Art Works Podcast

Ken Burns talks about his most recent documentary series on the National Park system, as well as his approach to filmmaking and his attraction to iconic American subjects. [22:24]

Operatic tenor Everett McCorvey talks about how he was drawn into the music, how he helped build the opera program at University of Kentucky, and the difference between spirituals and gospel, among other topics.  [26:17]

John Hickenlooper discusses his efforts to use the arts to revitalize Denver and promote economic development and increased livability. [23:37]

A look at the Washington, DC roots of Duke Ellington and their impact on his development as a musician and composer.  [8:40]

Josephine Reed talks with a collection of local experts about the history and revitalization of U Street, NW in Washington, DC. Once known as the "Black Broadway," U Street is again a vibrant cultural place in the city, as evidenced by Arena Stage's smash production of Sophisticated Ladies at the historic Lincoln Theatre. [25:57]

Amy Tan talks about her first novel,  The Joy Luck Club , her relationship with her mother, and the art of writing. [27:49]

Carlisle Floyd talks about his extensive career in opera, including writing some of his most famous pieces, Susannah , Of Mice and Men , Willie Stark , and Cold Sassy Tree . [29:55]

David Baker discusses his immersion into jazz, from playing to composing to teaching. [26:46]

The Birmingham Sunlights discuss the creation of their group and their unique "Birmingham sound" [28:50]

Recipient of the 1997 NEA/Seaver Conductors Award, Alan Gilbert discusses his first year as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. [28:49]

Rajiv Joseph talks about developing and writing his play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo , a 2010 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Theater, and his burgeoning career as a playwright. [22:13]

Star of stage and screen--and winner of just about every performance award--Rita Moreno talks about her life as a performing artist. [28:06]

An appreciation of the life and legacy of one of our greatest choreographers. [22:52]

Dean Stull talks about the latest developments at one of the nation's outstanding music conservatories. [28:07]

Hear about New York City's best kept secret, where nature and art provide a urban unique oasis. [12:42]

Hank Jones talks about his long career in jazz, including playing with such jazz greats as Charlie Parker and fellow NEA Jazz Master Ella Fitzgerald. [24:52]

U.S. Poet Laureate talks about her teaching career, her reaction to that initial phone call from the Library of Congress, and, of course, poetry. [21:52]

A world without Mary Poppins ? No way. The two-time Oscar winner lets us in on how great show tunes get written. [29:58]

One of America's most beloved stars spills some backstage secrets while discussing career highlights. [27:52]

Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Doctor Strange: Stan Lee was there at the creation. [29:56]

Queen Ida Guillory discusses the Zydeco tradition and how she became a part of the band. [25:22]