creative:impact: Recent Episodes
David Fair, Deb Polich
89.1 WEMU is proud to report an expansion of local content that will take you behind the scenes of the creative industries in Washtenaw County. This new feature will explore the impacts, often unseen, these efforts have on our quality of life. Deb Polich is President and CEO of The Arts Alliance and WEMU's lead content partner on this project. creative:impact will air at 7:50am and 9:50am each Tuesday as part of Morning Edition.
It’s been a blast to host this show and introduce you to hundreds of artists and creative business in our region. Together, we’ve explored how they have impacted our local quality of life, place and economy. Join Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair for the last edition of "creative:impact" to look back and forward as Deb signs off for what she expects to be the last time.
Steve Ouellette is in the house…the front of the house, that is. Steve has managed theaters in New York City, Lansing and he’s now in the land of Ann Arbor. Following his “yellow brick road” brought him full circle from the opening of "Wicked" on Broadway to the opening of "Wicked" the film at the State Theatre. Meet Steve and hear some wickedly good stories when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."
The only constant, they say, is change. You couldn’t prove that by the Michigan Theater! Since it opened in 1928, two people — Jerry Hoag and Russ Collins — have led that business for a combined 88 years. Change is in the air though! Molly Rowan-Deckart is coming to town to usher the Michigan Theater towards its centennial in 2028. We meet Molly when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Named an Arts Midwest 2024 Culture Bearer, Gean is a co-founder of the Philippine Arts & Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI). They provide community programs and resources in Filipino arts and culture to inform, educate and entertain. Gean joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative impact," and we hear about his passion for the art and culture of the Philippines.
An interdisciplinary artist, Claire Moore applies her belief as she leads art workshops at the Disability Network of Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston. Claire joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative impact" to talk about the impact of her work and an upcoming holiday market featuring the work of her clients.
The Faber Piano Institute anchors its teaching methods with ACE—analysis, creativity and expression. Dr. Veena Kulkarni-Rankin is the lead piano instructor at the institute. Veena joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and they talked about the institute’s founders, Randall and Nancy Faber, and how their teaching philosophy inspires piano students of all ages.
When we hear the term "technology-based arts," it always seems like a brand new artform. Truth is, it’s been around for decades, though it is constantly evolving. On this edition of "creative:impact," alvin hill, an Ann Arbor-based techno-artist, joins host Deb Polich. They talk about his work and how he has extended his practice through Media Ensemble, a program that offers middle schoolers an opportunity to explore the art of technology.
A lot has been happening at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Arts Center since Elizabeth Warren took her seat as the executive director two years ago – building expansion, new programs and community events to name a few. We find out what else Liz and her board have in store for the center in this conversation with Deb Polich.
Oz’s Music is a well-known Ann Arbor music store, selling instruments and offering lessons and repairs. Behind that curtain, though, is a life-changing program called Know Obstacles, a musical project for people with disabilities. Steve Osburn joins Deb Polich, and they talk about the magic of music to include everyone on this edition of "creative:impact."
Ron Brooks is a jazz musician, a band leader and a mentor. He founded the legendary Bird of Paradise Jazz club, that, for more than 20 years, brought the greatest jazz musicians to Ann Arbor. Ron will receive Creative Washtenaw’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement medal at THE pARTy! on September 30. He joins Deb Polich to talk about his career and legacy on this edition of "creative:impact."
Being entrusted with storied band programs seems to be Jason Fettig’s forte. After leading “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Jason arrived in Ann Arbor this year to become the eighth director of U of M’s band program. Meet Jason when he joins Deb Polich to talk about the pomp, circumstance and tradition of bands.
Bev Willis, Washtenaw County Historical Society administrator, has a passion for history. She grew up in Washington, D.C. in a family deeply ensconced in the Civil Rights Movement. Her family’s role and record of the movement is our nation’s history. In this summer marking the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act becoming law, Bev tells her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Keeping a community’s past alive for current generations while capturing current history for future generations is the charge of many historical societies. The Webster Township Historical Society has a champion in Thelma Tucker. Meet Thelma when she joined Deb Polich to talk about the history and charm of the Webster Township Village.
Marionettes are considered the finest form of puppetry. A beloved art form, especially among children across the world, marionettes have a special local legacy in Saline. The Bixby Marionette Collection is the subject of a new book, and John Anderson from the City of Saline's Arts and Culture Committee joins Deb Polich to talk about the authors and Meredith Bixby’s legacy on this edition of "creative:impact."
