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Fort Wayne’s South Side High School is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with a special multigenerational production of Meredith Wilson’s play, The Music Man, which opens this Friday evening. Drawing on his own memories of the school’s focus on the fine arts, theater teacher Kirby Volz (South Side graduating class of 1976) wanted to find, “as many people who could participate in the show as possible.” To that end, he connected with other alumni and recruited younger students from the system’s feeder schools, to fill the nearly 70 positions on stage, back stage and in the orchestra pit. Here WBOI’s Julia Meek speaks with Volz, and Gaby Gonzalez, a sophomore student playing the role of Marian “The Librarian” Paroo, about the shape their presentation of this iconic story will take and the spirit it carries with it. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Creative Women of the World is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special photo exhibit called “Women Are…” The body of work features 39 portraits of women and their stories, showcasing their challenges, passion and achievements plus the diversity they bring to the community. WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with project photographer, Jenni Vorderman, and Mary Encabo-Bischoff, an educator and one of the featured subjects, about the scope and message of the exhibit and how it reflects the organization's mission to empower and transform lives. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne Philharmonic violinist & Associate Concertmaster, Yana Bourkova-Morunov, and pianist Alexander Klepach share a special friendship and deep musical passion through their Russian and Ukrainian roots. For their reflections on the brewing situation in their motherlands and the special concerts they are preparing to perform that feature the music of Sergei Prokofiev, a Russian composer, born in Ukraine, WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with them about how this powerful connection provides hope for all in these troubled times. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Tamar Tyler has brought his superhero comic book character, HQ, to life by way of an animated series called Swaggatrons. His fascination with comics began when he was young, Tamar admits, and has grown into a multi-media passion that has taken on a life of its own. WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with Tyler about the process, and what to expect in the Augmented Reality “multiverse” of Swaggville. You can connect with HQ the producer at the Swaggatrons website. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

As social advocate and activist Foundation One continues to engage with his community on the city’s south side, his base of operations has moved down the block. From his unique platform at the Unity Barber Shop, a six-chair business at 921 E. Pontiac Street, Foundation brought a barber’s pole, a single chair and his well-known message of hope and peace to a small space in the nearby Penta C.S. Group Minority Entrepreneurial Center located at 2531 South Calhoun Street. WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with him about the neighborhood he continues to serve, his passion for his work and the new connections this affords his mission. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Ten years have passed since local creatives launched the Fort Wayne 1X1 Community Photo Project. The purpose, explained by two of the project’s coordinators, Cara Lee Wade and Teresa Stephens, was to document our fair city, one square at a time. And now it’s time to see how things have changed. To that end, individuals are invited to join in the photographing of the same randomly picked squares, using their preferred photographic style and medium between now and September. WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with Wade and Stephens about the history, scope and focus of this momentous initiative, the shape their end game will take and how the community can become involved. The project is open to all Fort Wayne area photographers, ages 16 and up. For complete information visit the Fort Wayne 1x1:10 Facebook page. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Love is in the air world round, this Valentine’s Day weekend, and for many, it's the perfect time to brush off those special songs, dinners and romantic movies that have come to be known as “our favorite.” In the celebratory spirit of the holiday, Arts & Culture reporter Julia Meek sat down with Rob Martinez, host of WBOI’s Movie Music Spotlight to discuss the perennial popularity of the Romance film, the evolution of the genre and its future in the movie industry. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

With one week on the job completed, WBOI’s new GM, Terra Brantley, is fast building momentum and strengthening community connections. Bringing along an agenda that promises more of a focus on local coverage and engagement, she has produced a series of 30-second vignettes that will air on WBOI at various times daily throughout February in honor of Black History Month. Here WBOI’s Julia Meek discusses this project with Terra, her passion for public radio and what’s in store for the future. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Northeast Indiana’s HUB260 Day Weekend is happening this Saturday and Sunday, February 5th & 6th, across Northeast Indiana. Like the area code it represents, this family friendly, self-guided event encompasses many small businesses and arts organizations in Fort Wayne and Allen County, and surrounding communities from Angola and Auburn to Huntington and Wabash. This grassroots initiative is designed to encourage and strengthen the sense of place that makes the region special and unique to its members. WBOI’s Julia Meek discusses the event’s origins and offerings with its Ambassador, Fort Wayne’s Councilwoman at large, Michelle Chambers. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. has unveiled an aggressive 10-year economic development action plan for the entire community. Called “Allen County Together,” the plan challenges us to build a community that’s more high-growth, innovative and inclusive. Each of these characteristics is underpinned by three “bold projects” with high yield goals and initiatives. As the Number One fastest growing metro area in the Great Lakes region, Fort Wayne is ranked in the top 25% of metros nationally. WBOI’s Julia Meek discusses how the plan will impact the area’s long-term growth and what directions this will take with John Urbahns, Greater Fort Wayne’s CEO & Visit Fort Wayne’s Marketing Director, Kristen Guthrie. For more information and to get involved, visit the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. website. WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with Susan Mendenhall & Dan Ross of Arts United. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne’s art scene flourished nicely in 2021 as it continued to reinvent and energize itself amid continuing Covid-related challenges. The community welcomed the return of live, in-person seasons and programs as well as an explosion of public art. Cultural District designations were awarded by both the City Council and the State of Indiana while plans for the Arts United Center are being firmed up to make it fully accessible, technologically equipped and functional for the 21st century. For highlights of these decidedly artcentric accomplishments, WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with Susan Mendenhall & Dan Ross of Arts United. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

