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This week on the pod, something a little different: instead of the usual one-on-one interview with a Milwaukee arts leader, we welcome the entire Imagine MKE team to share their early memories that sparked a love of the arts and their Milwaukee origin story. Lindsay is joined by co-host Esteban Contreras, Communications and Network Development Fellow with Imagine MKE. Enjoy some holiday whimsy before we dive in to the interviews. Happy Holidays, all.

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE hosted by Lindsay Sheridan, Director of Marketing and PR at Imagine MKE. Each episode, Lindsay sits down with an arts leader and asks them about their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, what they're up to in their work now, and their dreams for the future of arts and culture in Milwaukee.This week, Lindsay speaks with David Bloom, co-artistic director of Present Music. They talk about David's personal musical mission, Present Music's virtual fall programming (buy tickets to watch still at www.presentmusic.org), Milwaukee's enthusiastic new music audiences, and much more.Intro and outro music is from Present Music's virtual Thanksgiving concert, "Wherein Lies The Good." Intro: Mark Stewart: To Whom It May Concern: Thank You (2008) performed by Mark Stewart, electric guitar and Present Music musiciansOutro: V. Poetry (text: Abraham Sutzkever) | פּ ָאעזיע from Alex Weiser's and all the days were purple (2017) | און ַאלע טעג ז ַײנען געװען פּורפּורן, performed by Eliza Bagg, soprano and Present Music musicians.

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE hosted by Lindsay Sheridan, Director of Marketing and PR at Imagine MKE. Each episode, Lindsay sits down with an arts leader and asks them about their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, what they're up to in their work now, and their dreams for the future of arts and culture in Milwaukee.This week, Lindsay talks to Richard Hynson, Music Director of Bel Canto Chorus. They talk about Rick's memories of growing up singing in Washington National Cathedral (where Lindsay worked for several years - here's a favorite photo of the space), his musical journey to Milwaukee and years with Bel Canto Chorus, and more.They also talk about the process of rehearsing virtually (from the perspectives of Music Director and choir alto) for a Christmas program which will be released Friday, Dec. 18. Visit Bel Canto's website to learn more.Music: Silent Night, arr. Michelle Hynson, perf. Bel Canto

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE! Each week, we talk with an artist or arts leader in Milwaukee about their early arts memories, their Milwaukee origin story, and their vision for the future of the city. Today we hear from Katie Cummings, founder and Executive Director of Pink Umbrella Theater Company. Head to their website to learn more about their work and sign up for their many opportunities (virtual classes, teaching artist cohort, etc.).

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE! Each week, we talk with an artist or arts leader in Milwaukee about their early arts memories, their Milwaukee origin story, and their vision for the future of the city. Today we hear from Debra Loewen, Artistic Director of Wild Space Dance Company. To see her work live - soon! - head to www.wildspacedance.org to buy tickets for their Nov. 19 and 20 Parking Lot Dances. You'll watch from the safety of your car, under the exit ramp of the Hoan Bridge.Fun bonus: In the episode, Deb talks about her dance scores. See an example here.Music: "I Want You to Be Kind to Yourself," by Cullah

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE! Each week on this show, we sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Brent Hazelton, Artistic Director of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, about his transition into his new role, the production of the recent MKE Black Theater Festival, and much more.Music: "I Want You to Be Kind to Yourself," by Cullah

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop hosted Lindsay Sheridan, Director of Marketing and PR. We're back from break with a double feature episode about professional vocal early music ensemble Aperi Animam. In this second part, we welcome three panelists from Aperi Animam's recent virtual event #BlackVoicesMatter. The conversation starts on being Black in the classical music world, and broadens from there. The panelists, in order you first hear them, are:Austin Bare | Venmo: @Austin-Bare-4 | FB: Austin BareTiana Sorenson | Venmo: @TianaSorenson | IG: @stoic.but.holleringNicole McCarty | Venmo: @McCarty22 | FB: Nicole Corinne McCartyWe also hear from Daniel Koplitz, Executive Artistic Director of Aperi Animam.Music: Both clips courtesy Aperi AnimamOutro: Selection on the Hebrew letter “Daleth" from Thomas Tallis’s second set of Lamentations. Says Daniel, "This was the opener for our concert meditation Libera nos, which we presented at Early Music America’s Emerging Artists Showcase in May 2019. It contains a very spicy “false relation" at the end, where a pitch and its sharpened equivalent sound at the same time creating a jarring dissonance."Intro: Live recording from the final dress rehearsal of Utterance, a work of music theatre Aperi Animam developed with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Cadance Collective, and Amanda Schoofs last October. The piece itself is from a 16th-century collection of chromatic songs called "The Sibylline Prophecies,” written by Orlande de Lassus for the Duke of Bavaria’s court.More infowww.aperianimam.com | FB: Aperi Animam | IG: @aperianimam