"creative:impact" listeners have often enjoyed Mark Clague, musicologist and foremost authority on "The Star-Spangled Banner," as a frequent guest. Mark has recently accepted a new role as the executive director of U of M’s Arts Initiative. Mark is back on the show to tell us about his new role and what’s in store for the Arts Initiative. He joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
WEMU's David Fair guest hosts this week's edition of "creative:impact." His guest? None other than the actual host of "creative:impact", Deb Polich. After 38 years as a champion of the arts and creative industries in Washtenaw County, Deb is going to retire. She joined David for a look back and a look ahead as the guest on her own show!
Whether or not Ann Arbor’s Bobby Fox, the author of the book "Love & Vodka", ever thought such a dream could come true, Ypsilanti filmmaker Heidi Philipsen-Meissner made it happen. Heidi and Bobby join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to talk about their experience at the Love & Vodka’s film premiere during the 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival.
Musician and educator, John E. Lawrence had a dream for a summer jazz festival in Ypsilanti. In 2021, he took the leap, and wow, did they come! Now, thousands flock to Ford Lake on Friday nights to hear the sounds and sway to the music of jazz artists from Southeast Michigan and beyond. Johnny tells us about his Summer Jazz Festival phenomenon when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day – was started in France 40 some years ago to mark the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Now celebrated in hundreds of countries, Make Music Day made its way to Ann Arbor last year, thanks to the Ann Arbor District Library. On this episode of WEMU’s "creative:impact," Rich Retyi tells host Deb Polich what’s on the playlist for the longest day of the year, June 21st.
Stamina is a required trait in the world of theater! Rachel continues to face and meet the challenge of getting her plays produced. She has also distinguished herself by breaking — wait for it — a Bonneville Salt Flat speed record! Meet Rachel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Born and raised in Jiangsu, China, Isabel Wang’s fascinating journey to becoming a full-time leather artisan and starting her business, Arbor Trading Post, is by way of 7,000 miles and a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Meet Isabel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Think about this: how many people get to celebrate their town’s bicentennial in their lifetime? While you contemplate that, plan to join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact." We meet Jeff Crockett, one of the many Ann Arbor community members excited to plan Ann Arbor’s 200th birthday party, so everyone can celebrate.
When you find and wonder what to do with that loved, but dusty and unused musical instrument found in your basement, attic or garage, give it to "Horns for the Holidays." Ken Kozora has collected, repaired and repurposed instruments for students across Washtenaw County. Meet Ken and learn more about "Horns for the Holidays" when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
For the first time, as they mark the 300th "creative:impact" show on WEMU, producer Mat Hopson joins Deb Polich on the air. Together, they take a look back, reminisce a bit, chat about some of their favorite episodes and they might just disclose a blunder or two.
Get a behind the scenes look at the 2024 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti. Known affectionately as the iFFY, it runs April 24 – 27. Get the iFFY scoop when organizers Hafsah Mijinyawa and Martin Thoburn joined Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."
The tradition of community bands dates back centuries. We learn about the local bands that entertain residents on national holidays and put on concerts in parks and auditoriums when local community band experts Jerry Robbins and William Perrine join Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Historic preservation architect and advocate Ilene Tyler has an answer. The Michigan Historic Preservation Association does too, as it honors Ilene and her Ann Arbor Old Fourth Ward Association colleagues with the 2024 Community Award for historic preservation activities that promote and protect the neighborhood. Ilene joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Tabletop roleplaying games, or TTRGs, are Lana Krolikowski’s game of choice. So much so, that while on a “nerdcation,” she was inspired to create a business — Saving Throw Pillows, which is targeted at TTRG players. What’s a nerdcation, and what does Saving Throw Pillows make? Find out when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s creative:impact.
Imagine hitting the stage for a performance without ever seeing a script! That’s what an improv artist like Tony DeRosa does…gets on stage, is given an idea or phrase and runs with it. Tony is bringing improv to a new venue soon to open in Ann Arbor. We meet Tony and learn about hear.say brewing + theater opening in Ann Arbor this summer when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
It took 40 years and a Facebook page to make Steve Girbach’s and John Mooneyham’s dream to open a music club come true. Together, they launched Manchester Underground Music and Art to bring live music to downtown Manchester. We meet Steve and hear the origin story about the club when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Book publishing and printing has long held a place among businesses in Washtenaw County. Dzanc Books, an independent nonprofit publishing house in Ann Arbor, continues that tradition. We learn about Dzanc Books when publisher and editor-in-chief Michelle Dotter joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Where are the arts + creative industries now, four years since the COVID pandemic devastated our lives, communities and businesses? Alison Watson, director of the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, has a view of the sector across the state. Alison joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact," and we catch up on the current state of the arts.
