Southcoast Artists Index

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Vault Sessions, the live music series from the Southcoast Artists Index, recorded at The Vault Center for the Performing Arts during Open Mic Night in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. In this episode, we sit down with local musician Indy Blake to talk about music, creativity, influences, songwriting, and what it means to be part of the South Coast's growing creative community. Following the conversation, Indy takes the stage to perform a selection of original songs live at The Vault. The Vault Sessions is about more than just the music. It's about creating a record of the artists, voices, and stories that make up the South Coast's creative scene—and giving local musicians a platform to share their work with a wider audience. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen to the audio version wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to the Southcoast Artists Index for more artist interviews, live performances, and stories from the people shaping the region's creative culture.

Welcome, Colin Williams, who was our guest on Podcast Episode 224. Colin's memories of his time at and association with SMU (Southeastern Massachusetts University) were enhanced by his delight in working in and around, as well as being surrounded by the University's Paul Rudolph architecture. Colin Williams was the co-chairman of the SMU Concert Series, and included finding art majors to design handbills, posters, tickets, and backstage passes for his directed concerts in the auditorium, the big parties in the campus center, and the 3000-seat gymnasium. These events were an unforgettable 4-year experience. He believes there was an intersection of SMTI, SMU, and the Swain School of Design, which has had a long-lasting effect. There is a culture of musicians and artists here, where "the embracing behaviour of many talents continued to be characterized by expressive and collaborative instincts." The South Coast is what it is due, in part to its historic and maritime presence and its cultural vibrancy. Colin Williams spoke with The Artists Index Podcaster, Max Wickemeyer, and shared more of his love of the South Coast, his talents and memories of the halcyon days of SMU, and so much more.   Colin F. Williams Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   NOTE: A selection of Colin's poems is in the image gallery. Colin will also introduce Scott Bishop's two podcast conversations with folk music legend Maggi Peirce, in our next two post-holiday episodes.   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, Grace Statwick, a professional artist raised in Springfield, Missouri. Grace grew up knowing she'd be an artist. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in film and experience in set construction working for the school's drama department. She proceeded to work in prop and set construction for film, and then as a sculptor for Bass Pro Shops, building waterfalls and trees and traveling across the country. In 2016, she moved to South Korea to teach English, where she began to exhibit, in earnest, with a group of expat and Korean artists called The Exotic Beasts. After a few more years of artist residencies and natural-building projects in the States, she spent the pandemic growing her painting business out of Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in rural Missouri, and later moved to Virginia. She has since landed in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where she now works as a muralist. Her work is high-chroma, high-contrast, theatrical, and magical. Her paintings energize a space. Grace recently spoke with The Artists Index's podcast host, Max Wickemeyer, about her life, practice, and journey. This episode was recorded at the  Spectrum Marketing Group studio at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Grace Statwick Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome to the very first episode of The Vault Sessions, a new live music series from the Southcoast Artists Index, recorded at The Vault Center for the Performing Arts during Open Mic Night in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. Each episode features an intimate conversation with a local musician, exploring their creative journey, musical influences, songwriting process, and connection to the South Coast's vibrant arts community. Following the interview, you'll experience live performances of original music recorded in the unique atmosphere of The Vault. Our inaugural guest is Steve Goodman, a talented local singer-songwriter whose heartfelt songwriting and engaging performances have made him a familiar face throughout the region's music scene. Steve shares the stories behind his music, his artistic inspiration, and what it means to be part of the South Coast's thriving creative community before performing several of his original songs live. Whether you're discovering a new favorite artist or celebrating the incredible musical talent found right here in our own backyard, The Vault Sessions offers a front-row seat to the voices shaping the South Coast's creative landscape. The Vault Sessions is available in both video and audio formats. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to the Southcoast Artists Index for more conversations, performances, and stories celebrating the artists who make our region such an extraordinary place to create. Learn more at https://theartistsindex.com/ 