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop hosted Lindsay Sheridan, Director of Marketing and PR. We're back from break with a double feature episode about professional vocal early music ensemble Aperi Animam. In this first part, we hear from Daniel Koplitz, Executive Artistic Director, and Jackie Willis, General Manager. We'll hear from them about their experiences that sparked a love of early music, their Milwaukee origin, the founding of the group, and more.Then, head over to Part 2 for a conversation with panelists from Aperi Animam's recent virtual event #BlackVoicesMatter.Music: Both clips courtesy Aperi AnimamIntro: Live recording from the final dress rehearsal of Utterance, a work of music theatre Aperi Animam developed with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Cadance Collective, and Amanda Schoofs last October. The piece itself is from a 16th-century collection of chromatic songs called "The Sibylline Prophecies,” written by Orlande de Lassus for the Duke of Bavaria’s court.Outro: Selection on the Hebrew letter “Daleth" from Thomas Tallis’s second set of Lamentations. Says Daniel, "This was the opener for our concert meditation Libera nos, which we presented at Early Music America’s Emerging Artists Showcase in May 2019. It contains a very spicy “false relation" at the end, where a pitch and its sharpened equivalent sound at the same time creating a jarring dissonance."More infowww.aperianimam.com | FB: Aperi Animam | IG: @aperianimam

And now, for something a little different. This week, we're taking a break from the usual full length episode to do two things. First, Lindsay sat down with Imagine MKE's summer Marketing and Communications Intern, Maggie Nowakowski. Maggie is an artist in her own right – she dances professionally with an Irish Dance company out of Chicago – and is about to start her senior year as a marketing and arts management student. She shares just a bit of her story and her thoughts on Milwaukee art and culture as she heads out of Imagine MKE.Second, we’d love to invite you to catch up on any of the first 9 episodes of this podcast you may have missed – because hearing the perspectives of each of the 9 folks we’ve interviewed so far is really worth your time. Song: "Cullahtivation Revelation," by Cullah

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Matt Kemple – producer, entrepreneur, comedian – who has been a key force in building Milwaukee’s active comedy scene in the last 15 or so years. You may know him from his work as the founder and producer of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, co-founder of the Milwaukee Fringe Festival, founder and manager of The Underground Collaborative, and co-producer of the new comedy club The Laughing Tap.The conversation centers on Matt's career in comedy, celebrating all that The Underground Collaborative accomplished in its eight years, coping with the pandemic, Matt's insanely large rubber chicken collection, and more.Music: "Caroline's," by Amanda Huff

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Samer Ghani -  a director, photographer, videographer, storyteller. Lindsay has had the pleasure of working with Samer on a couple video projects this year, including the recent release of Milwaukee Strong. You'll hear a clip from the song coming into the episode. To view Samer's work as the director of music video, head to imaginemke.org/strong.Music: "Milwaukee Strong," by Shonn Hinton

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Mark Niehaus, President and Executive Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact.Also, Lindsay shares reflections on her work in classical music, featuring a performance of the Sarabande from Bach's Cello Suite No. 4 by Phuc Phan.

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Cara Ogburn, Artistic Director at Milwaukee Film. A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact.Song: "I Want You to Be Kind to Yourself," by Cullah

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.Today's episode was recorded in February of this year - back when 7 people could easily be in a conference room together, mentioning Bernie Sanders as a presidential candidate was still relevant, and singing together could be done without a second thought.Lindsay sat down with 6 of the 8 members of the band Ruth B8r Ginsburg. She enjoyed a wonderful conversation with these 6 powerful women about their music, activism, and love of Milwaukee. While art as activism has always been relevant, we hope this interview will particularly be a balm and inspiration right now.Song: "All of Everyone at Once" by Ruth B8r Ginsburg

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with Brian Rott, Executive Director of Quasimondo Physical Theatre. A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact.Song: "Caroline's" by Amanda Huff

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with artist Brandon Minga (brandonminga.com, and @brandonminga on Instagram). A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact.Song: "Caroline's" by Amanda Huff

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city.On today’s episode, we speak with artist and education Ken Brown (@artistkenbrown on Instagram). A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact.Song: "Caroline's" by Amanda Huff

Welcome to Arts Forward MKE, a new podcast out of the Imagine MKE podcast shop. Each week on this show, we’ll sit down with an artist or arts administrator in Milwaukee and dive deep into their story – asking them about their Milwaukee origin, their early memories that sparked a love of the arts, their present work, and their vision for the future of the city. On today’s episode, we speak with writer and creative change agent Dasha Kelly Hamilton (www.dashakelly.com). A quick note: the first handful of episodes in this podcast, this one included, were recorded before the pandemic in March – so that’s why you won’t hear any mention of its impact. Song: "Caroline's" by Amanda Huff