Ali & Callie Artcast

Ali Shute

Each Friday, Ali & Callie will charm your socks off with tales of art and culture in the Pacific Northwest. Keeping art alive and culture relevant, Ali & Callie will introduce you to those creative people who are making it all happen! Tune in weekly for interviews, chats, history, upcoming events and more..... Affliliated with the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance. read less

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Ep 125: Monday Night Dinners in Coeur d'Alene

Ep 125: Monday Night Dinners in Coeur d'Alene

About 8 years ago, Adam Schluter found himself alone in Coeur d'Alene knowing no one. He put himself out there and invited people to his home for dinner as a way of getting to know each other. The first dinner, to his surprise, eleven people showed up. That first dinner paved the way for the Monday Night Dinners outdoors in Adam's back yard every other Monday in the good months of the year. It has grown to include dinner, music, drink and a great sense of community. This past Monday, May 13, 2024, Adam did a huge kick off dinner in McEuen Park as a way to promote more commaraderie as well as host a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the Coeur d'Alene Library Foundation. Adam knows well the great value of our local libraries, and he got together with the Foundation to organize the event in the park, which included many local businesses - a winery, breweries, sweet shops, and more - to come together to provide a free night of commonality for all. Everyone brings a dish to share, so there is plenty of food... and what better way to commune with people than over food. Our conversation includes Adam and his videographer Jack Wade from his project, Hello from a Stranger. We also had Jimmy, Joy, and Sarah join us to tell of their experiences with the dinners. This was filmed outdoors in the park, so please excuse the occasional quality bumps. For more information about the Monday Night Dinners visit the website at Monday Night Dinners, and while you are there, check out the Hello from a Stranger project (hellofromastranger.com)! You can also check out his story in season 1, episode 8 on the Ali & Callie website alicallieartcast.com

Episodes

Ep 125: Monday Night Dinners in Coeur d'Alene

Ep 125: Monday Night Dinners in Coeur d'Alene

About 8 years ago, Adam Schluter found himself alone in Coeur d'Alene knowing no one. He put himself out there and invited people to his home for dinner as a way of getting to know each other. The first dinner, to his surprise, eleven people showed up. That first dinner paved the way for the Monday Night Dinners outdoors in Adam's back yard every other Monday in the good months of the year. It has grown to include dinner, music, drink and a great sense of community. This past Monday, May 13, 2024, Adam did a huge kick off dinner in McEuen Park as a way to promote more commaraderie as well as host a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the Coeur d'Alene Library Foundation. Adam knows well the great value of our local libraries, and he got together with the Foundation to organize the event in the park, which included many local businesses - a winery, breweries, sweet shops, and more - to come together to provide a free night of commonality for all. Everyone brings a dish to share, so there is plenty of food... and what better way to commune with people than over food. Our conversation includes Adam and his videographer Jack Wade from his project, Hello from a Stranger. We also had Jimmy, Joy, and Sarah join us to tell of their experiences with the dinners. This was filmed outdoors in the park, so please excuse the occasional quality bumps. For more information about the Monday Night Dinners visit the website at Monday Night Dinners, and while you are there, check out the Hello from a Stranger project (hellofromastranger.com)! You can also check out his story in season 1, episode 8 on the Ali & Callie website alicallieartcast.com

Ep 124: Elaina DeJong, Musician, actress, singer and songwriter

Ep 124: Elaina DeJong, Musician, actress, singer and songwriter

At only 25 years old, Elaina DeJong has already accomplished so much. She has written and recorded several of her original songs, and she has put together her own concert with openers and a full band to showcase her music. She learned to play the violin at four years old, caught the musical bug at age 15, and now holds a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University. She has appeared in many Coeur d’Alene and Spokane plays, musicals, commercials, films, and concerts. Since August 2023, she’s been one-half of the music duo The Kindreds who can be found playing around the Inland NW. Elaina’s first song release, “City Park”, comes out in mid-May. The single anticipates her original concert debut, Montage Season, which will play on the Kroc Center stage in Coeur d’Alene on May 31. Elaina is also one of five individuals who received the Jack Bannon Memorial Fund for the Arts for this year. A formal presentation of the checks will be made by Ellen Travolta on May 15 at the CDA Chamber Visitors Center in a nice reception for the awardees, family and friends. For more information about Elaina, or tickets to her upcoming show, visit elainadejong.com/. For more information about the Jack Bannon Memorial Fund for the Arts (managed by the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance) visit artsandculturecda.org/jack-bannon-fund-for-the-arts

