing hidden gems, the album was recently reissued on May 30 as Pictures, available on CD and digital download. The updated release also includes three remastered tracks from the band’s Manito Park era, giving listeners a fuller sense of their musical journey. For a dose of vintage Spokane AOR sound, preorders are now open through Melodic Rock Classics. You can find them at https://melodicrockclassics.com/gotham.html or on your favorite music streaming app.

What a pleasure visiting Barry Aiken in his recording studio to dive into his life as a jazz musician, composer, and founder of BareMic Music Studio in Coeur d’Alene. With over 25 years of professional experience, Barry’s career has taken him from San Diego to Vancouver, BC. Eventually, he chose to return to his roots in Idaho—a move that reflects the deep importance of home and community. In addition to performing and composing, Barry found a growing passion for teaching, which inspired him to open BareMic Music, a school where he now teaches piano, drums, and composition. His goal: to create a space where music matters—where students can collaborate and explore genres from jazz and pop to classical. Known for his high-energy performances and magnetic stage presence, Barry has built a loyal fanbase. His music—a distinctive fusion of contemporary jazz and R&B with both classic and modern influences—is defined by a strong groove and melodic depth that resonates with music lovers. If you’re lucky, you can catch Barry live at The Depot, or at two upcoming shows: Art on the Green – August 1, 2025 Riverstone Concert Series (with Balboa Park) – August 28, 2025 You can find Barry on Facebook and Instagram @barryaiken

Adam Schluter, photojournalist and founder of Hello from a Stranger, moved to Coeur d'Alene a few years ago, knowing no one. Feeling isolated, he longed for real connection. Inspired by his mother’s tradition of Monday night family dinners, he opened his backyard to the community with one simple rule: bring a side dish—no business, no politics, no phones. Just genuine connection. This May marked his 90th Monday Night Dinner, a milestone that reflects the growing impact of these inclusive gatherings. Now, Adam is launching a new series: OFF Monday Nights—evenings of art, culture, and connection on the Mondays without a regular dinner. Kicking off June 2nd with improv from Levity Theatre (CDA/Spokane), future nights will feature storytelling, stand-up, poetry, and more. The format: Dinner from 6:00–7:30 p.m., followed by a show. Guests bring a side dish and a $10 suggested donation (which goes directly to the performers). While the first half of the night encourages conversation and connection, the second half invites the community to settle in and enjoy the show. It’s all part of Adam’s mission: bringing people together, one shared meal—and now, one performance—at a time. For more information, visit the Monday Night Dinners Facebook page. And the Off Monday Night Dinners page as well.