Welcome, Max Wickemeyer, our volunteer Development Director and now an official podcast host for Southcoast Artists Index. Max was our guest on Podcast Episode 205. Music is his creative force. He plays six- and four-string instruments. Max has been playing in a hobby rock group for 15 years and performing solo gigs at open-mic venues, including The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub, where he has also been documenting performances and performers for The Artists Index as our man-in-the-field. Max is a Staff Ranger at the Assawompsett Pond Complex. His hobbies include yoga, forest walks, biking, and roaming the South Coast. He was also a volunteer land steward for the Nature Conservancy. The Artists Index co-founder, Ron Fortier, and Max Wickemeyer spoke a while back about him joining our podcast host lineup at The Artists Index. This episode was recorded at the  Spectrum Marketing Group studio at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Max Wickemeyer Contact him at maxwick@aol.com to discuss being his next podcast guest. At this writing, he's already had several conversations with members of the South Coast creative community.   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Trina Bigham, a published author and an aspiring artist. She is a Northeastern University graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering. According to Trina, she has "spent her life following the quiet tug of purpose wherever it led her. Trina Bigham was born in Westwood, New Jersey. She moved to the South Coast of Massachusetts before she was a year old. She's lived in Wareham, Mattapoisett, and Marion before settling in Fairhaven, where she has lived for the past 30 years. Her childhood was chaotic, but she found peace and grounding in nature—a refuge that would later shape her advocacy, creativity, and writing. Her book, Better Than Ordinary: Breaking Barriers on a Journey of Resistance and Hope, is the inspiring true story of a mother navigating love, loss, and resilience, and raising a child with disabilities. Her journey as mother and author evolved alongside her son Brennan's. It trans­formed her emotionally and spiritually into a champion for his potential. Better Than Ordinary offers hope, insight, and inspiration to anyone facing life's challenges. Trina recently spoke with The Artists Index's podcast host, Max Wickemeyer, about her life and journey. This episode was recorded at the  Spectrum Marketing Group studio at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Trina Bigham 1 B Green Street Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719 (774) 400-8361   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, David Poyant, an embroidery artist who came to this work later in life, after decades spent as a cobbler and craftsman. Without formal training, Poyant developed his own approach—or, what he refers to as thread painting—using a needle and fine strands of thread to build images one stitch at a time. His process begins with AI-generated compositions that he refines and prints onto canvas, but the true work happens slowly by hand, where time, patience, and touch shape the final piece. David Poyant's work explores nature, memory, and the human experience, often focusing on quiet, reflective moments—a boy in a tree, a fisherman at rest, light moving across water. Each piece is entirely hand-stitched and can take dozens of hours to complete, emphasizing the value of time and lived experience in a fast-moving digital world. Through his art, Poyant aims to bridge tradition and innovation, showing that even in an age of technology, the human hand remains essential. David recently spoke with The Artists Index's podcast host, Max Wickemeyer, about his passion and journey. This episode was recorded at the  Spectrum Marketing Group studio at Howland Place in New Bedford.   David Poyant 72 Park Drive Acushnet, Massachusetts 02743 (508) 985-3033   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, author and painter, Tom Lopatosky. Not only is Tom the author of two books: The Care And Maintenance Of A New England Home and The Care And Maintenance Of A Block Island Home, but he also hosts PROTALK Home Improvement Radio (630AM/99.7FM WPRO) Saturdays at 2 pm and writes monthly home improvement articles. Tom Lopatosky is the founder and owner of LOPCO Contracting, a painting & repair company in East Providence, Rhode Island, since 1995. He also owns Cheer UP Athletics, an all-star cheer gym he started in 2016. Tom has two daughters, Tamara and Ivelisse. He is a New York Yankees and Providence College Basketball fan. Tom also enjoys traveling—his favorite cities are New Orleans, San Antonio, and Las Vegas. A parishioner of St. Adalbert's Church in Providence, Rhode Island, he helps in the community whenever possible. Tom Lopatosky graduated from Classical High School, earned both a Marketing and Finance degree with a Computer Information Systems minor from Bryant University, and is actively pursuing his MBA at the University of South Carolina. Tom spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and now occasional podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his life, career, and his journey as an author, among his many other pursuits and interests. This episode was recorded at the  Spectrum Marketing Group studio at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Thomas Lopatosky Lopco Contracting 310 Bourne Avenue Box 32 East Providence, RI 02916 United States Email | Website | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Cedric Earle Douglas, also known as Vise1 - again! Our first conversation on Podcast Episode 230 was so good, we decided to make it a two-parter. Cedric, in case you didn't know, is a street artist among his many other credentials. Cedric was born in Boston. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design Mass Art. Cedric's first experience with public art was writing his name creatively on abandoned spaces. Cedric is also the founder and Creative Director of The Up Truck, a creative art lab that is designed to engage underserved Boston communities. Cedric Douglas is widely recognized for his large-scale murals and portraits and is highly regarded by a broad range of audiences. His public art project, Street Memorials, takes a hard look at racial injustice and its deadly impact on the black community. The People's Memorial project requires viewers to "rethink the future of memorials and monuments." Cedric Douglas continued his conversation with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and now occasional podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently, about his passion, his practice, and his journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Cedric Douglas New Bedford, Massachusetts 02780 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Welcome, artist, gallerist, and educator, Judith Klein. This is her second podcast with us. Judith was our guest on Podcast Episode: 22.  