Ep 123: Kathy Colton, Musician and Songwriter

Ep 123: Kathy Colton, Musician and Songwriter

Such a treat talking to Kathy Colton who has been playing around the area since the 80s. We hear about her music, her influences, and her band. And we really enjoyed the private concert featuring a couple of songs, one an original. You can find Kathy and the Reluctants around town during ArtWalk, at some of the local hangouts, and more. Check out where she will be and come see her. On Facebook you can find her at Kathy Colton and the Reluctants, or at Kathy Colton.

Ep 122: Gypsy, Aspire Community Theater production

Ep 122: Gypsy, Aspire Community Theater production

This week we focus on Aspire Community Theater's upcoming show "Gypsy", a musical fable based on the real life memoirs of high-class stripper Gypsy Rose Lee that focuses on her mother, Rose, who was the ultimate show business mother. This episode features the girls who play Rose's daughters, Louise and Rose, played by Bridget Erb and Ashley Cleveland, Director Mark Jacobs, and on piano, Presley Dupuis. We are excited because Callie plays the lead role in this epic show with loads of memorable music ("Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You,") and a well written script that is bound to capture everyone. For more information on the show and tickets, visit aspirecda.com. Use promo code "Callie" for discounts.

Ep 121: Beth Rich, photographer and owner of Mix It Up

Ep 121: Beth Rich, photographer and owner of Mix It Up

Beth Rich is an amazing photographer. She says "Photography is the perfect way to carry "the beautiful" with us after we leave a place." And she carries the beautiful, having traveled all over the world. She was even invited to exhibit in China as one of many photographers in the Photo Beijing exhibit. Beth also owns Mix It Up Home and Mix It Up Gift, two separate stores just a couple of blocks from each other in downtown Coeur d'Alene. To find out more about Beth's photography visit her Facebook page at Thrublueiisphotograpy And for information about Mix It Up, visit mixituphomeandgift.com

Ep 120: Ali Koski, AHA Creative and Traveling Tees

Ep 120: Ali Koski, AHA Creative and Traveling Tees

What a delight to speak to the very talented and creative Ali Koski about her design business, her unique t-shirt business, her experience acting in the fun production of the Vagina Monologues earlier this spring, and her creative outlets, not to mention her conversations with Debbie, her new name for her brain. ahacda.com and travelingt.com

Ep 119: Jeni Hegsted and Emerge

Ep 119: Jeni Hegsted and Emerge

One of our favorite events in downtown Coeur d'Alene is Emerge's Ceramic Throwdown and Cup Frenzy during 2nd Friday ArtWalk on April 12. With such energy, potters come together to compete 2 at a time on the wheel, sometimes blindfolded, to show what they can create in about 5 minutes given certain parameters. And the cup frenzy part where you can go into a maze of handmade mugs created by local artists for $15, some of which could be worth upwards of $120! And the gallery exhibit featuring the works of many noted ceramic artists on display. The event is just fun, and Executive Director, Jeni Hegsted talks about how it came about and what the money raised is used for. In addition, she talks about the goals for this year for Emerge, and other upcoming events, including the annual Block Party happening this year on July 12. For information about Emerge, to get tickets to the VIP early entry to the cup frenzy, or to apply to have your work shown at the Block Party, or to check out their class schedule and other events, visit emergecda.com.

