Arts Underground Podcast: Recent Episodes
WLRH
The Tennessee Valley Explorer looks for remarkable people, places and cultural practices and brings the story to you in this occasional series.
This installment of Funny You Should Ask features local absurdist comedian Scott Curtis.
This episode, professional photographer Shedrick Pelt shares the origins of and what to expect at the 2nd annual 'Hear to Be Seen' event.
This episode, the city of Huntsville's Katie Stamps and Nick Haney tell us how they built the Historic Huntsville Image Collection Viewer.
This installment of Funny You Should Ask features Shenanigans Ensemble Cast member Anders Horrocks.
This episode, our guest is co-founder of the Southern Fried Film Festival, Kelley Reischauer.
This installment of Funny You Should Ask features local comedienne & brilliant character actress LeeAnn Treece.
This episode, we meet Stephanie Hyatt- an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing at various music and theater events in the community.
This week's Arts Underground, we welcome Alex Gibson- a local independent filmmaker, who also helms a production company and an annual film fest.
Host Katy Ganaway facilitates a panel of film enthusiasts: KB of KBS VHS, Josh Jossey of Schlockbuster Presents, & Rob Freese of The Mad Movie-A-Thon-O-Rama.
This installment of Funny You Should Ask features improv comedians Ben Bowden and Taylor Bush of local comedy troupe, The Fantastic Invaders.
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre co-founder Kimberly Wilson and Show Producer Justin Ledlow fill us in on what's new and improved at the theater!
This episode, Christian "CeCe" Mitchell tells us about Sound On the Hill- the creative collective she founded seven years ago. She's joined by SOTH member Nick Miller.
This episode, it's another Funny You Should Ask with a local comedian dedicated to his craft and a champion for other local comics, Alex Zee!
Rodney Hall, President of FAME Recording Studios, joins us ahead of FAME's 65th anniversary, to regale us with amusing stories and historic insight.
This episode, we meet Justin Miller, owner of Five Points Recording studio in Huntsville, and assistant recording engineer, Ben Holloway.
This episode, Funny You Should Ask is back, bringing the dimples and giggles out with our guest, local comedian, SiFi!
This episode, we meet K.B. Singer, filmmaker and owner of vintage physical media shop, KBS VHS!
Ethan Mitchell of Plumb Line Events, Huntsville's newest comedy troupe, is our special guest for this episode of Arts Underground.
This episode, Funny You Should Ask is back, spotlighting a master at comical musical improv, Amy Mahoney!
This episode, local improv extraordinaire Beth Ridgeway joins us for another Funny You Should Ask!
This episode, organizers for The Curated Gallery in Huntsville, Asé Selah and Kevin Richardson, join us to talk about their upcoming exhibit, on display May 2-4.
This episode, local comedian Jonathan Silver gives us a behind the scenes look into the hustle of self promotion, how he found his comedic rhythm and more!
This episode, a founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre, Jessica Cotton, & MakeShift Art Studio owner, Teri Hartmann, talk with Katy Ganaway about their upcoming 'Empty Bowls' event collaboration.
Host of WLRH's The Invisible City, Brad Posey, joins Katy Ganaway to talk about his passion for neo-expressionism, his art exhibit at Lowe Mill thru March 30,2024, 'Stray Gods,' and more.
In this episode, longtime NPR Music producer Bobby Carter joins host Katy Ganaway to discuss NPR's 10th annual Tiny Desk Contest.
This episode, after a brief hiatus from the Rocket City, working in Atlanta, Justin Ledlow- a celebrated local comedian- has made his comeback, with a brand new show and more!
This episode, Ashlynn Lutz, a fresh, new local comedian stops by the WLRH studios to talk with Katy Ganaway about her class clown past, finding the balance in using real life in her material and the interesting people you meet after a show.
Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Gallery Coordinator Robert Daniel fills us in on the local literary and artistic goodness happening at the Mill on Nov. 18, 2023.
In this episode, we meet local comedian Guy Frizzell- a self-proclaimed 'silly' stand-up comic, who dabbles in experimental comedy.
On this episode, a few special bookish guests read from their favorite banned books, ahead of Banned Books Week. We also spotlight some artists from a free & invaluable local music streaming service from the Huntsville Madison County Public Library- Blast Music!
We explore the vivid, beautiful world of Polynesian Dance with members of the Tamarii O Ra'i Polynesian Dance Studio, including Sheryl Payne and owner Cielo Starostanko!
This episode, Heidi Kizer, owner of The Bakingtist, shows us the ropes on making a sourdough starter. She also tells us about herself and her business, baking savory and sweet goods, with a scientific approach!
This episode, we explore the healing benefits of music for young patients at Huntsville Hospital with music therapist Kate Winn.
This episode, Kimberly Wilson- owner of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre- returns for another installment of Funny You Should Ask. She talks about the expansion happening at the theater, and how you can chip in and be a part of the fun!
