On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez

In this special two-part episode of On the Aisle, Tom Alvarez spotlights the nationally acclaimed Songbook Academy through conversations with Broadway legend Lea Salonga and Great American Songbook Foundation Director of Programs Renée La Schiazza. Salonga shares insights on storytelling through song, mentoring young performers, the enduring appeal of the Great American Songbook, and the importanc...

Tom Alvarez interviews Indianapolis musician and educator Jacob Smith , whose passion for Latin music grew from his background in jazz studies. Although he is not Latino, Smith became deeply involved in Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and salsa music through his education and professional experiences. He discusses how jazz and Latin music are closely connected, with shared influences and histories that oft...

In this engaging podcast episode, listeners are invited to explore the fascinating journey of Jeff, a multifaceted performer and entrepreneur who has navigated the worlds of show business and entrepreneurship. From his unique venture, Old World Gondoliers in Indianapolis, to his storied past with Broadway legends and Motown Records, Jeff shares insights on the importance of business acumen in the...

Matthew Kraemer joined host Tom Alvarez for a wide-ranging conversation about his work as music director of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, highlighting the orchestra’s innovative production of The Chevalier , a theatrical and musical tribute to composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Kraemer discussed the unique intimacy of chamber orchest...

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, host Tom Alvarez sits down with veteran broadcaster Ken Owen to reflect on a remarkable career in radio, television, and higher education. The episode opens with a moving tribute to beloved photojournalist Steve Sweitzer before exploring the power of storytelling, the lasting influence of the performing arts, and the role of journalism in shaping co...

From Video Production to Center Stage: The Inspiring Journey of Jacob Butler On this episode of On the Aisle with Tom Alvarez , actor, singer, videographer, and editor Jacob Butler shares his remarkable path from a shy, anxious teenager in Northern Kentucky to one of Central Indiana's most respected musical theater performers. Jacob reflects on the profound impact of losing his father at age 17, h...

In this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with Indianapolis theater veteran Jill O’Malia for a warm, reflective conversation about her life on stage, her deep ties to the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and her journey through roles like Velma in Hairspray at the Tarkington. They talk about how Indy’s theater scene has evolved, the impact of venues like the Palladium and Center for t...

In this episode of On The Aisle, Tom Alvarez talks with Kenny Shepard and Carol Worcel about their hit “ESC Burlesque” show in Carmel—a modern, Vegas-style take on burlesque featuring trained musical theater performers. The show blends comedy, music, and dance while celebrating confidence and artistry across all ages. They also share stories from their careers in theater, choreography, and directi...

In this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez speaks with Mexican Consul, Leticia Maki Teramoto Sakamoto about immigration, identity, and community. Sakamoto discusses the Mexican Consulate’s work supporting immigrants through legal, protection, and documentation services, while also addressing the fear many undocumented families currently face. Alvarez reflects on reconnecting with his Mexic...

On this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed composer, lyricist, and playwright Adam Gwon for an in-depth conversation about his Off-Broadway musical All the World’s a Stage and its upcoming cast album. Gwon shares how the show grew out of his reflections during the pandemic and explores themes of identity, mentorship, and the power of art to represent marginalized v...

In this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with Yoshiko Kamikusa for an intimate conversation about the global journey that led her to the Indianapolis Ballet. Born in Tokyo and raised in Hawaii, Yoshiko traces her path through elite training in Vancouver, competing in international ballet competitions, and launching her professional career with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet before a...

In this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez Zooms in with Polish‑American Broadway music director and pianist Eugene Gwozdz, tracing his journey from a musical immigrant family in Fort Worth, Texas, to becoming a go‑to collaborator for stars like Betty Buckley, Chita Rivera, Ariana DeBose, and more. Eugene shares wild behind‑the‑scenes stories about helping Buckley learn “Memory,” sight‑re...