Ep 118: Rayelle Anderson, NIC Foundation Executive Director

Ep 118: Rayelle Anderson, NIC Foundation Executive Director

The NIC Foundation was founded in 1977 to encourage private support of North Idaho College. Through contributions and prudent stewardship, Rayelle and her team invests in NIC students, programs, services, and special projects. Since 1977, over $16.9 million was awarded in student scholarships. Supporting NIC Employee excellence, they have raised over $1.5 million for 376 grants through the NIC Foundation Grant Program to enhance educational excellence and over $235,000 for the NIC Employee Service Award Program to recognize employee excellence. In addition, they have raised over $16.5 million in support of NIC capital projects, land acquisition, technology, and equipment for projects including Ft. Sherman Officers’ Quarters, Molstead Library, Workforce Training Center, Children’s Center expansion, Meyer Health and Sciences Building, and the Parker Technical Education Center. The Really Big Raffle, now in its 31st year, is the foundation's main fundraiser. Tickets are $150 each with only 5000 sold, with the grand prize being a $563,000 home in Coeur d'Alene Place. For more information on the raffle visit nic.edu.org/rbr. For more information about the Foundation, visit nic.edu/foundation.

Ep 117: Kathy Gale, local artist

Ep 117: Kathy Gale, local artist

Painting since 2008, Kathy Gale's work leans heavily toward impressionism with a strong abstract quality. Her current pieces are rooted in the landscape and inspired by the photos she takes while traveling throughout Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. In 2013, Kathy, joined by local artist Teresa McHugh, started the CDA Artists' Studio Tour. It continues to grow yearly, with the ongoing support of The CDA Arts and Cultural Alliance. For Kathy, the practice of making art is not a solitary endeavor. Though actual paint time is secluded, her life is truly sustained by the love of family and friends, which no painting on earth can replicate. To view Kathy's unique style of art, visit her website at kathygale.com or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

Ep 116: Linda Coppess, CDA Chamber

Ep 116: Linda Coppess, CDA Chamber

Our women's history month series continues with one of our strong female leaders, Linda Coppess, President and CEO of the CDA Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thinking outside the box is the strategy of keeping a chamber alive and relevant in today's world. Linda talks about how adapting to the changing environment Is bringing exciting new ideas and ways of improving our community and getting businesses involved in the process. For more information on the chamber visit cdachamber.com.

Ep 115: Cyndie Hammond, local artist

Ep 115: Cyndie Hammond, local artist

Many artists begin their creative ventures when they retire. Cyndie Hammond, a former educator and higher education administrator, found her creative outlet in elaborate and unique colored pencil drawings. Her first attempt was entering a contest for the Coeur d'Alene Art on the Green poster contest, and she won! That inspired her to keep going, as she explored old houses, trees, horses and more. To see Cyndie's art, visit cjhammondart.com, or visit her on Instagram @cjhammondart.

Ep 114: Ellen Travolta on Jack Bannon and more

Ep 114: Ellen Travolta on Jack Bannon and more

With March being Women's History month, we thought we would start by catching up with our own Ellen Travolta who shares about her late husband, Jack Bannon, and the fund for the arts set up through the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance. We talk about Jack, the fund and how to apply, and more.

Ep 113: Spamalot, a production of Aspire Community Theater

Ep 113: Spamalot, a production of Aspire Community Theater

Director, Tracy Benson and Lead Actor, Thomas Gandy talk to us about the rarely produced Monte Python's musical spoof with a twist, lovingly ripped off from the Monte Python and the Holy Grail first time ever at the Kroc Center opening February 8. Spamalot offers everything that makes a great night from French taunters, killer rabbits, flying cows, dancing girls and of course, the Lady of the Lake. The musical offers a highly irreverent parody of the legend of King Arthur. Produced by Aspire Community Theater Tickets will go fast so don't wait! Visit aspirecda.com.

Ep 112: Kevin and Stu: The Rest of the Story

Ep 112: Kevin and Stu: The Rest of the Story

Season 3 finale could be called "Whine with Kevin and Stu," the husbands of Ali and Callie who are often the subject of their banter. The guys wanted a chance to set the record straight! A great way to end the season with great stories shared, laughter, and love. We all wish you the very best Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you!