Our spaces—the places we live and spend most of our time—can be our happy place. Designing happy spaces is what Kami Michels does. As the director of interiors at Center Design Build, she helps people create a place where they can renew and restore. Kami joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact" to talk about the art of interior design.
As a recording artist and music producer, Dr. Rod Wallace amplifies hip hop. He is an educator who applies the study of music technology to ignite and inspire youth. Rod is busy planning the March 2nd Detroit Electronic Music Conference at Washtenaw Community College. Meet him when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Capturing 200 years of history is a daunting task, but the Ann Arbor District Library’s archive manager, Andrew MacLaren, is up to the challenge. He is leading the Ann Arbor 200 project—200 digital releases throughout the bicentennial year that explore Ann Arbor's history from a 2024 point of view. Listen in to hear all about it when Andrew joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Kelly Parkinson quickly fell in love with the creativity, craft and skill in the printing business. What was supposed to be a part-time college job turned into a 30-year career at Allegra- Marketing - Print - Mail in Saline. Meet Kelly and hear about the ever-changing print business when she joins host Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Merrill Guerra is a serial entrepreneur. With a background in music, an MBA and real estate broker’s license, she has led and launched a number of ventures. Her latest, Dragonfly and Birch, features Michigan artists & craftspeople in Manchester’s historic Black Sheep Tavern. Meet Merrill and find out what she’s up to when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
Local and renowned artist, ceramist and professor Susanne Stephens’ career spans seven decades. In this second of a two-part series, we meet Patti Smith, who is on the team helping Susanne archive and catalog her works. What’s Patti’s interest and what is the job of a collection’s manager? We find out when Patti joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."
Local and renowned artist, ceramist and professor Susanne Stephenson's career spans seven decades. Now working with a team to archive and catalog her works, Susanne is sifting through a lifetime of memories. It’s a lot! So much that we are doing a two-part series on Susanne’s career and the documenting of this prolific artist’s lifetime of work. Susanne joins host Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."
Underground and not listed on concert calendars, Johnny’s Speakeasy has hosted bands in a little venue down the road since the late 1990’s. That is, until last year, when a fire destroyed both the venue and Johnny Williams’ home. Hear how and why local musicians have launched a campaign to "Save Johnny’s Speakeasy" when Johnny joins host Deb Polich on this edition of 89.1 WEMU’s "creative:impact."
What do Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, John Legend and Gwen Stefani have in common with Ann Arborite Angelina Nazarian? They appeared together on the 24th season of The Voice. Hear about Angelina’s experience as a contestant and being on Team Reba when she joins host Deb Polich on the next edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."
For thousands of years, people have used the arts for self-expression, healing and communication. It wasn’t until the 1940s, though, that the medical profession began to embrace art therapy. Dr. Mary Spence is a clinical psychologist who uses art and creativity for people of all ages in her practice. We find out why when Mary joins host Deb Polich on the next edition of 89.1 WEMU’s "creative:impact".
Earl Lewis is a problem solver. He is also a scholar, an historian, an administrator and a National Medal for the Humanities recipient. As the founder of the University of Michigan Center for Social Solutions, he wants to find answers to questions of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Dr. Lewis joins host Deb Polich on this edition of creative:impact. Tune in to be inspired!
After several months hosting "creative:impact" solo, Deb Polich welcomes her co-host David Fair back to the show. And for the first time in two years, they are in the studio at their microphones. David and Deb catch up and look at upcoming changes for the show. Find out what next on this installment of "creative:impact."
A master of tulle, lace, and silk, Jan Lee is adept with scissors, thread, and a machine. She fashions bridal gowns to make them fit beautifully for hundreds of brides on their special day. You can find Jan working with brides at the Brides Project, a social enterprise that helps fight cancer through the purchase of gowns. Hear her story on this edition of "creative:impact" with host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Humor is the antidote for the world’s imperfection. Amanda Uhle, publisher of McSweeney’s and a freelance journalist, relies on her talent, plus a healthy dose of satire to tackle many of the most “untouchable” issues out there. She is also devoted to developing the voice of youth. Hear how she does it when she joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12) knows that the rapidly changing U.S. economy requires investment in small business that specialize in creative industries. She is sponsoring the CREATE Act, with bipartisan support, to extend to services and programs afforded other sectors to artists, creative workers, and businesses. Hear the details when Mrs. Dingell joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Leading the Ann Arbor Symphony is on Sarah Calderini’s 2022 agenda. We meet Sarah, the Symphony’s newly-appointed executive director, and hear what’s on her to-do list, as well as what gives her hope in the New Year when she joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
One person can make a difference! The Community Action Network (CAN) started its Art + Design program because one member of the community was concerned that many kids were missing out. Hear how a seed planted blossomed to now serve children in many of our neighborhoods, when CAN's director of education, Laura Amtower, joins host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw on this edition of "creative:impact."
