Music & Performance Episodes

Director Matthew Rice explores the truth behind the story of one of America's most popular folk heroes John Henry. The documentary draws from Scott Reynolds Nelson’s book “Steel Drivin’ Man,” and exposes continued discrimination during Reconstruction. https://www.cinemastlouis.org/ballad-john-henry

These musicians have a great deal in common. They were selected to be a part of one of America's finest high school bands assembled each year to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade. Listen to former members who have reunited in the All-American Alumni Band to discuss an upcoming concert and future plans. https://www.facebook.com/groups/36314097101/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/144852930003/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/384494479035603/

Chris Clark describes the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase which is still accepting submissions. Programs range from full-length fiction features and documentaries to multi-film compilations of fiction and documentary shorts. In addition, programs with feature-length films include post-screening Q&As with filmmakers. Chris also talks about how Cinema St. Louis and all of their events have been impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. https://www.cinemastlouis.org/st-louis-filmmakers-showcase https:...

William Roth, founder and artistic director of the Gaslight Theatre and the St. Louis Actor's Studio discusses how the show is still going on via LIVE STREAM. Support the arts and don't forget to add to the tip jar! https://www.facebook.com/thegaslighttheater/ http://stlas.org/

Carol Commerford, Director Community Music School of Webster University and Dana Hotle, Executive Director of Chamber Project Saint Louis discuss the Young Composers Competition which is having an unusual ending due to COVID-19. Young composers will be wanted for the 2020-21 competition. http://www.webster.edu/community-music-school/programs/young-composers-competition.html http://chamberprojectstl.org/ http://www.webster.edu/community-music-school/

Tony Parise needs no introduction to the theatre world. A veteran of Broadway shows, he appeared in the first National tour of A CHORUS LINE and was on Broadway in 42ND STREET, ME AND MY GIRL, and CITY OF ANGELS. He has directed and/or choreographed HELLO, DOLLY starring Madeline Kahn, and many other shows. He talks about the upcoming arts program Next Stop Broadway. https://www.foxpacf.org/programs/next-stop-broadway-2/

Jacqueline Thompson who acts, directs, and teaches at the University of Missouri-St. Louis discusses her role in Ntozake Shange's choreopoem Spell #7 at the St. Louis Black Rep. The St. Louis Theater Circle Award 2020 nominee for outstanding director of a drama recently concluded her direction of "Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963." In 2019 she received a Visionary Award recognizing women who have impacted the arts in St. Louis and in 2018 she won the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for outstan...

Media icon Bernie Hayes has done a few things in his life: Print and broadcast journalist radio and television announcer columnist recording artist and producer professor author news director radio station executive Midwest promotions director for two major record companies disc jockey started the first Black radio talk show in St. Louis interim executive director of the National Blues Museum National Blues Museum Board member curator of the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute foun...

Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen was conceived during a trip between St. Louis and New Orleans. The "Blues Highway" stretch is known for savory food, a variety of music, and great fun (including Mardi Gras). Bill Kunz from Hwy 61 Roadhouse fills us in on what he has been doing to bring us the best in all of these. https://hwy61roadhouse.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Hwy61Roadhouse

A native of St. Louis, James A. Williams (JayyDubb) has distinguished himself as a broadway actor, director, and educator. He originated the role of Roosevelt Hicks on Broadway in August Wilson’s "Radio Golf" and has the lead role of Memphis in August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" performed at The Black Rep in St. Louis. The cast also features Producing Director Ron Himes, J. Samuel Davis, Sharisa Whatley, Carl Overly Jr, Jason Little, and Travis Banks. “Two Trains Running” is directed by Ed Sm...

Todd Mosby has been able to do something few have accomplished. He has mastered North Indian Raga music and American Western music encompassing elements from classical, folk, bluegrass and jazz. The result opens new frontiers with exciting new sounds and structures that transcend known genres of music. He and his neighbor Imrat Khan developed acoustic and electric versions of the Imratguitar, a hybrid sitar-guitar bridge instrument for crossing musical platforms and cultures. He sits down with ...