On this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez sits down with community leader and musician Shelly Snider, who shares her journey from growing up as a United Methodist preacher’s kid in Indianapolis to becoming a powerhouse in Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community through Indy Pride, the Pride of Indy Bands, and now the Damien Center. She talks about juggling corporate life, nonprofit work, and family,...

On this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with longtime broadcaster and storyteller Tom Cochrun for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that spans career, creativity, community, and legacy. Cochrun and Tom discuss their shared history in broadcasting, including their collaboration on a James Dean documentary that continues to resonate with new audiences today. Both men...

In this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed director James Vasquez (also known as Pedro James Vasquez) for a powerful conversation about theater, identity, and the stories that bring people together. Currently directing the hit Broadway musical Come From Away at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, James shares how the production captures the extraordinary true story that...

In this two-part episode of On The Aisle Podcast , host Tom Alvarez sits down with two stars of the stage production of Pretty Woman: The Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre . The conversations offer an inside look at life in professional theater—from national tours and auditions to the realities of building a career on stage. Part 1: Dani Kucera – From Cheerleader to Leading Lady Actor Da...

Legendary vocalist  Sandi Patty  joins host  Tom Alvarez  for a warm, candid conversation about music, family, and what’s next in her remarkable career. The two reflect on Patty’s deep connection to Indiana and preview her upcoming performance with  Michael Feinstein  at the  The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts  on April 17. Patty shares...

Celebrating 10 Years of Magic Thread Cabaret | Featuring Hampton Callaway In this episode of On the Aisle , host Tom Alvarez sits down with longtime collaborator Dustin Klein to celebrate a major milestone— 10 years of Magic Thread Cabaret . The two reflect on how their creative partnership began with the original musical Calder the Musical , inspired by the life of artist Alexander Calder. After...

On this episode of  On The Aisle , Tom Alvarez sits down with Indianapolis artist Kyle Ragsdale for a conversation about creativity, community, and building a lasting career in the Midwest. Known for his large-scale, story-driven paintings—including billboard-sized works near the —Ragsdale reflects on more than two decades of making imaginative, theatrical art that invites viewers to dre...

In this episode of the On The Aisle, Tom sits down with actor and nonprofit leader Jenni White for a powerful conversation about art, identity, and service. Jenni reflects on her journey from growing up in small-town Indiana to building a respected theater career in Indianapolis, performing with companies across the city while balancing family life and arts administration. She shares her love for...

From Trauma to Triumph: Kevin Steele Opens Up to Tom Alvarez, On the Aisle. Rock frontman Kevin Steele joins Tom Alvarez on the latest episode of his podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond music. Calling in from St. Petersburg, Florida, Steele discusses his first-ever solo album, One Thing Left to Do, set for release February 27. But what unfolds is more than an album previ...

From Broadway to the Heartland: Don Farrell’s Journey of Art, Risk & Reinvention In this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, host Tom Alvarez sits down with acclaimed performer, director, and producer Don Farrell to explore a career built on talent, fearlessness, and community. Don traces his journey from growing up in the South to training at the University of Cincinnati College–Co...

In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, host Tom Alverez sits down with acclaimed Indianapolis actor and arts leader Ryan Artzberger to explore a life shaped by theater, family, and community impact. From the Midwest to Juilliard (and Back Again) Ryan shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to studying at Juilliard, encouraged by a tough-love professor who saw his raw talent. After gradua...

In this episode, host Tom Alvarez sits down with Austin Campagna, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Carmichael and Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, for an inside look at one of Indiana’s most distinctive arts and hospitality destinations. Austin shares his journey from rural Indiana and Purdue’s top-ranked hospitality program to helping shape the brand, programming, and guest experience a...

In this wide-ranging and entertaining conversation, host Tom Alvarez reconnects with acclaimed performer and impressionist Christina Bianco, joining from London to reflect on her international career, viral success, and life abroad. Christina shares how a post-COVID pivot led her from New York to London, where she’s found creative freedom, steady work, and a lifestyle that blen...