Art Works Podcast

In the second part of our conversation with 2024 NEA Jazz Master trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, we explore the emotional and creative depths of his work, from his jazz innovations to his evolution as an opera composer.Blanchard shares the challenges of scoring the documentary When the Levees Broke and discusses how his Grammy-winning album A Tale of God's Will emerged from those themes, evolving into a deeply personal statement on loss and resilience. From jazz to film and opera, he examines how his musical voice has expanded across genres, culminating in his historic operas Champion and Fire Shut Up in My Bones—the first opera by an African American to be produced at the Metropolitan Opera. He also discusses his role in bringing the Monk Institute  (now the Herbie Hancock Institute) to New Orleans after Katrina and his ongoing dedication as an educator and mentor to young musicians.He discusses his then-new role as Artistic Director of SFJAZZ, where he provides opportunities for mid-career as well as emerging musicians and brings innovative programming to audiences. As he reflects on receiving the NEA Jazz Master honor, Blanchard considers the legacy of those who came before him and the responsibility of carrying the music forward.

In part one of this two-part interview, trumpeter, composer, and 2024 NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard speaks about his deep musical roots in New Orleans and how the city's rich traditions shaped his artistry. He reflects on growing up in a household filled with music, his early piano lessons, and the pivotal moment when he switched to trumpet after hearing Alvin Alcorn. Blanchard discusses the educators who had a lasting impact on him, including Roger Dickerson and Ellis Marsalis, and his formative experiences at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Rutgers University. He also shares stories of touring with Lionel Hampton as a teenager, learning the ropes of the jazz world, and his time with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, where he honed his skills as a composer and bandleader. Blanchard also talks about forming a quintet with Donald Harrison and their commitment to innovation, as well as launching his solo career in the early '90s. He describes his unexpected entry into film composition, starting with Mo' Better Blues, and how that led to a decades-long collaboration with Spike Lee. Blanchard reflects on the challenges and rewards of storytelling through music. Stay tuned for part two of my conversation with Terence Blanchard, where he discusses his work in opera, his ongoing exploration of sound with his current band, taking on the role of  artistic director of SFJAZZ, and his role as an educator mentoring the next generation of musicians. 

Koto musician and 2024 National Heritage Fellow June Kuramoto shares her remarkable journey from Japan to Los Angeles, recounting the challenges of adapting to a new culture as a young child and how a chance encounter with the koto reconnected her with her heritage. Kuramoto discusses her rise as one of the few koto masters in America, her deep exploration of the instrument's traditional roots, and her innovative work blending the koto with jazz, R&B, and contemporary music. She reflects on co- founding the Grammy-nominated band Hiroshima with Dan Kuramoto, and how the band redefined Asian American music.  Kuramoto also highlights the importance of teaching and passing on tradition while encouraging students to find their unique voices, shares her gratitude for the communities and audiences that embraced the koto's sound, and reflects on the honor of receiving the National Heritage Fellowship, her commitment to living up to its legacy, and her lifelong mission to expand the koto's reach across musical genres and cultures. 

A conversation with Hana S. Sharif, Artistic Director of Arena Stage since August 2023. Sharif discusses her transformative first year at the helm and her inaugural season as Arena's producing artistic director. She reflects on the vibrant theatrical community in Washington, D.C., and her commitment to amplifying dynamic voices in American theater. With an ambitious 2024/25 season featuring eight new works, including her directorial debut at Arena Stage with the world premiere of Death on the Nile, adapted by Ken Ludwig, Sharif shares the careful curation process behind creating a year-long conversation through theater, aiming to reflect the full spectrum of American voices.Sharif also opens up about her journey from running a scrappy theater company begun at Spelman College to leading one of the country's most prominent regional theaters. As the first Black artistic director of Arena Stage, she reflects on the significance of this milestone, her dedication to fostering inclusivity, and the critical role of theater in bridging divides and exploring our shared humanity. 

To mark the rare convergence of Christmas and Chanukah, we're revisiting a conversation with one of the nation's most extraordinary musicians 2012 National Heritage Fellow Andy Statman. A virtuoso clarinetist, mandolin player, and composer, Statman has defied musical boundaries throughout his career. Starting with his early love for bluegrass and mentorship under David Grisman, Statman later embraced jazz before diving into the klezmer music of his Jewish heritage.This podcast weaves together the strands of Statman's multifaceted career. He reflects on his journey from bluegrass jams in Washington Square Park to collaborations with jazz legends like Richard Grando. Statman shares how he revived klezmer music with the guidance of 1984 National Heritage Fellow Dave Tarras, his inspirations across genres, and his passion for creating music that connects deeply to tradition while pushing artistic boundaries.  Featuring excerpts from his rich discography, including Jewish Klezmer Music and Old Brooklyn, this episode is a celebration of music's ability to unite cultures and generations. We are taking a two week break for the holidays. But we'll back on January 7.  We wish all of you the happiest of holidays. 

Opera is being transformed into a more inclusive and innovative art form, and Opera Praktikos (OPrak) is one of the companies leading this movement. Co-founded by librettist Marianna Mott Newirth and opera journalist Greg Moomjy, OPrak is New York City's first disability-forward opera company, committed to breaking down barriers for artists and audiences. Today, a conversation with Marianna Mott Newirth and mezzo-soprano Hailey McAvoy, who has cerebral palsy and stars in OPrak's upcoming production, There Will Be Cake. Marianna and Hailey share how OPrak fosters disability creativity, from accessible venues to innovative productions. They discuss how embracing accessibility not only removes obstacles but enriches the art form itself, creating a more collaborative and exciting opera world for everyone, and the inspiration behind There Will Be Cake, a joyful pairing of two opera monologues celebrating food, humor, and community, all served up with a side of cake. 

Today we revisit our 2020 interview with Charles Yu, whose novel Interior Chinatown received the National Book Award for fiction and has been recently adapted into a Hulu series by Yu who is also the showrunner. A novel told in the format of a screenplay, Interior Chinatown follows Willis Wu, a bit player in a TV procedural, as he wrestles with his dreams, identity, and the limitations imposed by a world of rigid racial roles. In our conversation, Yu reflects on growing up with limited and stereotypical representations of Asian-Americans on screen and how those experiences shaped his incisive and inventive novel. He shares his journey from lawyer to writer and the creative process behind the book, the interplay of humor and serious themes in his work, his reflections on the rise of anti-Asian sentiment, and the transformative power of storytelling. In this special reposting of our conversation with Charles Yu, we revisit his insightful, funny, and deeply moving exploration of Asian-American identity and representation in popular culture. 

