Beyond the Stage with Pablo Center

In this episode of Beyond the Stage , Megan takes listeners on a tour of the Pablo Center's versatile event spaces and shares how they can be transformed for everything from weddings and corporate meetings to fundraisers, celebrations, and private parties. Learn what makes each space unique, discover the services available to help bring your vision to life, and hear why the Pablo Center is more th...

In this episode of Beyond the Stage , we sit down with bestselling true crime author and criminologist Scott Bonn for a fascinating conversation about the minds behind some of history's most infamous serial killers. Scott shares what draws society to true crime, separates fact from fiction, and explores the psychology that fuels these notorious criminals. From media myths to real-life investigatio...

Live music doesn’t really exist without the people in the room. In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with two passionate fans of the live experience, Michael Strubel and Nick White, to talk about what keeps them coming back show after show. Michael shares the story behind his “Year 50” challenge, attending fifty live performances across the region to mark his 50th birthday, and the moments and...

Get ready to feel the rhythm return to downtown Eau Claire. In this episode, Quentin Volk joins us to preview the 2026 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, happening April 17–18. From intimate sets to high-energy performances, Jazz Fest fills the city with sound in all the right ways. Quentin shares a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store this year, reflects on favorite moments from festivals past, and t...

Spring arrives a little early at the Pablo Center. Before gardens begin to bloom across the Chippewa Valley, the galleries come to life with color, texture, and fresh inspiration during Fabulous Florals. In this episode, Erika Crotty joins us to share a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved annual exhibit, on view March 26–29. Blending live floral design with works of fine art, Fabulous Florals t...

In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with Andrew Salvaterra, Board President of the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, for a conversation about the power of youth arts in our community. Now in its 37th season, ECCT has grown into a vibrant organization producing nearly 20 shows each year, creating space for young performers to build confidence, creativity, and connection. Andrew shares the story be...

He may be known nationwide, but he’ll always belong to Western Wisconsin. This February, Chris Kroeze returns to The Pablo to debut brand-new music and an all-new live show. Chris joins Kathy Wright to talk about the February 21 premiere, what longtime fans will notice right away, and which new song is his personal favorite. He shares insight into his songwriting process, reveals a surprising admi...

In October, Pablo Center welcomed BLACK VIOLIN , a genre-blending duo of classically trained Black musicians redefining what string music can be. Their performance opened the door to conversations about representation, creativity, and the possibilities available to African American and biracial youth. Dennis Beale, founder of Power of Perception , joins Kathy Wright to discuss how experiences like...

The Book of Mormon , winner of nine Tony Awards and one of the longest running Broadway shows in history, returned to Pablo Center in early November. Kathy Wright sits down with Jarius Miquel Cliett, who brings the role of Mafala Hatimbi to life, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about performing in a Broadway production. Jarius shares what it is like to take the stage night after night, the jo...

It always feels like a win for the entire community when one of our own heads out into the world and finds success. Anthony Laguardia joins the podcast to share his journey from Memorial High School to Broadway and beyond, now calling Nashville home. A native of Eau Claire, Anthony is the Dance Director, Tour Manager, and a featured performer with the Ranch Hands show. When not on tour, the produc...

The creative magic at Pablo Center doesn’t stop at the stage. It lives on the walls, too. Gallery Manager Erika Crotty joins the conversation alongside Teva Dekel of the Confluence of Art Annual to explore the exhibit and the larger gallery program throughout the building. Erika shares how exhibits are curated, how works are selected, and how the collection rotates, while Teva brings his own persp...

One of Eau Claire’s true storytellers, BJ Hollars joins the podcast for a conversation spotlighting the Chippewa Valley’s vibrant writing community. A prolific author and the Director of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, BJ has shaped countless stories on the page and beyond. He’s also a creative force behind the award-winning documentary Rubber Hit the Road and the upcoming Kings of Kubb —bringi...