This episode of Arts Underground, our special guest is Henry Owings, founder of Chunklet Industries- the independent, Atlanta-based music, zine and book publisher. He's coming to Huntsville, AL on April 29, 2023 to scan concert, festival and show ephemera to be included in a book preserving Alabama's music history.
Owner of Salix Black Booking, Gee Kay, meets up with us at Cross Eyed Owl Brewery for a chat about her involvement in Decatur's local music scene and how she'd like to get more venues open for young DIY music lovers in the River City.
Our guest this episode is Sueanne Griffith, host of Lily Flagg's Signal, who tells us fun facts about the famous cow her podcast is named after, why it isn't cool to peer into historic homes, and more.
In this episode, we meet improv comedian Jason Sims, creator of the new unconventional comedy incubator, "Comedy Test Kitchen."
This episode of Arts Underground remembers Huntsville's Tip Top Cafe through the stories of local musicians and community members.
This episode of Arts Underground, we visit our friend Santa Bob at his Christmas-flocked house, who tells us about the first time he donned the famous crimson Christmas ensemble 15 years ago. We'll also hear funny things Santa Bob has heard while wearing the red suit, his take on diversity among holiday performers in Huntsville, as well as a direly-needed miracle that took four short hours to materialize, giving Santa Bob another chance at life.
This episode of Arts Underground, we visit our friend Santa Bob at his Christmas-flocked house, who tells us about the first time he donned the famous crimson Christmas ensemble 15 years ago. We'll also hear funny things Santa Bob has heard while wearing the red suit, his take on diversity among holiday performers in Huntsville, as well as a direly-needed miracle that took four short hours to materialize, giving Santa Bob another chance at life.
The live version of this show featured Santa Bob's music picks, and the Arts Underground page has a playlist of all of those for you to check out at your convenience.
You can dig more into Santa Bob's stories in both of his books, available on Amazon: shorturl.at/tyX36
You can also learn more and get in contact w/ Santa Bob through his website: https://huntsvillesanta.com/
In this episode, we meet local comedian Josh Beard, who is fairly new to the Huntsville comedy scene. Josh tells us about his surprisingly successful first stand-up gig, what he calls a rather unobtainable comedy goal inspired by George Carlin, the importance of taking a pause on something you love to preserve your mental health, and lots more! A playlist is available on the Arts Underground page including music you may have heard on the live show, with Katy & Josh's music picks...
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
You can catch Josh and other wonderfully talented local comedians at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre... Info. at: https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/
The Pope of Trash, the Prince of Puke, the People's Pervert... These are all monikers bestowed upon John Waters- accomplished filmmaker, author, artist, actor and journalist- who graciously joined us as our guest this week! On October 21, John Waters will be in Huntsville, at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, to give his talk, "False Negative." In this conversation, host Katy Ganaway talks with John about his thoughts on how society has changed its views over the years toward his dedication to grossing out and shocking his audiences, the intricate process of selecting just the right scents for the accompanying scratch-n-sniff card for his film, "Polyester," in Odorama, and more! Just click play to hear their chat, and tune in 89.3 FM/HD-1 on Oct. 15 at 2 PM for music from John's films and personalized playlist!
Other-Rama Event Info: https://lowemill.art/event-directory/
In this installment of Behind Our Local Music Scene, we meet Matt Greene. He's part of our local music scene as the drummer for the band Big Gaping Holes, and when he's not on stage, he's taking video of other local bands for DIY LIVE Huntsville! As a founder of DIY Live Huntsville, Matt aims to capture the essence of our community's local music scene, to show to a wider audience, documenting those moments of sheer rock exellence on video. Click play to hear all about it, or tune in live Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 at 2 PM on 89.3 FM!
You can watch all of the performances and interviews Matt has filmed around Huntsville here: https://www.youtube.com/c/DIYLIVEHuntsville
In this installment of Behind Our Local Music Scene, we meet Robert Sharpe, an independent guitar repairman. His passion is making these instruments shine bright and sing beautifully for our beloved local musicians. Robert says one of his favorite parts of the job is researching the history of the vintage instruments he's been asked to work on, and sharing what he finds with the guitar's owner. He feels it adds more to the bond with the musician, and adds his personal touch- a bonus service. He started his business about a year ago, and in the time that's passed, he's built a steady, loyal clientele, and he hopes to keep his workload small, as this is more of a side gig for him-- he does have a day job! Hear all about it when you click the play button!
Where you can find Rob's Guitar Service and Repair...
https://www.facebook.com/robsguitarservice
https://www.instagram.com/robs_guitar_service/
This episode of Arts Underground, our special guest is Artistic Director for Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater and Academy, the effervescent Stephen Tyler Davis! With a background in theater himself- starting at Fantasy Playhouse himself! - Stephen comes full circle, returning to Huntsville from teaching at Sarah Lawrence College in New York.