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Art Works, we're revisiting our interview with Nick Spitzer, folklorist, radio host, and the 2023 Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellow. Nick discusses his path from college radio to producing the award-winning American Routes, a program that has spent 25 years exploring the intersections of Cajun, Creole, jazz, blues, gospel, and more. He shares stories of cultural discovery, the concept of creolization, and his commitment to bringing traditional and vernacular arts to national audiences. Nick reflects on his formative experiences—from fieldwork in Louisiana to curating programs for the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival—and the profound impact of mentors like Bess Lomax Hawes.  (Don't miss the special Thanksgiving episode of American Routes celebrating the 2024 National Heritage Fellows!)

Last week, the music world lost two titans of jazz: drummer Roy Haynes and saxophonist Lou Donaldson, both NEA Jazz Masters who reshaped the genre with their artistry. This special episode of Art Works pays tribute to their immense contributions through archival interviews and timeless performances. From Roy Haynes' crisp, innovative drumming that defined the evolution of jazz over seven decades to Lou Donaldson's soulful alto saxophone that bridged bebop and groove, we celebrate their remarkable journeys.Roy Haynes reflects on his first big break with Luis Russell, playing at the legendary Savoy Ballroom, and his unforgettable collaborations with jazz icons like Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Sarah Vaughan. Lou Donaldson, known as "Sweet Poppa Lou," shares insights on his trailblazing recordings for Blue Note, the rise of bebop, and his dynamic partnership with Jimmy Smith that popularized the organ-sax sound. Featuring selections from their iconic tracks—including “Green Chimneys,” “Blues Walk,” and “Alligator Bogaloo”—this episode highlights the lives and music of two artists whose impact will resonate for generations. 

In honor of Veterans' Day, we're revisiting an episode of Art Works that tells the origin story of the transformative project  Theater of War Productions. Co-founded by classicist, translator, and director Bryan Doerries, Theater of War began with a simple yet profound concept: presenting staged readings of Sophocles' plays Ajax and Philoctetes to military communities as a means of addressing both the challenges veterans face and the lasting impact of war on families and relationships.In this episode, Doerries recounts how he was inspired to bring these ancient military tragedies to contemporary audiences, believing they would unlock conversations around trauma and healing. With excerpts of performances by actors Bill Camp, David Strathairn and Adam Driver, this episode explores the initial journey of Theater of War and its impact on military communities, offering insight into how ancient drama opens pathways for veterans to process their experiences.  Now, with over 20 specialized programs, Theater of War Productions reaches diverse communities worldwide, addressing not only the struggles of veterans but also broader public health and social justice issues, including homelessness, racialized violence, and natural disasters. Doerries also discusses the arts' power to heal, showing how storytelling and shared experience allow individuals to confront, process, and share pain. Theater of War taps into this capacity, creating safe spaces that support connection, resilience, and recovery. 

We mark Native American Heritage Month with artist Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo) who discusses her work in large-scale public art, and her journey as a creative rooted in Santa Clara Pueblo heritage. Simpson reflects on her process, exploring themes of protection, generational healing, and the deep connection between her art, identity, and community.  Simpson explains how her background in Santa Clara Pueblo pottery and her experiences studying in Japan and at the Rhode Island School of Design ( RISD) have shaped her unique approach, blending cultural reverence with innovative techniques.  We talk in-depth about her recent installation Seed, commissioned by the Madison Square Park Conservancy to mark its 20th anniversary  and funded in part by the NEA, a work inspired by both the Lenape land and Simpson's own explorations of safety and lineage, and her monumental exhibit Strata currently showing at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Simpson also discusses her automotive training and its impact on her art particularly her work  Maria--the black-on-black El Camino, symbolizing the Pueblo tradition of pottery within lowrider culture.  Simpson shares the challenges of creating art that respects cultural boundaries while pushing expressive boundaries, capturing the spirit of resilience and interconnectedness that defines her work.

In time for Halloween—a conversation with author Christina Henry who has written 19 books of horror.  We discuss her latest book—The House That Horror Built, a chilling story set during the pandemic. The novel follows Harry, a single mother navigating the struggles of parenthood and financial instability, as she takes a job working for a reclusive horror film director.  Henry talks about the story's atmospheric tension, its exploration of parenthood during the pandemic, and the enduring appeal of classic horror tropes.Henry discusses her creative process, including her love for horror films and how classics from the Vincent Price and Boris Karloff era inspired the novel's atmospheric tension. She explores the enduring appeal of horror tropes such as haunted houses, eerie atmospheres, and mysterious characters, examining why these elements remain effective across generations. She also discusses why people are drawn to horror, how it provides a controlled thrill, and how moments of societal upheaval, like the pandemic, fuel the genre's resurgence. Finally, Henry shares insights into her writing approach and finding the balance between character-driven narratives and the tension that horror demands.

A conversation with Todd Goings, a 2024 National Heritage Fellow renowned for his work restoring and building carousels. Goings shares stories from his early days in woodworking, his path to becoming a master of carousel restoration with a shop, Carousels and Carvings, that employs 18 artisans, and the lasting impact of his craftsmanship. He reflects on the magic of carousels and how his work preserves these historic treasures for future generations.Goings walks us through his journey, from pounding nails into woodblocks as a child to becoming a master artisan in carousel restoration. His early experiences in woodworking, combined with a love for building, led him to a career preserving the intricate mechanisms and art of century-old carousels. Goings also discusses his recent honor as a National Heritage Fellow, the joy of sharing his work with other fellows, and the deep personal satisfaction that comes from maintaining these living pieces of art and history.  See a video the Arts Endowment produced about Todd Goings work with carousels here! 

Today, we're bringing  Hispanic Heritage month to a resounding close  and celebrating Juan Felipe Herrera's recent MacArthur Fellowship by revisiting my 2015 interview  with the former U.S. Poet Laureate and two-time NEA Literature  Fellow.  In this podcast, Herrera reflects on his upbringing, his love for language, and how his mother's storytelling shaped his own creative voice. He also shares how his poetry addresses displacement and global issues, using his book Senegal Taxi as an example of his willingness to explore stories from other parts of the world. Herrera talks about taking risks as a writer, and the importance of crossing borders, whether they be cultural, linguistic, or emotional.Herrera also speaks about the universality of poetry and its ability to unite people through shared experiences. He describes his time as California's Poet Laureate, where he launched community projects focused on inclusivity and uplifting diverse voices. Throughout the episode, Herrera offers insights into his creative process, including his playful use of language, his bilingual writing, and his commitment to making poetry accessible. This episode is a celebration of a poet who is always pushing the boundaries of form and subject while staying deeply connected to his cultural roots.