Ep 111: Downtown Association event ”Winter Lights”

Ep 111: Downtown Association event ”Winter Lights”

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association in partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance are bringing an illuminated outdoor art experience for all ages to take place every evening starting January 26 through February 4. Locals & visitors are invited to downtown Coeur d’Alene to journey through an immersive wonderland of large-scale, light-based artworks, interactive displays and colorfully lit sculptures. The outdoor event is free for patrons to stroll through and celebrate the Northwest winter season as downtown glows from featured works of art from local, national, and international artists. Emily Boyd, Downtown Association Director and Chloe Linton, Downtown Association Event Coordinator talk about the process, the awesome artist who is bringing in a awesome interactive art display, and the window art by local artists that will make the downtown absolutely sparkle in the dreary part of late January to early February. Artists are encouraged to submit to the artist call to design cool lighted art displays for downtown business windows for a stipend. To submit a proposal, visit the jot form site. For more information about this event, and to keep up with the news as it becomes available, visit cdadowntown.com.

Ep 110: Rod Rada, Architect

Ep 110: Rod Rada, Architect

"The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization." Frank Lloyd Wright Rod Rada, originally from Patagonia Chile, is an architect at Architects West in Coeur d'Alene. Such a fascinating conversation from a man who has been all over the world, that we are lucky enough to have living and working here in Coeur d'Alene. Rod has been active with the Kids Draw Architecture program of the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance which is a one-day program in September pairing kids with local architects, designers, and artists to learn to draw, while given the opportunity to appreciate our local architecture and history. Kids Draw Architecture is sponsored by Architects West. For more information visit artsandculturecda.or/kids-draw-architecture.

Ep 109: CDA-ACT Theater

Ep 109: CDA-ACT Theater

A delightful conversation with several members of CDA ACT (Celebrating Different Abilities through Art and Community Theatre), a theatre program that provides adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities the experience of participating in live theater. We talk to the director, some of the actors, and several of the other creative volunteers who are working on their next production, Elf the Musical, Jr which will run Nov 2-5 at the Midge and Pepper Smock Theater at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. Our guests included Director Jamie Sciarrio, Crew Members Paul Sciarrio and Janean Jorgensen, Shadows Ray Krueger and Becca Basta, and Actors Logan Basta and Madison Bronson. For more information on tickets, how to get involved and general information about this amazing company, visit cdaact.com.

Ep 108: The Divas, What She Did

Ep 108: The Divas, What She Did

The Divas are back! Sandra Marlowe and Carol Davis talk about their upcoming show "What She Did... a feminine perspective" at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls on October 27 and 28. With seven amazing women, this is a lovely mix of country, jazz, broadway, blues and pop music mixed in with a fun perspective on womanhood. A great opportunity for men to get enlightened! Last year's "What She Said" sold out, and they expect the same this year, so get your tickets early at thejacklincenter.org

Ep 107: Tribute to Roberta Larsen

Ep 107: Tribute to Roberta Larsen

Join Ellen Travolta, Mary Sanderson and Ruth Pratt as we reminisce about our friend and long time art supporter, Roberta Larsen, who just won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 CDA Mayor's Awards in the Arts. Roberta, who passed away just after her 87th birthday in early August, was loved by many for her passion for arts, education and the environment, and her quick, dry wit. Roberta Larsen was a person who clearly understood that art is everywhere…not just confined to galleries or museums. She knew that supporting and encouraging the arts leads to a healthy, vibrant and thoughtful community. As an educator herself, she also realized that the arts (in all forms) matter because they build culture and understanding through stretching and challenging us…bringing enlightenment in important ways. Roberta has been and always will be a true gem in the crown of our arts community. Her impact will be felt and remembered for many years to come. A lovely tribute to a great lady through fun stories about her life.

Ep 106: Bill Bozly, Musician

Ep 106: Bill Bozly, Musician

Bill Bozly is a singer & songwriter from the Pacific Northwest with over 25 years of musical entertainment experience under his belt. He has performed in thousands of concerts across Europe and North America with various musical acts in nearly every genre of American popular music. Bill’s musical journey began with the guitar. From the first time he picked it up, he knew it was his destiny to make his mark on the world with it. His first gig, a wedding, came after only six months of practice and he hasn’t let up since. He now plays over 200 concerts a year in the Northwest area as a solo artist or as a member of various local bands. When he isn’t on a stage, Bill spends his time writing and recording original material at his home studio. He has some great stories about what it takes to become a musician, and his ultimate dream of performing on stage with Eddie Vedder. For more information about Bill Bozly, visit his website at billbozly.com.