Stephen tells us about some new features at the incoming Fantasy Playhouse building, to be located on Holmes Avenue at the intersection of Triana Boulevard in Huntsville. For example, an inclusive fine arts preschool program begins September 7th, 2022, offering preschool-age kids STEAM-related activities. FPCTA is also offering more sensory-friendly performances with its shows- complete with altered lighting and volume on stage, sensory rooms to find comfort in and sensory kits from Tourism ALL-a-Bama.
The music played during this show is not included in this audio file, but a playlist of the songs can be found here.
In this episode, we meet local comedian Christy Montgomery, who started out on the Huntsville comedy scene similarly to that of Midge, the starring character on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Christy tells us that story, plus she says she feels she's accomplished so much she never thought possible in the comedy world, and she's got even more she's working to achieve. We also hear how a keen sense of humor can help you through life, Christy's experience dealing with cultural sensitivity in comedy and more.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre website: https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/
This year, the Historic Huntsville Foundation fuses art and history in its exhibition at Harrison Brothers Hardware, "Rooted in History: Women as Makers, Creators, Movers & Shakers," on display through September 6, 2022.
In this episode, Katy Ganaway talks with the exhibit's coordinator and curator, HHF Executive Director Donna Castellano, who talks about going from researching Huntsville historical women of note to the thrilling experience of holding tangible links to these women in her hands.
You'll also hear a conversation with one of the exhibit's featured artists, Tiavalya Befecadu, whose captivating Alabama Authors quilt draws visitors in to this exhibit. She shares with us her process of selecting special fabrics and bold subjects to highlight in her quilts and what she hopes visitors will take away after viewing the art and artifacts on display.
Related Links...
Historic Huntsville Foundation: https://www.historichuntsville.org/
Tiavalya Befecadu: https://www.tiavalya.com/
Harrison Brothers Hardware: http://harrisonbrothershardware.com/
Weird Kids MeetUp of North Alabama launched in the Summer of 2021 by Shenanigans Comedy Theatre co-founder, Jessica Cotton. Growing up in a small conservative town in Texas, Cotton found it difficult to fit in with the normal crowd. Her haven from masking her individuality was a small group of friends she still keeps in touch with. Her inspiration to start this group sprouted from not only her experience growing up, but also a need to socialize her children, after the isolated norms of the pandemic began to subside. Jessica encourages her Weird Kids and parents to take the word "weird" as a compliment, turning the commonly negative connotation of the word on its head, and embracing the uniqueness that makes each one of us special.
In this feature story, we learn how Weird Kids MeetUp has helped teens like Toby Cotton- Jessica's kid- and Max Beck step out of their comfort zone to find some weird, new friends. We also hear from self-proclaimed weird parents Jenny Stang, Angela Beck, Brandy Anderson and Jessica Cotton herself about their perspective on seeing their children break out of their mold and express themselves more freely.
Find a playlist of the music selected exclusively by these weird kids and grown-ups on the Arts Underground page under the Programs tab on our homepage.
Weird Kids MeetUp of North Alabama Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/855148938717572/
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Website: https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/
It comes in handy for any comedian to be versatile, both being able to create and perform a few minutes of funny material for any audience, and to host a comedy show... That involves warming up the audience, keeping the energy going for a strong lineup of fellow comedians and closing it out on a feel-good note. Daniel Hardin says he's still mastering his craft, but he feels comfortable at his home comedy venue- Black Dog Grounds and Sounds in Madison. We hear about the importance Daniel feels of keeping a sibling-like rapport with some of the Tennessee Valley's funniest comics, the art of taking an obscure, real-life event and embellishing it into a hilarious joke, and so much more.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
Listening carefully plays a key role in the work of any improv comedian, keeping the perpetual motion of a live, unscripted show going. Matt Carter and Sparky Shelton, members of Rocket City Improv in Huntsville, tell us about how they partnered with fellow comedian Kimberly Wilson- co-founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre- to bring improv to Huntsville. They also touch on the common misconception of improv being a stepping stone to something better in comedy, and that there's a bit more to honing one's craft in improv than goofing off in front of an audience.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
Self-described as a band of music professionals, Kerry and the OKs formed just before the pandemic hit North Alabama and the rest of the world. Now, they're ready to show Huntsville a grand time, with an experience that exceeds a typical night of karaoke.
Instead of being backed by a pre-produced karaoke track in the dark corner of a dive bar, you're backed by a live band and the spotlight is on you, center-stage! All members of Kerry and the OKs are music instructors at the Musicology School of Music, founded by the band's drummer, Quentin Roddie.
We'll meet Quentin & the other members- Kelli Udas, Abby Good, Mari Hinckley, Jonathan Laird and the band's host / guitarist / "rodeo clown," Jason Sligh- a.k.a "Kerry." We'll also sit in on the last rehearsal before their first gig. Their first gig, as you'll hear in this feature, brought the house down at The Electric Belle, located at Stovehouse in Huntsville. Your next opportunity to live out your rockstar fantasy will be at the same location, May 5, 2022 at 6 PM.