A conversation with Soo Hugh, showrunner and head writer of the critically acclaimed series Pachinko. Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, the series follows four generations of a Korean family navigating life under Japanese occupation, war, and displacement. Soo Hugh discusses the deep emotional core of Pachinko, its exploration of family, identity, and survival, and how the characters' experiences speak to both a specific cultural context and universal themes of resilience and belonging. As Season 2 concludes on Apple Plus this week, Hugh offers insights into the challenges of adapting a multigenerational story for television, working with a multilingual, international cast and embracing cultural differences on set. Hugh goes on to describe how these cultural and linguistic elements enriched the storytelling, deepening the emotional resonance of Pachinko's universal themes of identity, belonging, and family. She highlights the importance of creating a collaborative environment where crew members from different countries learned from each other and discusses how Pachinko's themes resonate across borders, uniting cast and crew in a shared vision to create a deeply human story.

In this episode of Art Works, a conversation with Jocelyn Bioh, the brilliant and funny mind behind Jaja's African Hair Braiding, a play set in a Harlem salon that explores the lives of African immigrant women. Bioh shares how her childhood visits to New York City's hair braiding shops inspired the play and discusses the influence of current immigration debates on its themes. She also discusses the unexpected journey of Jaja's African Hair Braiding having its world premiere on Broadway and collaborating with a creative team to bring the play's unique magic to life—including its Tony Award-winning costumes and wigs.The conversation touches on Bioh's background as a first-generation Ghanaian-American, her transition from acting to writing, and how her personal experiences fuel her storytelling. From the cultural nuances within the African diaspora to the broader themes of community and belonging, Bioh explains how the specificity of her stories connects with diverse audiences and offers reflections on the power of comedy as a tool for addressing serious issues. Note: Jaja's African Hair Braiding has started it National tour.  It is running at Washington DC's  Arena Stage until October 13. It moves to Berkeley Repertory Theatre November 8, and then  Chicago Shakespeare Theater January 14, 2025.

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by revisiting my 2023 conversation with Meg Medina, author and the Library of Congress's 2023-24 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. As the first Latina to serve in this role, Meg discusses how her own immigrant background and experience growing up in Queens, New York, shape her writing. Her work, which includes the Newbery Medal-winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears and the picture book Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, often centers on young Latina protagonists navigating the challenges of growing up while maintaining strong ties to their cultural roots.Meg also shares her goals for the ambassadorship, including reconnecting kids with the joy of reading, supporting public libraries, and amplifying the voices of contemporary children's authors. She speaks candidly about her journey from teaching to becoming a celebrated author, and how her experiences continue to inspire her mission to create stories that reflect diverse perspectives and universal truths.  

Art Works  is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the National Heritage Awards with a conversation with Chicano muralist and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Fabian Debora. Debora discusses his remarkable journey from growing up in the gang culture of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, to becoming an acclaimed artist and advocate.  He shares how art became his lifeline during difficult times and the profound influence of the Chicano Mural Movement on his work, highlighting how murals serve as a voice for the voiceless, telling stories of his community with deep compassion and tenderness. Debora shares stories of his artistic success, including his large-scale public works like the ceiling mural at LAX. He reflects on his life-long relationship with Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries a pathbreaking gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program where, in 2018, Debora established the Homeboy Art Academy, a space dedicated to healing through the arts for those impacted by gang life and incarceration. Throughout the episode, Fabian emphasizes the power of art to heal, build connections, bring attention to inequalities, and transform lives. He also discusses his ongoing mission to preserve the Chicano mural tradition and ensure that future generations of artists have the tools and support they need to succeed and how receiving the National Heritage Award can help him amplify this. Note: You can celebrate the 2024 National Heritage Fellows tonight, Tuesday, September 17 at the Kennedy Center in DC where the NEA will premiere short documentary films about each of the 2024 National Heritage Award recipients, followed by on-stage conversations with each of the Fellows about their culture and art. And tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18 at the Library of Congress, each Fellow will be honored at an awards ceremony.  Both events are free—you can get more information at arts.gov.  And if you're not in DC, don't despair--both the film screening and the ceremony will be webcast at arts.gov/heritage. 

We're celebrating Arts Education week with James Rees, an accomplished visual artist and arts educator who has spent decades advocating for the importance of arts education. Rees talks about his early inspirations, his time at Brigham Young University, and his unexpected path to teaching. He emphasizes the need for student-centered learning in the arts and the importance of allowing students to find their own creative voices through critical thinking and exploration. Rees also shares how his own studio practice informs his teaching and how failure is an essential part of the creative process. And we touch upon his upcoming show at Wisconsin's Trout Museum of Art.Rees also discusses the significance of mentorship, providing young artists with opportunities to engage with professionals and showcase their work in public spaces. Rees reflects on his leadership roles, including his advocacy work for the arts at the local, state, and national levels, his times as panelist for the NEA, and how these efforts have impacted both arts education and the wider arts community. This conversation offers an exploration of the impact of art education on students' lives and the transformative power of making and sharing art. 

As students across the country head back to school, we have a conversation with Dr.Thalia Goldstein about the significant impact of theater education on child development. Dr.Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the Applied Developmental Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts and Youth Lab (PLAYlab),  and co-directs the National Endowment for the Arts Lab, the Mason Arts Research Center (MasonARC)  which focuses on arts engagement, child development, and education. Dr. Goldstein discusses how engaging in the arts can foster critical skills like empathy, creativity, and collaboration in young people. She also shares insights from her research at the PLAY Lab, as well as her six-year longitudinal study, which culminated in her book Why Theatre Education Matters. Her research explores the benefits of arts-based learning across various age groups and educational settings.Goldstein discusses what her work reveals about the powerful role theater can play in enhancing emotional and social development, from early childhood through adolescence. Goldstein explains how theater education fosters critical skills such as empathy, self-regulation, and collaboration, offering unique opportunities for personal growth and learning. Whether it's through drama games in preschool or complex improvisation in high school, her findings highlight the importance of integrating arts into education for holistic student development. It's a fascinating conversation for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of theater education.

