Art Beat - WUCF

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Every week, host Steve Mort brings you latest from the Central Florida arts scene. Tune in to ArtBeat every Friday at 12:01pm and 4:01pm on WUCF, 89.9 Jazz and More to hear interviews with artists and performers from UCF and beyond.

Steve Mort


    • May 1, 2012 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 306 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Art Beat - WUCF

    5-11-12 Hairspray

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2012


    Tracy Turnblad and friends dance their way through a tale of racial intergration on the Osceola Center for the Arts stage this spring. We meet the director, choreographer and one of the dancers from the musical favorite "Hairspray" in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman. Also, the Melon Patch Players talk about their staging of "The Odd Couple" and why they chose to set it in 1985.

    5-4-12 Winter Park Playhouse's Baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2012


    Three couples experience pregnancy and parenting in very different ways in the Winter Park Playhouse's production of "Baby." We meet the director and actors in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    4-20-12 Charlotte's Web

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2012


    E.B. White's classic children's tale of an unlikely friendship comes to life on Orlando Shakespeare Theater's stage this spring. In this special episode of ArtBeat, we meet the actors who play Charlotte and Wilbur and find out why their story still touches hearts 60 years after its first publication. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistant from Matt Immerman.

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    4-6-12 A Streetcar Named Desire

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2012


    STELLLAAA! We take a look at Theatre Downtown's production of Tennesse Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" in this epsiode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman, and featuring commentary from Director Frank Hilgenberg and Rachel Comeau as Stella Kowalski.

    3-30-12 Swans: Black and White

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2012


    Robert Hill presents a new spin on Swan Lake in Orlando Ballet's production of "Swans: Black and White." Hear from Hill, as well as the principle dancers, in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    3-23-12 The 2012 UCF Orlando Jazz Festival

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2012


    Jazz artists, professors, students and fans are coming together at the University of Central Florida's Nicholson School of Communication for the fifth annual UCF Orlando Jazz Festival March 23 - 24. A look behind the scenes in this episode of ArtBeat, with commentary from Jazz favorite Mike LeDonne and UCF's Director of Jazz Studies Jeff Rupert. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

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    3-9-12 Celebrating the Cinema's Spies & Secret Agents

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2012


    ArtBeat celebrates the silver screen's spies and secret agents with a look at the Orlando Philharmonic's "Bond & Beyond" concert, a musical tribute to James Bond, Austin Powers, Inspector Clouseau and other favorites. Also, an update on the University of Central Florida's planned Performing Arts Center with remarks from Jeffrey Kimpton of the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, the first speaker in a new lecture series supporting the project. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    2-24-12 Bury The Dead

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2012


    Six soldiers killed in the line of the duty stand up in their graves and refuse to be buried, in Theatre UCF's production of "Bury The Dead," Irwin Shaw's anti-war play of the 1930's. Meet the director and two actors in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    2-17-12 Remembering Sam Rivers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2012


    A UCF Professor who created a documentary about Jazz great Sam Rivers remembers what it was like to film the artist at work, in this episode of ArtBeat. Also, Jazz Harpist Park Stickney talks about his upcoming concert in Orlando. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    2-10-12 Romeo & Juliet

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2012


    The Orlando Shakespeare Theater has opened a winter production of the classic comedy turned tragedy "Romeo and Juliet." Meet Director Thomas Ouellette, Michael Raver as Romeo and Stella Heath as Juliet in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

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    2-3-12 Remembering Roberto Clemente

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2012


    The Orange County Regional History Center has opened "Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente Walker (1934-1972)." Former Pittsburgh Pirate Steve Blass, Baseball Historian Peter Nason and Curator of Education Paul Wenglowsky provide insight on Clemente's life, baseball career and humanitarian works in this special episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda with production assistance from Matt Immerman.

