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

Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center Charlie Leftridge joins us to talk about his position at the center, their connection to the community, value of historic venues and to fill us in on some of the services the Carnegie offers. We also learn a little about Charlies history in arts advocacy as well as a little about his work as a musician and composer.

Distillers Jace and Sarah share their passion for producing whiskey, gin and rum, we have the opportunity to try some of their cocktails, explore the distillery and learn about how the products are made. Black Frost is a northern terroir distillery focusing on whiskey, you can visit their cocktail lounge in New Ulm, Minnesota at 201 1st st. N or find out more information at blackfrostdistilling.co...

Artist Markus Bean joins us to talk about Mystic Wild, his first solo show that will be installed in the 410 Project April 21st-May 6th as well as his participation in the Mankato Art Crawl. We learn about his journey as an artist, his connection to nature, spiritual life as a norse practitioner and connection to the southern Minnesota region.

Description: Artist and Designer Jenna Freimuth joins us to talk about her experience installing and showing "Lady to Lady" a cooperative show with Theresa Crozier at the 410 project. We also learn about her work as a fiber artist as part of The Wondermakers Collective as well as some insights into her creative process and marketing as a digital artist. Check her work out at the links be...

Description: Michael Callahan joins us to talk about his study and practice of magic & comedy spanning over twenty years in the region. We learn  how some tricks are designed as well as some anecdotes from his time working as a professional magician. If you want to check out a performance Michael he is featured on Quick Wits Ep.3 | Michael Callahan

Musician, educator and producer Luke Smith joins us to talk about his musical projects ranging from singer songwriter to hip hop, instrumental and low fi. He also shares his experiences in the Mankato music scene as a university student, performer and guitar teacher.

Film maker Ryan Sturgis, owner of True Facade Pictures a media company who has been active in the Mankato area for over a decade joins us to talk about his experiences working in the film industry in Mankato as well as on both coasts. Ryan shares with us some of his motivations for getting into the industry, his love of storytelling, how he brings those passions to the work he does in documentary...

Artist, educator and executive director of the 410 Project Dana Sikkila joins us again to update us on the 410. We learn about the upcoming juried art show as well as having an in depth conversation about her experiences working with incarcerated artists. She also shares some insights into what we can expect to see from some of her personal art projects in the coming months.

Musician Calvin Porter joins us to talk about Bejalvin his cybergrind duo with childhood friend Jacob and their new album Bejible. We also learn about his experiences as a Music Industry Major at MSU Mankato as well as his DJ project DJ CR4IG. You can check out the music at bejalvin.com or Calvin on instagram at @djcr4ig

Holly and Nicholas introduce us to "The Lectern Series" a community education project that allows people to speak at length sharing their knowledge and experiences. These speeches are live streamed and followed by a Q&A session. We learn about the origins of the event, the history of the lectern itself and gain insights into the personal philosophy that motivated Nicholas and Holly to pursue t...

Ty joins us to talk about his role in the Mankato Playhouse’s upcoming production of  Assassins.  Along with learning a little about the show we gain insight into the life of an actor and educator in the Southern Minnesota theatre scene.
 Assassins runs weekends Feb 9-26 and you can get tickets as well as more information at mankatoplayhouse.com

Musicians Jenny and Bethany join us to talk about their band “The Ericksons” ahead of their February show at the Arts Center in St. Peter.  The sisters share stories from their musical upbringing, playing open mics in NYC to touring the entire country and eventually settling down in Southern Minnesota.

Podcast hosts and wedding industry professionals Megan and Cynthia join us to talk about their experiences through the lens of their podcast "The Corner Booth Podcast". We learn a little about the day to day life in the industry, how they became friends and founded their podcast as well as some wild stories along the way. Check em out at: linktr.ee/thecornerbooth

Megan joins us to talk about her contribution to the Minnesota Timberwolves City Edition community project. We also learn about her work and experiences as an artist.

Artist Theresa Crozier joins us to talk about her upcoming joint show with Jenna Freimuth at the 410 project titled Lady to Lady. We learn about some of the similarities that brought them together as well as some of the experiences that helped shape Theresa as an artist. You can check both artists out on instagram Jenna Freimuth: @jennafreimuth Theresa Crozier: @t_toofresh

Jeni joins us to talk about her experiences as an owner of 3 North Mankato businesses; The Circle Inn, The Beast and The Pelican food truck.  Purchasing the Circle Inn shortly before the 2020 Corona virus pandemic we learn how she weathered the storm and managed to start two other businesses while so many others were closing. We also chat about her commitment to the arts and entertainment in...

Jeni joins us to talk about her experiences as an owner of 3 North Mankato businesses; The Circle Inn, The Beast and The Pelican food truck.  Purchasing the Circle Inn shortly before the 2020 Corona virus pandemic we learn how she weathered the storm and managed to start two other businesses while so many others were closing.   We also chat about her commitment to the arts and enter...

Clifford Chestunt joins us on the cast to let us know about his upcoming event the Holiday Classic as well as filling us in on some of his personal history and playing some tunes.

Local skaters Connor and John join us on behalf of the DIY Skatepark under the overpass off Sibley. They provide insight into the project as well as their experiences with years of living and skating in Mankato.

Esther joins us to share her experiences as the gallery director of ARTrageous Adventures Mankato, we learn about the mission and services provided as well as some of the impacts. She also shares insight into her journey as an artist and poet as well as reading one of her poems from her book of poems "Love Note to Gaia" - Esther is the Poet Laureate of the Living Earth Center in Mankato, MN.

Echocce joins us to talk about "Mount Surrender" a one night show at the 410 project scheduled for Nov 8th. Mount Surrender is described as an immersive experience devoted to vulnerability. $3 dollar donations are suggested and all donations go to benefit the CADA shelter, menstrual products will also be accepted. Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3456239441270018

Podcasters Trav and Drew tell us about their work producing a 80s and 90s nostalgia program where they do deep dives on cartoons, films and videogames of the era. Triple Falls joins in on the fun taking a reviewing an Angry Beavers episode "The Day the World got Really Screwed Up!" in the style of an Overdue Homework Podcast episode.

Luthier and owner of Hogbac Acoustics LLC Benjamin Williams joins us to talk about his experiences as an educator, businessman and maker of fine stringed instruments. We also have the opportunity to check out a few of his instruments and hear some Grum riffs throughout the cast.

Alex joins us to talk about his committee role organizing the Old Town Mankato Day Of the Dead Celebration. We also touch on Old Town development, his business 108 Alchemy and organization River Valley Makers.

Singer songwriter Chris K joins us to talk about his upcoming album Buried Away. Chris shares stories, experiences and insights into his songwriting process.