A conversation with 2024 NEA Heritage Fellow Bril Barrett, a Chicago tap dancer and educator. Barrett discusses his early exposure to the arts through his grandmother's encouragement, which led him to fall in love with tap dance at a young age. He recounts his journey from learning under Carlton Smith at a community center to meeting his mentor Ayrie “Mr. Taps” King, who introduced him to the improvisational and jazz aspects of tap and the rich history of the art form.Barrett talks about his evolution from dancer to dancer/educator and his commitment to passing on tap's history, particularly its roots in Black resilience and resistance.  We discuss the mission of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, the tap collective Barrett co-founded in 2001, which now serves as a leading force in providing arts education and mentorship to youth in Chicago. He shares how he incorporates tap's cultural and historical context into his teaching, using what he calls "taptivism" to empower his students to use tap as a means of expression and social justice, and how M.A.D.D. Rhythms has created a "studio-to-stage" pipeline that offers young dancers a pathway to professional careers.Barrett also discusses the significance of receiving the 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellowship, highlighting how this recognition reaffirms his commitment to his community and gives him renewed energy to continue his work. This episode is a deep dive into the world of tap dance, exploring its past, present, and future through the eyes of one of its most passionate advocates.

Today, we revisit my 2023 conversation with Dr. David Fakunle, a storyteller, scholar, and public health expert whose work embodies the healing potential of the arts. Dr. Fakunle' s  own story from a boy in Baltimore to a leader in public health and cultural advocacy is deeply rooted in his belief that storytelling and creativity are essential to individual and community well-being. Dr. Fakunle discusses his various roles, including his faculty positions at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Morgan State University, and the University of Florida Center for Arts and Medicine. As the president of the Association of  Black Storytellers and the executive director of WombWork Productions, he emphasizes the importance of storytelling in public health, highlighting how it can address complex issues like HIV, violence, and trauma in ways that traditional approaches often cannot. Dr. Fakunle' s work is a testament to the capacity of creativity in transforming lives and communities. Recorded at WEAA at Morgan State University, this episode is illustrates the enduring power of storytelling and its vital—if underutilized-- role in public health.

An interview with renowned jazz pianist, composer, innovator, and MacArthur Fellow Vijay Iyer. In this podcast, Vijay Iyer discusses his debut orchestral album "Vijay Iyer: Trouble," his classical music roots, and his dynamic journey through various musical genres. From his early violin lessons to his groundbreaking work in jazz and contemporary classical music, Iyer shares insights into his creative process and the collaborations that have shaped his illustrious career.Iyer discusses the profound importance of jazz and Black music in his development as a musician, how the rich legacy of Black music has been a backbone of American culture and how it has significantly influenced his artistic journey. Reflecting on his collaborations with jazz legends--like NEA Jazz Master Roscoe Mitchell-- and his deep respect for the contributions of Black artists, Iyer highlights the ongoing impact of these traditions on his work.Iyer also discusses the creation of "Trouble," recorded with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. He reflects on the challenges and joys of composing for an orchestra, and the process of merging classical and jazz elements in his compositions.

We're marking Disability Pride Month by revisiting my 2022 interview with Dr. Joel Snyder, a pioneering force in the field of audio description. Dr. Snyder delves into the origins and evolution of audio description, a crucial service that makes visual media accessible to those who are blind or have low vision. He shares his journey from theater and voice work to becoming a key advocate and innovator in the field, highlighting the importance of audio description in theaters, museums, television, film, and streaming services.Dr. Snyder explains the meticulous process of creating audio description, emphasizing the need for vivid, imaginative, and succinct language that complements the original artwork without overshadowing it. He discusses the growing acceptance and implementation of audio description across various art forms, including dance and opera, and the significant role that technology and advocacy play in its expansion.  Today's podcast offers a profound look at how audio description enriches the cultural landscape for all and underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the arts.

Bonnie Jo Campbell discusses her novel, "The Waters," its fictional setting in Southwest Michigan, and the focus on the intricate dynamics within a family of women living in a swamp:  Hermine, the herbalist grandmother; her restless daughter, Rose Thorn; and Rosie's mathematically gifted daughter, Dorothy.  Campbell discusses how the landscape shapes the characters' identities and lives, reflecting the struggles and changes in rural American communities. The women are outsiders in their own town, facing suspicion and blame from the men who feel displaced and troubled by the changing times.Campbell also explores the novel's use of fairytale tropes to deepen the storytelling, the importance of place in Campbell's writing,  and the role of animals like donkeys and rattlesnakes. Campbell shares insights into her writing process, emphasizing the authenticity and depth she strives to achieve, and the challenges she has in portraying female characters because of their layers of complexities. This episode offers a look into Campbell's creative journey and the themes that make "The Waters" a compelling read. My thanks to Recorded Books for allowing us to use an excerpt from the audiobook The Waters, narrated by Lili Taylor.

A conversation with Lissa Frenkel, the CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Lissa shares the story of the Gaillard Center, a multidisciplinary cultural hub--whose renovation was completed in 2015 under the guidance of National Medal of Arts recipient  Mayor Joe Riley-- that has since become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts community.  Lissa discusses center's mission to present diverse cultural programming, its state-of-the-art acoustics, and its commitment to serving as a platform for essential dialogue on historical and contemporary issues.Lissa Frenkel also reflects on her role in steering the center's initiatives, highlighting key projects such as the Denmark Vesey Bicentenary and the production of "Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls." She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local institutions and the impact of community-focused programming. She also discusses the center's educational outreach, which reaches thousands of students annually,  the upcoming "Fall for Democracy" series-- which aims to foster conversations around democracy and inclusion through the arts, and  how the Gaillard Center is not just a venue but a vital part of Charleston's cultural and social fabric, working to present art that is accessible and relevant to all members of the community. 

An in-depth interview with 2021 National Heritage Fellow Joanie Madden, the legendary Irish musician and leader of Cherish the Ladies.  In this podcast, Joanie recounts her early life in the Bronx, New York, where she was born to Irish immigrant parents from County Galway and County Clare and shares how her father, an All-Ireland Champion accordion player, profoundly influenced her musical journey. She discusses her initial struggles with the fiddle and piano gave way to a passionate love for the tin whistle at age 12, guided by National Heritage Fellow Jack Coen. She also recounts how her determination led her to become an All-Ireland Champion herself, despite initial resistance from her father about pursuing music full-time.Joanie also discusses the formation and evolution of Cherish the Ladies, an all-female Irish music band that has faced and overcome numerous challenges in a male-dominated field. She highlights the band's notable collaborations, including performances with the Boston Pops, and her dedication to composing music true to traditional Irish roots.  We talk about her commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians (which has seen three of her students achieve All-Ireland Championship success.) Finally, Joanie  reflects on her numerous awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition and support from the Irish music community. Throughout the episode, Joanie Madden's joy in performing and her impact on audiences worldwide shine through.

This July 4th, let's revisit Lin-Manuel Miranda and his revolutionary musical "Hamilton."