Kerry and the OKs website: https://kerryandtheoks.com/
This episode, we meet Kyle Husband, owner of Offbeat Coffee Studio at Campus 805 in Huntsville. It may be a coffee shop first, but in a cozy nook, you'll find vinyl records of old, displayed among newer, hyper-hip attributes-- yes, that does include some sweet velvet furniture, perfect for soaking in the music while you consume your cup of java. Kyle tells us his New Orleans inspiration for the shop, his sentimental memories listening to records with his dad, his thoughts on "supporting local," and much, much more. Independent Grooves is an Arts Underground-exclusive series, where we meet Tennessee Valley folks who are keeping the great vinyl comeback going, and who believe in owning music you can spin in your living rooms. Offbeat Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/offbeatcoffeestudio Ep. 1: Black Dog Grounds and Sounds>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-blac... Ep. 2: Maxwell's Music >> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-maxw... Ep. 3: Vertical House>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-vert...
Ogre joins us this week on Arts Underground for another installment of our series, Funny You Should Ask. In this episode, Ogre tells us how he got his unique moniker, the truth behind the notion that there's never a bad audience, and how Ogre's pursuit of a career in comedy led him to follow local comedian Kimberly Wilson from theater and art center, Somerville Playhouse, to her comedy theatre here in Huntsville, Shenanigans Comedy Theatre. Of course, Ogre tells us more than that, so hit the play button to hear it all.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
In this episode, we head to the Athens Limestone County Public Library to meet Jennifer Baxter- the library's ambitious director & host of ALCPL podcast Between the Stacks. Jennifer joined ALCPL in late 2020, with the goal to rejuvenate the library and to pitch in with new projects on the horizon. One of the very first was starting an innovative collection of podcasts made at the library called, "Library Voices."
Each has its own niche... Between the Stacks- highlights conversations with guests who come to the library to discuss cultural, educational and community programs; Homegrown History- recounts stories and brings in guests to talk on the rich history of Limestone County, AL; Talkin' Dirty at the Library- hosts welcome guests who share plenty of tips on local gardening; & All in with Athens- a podcast project by students in the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission.
More local podcasts are brewing with the library, and ALCPL is close to renting out its recording room to the community!
You can listen to all of these shows through your favorite streaming platforms, or click here! >> https://www.alcpl.org/podcasts/
Carl Paul is the first local comedian of 2022 to hang out with us in our series, Funny You Should Ask. This episode, Carl tells us how his method of writing jokes, often about his blue collar life and mental health, stands apart from the norm. We also hear Carl's favorite corny joke- which other comedians have advised him to retire- and Carl tells us about raising his cool daughter, who shares his love for RC Cars.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear intriguing stories about being funny stage and plenty more.
Click here to find more episodes of Funny You Should Ask, and other series and past interviews on Arts Underground: https://wlrh.org/series/arts-underground
This is the fourth segment in our series on Arts Underground, titled, "Independent Grooves." In each installment, we'll meet the folks who are keeping the great vinyl comeback going and who believe in owning music you can spin in your living rooms. In this segment, we meet Lynsey Staggs, an entrepreneur with a Bohemian soul and owner of Urban Atlas in Decatur. We get to know Lynsey's inspirations for starting her own eclectic record shop at the age of 20, the music that feeds her soul and her role as a bridge between folks who prefer tangible media to digital. We also learn about Urban Atlas as a launching pad for women-owned businesses, its underground hot spot for music shows and the LGBT+ Prom Lynsey started here.
Urban Atlas Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShopUrbanAtlas
Urban Atlas Website: https://urbanatlas.squarespace.com/
Ep. 1: Black Dog Grounds and Sounds>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-blac...
Ep. 2: Maxwell's Music >> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-maxw...
Ep. 3: Vertical House>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-vert...
This is the third segment in our series on Arts Underground, titled, "Independent Grooves." In each installment, we'll meet the folks who are keeping the great vinyl comeback going and who believe in owning music you can spin in your living rooms. In this segment, we wander over to Railroad Room 9 at the Lowe Mill to pick the brains of Andy and Ashley Vaughn, owners of Vertical House Records. From a very tall house in 5 Points to thousands of square feet, filled with tons of records, vintage goodies and a phenomenal photo studio, we hear Ashley and Andy's journey to being one of Huntsville's most beloved houses of vinyl.
Vertical House Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VerticalHouseRecords
Vertical House Website: http://theverticalhouse.com/
Ep. 1: Black Dog Grounds and Sounds w/ Cliff and Leslie Patterson>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-blac...
Ep. 2: Maxwell's Music >> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-maxw...