Raucus, fun, and steeped in tradition, a panto is a theater tradition that has entertained generations of Brits during the holidays. Ryan Mackenzie-Lewis, co-author of Theatre Nova’s production of "A Almost British Christmas" talks about the over-the-top characters and the slapstick comedy of this family-friendly holiday entertainment with "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
A semi-finalist for the 2022 Grammy Award for Music Educators, Yael Rothfeld, a music teacher at Ann Arbor’s Thurston Elementary, believes she wins every day because she gets to the joys of music. Get ready to be inspired by her passion when she joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Who knew Ann Arbor had record labels? Jeremy Peters knows! He's the co-founder of Quite Scientific Records and former director of music publishing Ghostly International. Sample this crossover music professional who is also a singer, a professor of music business, and arts advocate when he jams with "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Being in the right place at the right time put photographer Doug Coombe in the best seats in the house. Since 1999, his camera has captured the music scene in southeast Michigan and documented media stories throughout the region. Get a view of Doug’s world on this edition of "creative:impact" when he joins Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Director of Night Terrors Brandon Wiard stops by to take "creative:impact" listeners on a behind-the-scenes tour of Wiard Orchards Haunted Thrill Park. Discover what it takes to create a frightfully scary experience along with "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
A leading expert on cultural audience behavior, Alan Brown returns to "creative:impact" after his first appearance in April 2020 just weeks after COVID-19 shut down cultural venues. He announced then that he was launching the Audience Monitor Outlook, a study of COVID’s impact on audiences and when they would comfortably return to cultural venues. He gives an update on his findings to "creative:impact" host Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw.
Founded in 1911, the Zal Gaz Grotto is steeped in the history of masons wanting to cultivate sunny cheerfulness and indulgence in healthy merriment and joyful laughter. A simple building on West Stadium, it is a home for local jazz and rock bands and attracts an eclectic audience. Bob Hospardaruk is a master mason and serves as secretary of the club. He joins Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw on this edition of "creative:impact."
Sitting at the intersection of art and technology, local entrepreneur Don Hicks wondered how SaganWorks 3-D technology could make it possible for anyone to view the work of artists from anywhere. Being one to take action, he started the nonprofit CultureVerse to figure it out. Aubrey Martinson was enlisted as executive director, and she explains it all when she joins co-hosts Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMUs David Fair on this edition of "creative:impact."
Ann Arbor’s Stratøs (AKA Eddie Codrington)is reaching for the stars!A three-time winner of the Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, his flight plan was shaped by local music education programs, jazz artists, and events. He is releasing his first album "Planets" in October. Hear all about it when hejoins co-hosts Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU’s David Fair on this edition of "creative:impact."
Straight from Broadway, after roles in "Mamma Mia," "Bonnie and Clyde," "9 to 5," and "Les Misérables," Michigan native Dan Cooney wanted to put on his own show(s). He decided Dexter was the right place, and he opened The Encore Theatre. Hear his story when he joins Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU’s David Fair on this edition of "creative:impact."
Since his student days as member of the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and at the University of Michigan bands, Dr. Eric Becher has excelled at taking the field, literally and figuratively, whether as the youngest ever director of the U-M Marching Bands or in his second career in fundraising and advancement. He Shared his journey with WEMU's David Fair and Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw on 'creative:impact.'
What we’d once hoped was going to be a short little dance number, COVID-19 has turned into a dance marathon. Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU’s David Fair talk about the state of arts + creative industry, now 18 months into this pandemic, on this edition of "creative:impact."
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit is creating change. Washtenaw County has joined communities across the world using art + creativity to detour youth away from the justice system. Eli talks about his office’s decision to add preventative creative programs and its partnership with Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper and the Vera Institute of Justice on this "creative:impact" with show co-hosts Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU’s David Fair.
Meet Holli Andrews, the enthusiastic, talented director of Saline Main Street. A community booster second to none, she is salting downtown Saline with art to create lively local scenes. A visit to Saline is in your future after hearing Holli on this week's "creative:impact" with show co-hosts Deb Polich of Creative Washtenaw and WEMU’s David Fair.