A conversation with Adriana Pierce, a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and director, who is reshaping the ballet world through her initiative, Queer the Ballet. Pierce discusses her early dance experiences and how her passion for dance led her to notable positions at the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, where she spent seven years honing her craft.   But at the same time, there was much to negotiate: Pierce discusses the challenges of navigating gender and sexual identity in the ballet community. She reflects on the rigid gender-specific roles taught in partnering classes and her desire to break down these traditional dynamics through her choreography. This led, during the pandemic, to the creation of Queer the Ballet, a pioneering initiative aimed at creating inclusive spaces, work, and choreography for queer artists. Pierce talks about some of the work she's created, including the evening-length piece “Dream of a Common Language” which she directed, and the positive reception from the ballet community and audiences. She also shares her vision for the future of Queer the Ballet, emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the ballet community and inclusive training. 

Community Activist, Organizer and 2024 National Heritage Fellow Pat Johnson, a pillar of the Pocahontas, Arkansas community, shares her work preserving local history and fostering community fellowship through the Eddie Mae Herron Center. She founded the Center in the very building where she once attended a segregated one-room school, transforming it into a cornerstone for celebrating Black culture and heritage. Named in honor of her beloved teacher, Miss Eddie Mae Herron, the Center stands as a testament to the enduring impact of education and community memory and solidarity.  She is a dedicated and tireless advocate of remembering, researching, and highlighting Black history and material culture in Randolph County. Throughout the episode, Johnson discusses the rich history of the Eddie Mae Herron Center, her personal experiences growing up and living in Pocahontas, and the impact of her efforts on the community. She highlights the significance of Juneteenth celebrations at the Center, the restoration of historical Black cemeteries,  and her outreach to the Marshallese community.   Johnson shares her vision, challenges, and triumphs in preserving African American history and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community. 

Curator Tyler Blackwell Discusses the Innovative Initiatives that Make the Speed a Community Hub

This week's podcast is a heartfelt remembrance of blues harmonica master and 2017 National Heritage Fellow Phil Wiggins, who passed away last month. Phil Wiggins was celebrated for his extraordinary skill and soulful music, deeply rooted in the Piedmont blues tradition. In this interview, he shared his journey from his early days in Washington, D.C., playing with renowned bluesmen, to his long-standing partnership with 1989 National Heritage Fellow guitarist John Cephas—a collaboration that brought them international acclaim and numerous awards. Phil Wiggins also discusses the distinct characteristics of Piedmont and Delta blues, his musical influences, and his love for the harmonica. We explore his experiences performing globally, his insights on music and culture, and his reflections on a lifetime dedicated to the blues. This episode is filled with Phil's music and stories, offering a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.  This 2017 podcast is hands-down one of my favorite interviews—not only because of Phil's extraordinary musicianship and thoughtful storytelling, but also because he was a true gentleman with a warm presence that drew people to him. He was deeply admired, respected, and loved. 

Director of Education and Violin/Viola Teaching Artist at the Paterson Music Project (PMP) Shanna Lin gives us the program's history: it's an El Sistema-inspired program established in 2013 with 32 second graders and now serves over 500 students from 25 schools in Paterson, N.J. PMP offers after-school programs four days a week and on Saturdays, including string orchestra, concert band, guitar, jazz, hand drumming, keyboard, and choir and provides instruments to students at no cost.We discuss the principles of El Sistema. Started in Venezuela about 50 years ago as a social impact program, it uses music education to teach discipline, teamwork, and community building. She notes that El Sistema has spread globally, with over 140 programs in the US, including 5 in New Jersey. Lin shares that students in PMP come from Paterson Public School District and celebrates the diversity of the city with its significant immigrant populations.  Lin talks about the importance of parental involvement through a volunteer parent committee and shares how parents support program activities, provide input, and help during events and the importance of long-time supporters like the National Endowment for the Arts.  Lin also discusses how PMP fills the gap left by budget cuts in Paterson schools that reduced programming in instrumental programs and explains that PMP is part of Wharton Arts, which includes New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Youth Chorus, and a performing arts school.  She recounts her own path to becoming a co-founding teaching artist at PMP and shares how her mentors, Choong-Jin Chang and Honggang Li, influenced her approach to music education.  Lin highlights the expressive outlet and sense of identity that music provides for students and shares stories of how PMP offers a supportive community where students feel they belong and can thrive.  Shanna also describes the diverse backgrounds of PMP's 30 teaching artists, including public school teachers, freelance musicians, and international artists and shares how these teachers bring unique skills and experiences, enriching the program for students. And finally, Lin shares the joy of knowing students and their families a decade or more—which is central to community music programs like PMP.

We're celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month by revisiting my interview with LGBT and ethnic scholar and author Lillian Faderman who discusses her book "My Mother's Wars." The book is a reconstructed narrative that explores the life of Faderman's mother, a Jewish immigrant in the United States, navigating the complexities of love, survival, and identity against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Nazism. Faderman recounts her mother's journey from a Latvian shtetl to New York City in 1914, detailing her struggles with language barriers, cultural acclimation, and the harsh realities of the American Dream. She recounts the grueling working conditions in the garment industry, the significant role of unions in fighting for better working conditions during the 1930s, and her mother's involvement with strikes. Faderman discusses her mother's tumultuous relationship with Moishe, which results in her giving birth to Lillian in 1940 and raising her as an unmarried mother.  Faderman also discusses the increasing dread among Jewish immigrants in the U.S. as Nazism spread across Europe, and her mother's frantic reactions to the impact on her family.  And finally she shares insights into her writing process, revealing how the act of writing the memoir allowed her to understand finally her mother's heroism and strength. 

President of Actors' Equity Kate Shindle and the NEA Director of Theater & Musical Theater Greg Reiner discuss the current challenges, strategic innovations, and the evolving landscape of American theater.  Kate provides an overview of the history and evolving mission of Actors' Equity in safeguarding actors and stage managers.  While Greg discusses the NEA's strategic funding to support theaters nationwide, highlighting the critical need for sustainability in the sector. Both emphasize the creative resilience and artistic innovation within the theater community while exploring the significant financial and structural challenges faced by the industry during and post-COVID-19. They share optimism over the leadership transitions within the theater community, which focuses on the representation of diverse voices in leadership roles but also see the need to support these leaders who have stepped up in a fraught time.  We also discuss the implications of digital streaming for live theater, considering its potential to enhance accessibility and audience engagement. And Kate, who is stepping down from Equity leadership, reflects on her tenure while both share their aspirations for the future of theater in America. 