This is the first segment in our new series here on Arts Underground, titled - Independent Grooves. - In each installment, we'll meet the folks who are keeping the great vinyl comeback going and who believe in owning music you can spin in your living rooms. In this segment, we head to Madison, Alabama to meet with local keepers of the vinyl, Cliff and Leslie Patterson, at their brand new independent record store, Black Dog Grounds and Sounds.
Black Dog Grounds and Sounds' Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/blackdoghifi/
We bring you, once again, Funny You Should Ask on Arts Underground, this time with guest Tim Kelly. By day, Tim's a quiet guy doing his engineering thing, and when the sun goes down, you might find him yukking it up on the mic at a comedy show in Huntsville. Tim also cofounded Huntsville's 10-year-running comedy showcase at what is now Theatre Huntsville in the Lowe Mill- Epic Comedy Hour.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Epic Comedy Hour Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EpicComedyHour
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 2 Rayna Cahill: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ray...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 3 Ty Funny: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ty-...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 4 Scott Eason/ Epic Comedy Hour: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-epi...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 5 Kimberly Wilson: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-kim...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 6 Elliott White: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-elliott-white
This is the second segment in our series here on Arts Underground, titled, "Independent Grooves." In each installment, we'll meet the folks who are keeping the great vinyl comeback going and who believe in owning music you can spin in your living rooms. In this segment, Downtown Huntsville is our destination, where we enter the musical dojo of Jarrod Maxwell- owner of Maxwell's Music.
Maxwell's Music Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaxwellsMusicHuntsville
Ep. 1: Black Dog Vinyl & Hi-Fi w/ Cliff and Leslie Patterson>> https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-independent-grooves-blac...
This week on Arts Underground, Funny You Should Ask is back, with guest Elliott White. Elliott performs stand-up comedy around the Tennessee Valley and beyond, and does double duty as a host and producer of Huntsville's Awesome Comedy Hour and Epic Comedy Hour. In this conversation, Elliott shares his adventures in comedy, how the musical world crosses over into the comedy world, bouncing back from a joke that doesn't land and much more.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Awesome Comedy Hour Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/awesomecomedyhour
Epic Comedy Hour Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EpicComedyHour
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 2 Rayna Cahill: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ray...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 3 Ty Funny: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ty-...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 4 Scott Eason/ Epic Comedy Hour: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-epi...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 5 Kimberly Wilson: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-kim...
This episode of Arts Underground, there will be no crash landings, only smooth sailing. Annie Phillips, Huntsville Madison County Public Library's Digital Services Manager, stops by to tell us about the library's newest project, Blast Music. Described as a - living music collection that documents North Alabama’s vital, evolving music scene, - Blast Music is a streaming service launching this summer. It will exclusively feature talented musicians from around the Tennessee Valley-- no digging required to find your favorite local band, no ads to inundate your listening space... a sonic paradise, really. Now, hit that play button to learn how the concept for the service was born, who's involved in picking the music, new opportunities ahead to serve as a curator or streaming artist, and so much more.
Blast streaming, more info.: https://blast.hmcpl.org/
This episode of Arts Underground, Kerri-Noelle Humphrey, founder of the community dance festival, Dance Africa, joins us in the WLRH studios. In this conversation, we discuss how the festival at the Academy for Academics & Arts uses music and dance to show students the influence West African culture has had on the current style of music and dance in America. This is a program made possible by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, and Kerri-Noelle also tells us her hopes for continuing this event into the future, and her hopes for the future of diversifying music education for students in schools across North Alabama.
Dance Africa (Happening Sept. 18, 2021) Event Info.: https://www.facebook.com/events/499944377787740
This week on Arts Underground, Funny You Should Ask is back, with our guest Kimberly Wilson. Kimberly is a local stand-up and improv comedian and the co-founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre in Huntsville. Kimberly tells us about how her background in improv crosses over in her day job as a schoolteacher, reestablishing her beloved independently-owned comedy theater in Somerville, AL to Huntsville and lots more.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Kimberly's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kwilsoncomedy/
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shenaniganscomedytheatrehsv/
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 2 Rayna Cahill: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ray...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 3 Ty Funny: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ty-...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 4 Scott Eason/ Epic Comedy Hour: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-epi...
In this episode of Arts Underground, we're bringing you a new segment called, 'Funny You Should Ask.' In this series, we'll talk with comedians in the TN Valley to get to know their style, hear first gig stories, and plenty more. Brandon Ijames is our first guest, a quick-witted comedian and veteran of a local comedy showcase that debuted in 2012, Homegrown Comedy. Related links are below.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Brandon's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/jokegrenades/?hl=en
Homegrown Comedy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownComedy
This week we have a special installment of 'Funny You Should Ask,' where we'll sit down with Scott Eason, one of the co-creators of Huntsville's local comedy showcase event, Epic Comedy Hour. Ten years ago, local comedians Scott Eason, Tim Kelly and Justin Ledlow began their quest to carve out a place for comedy in Huntsville, starting by sharing the stage at music open mic nights, and eventually finding a home base and a longtime partnership with Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment. Now celebrating its decennial anniversary, Scott tells us about the journey it took to get the Epic show where it is today, the comedians who have graced the Epic stage along the way and so much more.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Epic Comedy Hour on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epiccomedyhour/
Epic Comedy Hour on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicComedyHour
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 2 Rayna Cahill: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ray...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 3 Ty Funny: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ty-...