The Garrett Museum of Art is getting ready to host a monumental exhibit of historic work by American photographer Edward Curtis. The collection, on loan from a private collection in California, features over 70 of his original photos of the native American people in their surroundings. In 1900, Curtis, then 32, gave up his portrait photography business to pursue what he called his “Great Idea,” which was to capture on film the very last of Native American ways & customs before their lifestyle was destroyed. Here WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with the museum’s director, Jim Gabbard about the collection’s scope and impact. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne’s Unity Performing Arts Foundation is celebrating its 20th season this coming year as it develops plans to go forward with former students now in key leadership positions. What began as a dream for its founder & CEO, Marshall White, in the early 1990’s became a platform for area youth who were underexposed to the arts to be able to enjoy the music of their time. This quickly evolved, he explains, “into a full blown character and leadership development concept, connecting them to one another, as well as the arts, creating bonds, fellowships & friendships for life.” WBOI’s Julia Meek discussed the legacy and its evolution with White and early alumni Aspen Hill & Jordan Applegate. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

The East Wayne Street Center has focused on providing self-sufficiency for underserved populations in Fort Wayne for 56 years. The Center focuses on improving the overall living conditions of impoverished households by stabilizing the home environment, addressing the environmental impediments, and paving the pathway to self-sufficiency with education. BrightPoint Head Start, the city’s 1st head start facility is also housed at the Center, along with the EWSC Food Bank. WBOI’s Julia Meek met with the organization’s Executive Director, Reppard Horne, to discuss its focus and mission, as well as the critical role it plays in our community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Purdue Fort Wayne is addressing the increase in music therapy needs and uses as well as populations being served with impactful community-focused projects and a new masters of music therapy program. With forty years in the profession, PFW’s clinical instructor, Eileen Garwood is quick to point out that projects designed to promote healing of all sorts, including recovery from addiction, will support those in need as well as their families and impart hope and acceptance along the journey. For a glimmer of what this sounds like, WBOI’s Julia Meek discusses the possibilities this affords with Garwood and her student, Charlene Delaney. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne Youth Theatre is ready to spread the holiday cheer with its premiere of the classic movie-turned-musical, Elf Junior, which opens this Friday at First Pres Theatre. The engaging production boasts a cast of forty young talents, the company’s largest musical cast to date, and as the latest addition to its permanent repertoire, promises to make new Christmas memories for the whole family, according to director Christopher Murphy. For a sneak peek at what’s in store, WBOI’S Julia Meek talked with Murphy and the show’s lead actor, Josiah Beights, about the intricacies of bringing such an iconic tale to life. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne trial attorney Mark Paul Smith has published a new autobiographical novel, this time chronicling his life as a young reporter at the Journal Gazette in the 1970's. His book, aptly called "The Reporter," provides a walk down memory lane for Boomers, and an entertaining insight into that era for younger generations and non-native residents. So much of the action takes place in the iconic downtown restaurant, Henry's, that Mark considers it to be a main character in the story. For insight on that slice of local history, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with Smith to talk about his adventures on that city beat. You can connect with the author and his books at www.markpaulsmith.com WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

Fort Wayne native Cassie Beer has been busy directing the city's newly formed Women's Fund since August. From this position, Beer has been excited to tackle the major endeavors unearthed in an eighteen month, county-wide comprehensive study. For an update on the organization's ongoing plans and progress, WBOI's Julia Meek invited Cassie into the studio to discuss the major initiatives underway, the connections being formed and what that means for the entire community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

If you're in the mood for a live theatrical performance that's decidedly not holiday fare, Shakespearemachine's Macbeth opens, promising a new and creative take on one of the Bard's most popular tragedies. For a sneak peek at what's in store for theater goers, WBOI's Julia Meek talked with artistic director, Nick Tash, and Chance Parker, the play's lead actor, about the niche the company is filling in the community, this particular choice of offerings, and the fine points of their production. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.

With Halloween on the near horizon, there's nothing like an iconic scary movie to spooktacularly enhance that holiday mood. But since cinematic offerings, even horror titles, come in all shapes and sizes and span more than a century of development, it may be frightfully difficult to separate the tricks from the treats when deciding just how terrorific one's film picks should be. For some offbeat suggestions, Arts reporter Julia Meek sat down with the hosts of the Storytelling Breakdown podcast, Caleb Meyer, Stephen Stachofsky and WBOI's own Ben Clemmer, to discuss the advantages of that social platform as a means of promoting the genre from their uniquely pop culture perspective. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by KelsiCote. Our administrative assistant is Olivia Fletter. Our production assistants are Monica Blankenship, Meihkai Bowers, Steve Mullaney, Kyle Norbeck, Diahmynd Thomas, Mikaela Veltum, and Sydney Wagner.