Playwright and director Psalmayene 24 discusses his career trajectory from his unique approach to theater, his recent direction of the world premiere of Tempestuous Rising at Arena Stage and his upcoming projects, including his current direction of Metamorphosis at the Folger Theatre. We talk about his journey from dance to theater, first as an actor and eventually to playwriting and directing in response to the lack of satisfying roles for young Black men. We discuss the collaborative nature of his directing style, involving actors and creative teams in the development of the production, ensuring that every aspect from costume design to choreography reflects the thematic richness of the play. Psalmayene 24 highlights the challenges and strategies of directing in different theater spaces, especially the round configuration of the Fichandler Stage at Arena Stage and the Elizabethan stage at the Folger Theatre. He also shares his vision for Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of Metamorphosis focusing on an all-Black cast and the use of movement to convey the universality of human conditions through the lens of Blackness and Black culture and without the iconic pool used in previous productions. And Psalmayene 24 shares his excitement about upcoming projects, including a musical about John Lewis that he is writing. And as well as being smart and thoughtful, Psalmayene 24 has a truly terrific voice!

We're closing out Arab-American Heritage Month with author Diana Abu-Jaber who discusses growing up with an Irish-American mother and a Jordanian father who never felt at home in the US, the lively tensions between cultures, and the centrality of this to her writing.  We discuss her two memoirs, "The Language of Baklava" and "Life Without a Recipe." She describes the impact her father and grandmother had on her life and how their contrasting personalities were reflected in their approaches to food: Diana's father was a passionate and improvisational cook, while her grandmother was a precise baker.  Abu-Jaber discusses the challenges of writing memoirs, the emotional risks involved in sharing personal stories, and how she navigated the difficult topic of her larger-than-life's father's death.  We turn to a discussion of her latest novel, "Fencing with the King," and Diana reveals that the story was inspired by her father's experience of fencing with King Hussein of Jordan and her family's history of displacement. Diana reflects on the growth of Arab-American literature and the increasing prominence of Arab-American writers in contemporary culture.  We also discuss the similarities between cooking and writing and how food, like literature, can serve as a bridge between cultures 

We're celebrating National Poetry Month with 2021 NEA Literature Fellow, poet Leslie Sainz who discusses her debut poetry collection, "Have You Been Long Enough at Table."  Sainz reads from her collection and talks about its major themes including the ambiguity, displacement, and impact of cultural heritage as a daughter of Cuban immigrants. She discusses the variety of poetic forms used in her collection, allowing form to be guided by the emotional and thematic demands of her work. Sainz also talks about the impact of receiving a 2021 NEA Literature Fellowship for Poetry on her career and the validation it provided and offers advice to other poets and writers, especially regarding the NEA fellowship application process. Sainz  also discusses her involvement as a judge in the NEA's Poetry Out Loud competition and  shares her experiences from organizing regional competitions to judging the national semifinals and her appreciation for the performative and memorization components that enhance both the understanding and the emotional experience of poetry.  She also gives us a glimpse into her upcoming project, tentatively titled "I Believe in Evil and Evil Believes in You," exploring new thematic territories and expanding her creative boundaries.  And, on April 17,  the day after our conversation, Leslie Sainz's collection , "Have You Been Long Enough at Table" was awarded the 2024 Audre Lorde Award for Lesbian Poetry

MacArthur Fellow and 2002 Pulitzer-Prize Winner in Drama for “Topdog/Underdog, ” Suzan-Lori Parks tells us about her current play ”Sally and Tom”* now having its NY premier at the Public Theater. It's a play within a play about Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson and combines Parks' love of  American history and theater. We discuss the play's exploration of fraught subjects such as enslavement, sexual coercion, Black and white families living under the same roof under very different circumstances, and the paradoxes within Jefferson's life as a figure of enlightenment who owned slaves. Parks discusses how "Sally & Tom" invites audiences to engage in tough yet essential conversations about America's history and its echoes in the present-- reflected in the meta-theatrical structure of "Sally & Tom", which allows for a layered examination of history, storytelling, and the act of creation itself. She shares that her writing is not just as a form of artistic expression but is also a spiritual practice which allows her to engage with historical figures and narratives in a way that transcends traditional storytelling, inviting both creators and audiences into a space of reflection and transformation that fosters both nuanced conversations and broader implications for understanding American history. Parks also discusses her relationship with music and its intersections with her theatrical work and her personal and professional journey, from her upbringing in a military family to her initial reluctance towards theater, and how encouragement from James Baldwin led her to embrace playwriting.  She reflects on the evolution of theater over the past two decades, emphasizing the essential importance of inclusivity and diversity, and the continued need for spaces that offer both entertainment and nourishing content. And she discusses her residency at the Public Theater, her artistic home that supports her experimental and innovative approach to storytelling exemplified with her on-going project Watch Me Work. Finally,  I also want to say that I have been privileged -- to use, with great sincerity, an overused word-- to speak with the people I do for this podcast—I have been moved, taught, had my heart expanded and my mind stimulated by these interviews. But I have never spoken with anyone as vital or present as Suzan-Lori Parks nor with anyone who made me feel so enlivened by the conversation. It's a pleasure to share this. *“Sally and Tom” has been extended and will run at Public Theater through May 5.

As we're gearing up for the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters' tribute concert, we are revisiting my conversation with 2017 NEA Jazz Master Bassist Dave Holland. From his roots in the English working class to becoming an admired figure in the jazz world, Holland shares his musical journey, marked by a deep passion for the bass, a transformative stint with Miles Davis, and a dedication to the next generation of jazz musicians. Dave Holland discusses his initial attraction to music through the ukulele and his evolution towards the bass guitar--captivated by its rhythmic and harmonic significance and reveals how exposure to American rock, R&B, and jazz icons like Ray Brown and Leroy Vinnegar steered him towards jazz and led to his lifelong dedication to the upright bass. Holland recounts the serendipitous offer to join Miles Davis's band, a pivotal moment that introduced him to the international jazz stage and talks about his transition from band member to bandleader and composer, focusing on the necessity of dialogue and personal expression within music and the challenges and rewards of solo bass performances. Holland also discusses his educational work, aiming to connect students with jazz's rich heritage and guiding them to find their own voices within the tradition and finally reflects on his career's progression, underscoring the collaborative nature of jazz and its capacity to unify musicians across diverse backgrounds.    *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast at arts.gov. 