    1-20-12 The Last Night of Ballyhoo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2012


    Theater UCF has opened "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," Alfred Uhry's play about a family struggling with identity issues in upper-class Atlanta in December 1939. The director and actors talk about their roles in this episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    1-6-12 Behind the Scenes on Jazz On The Beach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2012


    As Jazz On The Beach enters its 29th year on WUCF, we celebrate with a look behind the scenes of Jack Simpson's popular show. This special episode of ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    12-30-11 Reaction to UCF Film Class Documentary

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2011


    Reaction is pouring in to a University of Central Florida film class documentary exploring the Johns Committee era of the 1950's, when gays and lesbians were believed to be targeted for dismissal from Florida's public university system. Previously on ArtBeat, we brought you the story of how the film class developed the project. This week, we see how gay rights groups, students, historians and others reacted to the documentary's initial screenings. ArtBeat is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    12-23-11 Rising stage star Michael Kevin Baldwin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2011


    Actor Michael Kevin Baldwin has just a few minutes to change costumes and personalities as he portrays a dozen citizens of Tuna, Texas in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of "A Tuna Christmas." This special two-part series is hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

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    12-16-11 A Tuna Christmas at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2011


    The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, in partnership with UCF, is celebrating the holiday season with the light-hearted comedy "A Tuna Christmas," set in the mythical town of Tuna, Texas. We hear from the stars of the show in this special two-part series hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

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    12-9-11 Outdoor Ice Skating Under the Central Florida Sun

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2011


    Outdoor ice skating under the Central Florida sun? It doesn't sound possible, but UCF is making it work, as part of its popular "Light Up UCF" holiday celebration. Find out how on ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    10-28-11 2011 Halloween Costumes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2011


    What are the hottest Halloween costumes of 2011? Find out on ArtBeat! Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman, this special episode of ArtBeat explores the big business of Halloween costumes.

    12-2-11 Light Up UCF

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2011


    A look at the popular Light Up UCF event at the University of Central Florida. The 50 day celebration of the holidays runs from Veterans Day to New Years Day and offers ice skating, movies and more. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    11-25-11 UCF Film Class Looks At Johns Committee

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2011


    A documentary film class at the University of Central Florida is taking a new look at a long-buried episode of Florida history. The Johns Committee of the 1950's was accused of targeting gays and lesbians in the state's public university system. A look at this controversial era in state history on ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    11-18-11 Deland Fall Festival of the Arts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2011


    The historic town of Deland expects big crowds this weekend for the Fall Festival of the Arts. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman, this episode of ArtBeat also looks at the economic impact of the Festival on local businesses.

    11-11-2011 Florida Fallen Hero Quilt Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2011


    The Florida Fallen Hero Quilt Project honors the service and the sacrifice of the more than 300 Floridians who have died in service to their country in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2011. Quilters talk about the project in this special Veterans Day episode of ArtBeat, hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    11-4-11 UCF Professors Faculty Art Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2011


    Art professors at the University of Central Florida are showing off their work in painting, sculpture, photography, digital media and other mediums at their annual Faculty Art Show. Hosted by Ann Kenda and edited by Matt Immerman.

    9-16-11 - Margot Knight quits United Arts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2011


    One of the most important figures in Central Florida's arts scene resigns. We'll have a conversation with Margot Knight, president and CEO of United Arts, about her decision to leave the organization to take on a new role in California.

    9-9-11 - Photo exhibit documents Florida's African American history

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2011


    The mid-century history of three African-American communities in Florida. We talk with Crealdé Executive Director Peter Schreyer about a photograph exhibition at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.

    9-2-11 - Orlando Rep, UCF partnership remains vital

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2011


    The season ahead at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, plus the organization's partnership with UCF. A conversation with Artistic Director Jeffrey Revels.

    8-26-11 - Season Preview: Theatre UCF

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2011


    The latest in our series of interviews previewing the upcoming season in the arts - a conversation with Christopher Niess from Theatre UCF.

    8-19-11 - G.O.A.T. presents Spring Awakening

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2011


    The controversial play, Spring Awakening, comes to Orlando. We chat with the Artistic Director of the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, and the UCF student playing the role of Hanschen in the production.

    8-12-11 - Season Preview: Orlando Shakespeare Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2011


    The third in our series of season previews. A conversation with Melissa Mason from the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in partnership with UCF.

    8-5-11 - Season Preview - Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2011


    The second in our series of interviews previewing the upcoming season at some of Orlando's top arts organizations. We chat with Christopher Wilkins, Music Director at the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

    7-29-11 - Season Preview: The Orlando Ballet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2011


    The first in our series looking ahead at the 2011-2012 season in the arts. We chat with the Orlando Ballet's Artistic Director Robert Hill.