We've got a brand new Funny You Should Ask with improv and stand-up comedian, Rayna Cahill. We talk about the moment she realized her natural talent, her successful endeavors in creating comedy shows, her thoughts on the rapport among the local comedy community and more. You can catch Rayna at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre and at comedy open mic nights around town. Related links are below.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Rayna's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/rayna_cheyenne_cahill/
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shenaniganscomedytheatrehsv/
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
This week's episode of Arts Underground includes the 3rd installment of our series, Funny You Should Ask, with local comedian and improv actor, Ty Funny! Ty, a native Wisconsonite, is really picking up steam with his comedy career around the Tennessee Valley. Ty talks with us about establishing himself and discovering his self worth as an up-and-coming comedian, as well as his biggest comedy inspiration- his father, who recently passed away. We hear how Ty combined his passion for making an audience laugh and a hard-hitting, personal loss, into endearing, funny stories that keep his father's memory alive. You're sure to find Ty in the lineup for plenty of comedy shows at local entertainment venues like Shenanigan's Comedy Theatre, Maggie Meyers, Stand Up Live, among many others.
Funny You Should Ask is a series where we hear from comedians in the TN Valley, getting to know their style, hear first gig stories and plenty more.
Ty's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TyFunny07
Ty's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/ty_funny0707/
Shenanigans Comedy Theatre Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shenaniganscomedytheatrehsv/
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 1 Brandon Ijames: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-bra...
F.Y.S.A. Ep. 2 Rayna Cahill: https://wlrh.org/WritersCorner/arts-underground-funny-you-should-ask-ray...
This episode, we sit down with Sonya Clemons, known endearingly to most as Artlady Sonya. In her cozy studio loft, above a law firm in Scottsboro, AL, we hear about Sonya's adventures- from her and her mother's artistic bond, to her outstanding murals that bless the hearts of many, to a powerful, collaborative project- Pictures of Hope- providing a creative outlet to, and bringing together, the Recovery Community in Jackson County. The Artlady is no myth-- she's as real as your grandma's stellar Southern peach cobbler. Get your listening ears on, Tennessee Valley!
This episode, we're joined by Lauren Gowins and Amber Cornett, co-founders of Design Week Huntsville. It's a week-long event April 12-16, spotlighting designers in the Tennessee Valley of all levels and backgrounds, meant to show inspiring art students what Huntsville has to offer in the design industry.
Info. at: http://designweekhuntsville.com/
Nashville-based husband and wife duo of The War and Treaty, Tanya Blount-Trotter and Michael Trotter Jr., are opening A Taste of Panoply in Huntsville (2021) with their unique blend of soul and Americana, sure to vibrate through the soul and get everyone on their feet dancing. We sat down for a phone conversation with the two dynamo musicians, where they tell us about working with legendary musicians in a pandemic, the role spirituality plays in their performance, and an anecdote about Tanya, from Michael, that sends everybody into a laughing fit.
While we patiently wait for our COVID-19 vaccinations, and for things to return to "normal," the question remains-- How can we cure boredom and make staying at home more of an adventure than a mundane practice? In this conversation, Rachel Holland, Greenhouse Propagator with the Huntsville Botanical Garden lets us in on the secret to exercising our creativity, while also keeping a calm, stable mind. She talks with host Katy Ganaway.
Lowe Mill has a new mural, but it's not just any mural - It's a mosaic created from several thousand hexagon tiles. Roberto Salcido and Max Lizarraga created the piece inspired by traditional beadwork and donated it to the Mill in celebration of Huntsville, 7 years residence, and new citizenship.
Lowe Mill artist David Nuttall is known for his realistic ficticious maps. He's also a cyclist, and now he's accomplished 1000 miles cycled in Huntsville's streets. Now, not only does he probably know the roads of Huntsville better than anyone, but he's also discovered quite a bit regarding segregation of neighborhoods.
Dana Anderson is the very first artist with special needs in the south (that we know of) to have her own solo gallery exhibit, in Chicago's Magnificent Mile no less! They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and never is that more true than with Dana's art. Since she's nonverbal, we spoke with Dana's mother, Janet, about her journey and process.