We're taking a deep dive with Willard Jenkins into his life in jazz. Willard discusses his early exposure to jazz in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, crediting his parents' record collection for his initial fascination with the genre, and the profound impact local jazz scenes and radio had on his musical journey. Willard recounts his transformative college years at Kent State University, detailing how his love for jazz deepened, his early forays into jazz journalism, starting with writing for his college's Black student newspaper, and his progression from journalism including his time at the “Cleveland Plain Dealer. ” We talk about his extensive efforts in promoting jazz, from founding the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society to spearheading jazz programs at Arts Midwest and serving as the artistic director of major jazz festivals, including DC Jazz Fest which strikes a balance between local talent and international musicians while still maintaining a focus on emerging artists. Willard also reflects on his close collaboration with NEA Jazz Master  Randy Weston, including co-writing Weston's autobiography “African Rhythms.”  We dive into "Ain't But a Few of Us,"  Willard's book which is a compilation of interviews that share the experiences of the few African-American jazz journalists. We also hear Willard's reflection on his years of  radio broadcasting, and his contributions to oral history projects, stressing the value of capturing the stories of jazz greats. And finally, Willard reflects on his deep appreciation for receiving an award named for one his heroes: the  A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Advocacy.

In this special edition of Art Works, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson and U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos have a far-ranging discussion that explores the intersection of arts, culture, and statistical science. Moderated by the NEA's Director of Research and Analysis Sunil Iyengar, the two agency heads begin their conversation by mapping their journeys to the crossroads of arts and statistical science, both noting that these fields enhance each other. Chair Jackson draws from her extensive background to highlight how robust data, including Census information, serves as a critical tool for fostering meaningful dialogue and shaping community-centric policies, while Director Santos shares his personal journey through photography, emphasizing how an artful life can fuel creativity and propel scientific advancement. They explore the power of incorporating diverse cultural insights into community studies to better understand more diverse and inclusive societal landscapes. They talk about how artists can act as trusted conduits for authentic data collection and community engagement. Director Santos and Chair Jackson champion the idea of embedding artists within federal agencies, illustrating how artistic creativity can invigorate public service and communication strategies. Finally, they discuss the vast potential for their agencies to collaborate further, harnessing the arts to deepen the impact of statistical data on public understanding and policy-making.   The summit held at the Arts Endowment at the end of January was “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: Arts and Culture in Our Communities,”.

In this podcast, Amina Claudine Myers discusses her journey from the gospel choirs of Arkansas to becoming a 2024 NEA Jazz Master, highlighting her significant contributions to jazz, gospel, and blues. We discuss her early life in Blackwell, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas, sharing stories of how family and church planted the seeds of her future in music and her transition from gospel music to discovering jazz and blues in college, detailing her growth as a musician and composer. She reflects on her time in Chicago and her involvement with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), emphasizing the impact this had on her musical direction and compositions. Myers describes her move to New York, the challenges she there, and how she found her footing through innovative performances and compositions. She discusses how she integrates jazz, gospel, and blues into her music, creating a unique sound that speaks to her diverse influences and experiences and her efforts to preserve the legacy of gospel music with Generation 4. And finally Myers shares her thoughts  on being named an NEA Jazz Master.* *The Arts Endowment in collaboration with the Kennedy Center will celebrate the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters  with a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. You can get ticket details at Kennedy-Center.org. And if you can't make it to DC, don't despair, the concert is available through a live webcast and radio broadcast at arts.gov. 

Co-founder Kirsten Cappy introduces us to I'm Your Neighbor Books—which aims to build communities where immigrants are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging by sharing diverse immigration stories in children's literature—and explains the collaborative roots of the organization among leaders from immigrant communities, authors, illustrators, educators, and librarians.  She discusses the Welcoming Library project and how this traveling collection of children's books serves to introduce readers to the vast diversity of immigrant experiences and fosters dialogue within communities. She describes the careful curation process for the books included in the Welcoming Library and shares how they work with authors, illustrators, and community members to create engaging reading materials and discussion questions that accompany the books. And we talk about the expansion of I'm Your Neighbor Books from its origins in Portland, Maine, to states across the country. Cappy also reflects on the universal importance of storytelling in building communities and the unique ability of children's literature to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations, inspiring empathy and understanding in our communities. We'd love to know your thoughts—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov. And follow us on Apple Podcasts! BOOKS MENTIONED: Dreamers by Yuyi Morales https://imyourneighborbooks.org/book/dreamers/ In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel and illustrated by Hatem Aly https://imyourneighborbooks.org/book/in-my-mosque/ I'm an American by Darshana Khiani, and illustrated by Laura Freeman. https://imyourneighborbooks.org/book/im-an-american/ Wherever I Go  by Mary Wagley Copp, and illustrated by Munir D. Mohammed https://imyourneighborbooks.org/book/wherever-i-go/ Green Card Voices Bilingual Graphic Novel Flip Books https://imyourneighborbooks.org/book/voice-for-refuge-2/

2020 NEA Literature Fellow Danielle Evans is author of two collections of stories  Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self and The Office of Historical Corrections, published ten years apart and to great acclaim. Today, we're revisiting my 2021 interview with Danielle. In this podcast, we explore her intricate narratives that weave through the themes of history, race, and grief. Danielle shares her approach to writing, the importance of allowing stories to develop organically, and her commitment to fostering depth and cohesion in her collections. She discusses the recurring motifs in her work, including the impact of history and memory on identity, the complexities of grief, and the nuances of racial and societal dynamics. We discuss *The Office of Historical Corrections *and the titular novella which introduces an imaginative agency dedicated to correcting historical inaccuracies. Evans explains the genesis of this idea and its reflection on our contemporary struggles with truth and reconciliation. She reflects on the shifts in the publishing industry regarding diversity and representation, acknowledging progress while also pointing to the ongoing challenges in creating equitable spaces for diverse voices. And finally, Danielle shares how the NEA Literature Fellowship has supported her creative process, allowing her to research and develop her forthcoming work.

We're revisiting my conversation with the 2021 National Heritage Fellow, Reginald “Reggio The Hoofer” McLaughlin, a master tap dancer whose feet tell stories of tradition, perseverance, and cultural heritage. In this podcast, Reggio  discusses his childhood love for tap dancing sparked at community centers in Chicago, his transition from a successful career as an R&B bassist to a full-time tap dancer (and how this musical foundation influenced his tap dancing career) and his experiences busking in Chicago's subways.  He highlights the invaluable lessons and traditions passed down by his mentors, Jimmy Payne and Ernest “Brownie” Brown, and their influence on his style and teaching.  Reggio shares his passion for teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music, emphasizing the importance of connecting students with the history and joy of tap. He also recounts performing on stages around the world as part of Old Town's international program and audience's embrace of this American art form.  He gives an inside look into the creation of "The Nut Tapper," showcasing how he blends tap with diverse cultural dance forms to celebrate the universality of dance. And reflecting on his National Heritage Fellow award, Reggio discusses the importance of recognition for artists dedicated to preserving cultural traditions.

