Behind the Curtain with Joe Brown

Katie Wyatt is the new Executive Director of the historic Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. For 100 years, Weymouth has been the home of culture, writing, arts, music and conservation in the Sandhills and is home of the NC Literary Hall of Fame and the historic James Boyd House.  This only begins to scratch the surface on the history and cultural significance of the Weymouth Center. Learn more about it here: www.weymouthcenter.org

In this episode Joe sits down with the cast of "Yes, Virginia", Mindy Sterling and Arnetia Walker, along with writer and director Stan Zimmerman.   The Regional Theatre Premiere of Yes, Virginia is put on by Judson Theatre Company at The Bradshaw Performing Arts Center's Owens Auditorium November 18-21.  Get your tickets, here.Mindy is most recognizable from  the Austin Powers movies and Nickelodeon's iCarly and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.  Arnetia performed for many years on Michael Bennett's Dreamgirls on Broadway, the series Nurses,  she has a recurring role on the CW's Dynasty,  and some of her bigger guest spots include Quantum Leap, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Mad About You, NYPD Blue, and Everybody Loves Raymond. Mindy and Arnetia are not only super talented with an incredibly long list of TV, Film, and Broadway credits but they are also the perfect podcast guests, they're both extremely funny, down to earth, and easy to talk to.  Thanks for listening!

Stan is most notably known as a television screenwriter and producer.  Stan has written on many TV series including The Golden Girls, Rosanne, The Gilmore Girls  and is the creator of the sitcom, Rita Rocks.  He has also worked as a writer in film on The Brady Bunch and A Very Brady Sequel.  Stan's passion for writing has- recently turned to writing theatre productions.  His play, "Yes, Virginia" will get it's reginal theatre debut on November 18th at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center in Pinehurst, NC. While in town, Stan will present his touring show, "An Evening on the Lanai: Remembering the Golden Girls" on Sunday, November 14th in BPAC's Owens Auditorium.  The show features Stan and co-host Alexander Rodriguez as they dish on the behind-the scenes antics, inside gossip and favorite clips from the iconic series.Learn more about these upcoming shows, hereLearn more about Stan, here

Chris Dunn has been the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Moore County for over 20 years and is an incredible asset to the arts and culture community in our region.  The Arts Council serves this economy in various ways, including showcasing thousands of artists, and supporting arts organizations with grants, ticket sales, and promotions. They are also the NC Arts Council's Designated County Partner, receiving and distributing Grassroots funding.Thousands of children have been profoundly impacted as a result of their Youth Programs. Serving over 15,000 children each year in every school – public, private, charter, and home schools and have awarded over $51,000 in scholarships to talented kids. These programs rely completely on grants and community support.The Campbell House, home to ACMC, is one of the region's most significant landmarks. Once part of their Weymouth estate, the natural setting is among the nation's important historic landscapes, encompassing the world's oldest longleaf pines. For more than 100 years, Campbell House has been a beacon of culture, informing, influencing, and enhancing civic life.  "A gift to the Arts Council is the ultimate expression of faith in our goal of sustaining our community as a place resilient with the arts at its core."Learn more at https://www.mooreart.org/

Phil Werz is the President and CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Located in Moore County, NC, the CVB is the county's official destination marketing organization, and develops and implements strategies that enhance the economic and brand value of tourism to the benefit of visitors and residents alike.In this episode, Joe and Phil discuss the range of events and activities that are unique to this area that are responsible for tourism.  In the Sandhills, golf is still king, but it is interesting to know what other events the CVB focuses on to market Moore County as a must-visit destination.

On this episode, Joe catches up with Jay Nash and Josh Day of The Contenders while they are in Nashville recording their 3rd album. Each of these recording artists work on so many other projects, Jay has had a strong solo career and Josh has played and toured with everyone from Sara Bareilles, John Oates (of Hall & Oates), and currently with Jennifer Nettles. But, there's just something special that happens when the two get together and form The Contenders. We talk about how they make the time to grow that endeavor, how they've weathered the pandemic, and what's next. The Contenders will be in Pinehurst NC, at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center's Owens Auditorium on Saturday, October 2nd. Tickets & Event Info: https://www.sandhillsbpac.com/events