Judith attended an art high school in Tel Aviv and later attended the Art Teachers College. Upon graduation, she attended the advanced program at the Avni Institute of Fine Arts in Tel Aviv. In the years following, she taught Fine Art in the Israeli Public School system and began exhibiting her artwork at a leading Tel Aviv art gallery. Judith later moved to Milan, Italy, where she continued her art education and career at the Brera Academy (Academia Brera de Belle Arte). She emigrated to the United States with her husband, Andrei. For the last 17 years, she owned and operated The Judith Klein Art Gallery in several locations throughout New Bedford, Massachusetts. Throughout those years, she embraced the opportunity to curate dozens of themed art exhibits, which supported local and regional artists. Her prints and paintings have been widely exhibited throughout Southeastern New England and abroad. Judith continues to offer art instruction and accept commissions. Judith spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and now occasional podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his practice, and his journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Judith Klein Judith Klein Art Gallery & Studio 10 Merrymount Drive North Dartmouth, MA 02747 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other We're not asking for you to finance a nonprofit. Instead, we are asking for your support to fund a legacy. Our mission is to preserve and document the lives and legacies of all South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, educator and artist, Lynn Bailey Witty. She has worked as a preschool teacher in private schools, teaching older students in art, specifically, as well as storytelling and scriptwriting. A New Bedford resident, she has worked as a professional actor in television commercials and jingles for years. Lynn is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). She was also a professional worship leader for multiple churches for twenty-seven years. Lynn Bailey Witty is a singer-songwriter and a member of BMI. She has published three of her own albums and has sung on other artists' albums. Lynn has performed on national television and radio and has been interviewed on radio stations. She put together her own performance venues and gatherings for art and music. Lynn Bailey Witty has also enjoyed performing in coffee houses, pubs, and intimate venues.  She was a special guest artist at both Carnegie Hall and Symphony Hall - Boston. Lynn is also a painter. Her work has been sold in art shows and featured in small galleries as well. Lynn Bailey Witty spoke with The Artists Index's Development Director and newest podcast host, Max Wickemeyer, recently about her beginnings, passion, artistic practices, and her journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Lynn Bailey Witty New Bedford, Massachusetts 02744   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Other     Please consider donating whatever you can to help support our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

In Episode Nine, Jazz Podcast Host Dave Reis speaks with Carol Louro, daughter of the legendary clarinetist/saxophonist Lionel Soares, about her father's talent, passion, and dedication. Lionel performed professionally for six decades and was also the proprietor of Dartmouth Music. He studied at The New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and Southeastern Massachusetts University. He studied clarinet with Victor Polachek and Attilio Poto, both members of the Boston Symphony. He studied Theory with Jose DaCosta and studied composition with Hugo Norden and Ron Nelson. As a saxophonist/clarinetist, he worked with the bands of Tommy Reynolds, Al Donahue, Jack Nye, Florian ZaBach, and Mickey Sullivan, among others. Lionel also performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The Artist Index's jazz documentarian and Jazz Podcast Series host, Dave Reis, spent nearly 26 years as a Jazz radio show host, among his many other accomplishments. He was one of the original longtime DJs who worked at the former WUSM and its second life, radio station WUMD, 89.3 FM, on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. Dave Reis, AKA David Domingo Reis, began as our guest on In-Focus Podcast 154 and In-Focus Podcast 181. He returns once again as the host of our first-ever ten-part jazz podcast series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. There is no better host for this series than Dave Reis, a walking, talking jazz encyclopedia and local legend himself. Dave grew up surrounded by and hanging with many of the jazz greats. He will be presenting his ten-part Jazz Podcast Series, underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS Please consider donating whatever you can to help and support our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, Autumn Liv Cyr, the new podcast host of The Lost Artists of Fairhaven. She is undertaking a new direction in our podcast programming. Autumn will be primarily focused on inviting our listeners to contribute any information they may have about any of the artists on her long, constantly growing list of Visual, Performing, and literary artists who were born, lived, or worked in the historical seacoast town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Autumn is a Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, Writer, and Musician, born and raised in the South Coast – Fairhaven specifically. She is also a multidisciplinary visual artist, writer, and musician now living in New Bedford, MA, with over 10 years of professional experience. Autumn enjoys using various media. Her ten-episode series will create a platform for listeners to submit anecdotes, information, and images to help her document the lives and legacies of Fairhaven-connected artists in particular, who have been overlooked, uncelebrated, or forgotten, to ensure they will be known to the next generations. Autumn spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed how important it is to preserve the history of Fairhaven artists for future generations. This episode was recorded at our studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Autumn Liv Cyr New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud |   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube READ AUTUMN'S DANDELION MAGAZINE ARTICLE!   AND WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. DONATE SPONSOR UNDERWRITE VOLUNTEER If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