Jovani Occomy has been creating music from the time she was little and sang with her grandmother during car rides. She sat down to talk with us about her music-making journey, and told us some of the stories behind her most memorable songs to date
If you like a good ghost story, listen to this feature from Arts Underground where we brought in Debbie Smith to tell hers. If you like a fantastic scares-the-snot-outta-ya ghost story, turn off the lights and listen to this ghost story!! It's real, it's recent, it's local, and it's SCARY.
In this Halloween special episode of Arts Underground, we hear the story of the Old Stegar Brick Mansion atop the highest hill in Nashville, rumored to be haunted, with secret tunnels somewhere below the foundation. Emma Petty woke up one night to see a pair of doors that hadn't been there before, and what was behind those doors frightened the entire family.
Last year in October we debuted a travel episode dedicated to Iceland, and what a hit! So this year, we've dedicated one to Scotland. Listen for the sounds and stories of Scotland - specifically Edinburgh!
We spoke with organizer Brandy Baird about this year's Tweed Ride, inspired by London's Tweed Run, a leisurely bike ride through the city while wearing your best tweedy dapper duds. Crowned as one of the featured events of the Alabama Bicentennial, the Tweed Ride is a fun and fantastic way to get to know Huntsville old and new!
Mahatma Gandhi helped to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule through nonviolent reistance and teachings. His grandson, Arun Gandhi, is now also an activist who advocates for understanding and education surrounding the nature of anger and how it can lead to violence. Sarah Williamson interviewed Arun when he visited Huntsville to speak at the Indian Festival for Asha Kiran.
Huntsville-based singer/songwriter Remy Neal visited the studio to talk about his upcoming work and how one incident with a theiving roommate in NYC instigated his musical career.
Elliot Landy came to the station to talk about the gallery show "Peace, Love and Rock and Roll: Elliot Landy's Vision of Woodstock" at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Elliot was the official photographer for the iconic music festival at Woodstock, and he shares with us his stories from that time - how he came to photograph the leading musicians of the time, his work as an activist, and when he became one of the first music photographers to be considered an artist.
Estonia is one of the most cyber secure nations in the world and it's thanks in part to Estonian Ambassador and former Minister of Cyber Defense, Jonatan Vseviov. In this interview, we talk about how Estonians spend hardly more than 3 minutes on their taxes, and never have to visit a government office except for renewing national online I.D.'s (what is that? Listen to find out), real estate, and marriage licenses. In light of the Mueller report and statement, it's also nice to know what we could be doing better with regards to internet safety.
In this episode of arts underground, you can hear about fear as it sometimes affects the art-making process as well as surprising things that doctors and scholars used to believed about the female anatomy.
Why is a naked human body so taboo? Why does the idea of posing for art make us so uncomfortable? In this episode of Arts Underground, our P.O.W. panel dives into the feelings behind why the female body is sexualized when nude regardless of context.
It's a mentality that helped us to survive in the ages before technology, and we grew up watching it in the Saturday morning cartoons.
Us vs. Them: Good guys and bad guys, Cat and Mouse, Cowboys and Indians, Black and White, Muslim and Christian, Liberal and Conservative.....what we percieve to be Good and Evil based on what we're told in the media and on social platforms.
The very idea that we must be afraid of and control each other because of our differences is the foundation of the "us v. them" mentality.
Zulfat Suara is the chair of the American Muslim Advisory Council and she guests in this episode of Arts Underground to explore this concept.
In this continuation of the Perception of Women series, our panel of artists and subjects discuss humanity's greatest enemy - fear of the unknown - and how that has influenced our perception of women.
This episode of Arts Underground features interviews about Panoply and what to expect as well as Chris Wade, featured artist on the Panoply promotional poster; Jane Philips and her art show "Threshold" which beautifully honors the natural female form; and the 7th installment of the Perception of Women series, where a panel of artist and subjects handle difficult women's issues as they relate to art.
In this candid discussion, Lowe MIll artist Jane Philips talks about the imporance of creating and viewing art - how it improves mental health and changes beauty narratives surrounding women. Her gallery show opening is April 26th and her work will remain on display through June 15th.
To artists, colors are colors. They are resources from which we communicate an image. To most other people, though, colors represent concepts. For example, in America, approximately 80% of people associate the color red with the smell or taste of berries, cherries, or fruit punch; the color blue is associated with water, sky, and blue raspberry, and pink is associated with...girls?
Gender colors didn't happen until the 1940's when pastels came into popularity and manufacturers settled on pink for girls and blue for boys (In 1918, it was pink for boys and blue for girls), so baby boomers grew up wearing the two colors. Gender neutral colors rose to popularity in the 60's and 70's but pink and blue made a comeback with the development of prenatal testing, allowing parents to know the gender so they could outfit the nursery in the "appropriate" colors.
Now, colors can be used to shame (ex. pink underwear for male inmates), and to encourage boys and girls to embrace traditional gender roles.
That's what the Perception of Women panel discusses in this episode of Arts Underground.