*AUDIO ONLY EPISODE* On this week's episode Joe talks with upcoming BPAC performer and Grammy® Award-Winning baritone, Lucas Meachem.  Lucas is one of the most accomplished, in-demand singers of the moment, captivating audiences around the world with his “earnest appealing baritone” (The New York Times) and “commanding presence” (San Francisco Chronicle). “A rock star of opera” (Opera Pulse).On Friday, September 24, 2021 at 6:00pm, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center at Sandhills Community College presents Grammy Award-winning baritone Lucas Meachem in a recital celebrating the release of his first ever solo album, Shall We Gather, out on Rubicon Classics the same day. Performed with his wife, pianist Irina Meachem, Shall We Gather is an  emotional and heartfelt plea for a better, more tolerant world, through 15 art songs that offer a vision of America's truly rich national character. The recital will feature the Meachems in their favorite songs from the album as well as popular opera arias and showtunes by composers such as Puccini, Wagner, Verdi, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. www.sandhillsbpac.com www.sandhillsbpac.com

Marcy's ability to embrace diverse vocal style, coupled with her unquestioned passion, has made her a unique standout in New York theatre over the past 20 years.  From performing coloratura soprano to belting rock musicals, to her latest endeavor Jazz with the incomparable Ethan Iverson, Marcy shows just how multi-talented she is.  She got her start as Maria in the first world tour of West Side Story, followed by her role as Mimi Marquez in her Broadway debut of Rent, then went on to star opposite Lin Manuel Miranda in In the Heights.  Miranda enjoyed the collaboration so much that he tapped her to perform on the soundtrack for Disney's Moana.   Along with her many Broadway, Off-Broadway, and concert appearances, she has also been seen on screens both big and small in numerous productions including Men In Black, Death Proof, Nurse Jackie, Ed, NCIS, Queens Supreme, Royal Pains, Manifest, Elementary, Beauty and the Beast, and Law & Order.  Her newfound role as Jazz Singer is yet another evolution, one that has been a long time in the making. The daughter of a truck-driving trumpeter and a gardening visual artist, music was as mandatory as air in her family.  Marcy is thrilled to bring this backdrop to the forefront, with the phenomenal Ethan Iverson to BPAC's Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst, NC on Saturday, September 18th to perform their show, "Back to Bacharach" that features their renditions of hit songs from Burt Bacharach, Hal David, and Dionne Warwick.Buy tickets to this and upcoming shows HERELearn more about Marcy & Ethan HEREWatch this and previous podcasts HERE

In this week's episode Joe discusses the past, present, and future of BPAC.  Including last week's show with Paul Dabek from Broadway's The Illusionists, how we are navigating the COVID situation, and a breakdown of this fall's upcoming lineup.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Dr. Kristina Henckel is a concert pianist and current faculty member at Sandhills Community College.  Kristina breaks down her early education in the Czech Republic, the rigorous process to earn her doctoral degree, and playing concert piano across Europe. She then made her way to the Pacific Northwest of the United States through her time as a pianist in the official US Army Band:  https://www.goarmy.com/band.html Perhaps the most rewarding and successful part of her professional career has been teaching students piano through private instruction. A student of hers was recently a finalist in an international piano contest with more than 1,000 participants world-wide. Kristina herself received an award from the competition for her outstanding teaching. Dr. Henckel is incredibly talented as performer and a teacher and both Sandhills Community College and the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center are lucky to have her. Kristina's upcoming solo recital performance willbe held in BPAC's Owens Auditorium on Saturday, August 21. This event will beopen to the public as well as Livestreamed on BPAC's YouTube Channel. Learnmore about that show at:  https://www.sandhillsbpac.com/events

This week's podcast features up & coming country music singer and songwriter, Carly Burruss.  Carly grew up skimming her fingers across piano keys and singing in church. The daughter of a schoolteacher and cabinet maker from Cumming, Georgia, her budding love for country music stemmed from the records she found in her grandparents' home, mostly consisting of classic country vinyl. She found her way to the guitar, teaching herself the chords, and took the stage for the first time with her all-girl bluegrass band The Sawnee Mountain Train Wreck. With a wicked sense of humor, a storyteller's heart and a sweet nature, Carly Burruss is the epitome of country. Her whimsical, tongue-in-cheek disposition combined with her agile, lilting sound make her the country music singer/songwriter that stands out from the rest. A Carly Burruss show is sure to be one you will never forget as she entertains you with quippy comedy, witty lyrics, and devastatingly relatable heartbreakin' ballads. Today, Burruss is a touring country artist who doubles as a worship leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta. Recently, she has joined the boys of Sister Hazel on tour as the opening support artist.  Burruss has shared the stage with other profile artists in recent years, including Keith Urban, Ruston Kelly, Ellie Holcomb, Dwight Yoakam, and Kasey Chambers. http://www.carlyburruss.comhttps://www.sandhillsbpac.com