    7-22-11 - A new online portal for C. Florida history research

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2011


    Presenting Central Florida history using new media. This week we chat with the Director of the UCF Riches Project.

    7-15-11 - Making movies out of paintings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2011


    Turning paintings into movies - a conversation with Central Florida artist Carl Knickerbocker about his unusual journey from canvas to film. 

    7-8-11 - UCF students perform Love, Sex and the IRS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2011


    Students delve into the high-energy world of theatrical farce. We chat with Christopher Niess from the UCF Conservatory Theater about Love, Sex and the IRS.

    7-2-11 - Cuban Revolution under the microscope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2011


    A historian's view of the Cuban Revolution. How a new book by a UCF professor aims to further understanding of politics and life on the island.

    6-24-11 - Top collage artist on show at Orlando gallery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2011


    One of the world's leading New Contemporary artists, Derek Gores, talks about his internationally recognized collage work, and new exhibit on now in Orlando.

    6-17-11 - Throat Punch Gallery opens in Orlando

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2011


    Taking art beyond the arts establishment - a conversation with Orlando artist, Lindsey Rukkus, whose efforts to get her work accepted led her to open her own gallery.

    6-10-11 - Teachers chosen to attend arts retreat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2011


    Five public school teachers from Florida are selected to attend a month long artists' retreat as part of new program. We chat with Winter Park High School's Melissa Pranke on being chosen for the new residency.

    6-3-11 - UCF's Peter Telep on working with literary greatness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2011


    A conversation with Peter Telep - author and UCF instructor - about "Against All Enemies", his new book with Tom Clancy.

    5-27-11 - Arts Walk puts Sanford on the cultural map

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2011


    Sanford is fast becoming a local arts hub. Listen to our chat with two women who have been instrumental in putting Sanford on the arts map.

    5-20-11 - Fringe celebrates 20 years in Orlando

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2011


    The Orlando Fringe celebrates its 20th anniversary. Check out our a conversation with Fringe producer Beth Marshall about how the event has changed and what's planned for the future.

    5-13-11 - Choir forges bonds through music

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2011


    Building community through song. We take a look at Winter Garden's Garden Community Choir and its important role in bringing people together.

    5-6-11 - ArtBeat previews upcoming Fringe musical

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2011


    Building up to the Orlando Fringe, we talk with Michael Marinaccio, Director of the upcoming Fringe production "Suckers: A freaky little musical."

    4-29-11 - SNAP focuses on surreal photography

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2011


    The best in photography from around the world goes on show as SNAP returns to Orlando for a second year. We talk with SNAP producer Patrick Kahn about this year's emphasis on all things surreal.

    4-22-11 - Plein air painting returns to Winter Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2011


    Art as it happens - a chat with Debbie Komanski from the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. We talk about the annual Winter Park Paint Out and painting en plein air.

    4-15-11 - A conversation with Highwayman Cornell Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2011


    Check out Steve's full length ArtBeat interview with Cornell Smith, one of the original Florida Highwaymen.

    4-15-11 - New book describes a harsh life growing up in Florida

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2011


    UCF Associate Professor of English Terry Ann Thaxton reveals the story of her life of abuse, cruelty and love among Florida's pines and Palmettos. Plus, we hear from Cornell Smith - one of the original Florida Highwaymen - whose work is appearing at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.

    4-8-11 - The Festival of Orchestras ends operations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2011


    The Festival of Orchestras calls it quits after 27 years. We explore the future of classical music in Central Florida with Louis Supowitz, the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Festival.

    4-1-11 - New performing arts venue to open in Orlando

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2011


    A brand new space for the performing arts throws opens its doors in downtown Orlando. The Abbey promises to be an affordable option for small, local arts groups. We chat with the President of the Florida Theatrical Association about the new venue.

    3-25-11 - UCF music festivals attract major names

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2011


    The UCF-Orlando Jazz Festival and the UCF Opera Scholarship Festival both bring high-profile names in music to Central Florida. We chat with the UCF professors behind both events.

    3-18-11 - UCF exhibit tackles the debate over Barbie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2011


    The UCF Women's Research Center hosts an exhibition of artwork centered on the Barbie doll. Cheryl Cabrera's exhibit “The Subject of Devotion” explores whether Barbie is just a doll, or a harmful influence on young girls who are already conscious about their looks.

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