TF Cast // art.music.culture // Mankato

Festival Co-Director Tom Bliese joins us to discuss all things GSR. We delve into a brief history of the festival and Tom's experiences in the Mankato art scene, dating back to the 70s. Tom sheds light on how festival goers, vendors, organizers, and volunteers collaboratively contribute to making the GSR festival a longstanding positive influence in the Mankato area. The GSR Fine Art Festival...

Artist Love Quetee joins us to talk about her upcoming show Ghetto Visionary opening at the 410 project November 10th. Love shares her experiences as an MNSU fine arts major, her motivations to pursue a career in the arts and thoughts on organizing the show. We also learn about her creative process as well as desire to shine a light on black culture through her artwork.

Colin Scharf join us again in a very special episode, we listen to and share stories from The Golden Hour LP Volume II. Recorded during July-September of 2022 the LP features thirteen tracks from different Mankato musicians recorded live during the Golden Hour series events hosted at the Wine Cafe. We learn about the organization, funding and execution of this work as well as anecdotes from team m...

Nu World Comics founder Ty joins us to discuss his inspiration for creating a comic book universe with plans for over 1500 characters to appear in multiple story arcs. Ty shares his motivations for establishing a universe grounded in diversity and inclusion. With books featuring heroes like Night Wraith and Firefly already in print, and a wealth of stories already written, we can expect much more...

Tom, Joe and Mark of Mankato punk rock outfit The Burn Vault join us to promote their debut album Ignite releasing October 27th 2023. We learn about their origin, individual musical influences and philosophies as well as some anecdotes from shows both played and attended.

Artist Max Adams joins us to discuss his life and work as an artist in Mankato. Our conversation begins with his entry into the Carnegie Art Center Juried Art Show, followed by a discussion of his experiences as an MNSU student. Max shares insights into his lifelong journey, covering everything from basic techniques and tool frustrations to valuable tips and anecdotes along the way. If you're...

Writer and MNSU Grad Student Alex French joins us to talk about the courses he has organized with the Arts Center in St. Peter. We chat about writing, the community and the benefits the classes offer. The eight week writing class beginning October 22nd on Elements of Craft will feature lectures, discussions and writing exercises led by MNSU Grad students. More information or to sign up check out:...

Comic Dan Bacula joins us to talk about the return of the weekly G.M.A.C.C. comedy open mic hosted at the Circle Inn. Throughout the episode we cover quick wits, chat about some local characters at the mic and share our thoughts on comedy in general. For more information check out Greater Mankato Area Comedy Coalition or check out Dan Bacula on Facebook and bandcamp.

Artist and Maker Caleb Stoner joins us to discuss his contributions and work at the Makers Space. We explore his diverse projects, ranging from crafting knives and gathering ore to creating tools and jewelry. Caleb shares anecdotes about his journey, including the process of acquiring skills, finding his place in the vibrant community of makers, and the art of foraging for supplies.

Artist Mary Walchuk joins us to discuss her upcoming 410 Project show, 'A Trip Inside My Head.' Mary shares her artistic journey, starting as a photographer and expanding into various practices, including colored pencils and painting. We also delve into how her creative pursuits have played a role in managing her mental health and how her mental health, in turn, has influenced her work

Award-winning author of eight young adult novels and educator Geoff Herbach joins us to discuss his experiences upon discovering that his novel, 'Hooper,' was being banned in some Iowa schools. 'Hooper,' along with over 300 other books, has been targeted under new Iowa legislation, Senate File 496. We gain insights into his perspectives concerning the culture wars driving this type...

Artist Sydney Heid joins us on behalf of the group show 'Fluidity,' opening on August 25th at the 410 Project. Sydney discusses her own work, inspirations, and how her relationships with peers influence her art. We also learn a little about the work of Abby Lunebrek, Hanne Tebben and Zoe Jensen who are friends and partners in making the Fluidity installation a reality. You can find more de...

