Ali & Callie Artcast

Meet Sara Bruner, Producing Artistic Director of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Hannah Read Newbill, Festival Director of Marketing. We had a lively and inspiring conversation about the upcoming season and the immense effort it takes to bring five exceptional professional productions to life, running from May through September at the festival’s stunning outdoor amphitheater. This 770-seat, st...

The Idaho Commission on the Arts is a state agency committed to making the arts accessible to all Idahoans. Executive Director, Laura Curry, and Artist Services Director, John McMahon talked to us about the state of the arts in Idaho, what Arts Idaho does, how it is funded, and what the future holds. Arts Idaho: Inspiring, Educating, and Supporting Through the Arts Strengthening communities by con...

Louisiana native Jimmy Lewis grew up immersed in Cajun traditions in the small town of Roanoke, about three hours northwest of New Orleans. Each year, he brings a taste of the South to the Northwest by hosting a classic crawfish boil, complete with "mudbugs" shipped in fresh from Louisiana. The annual event, now a tribute to his late wife, has become a beloved community gathering, with all proceed...

Hara Allison, a highly skilled graphic designer, photographer, former podcaster, and publisher, has recently launched her passion project: Dream Studio—a space where creativity knows no bounds. Dream Studio offers meticulously curated sets and an expansive room that serves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed by your imagination. The concept for Dream Studio was born from Hara’s own experien...

There is so much happening this summer. Listen in as Ali & Callie and Kristin (our producer who we actually gave the mic to this time) go over the highlights of performances so you can plan ahead! Aspire Community Theater – aspirecda.com at Midge & Pepper Smock Family Theater at the Kroc (1765 W Golf Course Rd, CDA) Guys and Dolls – April 25-May 4 Catch Me If You Can – Aug 1-10 CDA Summer...

Erin Hall, a talented singer-songwriter and cellist from Boise, Idaho, now resides and creates music in New York City. She was featured in the "Idaho in Song" series on Idaho Public Television, Season 8, episode 5, where she premiered her song "Lullaby of 55." This episode can be viewed online at PBS' Idaho Experience Series "Idaho in Song" . The series highlights songs inspired by Idaho's history...

You know we all need to laugh... it is so good for our psyche... especially these days. This episode features Alvin Williams, a “stand-up” comedian since his post grad years in Boise in 2006. We had so much fun laughing and chatting with him. For years, he has brought his unique brand of humor to a live audience, touring the United States and Canada from cruise ships to comedy clubs. Alvin's comed...

Artist Elizabeth Wilkes' journey is a powerful example of how art can be a tool for healing and recovery. It’s fascinating hearing how she used color and intentional creativity to not only rebuild her artistic expression but also reconnect the neural pathways in her brain. The idea of painting with her left hand to facilitate healing adds a deeply personal and neuroplastic element to her process....

Theater on the Verge is a new independent theater company based in Spokane, Washington that believes theater should be a visceral, personal experience—one that ignites conversation, inspires connection, and leaves a lasting impact. (To quote a favorite show , we’d rather be “nine people’s favorite thing than a hundred people’s ninth-favorite thing.”) Co-founders Troy Nickerson and Chris Jensen tal...

We recently had the exciting opportunity to engage with Trey Busch, one of the visionary founders of Sleight of Hand Winery nestled in Walla Walla, Washington. Accompanying us was Sommelier Krista French and Robby French from Stylus Wine & Vinyl Bar, our local experts in wine and music. Since its founding in 2007, Sleight of Hand Cellars has emerged as a standout among Washington State’s new w...

A poet laureate is a poet who has been appointed by a government or some other organization. It is their responsibility promote poetry, which usually includes composing and reciting poems for special occasions. Recently, the CDA Arts Commission appointed Jennifer Passaro as the city’s first Poet Laureate. Jennifer studied English and creative writing at the University of Montana and is excited to...

Bill Weimuth has spent the last 20 years writing, producing, and publishing a diverse collection of works, including books, audiobooks, video presentations, a documentary film, and online courses that explore American history. His first novel, *Down the Rivers of Peril*, is based on the true story of the journey to transport America’s first Western steamboat, the “New Orleans,” from Pittsburgh to...