In Episode Eight, our Gallery X Documentation Project podcast host Sean FitzGerald speaks with Mary S. Rapoza, who has been the Director of the New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches Department since 2013. Mary has a great love of public spaces and engaging children and adults in the great outdoors for health, recreation, and community connection. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for all New Bedford residents through the development of city-wide recreational opportunities and beautiful, safe, and resilient open spaces is reflected in the new park construction and park rehabilitations that have occurred during her tenure as the Director of the Parks Department. Mary's experience as a Landscape Designer and environmental educator brings a rich background to her position as Director. She received a Graduate Certificate in Landscape Design from the Landscape Institute at Harvard University. As a professional. Mary also worked as an environmental educator at the Children's Museum in Dartmouth and the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Mary has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Mary S. Rapoza is the sister of John and Joe Rapoza (The Dancing Dogs) and Liz Rapoza, who joined her in the podcast. The Rapoza family, a dynasty of sorts, was and continues to be an important part of the evolution of Gallery X. Listen in to hear why! About Gallery X The gallery was founded in 1990 and is a contemporary, cooperative art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artist members and volunteers. Gallery X has served as an incubator for emerging artists and is a venue for established artists. It is a platform for local artists, performers, and creatives of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as an integral part of the South Coast's community. This eight-episode podcast series supports and documents the overall project and provides historical and background information about the gallery and the progress made to date. The Gallery X Documentation Project will reach out to listeners and anyone seeking information about historical or contemporary artists from the South Coast's creative community. The Artists Index offers listeners up-close and personal conversations with the artists, supporters, and cultural impresarios of South Coast's creative community. Listen to the artists talk about their work, backgrounds, passions, dreams, and accomplishments.  Also featured are those who work in or manage the creative community's economy, promotion, and cultural agenda. Please consider donating to, sponsoring, or underwriting our podcasts and programs. This and other podcasts are available on The Artists Index and your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer / APPLE PODCASTS   About Gallery X The gallery was founded in 1990 and is a contemporary, cooperative art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artist members and volunteers. Gallery X has served as an incubator for emerging artists and is a venue for established artists. It is a platform for local artists, performers, and creatives of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as an integral part of the South Coast's community. This eight-episode podcast series supports and documents the overall project and provides historical and background information about the gallery and the progress made to date. The Gallery X Documentation Project will reach out to listeners and anyone seeking information about historical or contemporary artists from the South Coast's creative community. The Artists Index offers listeners up-close and personal conversations with the artists, supporters, and cultural impresarios of South Coast's creative community. Listen to the artists talk about their work, backgrounds, passions, dreams, and accomplishments.  Also featured are those who work in or manage the creative community's economy, promotion, and cultural agenda. Please consider donating to, sponsoring, or underwriting our podcasts and programs. This and other podcasts are available on The Artists Index and your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer / APPLE PODCASTS

Welcome, Midori Evans, founder of Midori Creativity. She understands how creatives think. Through workshops, coaching, and community projects, Midori follows an inner vision to make spaces for exploring creativity, connection, and meaningful life choices. Midori Evans is a powerful public speaker and certified creativity coach. She offers workshops on the creative process and the internal thinking that can create creative blocks. She is also the founder of Write with Community, Inc., which cultivates and promotes the literary arts of the SouthCoast (MA and RI). Midori has coordinated, contributed to, and published two local anthologies, The Landscape About Us and Waterscapes, featuring thirty South Coast MA photographers and writers. In addition to the anthologies, she has articles in The Creativity Workbook for Coaches and Creatives; Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists, and Clients; The Great Book of Journaling, and The Coach's Guide to Completing Creative Work. View her photography at cedarlightimages.com. Midori spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed her love of the arts, writing, heritage, and life. This episode was recorded with Zoom. We also record our podcasts at our studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Midori Evans Westport, Massachusetts 02790   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Other |   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, Cedric Earle Douglas, also known as Vise1. He is a street artist among his many other credentials. Cedric was born in Boston. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design Mass Art. His first experience with public art was writing his name creatively on abandoned spaces. Cedric is also the founder and Creative Director of The Up Truck, a creative art lab that is designed to engage underserved Boston communities. Cedric Douglas is widely recognized for his large-scale murals and portraits and is highly regarded by a broad range of audiences. His public art project, Street Memorials, takes a hard look at racial injustice and its deadly impact on the black community. The People's Memorial project requires viewers to "rethink the future of memorials and monuments." Cedric Douglas spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and now occasional podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his practice, and his journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Cedric Douglas New Bedford, Massachusetts 02780 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and support us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, musician Tyler Kingsland, a multi-instrumentalist and music instructor from Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Currently, he teaches public school in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and occasionally he also teaches privately. Tyler's priority is to enjoy both his family and his teaching job.  He continues to do so while happily playing professionally when life allows. Scott Bishop spoke with Tyler, who shared his story as a musician and so much more.   Recording Projects: Vessel - Rum Ham (Guitar/Vocal, Composition, Engineering) The Writing is on the Wall - Rum Ham (Guitar, Composition) You Can't Stay Here - Jive Slippers (tenor sax, Composition) Live at Umass Lowell rm #114 How to Feel Ticklebomb Orchestra (Bass Guitar) live at Ralph's Diner Blue Rondo a la Turk - (Bass) by Dave Brubeck A Moment - Pathos (All instruments and Vocals, composition) Dreams (Pandemic-soundalike project) - (Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Keys, background vocal, engineering [dayna kingsland lead vocal]) Don't Cry - Pathos (Guitar, Vocal, Composition)   Tyler Kingsland Somerset, Massachusetts 02726   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Hive Smasher | Band Camp   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, musician Myles Goulart, AKA Myles Goulart-Romano, who started playing the violin at 5 years old. Throughout the years, Myles started taking lessons on other instruments: piano, flute, and voice. He joined the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra, and during one holiday concert, playing side-by-side with the adult full-size orchestra, he was seated next to the harpist. Myles spoke with the harpist as she was packing away her harp in the parking garage, and signed up for lessons with her. Myles Goulart grew from a 22-string Celtic harp to his current 40-string petite pedal harp. He continued the classical training for years and started playing the harp in the youth orchestra. Through college, working as an RN, and opening his vintage shop, Hewn, Myles filled his spare time writing and recording music. His album Divine Automaton was released in the summer of 2024 and was "a project in which I found myself developing a new set of skills on the harp. I haven't been able to stop writing lately, and I'm very excited to see where this next project goes." Scott Bishop spoke with Myles, who shared his story as a harpist and so much more.   Myles Goulart Fairhaven Massachusetts 02719 508-965-5470   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

In Episode Eight, Jazz Podcast Host Dave Reis speaks with guitarist Russ Campoli, about his talent, passion, and dedication. Russ is a prominent jazz educator and musician. He has been widely recognized for his long-tenured career as the Jazz Band Director at New Bedford High School in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he served in the music department for 34 years. He retired in 2011. Under his direction, the NBHS Jazz Band became a highly competitive ensemble, frequently participating in prestigious events like the Berklee Jazz Festival and the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) festivals. His retirement was famously compared by students to the film Mr. Holland's Opus, highlighting his profound impact on generations of musicians, some of whom went on to professional music careers. The Artist Index's jazz documentarian and Jazz Podcast Series host, Dave Reis, spent nearly 26 years as a Jazz radio show host, among his many other accomplishments. He was one of the original longtime DJs who worked at the former WUSM, which became radio station WUMD, 89.3 FM, on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. Dave Reis, AKA David Domingo Reis, began as our guest on In-Focus Podcast 154 and In-Focus Podcast 181. He returns once again as the host of our first-ever ten-part jazz podcast series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. There is no better host for this series than Dave Reis, a walking, talking jazz encyclopedia and local legend himself. Dave grew up surrounded by and hanging around with many of the jazz greats he will be presenting his ten-part Jazz Podcast Series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome to our first post-holiday post since mid-December. Here is our first-ever, back-to-back twin episode post featuring The Artists Index podcast host Scott Bishop's conversations with Maggi Kerr Peirce, the author of A Belfast Girl. HERE IS PART TWO: According to the Parkhurst Brothers Publishing website, she "...sang her native Irish ballads from the Newport Folk Festival to Puget Sound during the 1970s. She performed on many of the same stages as Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, and Mary." She graced storytelling festivals from coast-to-coast with her Irish stories. The revered storyteller, a founder of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, a legendary and long-running (1967-2002) folk music and arts venue in New Bedford, Massachusetts, held at the First Unitarian Church. It was a vibrant community hub for the musicians, poets, and young people of the South Coast. Maggi has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and received the National Storytelling Network (USA) Oracle Award for lifetime achievement. Scott Bishop spoke with her at her home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Maggi Peirce was 93 at the time of her passing in December 2024. She shared just some of her many memories, as well as her love of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, the South Coast, and so much more.   