The Triple Falls team returns to Lakota Made to catch up with owner and herbalist Megan Schnitker in her new location at 606 N Riverfront Drive, Mankato. It's been almost exactly two years since we last spoke with Megan, and since then, her business has grown exponentially, offering over 100 new products and operating from a much larger facility. We gain insight into the day-to-day operations...

Bartender and Midwest finalist in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience, Chris Geels, joins us to talk about his experiences with the contest so far and his preparation for the final event in Chicago. Chris gives us the rundown on some of his cocktails, as well as the philosophies and flavors that pique his creative interests and end up on his cocktail menus, as well as in his contest submissi...

Executive Director of the Living Earth Center Laura Marsala joins us to talk about her work and the mission of the organization. The Living Earth Center provides access to land for local growers to grow produce of cultural significance that is otherwise unavailable. Along with providing space for folks to garden and grow crops they work to deliver food to organizations that deal with families faci...

Artists, Brothers and Business owners Alex and Justin Ek talk about their decision to close their joint business venture 108 Alchemy in Old Town Mankato. We learn about the challenges and lessons learned as well as well as covering some of the impacts the storefront has had on the Old Town landscape. The Brothers also share some insights into their own artistic philosophies and ideas as to where t...

Singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist Beret Finken joins us to talk about her journey as a musician, her upcoming album "Change with the Seasons" that is currently in the middle of a kickstarter campaign and her love for video game and theatre. Check out and contribute to her kickstarter here: http://kck.st/3oVHjD1

Illustrator and musician Kat Baumann joins us to talk about her work as a freelance artist. Kat just finished working on a four issue comic Ben Mortara which follows the archeological adventures of a globetrotting Professor Ben Mortara, we learn about her processes as an illustrator as well as some insights into the industry itself. Kat also talks about her work as a vocalist performing with Joe T...

Welcome to another episode of the TF Cast, your go-to podcast for arts and culture in Mankato, MN. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented Josh Madson, a photographer, director, and cinematographer with a passion for community engagement. Join us as we explore Josh's latest project, set to launch as part of an upcoming festival right here in our own community....

Vocalist Cara Lucille joins us to talk about her experience in the 2022 Minnesota Original Music Festival Band Challenge as well as her role as an organizer in the upcoming event this year. The 48 hour band challenge drafts participants into teams tasked with preforming 2 covers and 1 original song in front of a panel of judges for a chance to perform on the main stage at the MNOMF along with othe...

Entertainer Mollie Fischer joins us to talk about her role as a performer in Skitzo Fonik, we learn about her work in the band as well as some insights into her journey as a musician and entertainer. Mollie also shares some stories from her time working on cruise ships. If you want to catch Skitzo Fonik in the Mankato area they will be playing a show with production by Triple Falls on June 2nd 202...

Photographers Emily Stark, Fede Sagolpa and Bailey Burg join the TF team to talk about Music in Focus a photography exhibit organized by Emily Stark featuring works from the entire group's coverage of the Mankato music scene. We learn a little bit about everyones background in photography, connection to the music scene and workflow as we come together around this exhibit that will be shown in...

Artist Shelley Caldwell joins us to talk about "Inversion" her upcoming installation at the 410 project in Mankato, MN. She shares some insights into what has gone into her new works and what separates them from past work. Shelley also shares some of her thoughts on creative practices and work as an artist. You can catch Inversion May 12th-27th at the 410 and be sure to follow Shelley on...

Rodolfo, Deisy and Ruben of Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) join us to talk about their ongoing projects and their newly opened office in Mankato. We have the opportunity to learn about the history, research and impacts of an organization with over 30 years of work in the region.

Organizers Megan Schnitker, Alex Ek and Megan Hoogland join us to talk about MANIFEST community centered art fair presented by Mahkato Revitalization Project and MWAC unifying the Indigenous Art Fair with the Post Holiday Extravaganza. MANIFEST will feature live music, outdoor art booths, an art raffle/silent auction from 12pm to 3:30pm, food, kids activities, & Indigenous centered classes pre...