Ellen Travolta, a beloved guest of the Ali & Callie Artcast, has graced us with her incredible stories and vibrant spirit over four seasons. As the first guest to appear five times in a gesture of our appreciation, we presented her with an Ali & Callie five-timer jacket, celebrating her as a valued member of our show and community. Thank you so much, Ellen, for your continued dedication to...

Lorna Hamilton, a versatile figure as a choreographer, director, producer, and author, shares her journey with Ali and Callie, starting in Coeur d’Alene in the 70s. Lorna, a recipient of the 2024  Mayor’s Award in Excellence of the Arts, has a humble dedication to the Arts in this community. She has authored two books, The Caregiver’s Story: Trading Anguish for a Life of Gratitude, a moving accoun...

Mystic Mountain Music is a unique collaboration between two distinct singers, Hanna Rebecca and Meridith Vesser. Both bring their individual backgrounds in a cappella music and choir to the table. Their meeting on social media and subsequent friendship led to the creation of beautiful harmonies, with each taking turns to play the guitar. Their repertoire includes a mix of originals, covers, and ma...

Shakespeare, even after over 400 years, is still an appeal to so many. And now Shakespeare has made its way to Coeur d'Alene, thanks to the passion of Mary Bowers who holds a masters in Shakespeare studies and found her love for the bard in London. Shakespeare CDA's performance of Macbeth, perfect for the Halloween season, runs Oct 17-19, and Oct 24-26 at the Kroc Theater in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets...

The Kootenai Environmental Alliance's longest-running annual fundraising event, Junk 2 Funk, is scheduled for October 12, 2024 in the ballroom at the Eagles in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Junk 2 Funk is a unique runway fashion show that features outfits made from at least 80% recycled items or garbage, presenting a "trashy" fashion concept. Local artists design their outfits and model them on a runway...

Mary Lee Ryba, originally from Massachusetts, has been the Assistant Dean for Development at the University of Idaho, College of Engineering for over 17 years. She is currently serving as the chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission is appointed to aid the Mayor and the City in formulating and administering public art policy for the City. The vision of the Arts...

Susie Fieckert spent most of her life living in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where she worked in corporate sales. After her kids went off to college and she experienced an unexpected divorce, she decided it was time to start a new chapter in her life. With some convincing from friends, Susie joined an online dating service and eventually met her husband, Rich. As they traveled to find their new...

Max Mendez, a multi-talented individual, is involved in various artistic and musical endeavors. He is a musician, conductor, opera singer, educator, and podcaster, as well as the host of Beer Choir. Beer Choir is a national singing movement creating a fun and inclusive activity where everyone, regardless of their singing experience, is welcome to join in, sing, and enjoy some drinks together. It's...

The 4th episode in our Walla Walla series was a delightful conversation with artist Mary Crane Nutter, a painter from Walla Walla, Washington. Her studio is at her home and small farm with a traditional barn. A few years ago, Mary partnered with her sister Sarah Crane, a graphic designer and photographer, to create a neighborhood art and performance experience for the community. She discovered her...

Tricia Harding has been a board member of ArtWalla for the past eight years. ArtWalla is an organization that initially focused on public art and continues to educate the artistic community. Tricia was the chair of the City Commission for Art in Public Places. She is very proud of all that ArtWalla has accomplished in such a short time. Tricia is also a mixed-media paper artist who loves working i...

We had the opportunity to interview Tyson Kaup, the Executive Artistic Director of Walla Walla Summer Theater, a non-profit theater company in its second season. Tyson, an accomplished actor, director, and producer, grew up in the Walla Walla area and moved to New York at the age of 20. After many years of success in the city and starting a family, he decided to return to his roots. Tyson's goal i...

Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines created, owned, and managed by women. Not only is she a wine-lover, but Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines, is a wine enthusiast and a classically trained opera singer from Minnesota. Along with her husband, Devin, she co-created the brand of wines known as Spring Valley Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and after the untimely passing of her husband, Mary,...

Caden Butera, a talented filmmaker hailing from Coeur d’Alene, wears multiple hats as a writer, director, and editor. He has a passion for creating captivating short films that have garnered attention at the prestigious “50 Hour Slam” in Spokane as well as through online platforms. Embarking on his creative journey at the age of ten, Caden, alongside his supportive family, leads "Paradox Studios,"...