Maggi Kerr Peirce Fairhaven Massachusetts 02719   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Welcome to our first post-holiday post since mid-December. Here is our first-ever, back-to-back twin episode post featuring The Artists Index podcast host Scott Bishop's conversations with Maggi Kerr Peirce, the author of A Belfast Girl. HERE IS PART ONE: According to the Parkhurst Brothers Publishing website, she "...sang her native Irish ballads from the Newport Folk Festival to Puget Sound during the 1970s. She performed on many of the same stages as Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, and Mary." She graced storytelling festivals from coast-to-coast with her Irish stories. The revered storyteller, a founder of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, a legendary and long-running (1967-2002) folk music and arts venue in New Bedford, Massachusetts, held at the First Unitarian Church. It was a vibrant community hub for the musicians, poets, and young people of the South Coast. Maggi has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and received the National Storytelling Network (USA) Oracle Award for lifetime achievement. Scott Bishop spoke with her at her home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Maggi Peirce was 93 at the time of her passing in December 2024. She shared just some of her many memories, as well as her love of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, the South Coast, and so much more.   Maggi Kerr Peirce Fairhaven Massachusetts 02719   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Welcome, Colin Williams, whose fascination with the use of language began with a grandfather from down Downeast Maine, at a university way down south, and with work in international commerce. It all inspired a poetic and lyrical volume of work. After several years of sea duty in the Navy during the Vietnam War, his matriculation at SMU (Southeastern Massachusetts University) was a welcome home flavored by the delight of the University's Paul Rudolph architecture. His tenure there included the co-chairmanship of the SMU Concert Series, which included finding art majors to design handbills, posters, tickets, and backstage passes. He directed concerts in the auditorium, the big parties in the campus center, and the 3000-seat gymnasium. These events were a 4-year experience. Colin said, "Having lived at several coastal addresses near the South Coast, the change to our urban environment was in part inspired by knowing that the Swain School of Design flavoured the neighbourhood." It was all a part, he believes, of the intersections of SMTI, SMU, and the Swain School of Design. After moving to New Bedford, the city became a village for him. Along with historic and maritime presence, a culture of musicians and artists, where "the embracing behaviour of many talents continued to be characterized by expressive and collaborative instincts." Colin Williams spoke with The Artists Index Cofounder & Podcaster Ron Fortier shared his memories of the halcyon days of SMU, as well as his love of the South Coast, and so much more.   Colin F. Williams Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   NOTE: A selection of Colin's poems is in the image gallery. Colin will also introduce Scott Bishop's two podcast conversations with folk music legend, Maggi Peirce, in our next two post-holiday episodes.    ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Welcome, Marcus Coward, who says, "I've been performing my whole life." It started with dance recitals in elementary school. Marcus continued performing through middle and high school. He participated in many theater productions and founded his high school's first improv club. He has evolved into podcasting and started his own podcast show, where he interviews a variety of people on Cable Access television with a show called Wake Up New Bedford on YouTube. He is also the co-host of the New Bedford Podcast, which is a part of the New Bedford Guide. As he related, "Having been in the army for a brief period, I have become comfortable with being uncomfortable, and have thrown myself into the local political scene." Marcus ran for a seat on the New Bedford School Committee of Public Schools in New Bedford.  His dream is to continue to serve his community while inspiring others to pursue their passions in life. Marcus Coward spoke with The Artists Index Cofounder & Podcaster Ron Fortier and discussed his love of the South Coast, and so much more.   Mboya Marcus Coward New Bedford, MA 02740   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!   This podcast is funded in part with a grant from the Fairhaven Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

Welcome to Scott Bishop's Fairhaven Podcast Series. This Farihaven Performing Artists number six features Eddie Dillon. This is the second of a two-part podcast. Listen to part one here. Eddie is a singer/songwriter and musician with over 500 songs in his catalog. His music has been recorded and released by Aoife Clancy, Barleycorn, Seamus Kennedy, Shananagans, and The Jammin' Divas. Eddie Dillon's two original CDs, The Barber's Lament and Things You Wished You Said, are available online, and a new CD, All For a Song, was released this year. Active in the Irish music world, he is the only American to tour with the Clancy Brothers, he appeared with them on television and in concert in Ireland and the States. Dillon was a founding member of the Shananagans,, in Massachusetts, and still performs with the band on occasion. He was also a member of the Celtic rock band The Aliens. He toured throughout the Northeast with both Aoife and Finbarr Clancy and has played with many other bands as well as solo in venues across New England and New York. Eddie Dillon spoke with The Artists Index Scott Bishop and discussed his love of music, Irish music, the South Coast, and so much more. LISTEN: Soft Kiss, Warm Embrace - The Water and the Wind - Kimaley - Bridgett Harte - History - Money and Water     Eddie Dillon Fairhaven, MA 02719   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!   This podcast is funded in part with a grant from the Fairhaven Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