Maggie Rose has a style and vocal appeal that transcends being in a category. In fact she is rock 'n soul with a sprig of blues and country. She is closing in on the end of her 60 city tour and took time to talk about her music, the tour, and what lies ahead. https://www.maggierosemusic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsc8KXnpKKTGVdUr1lWxElw https://www.facebook.com/IAmMaggieRose/

Actress Zoe Vonder Haar and Associate Producer Andrew Kuhlman of Stages St. Louis give us a rousing look at their lives and what life is like behind the scenes in the theatrical realm. Both are involved in the current Man of La Mancha production. Some special surprises are in store and great fun as well! https://www.stagesstlouis.org/ https://www.facebook.com/stagesstlouis/

What do you think of when you hear the words Chamber Music? Well it may not be what you think. How about composers? They are not all dead white guys from Italy and Germany! Chamber Project Saint Louis (CPSL) brings a refreshing, vibrant, and innovative listening experience to small ensembles. When you couple that with commissioned pieces for the ensemble by composers like David Werfelmann, the combination is dynamic. This interview is with executive director Dana Hotle and composer David Werfelm...

Carrie Houck, Executive Artistic Director for the award winning Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, provides an exceptional description of the 2019 productions as well as some insights into how the festival started. Founded in 2015, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis is an annual event that pays homage to the city’s favorite playwright. A variety of theatrical, artistic and educational events presented on both conventional and unexpected stages, celebrate the art and influence of Tenne...

Dance St. Louis has two remaining performances this spring. Christopher Mohnani, Managing Director of Programs and Community Engagement describes the Pilobolus Shadowland - New Adventure and the Spring to Dance Festival as well as background of his career in the dance world. https://www.dancestlouis.org/ https://www.facebook.com/dancestl/

Marvin Gaye's death cut short a career that may have ventured into the jazz realm. From pop to R&B, he had a smooth sound and was a perfectionist in the studio. Edie Anderson discusses her musical stage play about a woman who dreams of Marvin and his beautiful jazz ballads every April 1st (the day of his death) for over 30 years. A fascinating insight into his life and work. https://jazznmysoul.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jimsmarvingaye/

Jeff Anderson has been playing in the St. Louis area for . . . well . . . a long time. A superb bass player and tenor sax player who gigs around town. What is he up to? Listen to Jeff Anderson and his wife Edie Anderson discuss the ups/downs/stories/fun of the life of a musician.

The House of Miles East St. Louis (HOME) is a non-profit 501c3 that offers tours and educational programs in the restored childhood home ( in EStL) of musician extraordinaire, Miles Davis! Get to know more about this important work going on in the community from Lauren Parks, President of HOME and Gary Pearson, VP of HOME. http://www.houseofmilesestl.org/home https://www.facebook.com/House-of-Miles-East-St-Louis-685448574922618/

Chris Mullen, host of Studio One Eleven on KWRH-LP gives us some background on her career(s) in the music, literary, and film industry. She has followed the direction that each area led her and she gives us a look at the creative flow she is working on today.

Into the Breeches: A Midwest premiere of this George Brant play by the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis which features Jacqueline Thompson as one of the leads. Find out about this all female version of "Henry V." www.sfstl.com/ www.sfstl.com/in-the-works/

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis presents a sensory-friendly family production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville. Mia DeJong discusses this kind of production in which kids will experience interactive workshops in stage makeup, dramatic movement, and singing ending in dramatic fashion with a condensed 30-minute opera of The Barber of Seville! https://www.opera-stl.org/explore-and-learn/for-everyone/2018-sensory-friendly-performance-opera-on-the-go

Jennifer Johnson-Cano describes growing up in St. Louis, her growth as a singer with her opera debut at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and what it takes to make it as a professional singer. http://www.jenniferjohnsoncano.net/index.php A fascinating conversation with Sharon Smith from the Missouri Historical Society on the exhibit Muny Memories: 100 Seasons Onstage and the effort behind the exhibit. http://mohistory.org/mediaroom/muny-memories-100-seasons-onstage/ http://mohistory.org/blog/100...

Project Appleseed has helped thousands of students, parents, and educators across the country. What do they do and why are they so successful? http://www.projectappleseed.org/ Tom Ridgely discusses his background and new role as executive producer of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. Welcome to St. Louis! https://www.sfstl.com/