This episode of The Behind the Curtain Podcast is Brian Swenk.  Brian is the banjoist for the band, Big Daddy Love.  The quintet, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has played well over a thousand shows over most of the country.  Collaboratively, the band produces a unique sound that they have long referred to as “Appalachian Rock.”  Brian is also an agent with Midwood Entertainment, and we take some time to discuss some of the talented musicians and bands on their roster, many of whom will be performing at BPAC this coming season. Brian is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Bluegrass, Folk, Southern Rock and Americana music.  I love talking to Brian, every time I do I learn something new about the music industry I hope he does the same for you today! Ladies and gentlemen, Brian Swenk. http://bigdaddylove.com/music/https://www.midwoodentertainment.com/talent-division

Paul is an accomplished magician, comedian, and actor who is the star and host of the world's most successful touring magic show: The Illusionists.  This show has sold out all over the world, including stages in Broadway and London's West End.  As the host, Paul is billed as "The Trickster" and his sleight of hand magic blended with rapid fire comedy is done with a level of sophistication and charm that absolutely mesmerizes audiences from start to finish.   Paul is widely considered one of the funniest magicians on the planet.Visit Paul's website to learn more: https://www.pauldabek.com/

Janet Kenworthy is live music junkie to the core! Over 15 years ago they created The Rooster's Wife, a small venue in Aberdeen, NC that hosted some big talent.  The small town may have seemed to be off the beaten path but that is precisely why musicians and bands loved making this much needed  stop from their normal tour- and the ALWAYS got a homecooked meal from Janet's mother with fresh chocolate chip cookies to boot.  It was a treasured atmosphere for live music lovers and it didn't hurt that she had acts like Tyler Childers, The Gibson Brothers, The Dan Tyminski Band, and Amythyst Kiah ( who was recently featured on NBC's Jimmy Kimmel Live.) The Rooster's WifeAmythyst Kiah on Kimmel Live

Clifton is excited about his latest project, the new feature film, WORTH , where he worked alongside Michael Keaton and Tate Donovan. The film was selected to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.Prior, Clifton worked alongside Channing Tatum in the Cohen Brother's film, Hail, Caesar!  Other films include The Unborn (Dir: Tal Lazar), I Fell In Love With The World and Giving Birth To A Butterfly (Dir: Ted Schaefer). He also appeared in the 2014 remake of Columbia Pictures' Annie (Dir: Will Gluck).TV credits include Boardwalk Empire (HBO), The Blacklist (NBC), Younger (TV Land), Friends of the People (TruTV) and guest star appearances on two web series: Alphabet Boys & One Degree of Ms. D.On Broadway, The Kennedy Center and The Ahmanson, Clifton appeared opposite the late Jan Maxwell in the Tony and Grammy nominated revival of Stephen Sondheim's FOLLIES (Dir: Eric Schaefer). The cast included Bernadette Peters, Ron Raines, Danny Burstein, Jayne Houdyshell and Mary Beth Piel. He also appeared in the original Broadway company of Amazing Grace (Dir: Gabe Barre) at the Nederlander Theatre.Learn more about Clifton and his upcoming projects:http://cliftonsamuels.com/about.html

MICHAEL PIZZI has been performing since age 6 when he sang “Edelweiss” in his first grade concert. He received his Equity card from Goodspeed Opera House playing Lewis Morris, delegate from NY, in 1776. Other roles included Fezziweg in A Christmas Carol (Fords Theatre), Pirate/Smee u/s in "Peter Pan" (North Carolina Theatre), Judge Turpin & Pirelli in two different "Sweeney Todd’s", Peter (Fulton Opera House, Lancaster PA) & Judas in two different "Jesus Christ Superstar’s" & three times the privilege of playing Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha (his favorite musical). He enjoys singing in cabaret style which allows him the chance to sing some of his favorite songs of characters he will never be able to play!Currently, he is Producing and Artistic Director of the Sandhills Repertory Theatre, bringing all NYC and Broadway talent to the Sandhills, with a percentage of ALL show net profits funding performing arts in Moore County schools. He is also the creator and producer of the Special Broadway Camp for children with special needs in the Sandhills.Besides being an artist, Michael is an occupational therapist, a health and wellness lifestyle coach and co-owner of the NC organization Sandhills Adaptive Living (SAL). Michael splits his time between Pinehurst and NYC.www.sandhillsrep.org www.wellsongsproject.com