In this tuneful podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Gary Bartz talks about his life and career, touching on his roots, influences, collaborations, and the philosophical underpinnings that have guided his artistic journey. Born in Baltimore in 1940, Gary's musical journey began in a segregated America, where he found music to be a universal language that could transcend societal barriers. He discusses his early encounters with music which were deeply influenced by his family's musical gatherings and his exposure to the records of Charlie Parker, which ignited his passion for the saxophone at the age of six. He talks about moving to New York City in 1958, immersing himself in the city's vibrant jazz scene, his time at Juilliard and the thrill of playing alongside legends like Max Roach (NEA Jazz Master, 1984),  Charles Mingus,  Art Blakey (NEA Jazz Master, 1988),  Miles Davis (NEA Jazz Master, 1984)  and McCoy Tyner (NEA Jazz Master, 2002), highlighting the impact of these experiences on his musical direction. He details his approach to music, emphasizing the importance of listening and creativity and expressing his disdain for the term "jazz," preferring to see music as a boundless form of expression. Gary also discusses his work with younger musicians and bands like his collaborations with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge for their Jazz Is Dead label and the spiritual jazz band Maisha, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue in music. With over two decades of teaching at Oberlin, Gary talks about his approach to education which focuses first on the importance of listening—a skill he deems crucial for any musician. He shares his feelings on being named an NEA Jazz Master, acknowledging it as a significant honor that places him among the heroes who shaped his musical path. Note: On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the National Endowment for the Arts, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will celebrate the 2024 honorees with a tribute concert. Keep checking [arts.gov](arts.gov) for details.

In honor of Black History month, we're revisiting this 2011 conversation with author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist Isabel Wilkerson  In this tuneful podcast, Wilkerson discusses her acclaimed book "The Warmth of Other Suns,"  exploring the profound impact of the Great Migration on American culture. This migration saw six million African Americans relocate from the rural South to the urban North from post-WWI through the 1960s, drastically transforming the country's demographic landscape and cultural output. Wilkerson describes it as a defection from the oppressive Jim Crow laws of the South to the more welcoming, yet challenging environments of the North. This movement was not merely a migration but a quest for political asylum; people were seeking opportunities and freedoms that were systematically denied in the South.  As Wilkerson discusses, one result of the Migration was  a profound merging of cultures, impacting every form of American art - literature, music, theater, and visual arts. Figures like Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, and artists like Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence were deeply influenced by their migration experiences, fundamentally altering American culture. She points out that the Great Migration had a monumental impact on music, bringing Southern blues, jazz, gospel, and later, Motown sounds to a national audience. Icons like BB King, Muddy Waters, Louis Armstrong, and companies like Motown Records owe their success and influence to this movement, which also facilitated a cross-cultural exchange that reverberated globally. She argues that music at times served as a bridge, bringing together segregated communities, Black and white, urban and rural, and introducing diverse audiences to the rich and varied cultural expressions of African Americans. Wilkerson also shares her personal connection to the Great Migration, being the daughter of migrants herself. She reflects on how this history shaped her identity, the broader narrative of African Americans in the 20th century, and the nation's art, music, and societal structures.

Screenwriter and Director Cord Jefferson discusses his critically acclaimed film, “American Fiction” which is a satirical exploration of popular culture's often narrow and limiting representation of Black people.  We catch up with director/writer Cord Jefferson whose film ”American Fiction”   has been nominated for five academy awards (Best Picture, Best adapted screenplay  (Jefferson), best actor (Jeffrey Wright), best supporting actor (Sterling K. Brown and best score (Laura Karpman). Not bad for the first-time director—albeit one with a rich resume as a Emmy Award winning television writer (think: “The Good Place” and “Watchmen.”*) Jefferson talks about adapting Percival Everett's novel “Erasure,”  reflecting on the novel's exploration of stereotypes and limitations placed on Black artists, his own personal experiences  which drew him to the project and influenced the adaptation. Jefferson opens up about the difficulty of finding backing for the film, particularly as a first-time director, and the joy of putting together an extraordinary ensemble cast led by Jeffrey Wright-- a task made easier by the depth and richness of the characters they were called upon to play. Jefferson discusses his aim to create a film that balances satire without veering into farce, ensuring the story remained grounded and the importance of family themes within the film is highlighted, with Jefferson discussing his decision to keep these elements against suggestions to cut them as a way to enrich the narrative and ground the satire. Jefferson reflects on the success of "American Fiction," the brilliance of the cast,  and his interest in continuing to make films, appreciating the collaborative and creative process of film production. Through Jefferson's insights, listeners gain an understanding of the complexities involved in adapting a novel to film, the importance of nuanced storytelling, and the power of representation in film. 

Steve Zeitlin, founder and executive director of City Lore, and Phyllis Zimmer, founder and president of the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation, discuss their joint project "From Heritage to Health" (H2H).  Funded partly by the National Endowment for the Arts, this initiative aims to integrate storytelling and the arts into healthcare, particularly for a culturally diverse population.  Zeitlin and Zimmer talk about the various components of the program: learner-needs assessments, eLearning courses, public and professional presentations, and toolkits focusing on culturally-attuned health care and ways to harness the arts for end-of-life care. They discuss creating the accredited eLearning courses and public toolkits featuring the perspective of artists from many cultures and disciplines on healthcare, wellness, death, and dying. Both Zeitlin and Zimmer emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare, pointing out how stories and arts from various cultures can help healthcare providers understand and treat patients more effectively. They also discuss the development of H2H and their extensive collaboration with artists and healthcare professionals, the reach of the program, and the strong response from healthcare providers. And we conclude with discussions on potential future expansions of the H2H initiative, including exploring cultural practices and rituals around birth and dementia. Overall, Zeitlin and Zimmer underscore the essential role of the arts in both enhancing healthcare practices through cultural awareness and fostering deeper connections between healthcare providers and patients.

 In this podcast, folklife presenter, educator, host and producer of “American Routes,, and 2023 National Heritage Fellow Nick Spitzer discusses his multifaceted career, his upbringing, and his understanding of cultural innovation in America. We talk about his life-long passion for radio and his discovery and embrace of American vernacular culture, his career as folklorist in academia, government, and media, including his NPR and Smithsonian collaborations and “American Routes”, Spitzer's renowned radio program which blends music  from many different traditions with cultural storytelling. Spitzer discusses his fieldwork in Louisiana and experiences with Afro-French Creole music, his understanding of cultural dynamism, and his journey through different American regions, absorbing and understanding not just the diversity but the dynamic and innovative interactions among American cultures. He also reflected upon the significance of receiving the Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship, the privilege and responsibility of working in American vernacular culture, and the future of “American Routes” and Spitzer's commitment to its continued contributions to cultural understanding.