Also, artists can have a difficult time being business savvy, but some are waking up to smell the smoke, and they're doing something about it with the Ready and Resilient workshop. We talk about it with Daniella Perallon and Eliah McCutchen.
In this episode of Arts Underground, we talk about the life of W.C.Handy, father of blues, with relative Cynthia Handy Quintela who choreographs the show "W.C.Handy Blues: Legacy of Dance and Swan Lake", presented by Alabama Youth Ballet Theater.
Also, we continue the Perception of Women series (POW!) with our panel of artists and subjects who discuss the sexualization of women and their percieved roles. Specifically, women are sexual beings. It makes people uncomfortable, but is it related to women being sexualized or objectified? Does it have to do with how a woman dresses? Does a woman really have to wear makeup if she wants to be taken seriously?
In this episode of Arts Underground, we continue with the table discussion series "The Perception of Women" where we talk about the expectations of women shown through advertising, traditional female roles, and beauty standards. In this installment, we discuss being handed these expectations of what women can and can't do, and how history repeatedly shows women breaking away from the mold and demonstrating that there is no good reason to place restrictions on any one group of human beings. Such restrictions leads to an "Us vs. Them" mentality, which instigates hate, superiority, and entitlement.
In this episode of Arts Underground, we talk with multiple award-winning and New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Yuyi Morales and her most recent picture book "Dreamers", which was published almost exactly a year after President Trump shut down the DACA program. Also, we continue with the Perception of Women series, a table discussion about the roles of women, beauty standards, and how it all relates to art. In this third installment of the series - are beauty standards and advertising just part of the age-old struggle of man exerting control over his fellow human?
Be sure to check out our GIVEAWAY CONTEST on Instagram to WIN a set of Yuyi Morales' book "Dreamers" in English and Spanish! @wlrh_89.3. Go to the WLRH Instagram page and leave a comment. We will draw TWO winners on Tuesday ... good luck!
In this episode of Arts Underground, the series "The Perception of Women" is continued - a discussion about art as it relates to beauty standards, advertising, and the roles of women in and out of the home. Perception starts early, that's for sure, but is it enough that parents are beginning to adopt a different perception of the human body altoghether?
We invited some artists and some subjects – women who have had temporary art displayed on their bodies – in this discussion table’s case – the art was done during a pregnancy, one was a body contour study, and one was a map drawn to feature the scars of a terrible accident resulting from a stroke. Our artists focus on human art – art on the human body, art that studies the human body, and art that celebrates age and experience in women. In this first episode of this discussion series We're calling “The Perception of Women”, we largely focused on art and beauty as it relates to nature, disaster, and disease.
Painting maps is FAR more difficult and complicated than you might think! Lowe Mill artist David Nuttall talks about his lifelong fascination with maps, what goes into creating them, and how he started drawing maps on people. He also talks about his experience as a cartographer, what places in the world are logically impossible and yet still exist.
Listen to the end for a blooper reel including behind-the-scene stories from David's feature on Samantha Brown's "Places to Love"!
In this episode, we follow up with Brandy Baird, coordinator of the Huntsville Tweed Ride, to see how the ride went this past November. We also hear from riders themselves and ask what they thought about the tweed ride and how they manage their happiness. Additionally, some tips about how to manage your own happiness during this depressing seasonal weather.
Sarah is an artist, did you know that? Her instagram followers do, and they submitted their art inspo/biz/random questions for her to answer in this episode. She does just that, like how to beat art block, how to get into illustrating, and the four questions she uses to build any story. Also, indie whisper rock, and random google questions answered.
Is comedy just for comedians? Is having a strong sense of humor something you're born with, and if not..tough?
The answer is no!
Sarah interviews comedians Jonathan Craig and Cory Michaelis to learn more about comedy, its application to daily life, and how it can help manage happiness.
In this episode, Sarah interviews members of the musical "American Idiot", presented by Lyrique Music Productions, as well as the writer, director, and lead of "Humbug! A Christmas Carol", presented by Bank Street Players of Decatur. Andrew Pittman co-hosts.
Performance artist Gypsee Yo is a slam poem champion whose work attempts to blur the lines between genres. She's toured world-wide and has been featured on numerous programs, including Snap Judgement. She's looked into the face of poverty, evil, and devastation, and lived to tell the countless stories. In this episode of Arts Underground, she shares a few of those - as well as some stories of joy and hope - with us.
Music in this episode is by Barnstormers. Check out their music on Spotify and Youtube: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2F6p6ag6Gt6SwN06FUSWaW
The stories of Gypsee Yo has been featured in this episode with permission from her album "Dust, Blood, Love"
Find more of Gypsee Yo's work on youtube or on her website: gypseeyo.wordpress.com
Sarah is excited about visiting Iceland! In the land of ice and fire, rainbows pop up every five minutes, there are milky blue thermal pools to relax in, and the breathtaking landscape makes for INSTAGRAM GOLD....however, things don't go according to plan.