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Abigail Dowd grew up under the longleaf pines in the Sandhills region of North Carolina.  Her upcoming album “Beautiful Day” releases on April 23, 2021. Recorded live with a full band at the Fidelitorium, the album was produced by Grammy nominated engineer/mixer Jason Richmond.Known for her storytelling and command of an audience, she has been called "a writer of the highest caliber” (The All Scene Eye).  Her soulful voice and unique classical guitar style combined with the edgy bass of Jason Duff caught the attention of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, which described their album “Not What I Seem”: “The guitar-driven introspective folk of the 1970s [as] a touchstone, but so are blues and roots rock ’n’ roll.” Pulling from her heritage of storytelling and determination, Dowd weaves hints of Celtic melodies with the soulful gospel of the south to create a sound that dances between folk, rock and blues.Visit to learn more: www.abigaildowd.com

Jonathan is a professor and Director of Theatre at University of North Carolina Pembroke and also the owner and creative director of Uprising Theatre Company who is responsible for the production of Shakespeare in the Pines each summer in the Village of Pinehurst.  Uprising Theatre CompanyUNCP Theatre Program

Joyce, originally from a small town in Maryland, spent 30 years in New York City working as an actress working in theatre, TV, and film.She appeared in the original cast of Fifth of July and Prelude to a Kiss on Broadway, and notable off-Broadway productions such as The Hot L Baltimore, the Miss Firecracker Contest, and the runner stumbles.  As a member of Circle Repertory Company, Joyce had a chance to work with some big-name actors such as William Hurt, Christopher Reeve, Debra Monk, Swoosie Kurtz, Jeff Daniels, Alec Baldwin, and Mary Louise Parker. She also did many TV and Radio commercials, most famously she was the original “Doctor Mom” in the popular Robitussin TV commercials and the voice for IKEA’s radio commercials.Her TV work included such shows as Law & Order, Ed, Kate and Allie, NYPD Blue, and Cosby as well as numerous daytime dramas.  Lastly, her film credits include Longtime Companion, Lorenzo’s Oil, and Roommates. Joyce is a proud member of Actors Equity and the Screen Actors Guild.  She and her husband now live in Pinehurst, NC where she writes for the local newspaper, The Pilot and has performed locally a couple of  times with the Judson Theatre Company, the Sandhills local professional theatre.

Lori Lorion is the Program Coordinator and Professor of Visual Arts at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC.  A talented artist herself, Lori's passion for art is matched only by her love of teaching.  We discuss the many places Lori has lived and worked that has influenced her life in art and her approach to art education.  We also discuss how important nurturing creativity is for both children and adults and how modern technology provides many non-traditional outlets for individual expression.Check out the virtual gallery, "Retrospective" by Lori Lorion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgg0Eej85UI

Dr. John Dempsey has been President of Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC for the past 27 years. He is widely known for his leadership and fundraising abilities, however, the culture he has created over the years at the College and in this Community is perhaps his most important legacy. A large part of this is his love and support of the arts. We discuss how important the arts can be to a community and how he believes the new Bradshaw Performing Arts Center can lead the way.

Baxter Clement is a musician and owner of Casino Guitars in Downtown Southern Pines, NC. Baxter is a musical genius whose quirky nature and passion for music is infectious. He attended the O'Neal School, the North Carolina School for Performing Arts for high school where he studied classical guitar and then went on to earn a full scholarship to Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music. After graduation he moved to New York, worked as a pit musician on Broadway and created a band which found a good bit of success, The Blondes, Inc. He later toured with Richard Lloyd, formerly of Television. He returned to North Carolina in 2006, opened a teaching studio (Sandhills School of Performing Arts) and finally pursued his passion for finding beautiful guitars by opening Casino Guitars. www.casinoguitars.com

Morgan Sills is the Executive Producer of Judson Theatre Company and has lived NYC and worked extensively in many roles for Broadway Theatre productions. As one of the only professional theatre companies in the Sandhills of North Carolina, Morgan has been able to bring big names in an array of productions that have taken place at The Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC). We discuss Morgan's trajectory to Broadway and then his reasoning for starting his own theatre company. We also discuss how COVID19 has effected Broadway's workforce and the theaters themselves.