Welcome, George Macedo, a musician originally from the Island of Flores in the Azores, Portugal. He immigrated to New Bedford, Massachusetts, at the age of eight. From an early age, he developed a deep passion for music, which led him to perform in bands throughout his youth—eventually playing in nightclubs up to six nights a week. George has been a long-standing member of the Portuguese-American band, Os Capitalistas (The Capitalists). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a solo career, allowing him to continue exploring his creativity. Since then, George has written, composed, and produced three full-length studio albums. He is currently in the studio working on his fourth album, with a (at the time this podcast was recorded) soon-to-be-announced release date. In addition to recording, George Macedo has been actively producing music videos to enhance the visibility of his work and to share the joy he finds in performing with a broader audience. George spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed his music career, his artistic beginnings, continuing journey, and much more. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   George V. Macedo 1601 Acushnet Avenue New Bedford, MA 02746       Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Spotify   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Robin D. Nunes, a full-time artist. She is focused on a personal and playful approach to her art. Robin is currently represented by Four Corners Gallery, Norton Gallery and Framing, Attleboro Art Museum, Cotuit Center for the Arts, and Kettle Black Gallery in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Her newest collection of work is on exhibit at the Four Corners Gallery in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Robin focuses on cityscapes, and her love for Nature has brought her to love en plein air painting. She says, "Whether I am painting seascapes or landscapes, using a palette knife adds a whimsical touch to my paintings." Robin spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed her art, her artistic beginning and journey, and much more. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Robin Nunes Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748     Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Chris Duval, the owner and founder of Circa Vintage Wear. This vintage clothing store is a South Coast institution. It was opened in 1986 specializing in men's and women's vintage clothing and accessories. Circa Vintage Wear mainly emphasizes the fashion and designs of the 20s-60s. Chris Duval's inspiration was mainly the fashion, and the reuse, recycling and reinterpretation of clothing while making it current.  Circa Vintage Wear wide selection encourages self expression. As Chris recounts, "So much amazing clothing was ending up in landfills and I wanted to create a space where people would be inspired to make vintage a viable commodity." Circa has grown over the past 38 years and evolved. But, it has maintained it's passion driven integrity. Chris spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed both his journey in vinatage wear, Circa's establishment as the vinatage wear source in the South Coast and how Hollywood has come calling and shopping. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Chris Duval Circa Vintage Wear 20 Court Street New Bedford, MA 02740     Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome to Scott Bishop's Fairhaven Podcast Series. This Farihaven Performing Artists (number six) features Eddie Dillon. This is a two-part podcast. Watch for part two to follow shortly. Eddie is a singer/songwriter and musician with over 500 songs in his catalog. His music has been recorded and released by Aoife Clancy, Barleycorn, Seamus Kennedy, Shananagans, and The Jammin' Divas. Eddie Dillon's two original CDs, The Barber's Lament and Things You Wished You Said, are available online, and a new CD, All For a Song, was released this year. Active in the Irish music world, he is the only American to tour with the Clancy Brothers, he appeared with them on television and in concert in Ireland and the States. Dillon was a founding member of the Shananagans,, in Massachusetts, and still performs with the band on occasion. He was also a member of the Celtic rock band The Aliens. He toured throughout the Northeast with both Aoife and Finbarr Clancy and has played with many other bands as well as solo in venues across New England and New York. Eddie Dillon spoke with The Artists Index Scott Bishop and discussed his love of music, Irish music, the South Coast, and so much more.   Eddie Dillon Fairhaven, MA 02719 LISTEN: Soft Kiss, Warm Embrace - The Water and the Wind - Kimaley - Bridgett Harte - History - Money and Water   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!   This podcast is funded in part with a grant from the Fairhaven Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

This is the September AHA! episode of our continuing series of podcasts from Play Arcade, co-hosted by our podcast partner and friend, Adam Katz. Our guests included Max Wickemeyer, The Artists Index's volunteer development director, and Kate Frazer Rego (Episode 147 and Episode 83). Our guests joined podcast host Ron Fortier on September 11, 2025, to share about the eleventh anniversary of 911; both the direct and indirect aspects of the surprise attack, recollections, and how the event affected artists and art in particular. The Living Room at Play Arcade is "an old-school 80's style arcade offering a full-service bar, craft-made drinks, and food..." and over 40 vintage arcade games and a rooftop deck overlooking the working waterfront in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) has presented New Bedford and the South Coast with free arts and culture nights. It celebrated its 25th anniversary this September! AHA! Nights are held every second Thursday of the month to recall and honor the nostalgic late shopping night offered in New Bedford from the 1940s through the 1960s. This revival has brought a new and lasting vibrancy to downtown. Every artist has a story! Listen in to all of our up-close and personal conversations with artists, supporters of the arts, and the cultural impresarios of the South Coast's remarkable creative community. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Welcome to Scott Bishop's new series, Brought to the Light. Scott's guest on this first of ten podcasts is Lee Blake. She has over 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in urban education and historic preservation. Lee has taught African American and Women's Studies at the high school and university level in New Bedford and in New York City. She served as the director of Education for the City of New York for 8 years. Lee Blake has been awarded five National Endowment for the Humanities awards to provide professional development to teachers across the country on African American history. Her program, Sailing to Freedom: New Bedford and the Underground Railroad, is breaking new ground as it highlights the sea and whaling as an escape route for African American freedom seekers. Currently, Lee serves as president and chief development officer for the New Bedford Historical Society. During her 15 years as a volunteer at the Society, Lee has successfully raised funds for after-school programming, building preservation and restoration projects, as well as funds for art Although Lee Blake says, "I am not an artist, but I work with artists to fund public art pieces and spaces that have changed the narrative of the City of New Bedford." New Bedford Historical Society has been responsible for the vast majority of public art in New Bedford that focuses on Black history and the Black experience. "The Society has been responsible for illustrating the history of our people through several projects: Lewis Temple Monument, Abolition Row Park, the Frederick Douglass statue, 54th Massachusetts Mural and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Park, the Jazz Mural, and other projects. Lee spoke with The Artists Index Scott Bishop on his new series, Brought to the Light. They discussed her love of history, African American culture, New Bedford, and more.   Lee Blake New Bedford Historical Society 21 Seventh Street New Bedford, MA 02740 508-979-8828   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!   This podcast is funded in part with a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency

Welcome, Toni Delgado-Green, the Arts & Culture Editor for The New Bedford Light, one of our community partners. Toni has loved to sketch since a very young age.  She especially liked pencils or charcoal. As she says, "Whether through visual art, music, writing, spoken word, or modeling, creative expression is my thing." Toni Delgado-Green started as an art student. Writing, however, eventually felt like the more practical path for her. She says she's been lucky to channel that passion as the Arts & Culture Editor for The New Bedford Light since its inception. Toni is proud of the work The Light does and the way it connects with the South Coast community. She has a soft spot for surrealism and impressionism, and believes music is as essential as food and water. Local culture and history are part of that nourishment. Toni Delgado-Green dabbled in the modeling world as a young teacher, but says she lacked the confidence needed to succeed. Now, she's approached this new venture with a new mindset and hopes to inspire others by her example. Toni spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed her love of the arts, writing, heritage, and life. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Toni Lynn Delgado-Green Fall River, MA 02720   508-972-1133   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, Manuela Laurenco Da Costa! Manuela DaCosta is a fiction writer and the author of the Hawk Island series. Acores is the Portuguese word for hawk. It is spelled Azores in English. The series, according to Google Books, "...stands in the middle of the Atlantic, small and defiant, like its people. Two Brooks is the most isolated village in Hawk Island, surrounded by high cliffs and flanked at each end by a brook. It is a village of tenacious people, hardened by isolation and punished by nature with crude winters and burning droughts. It is also a place forsaken by God and men that boasts a long history of civil disobedience and defiance of social norms." Born in Terceira, Acores, she immigrated to the United States as a young adult just before the Carnation Revolution of 1974. Manuela graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth). She lives in New Bedford with her husband and cat. In addition to writing the Hawk Island series, Manuela published her first book, Os Sonhos de Dona Dores, in the 90s. Written in Portuguese prose, it illustrates the conflicts between a young girl and her parents as immigrants in a new country. Hawk Island offers a different approach with intense character building and deeply descriptive landscapes. It tells the story of the dynamic between islanders and strangers on this remote island. Manuela spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed her writing, heritage, and life. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Manuela DaCosta New Bedford, MA 02744   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

This is the August AHA! episode of our continuing series of podcasts from Play Arcade, co-hosted by our podcast partner and friend, Adam Katz. Our guests included Max Wickemeyer, The Artists Index's new volunteer development director, and Kat Knutsen (Episode 73, Episode 131, and Episode 180), as well as painter Mason Terra. The topic was about connections and networks, and community. Our guests joined podcast host Ron Fortier to relate and swap stories about our wonderful South Coast creative Community and New Bedford, the world-famous, historic New England seaport. The Living Room at Play Arcade is "an old-school 80's style arcade offering a full-service bar, craft-made drinks, and food..." and over 40 vintage arcade games and a rooftop deck overlooking the working waterfront in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) has presented New Bedford and the South Coast with free arts and culture nights. It celebrated its 25th anniversary this September! AHA! Nights are held every second Thursday of the month to recall and honor the nostalgic late shopping night offered in New Bedford from the 1940s through the 1960s. This revival has brought a new and lasting vibrancy to downtown. Every artist has a story! Listen in to all of our up-close and personal conversations with artists, supporters of the arts, and the cultural impresarios of the South Coast's remarkable creative community. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Welcome, Adrian R. Tió, a former Professor of Fine Arts in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He was also a former dean at the College. Tió received his fine arts training from Temple University (BA ‘74), the University of Cincinnati (MFA ‘79), and his post-baccalaureate study at the Tyler School of Art in Rome, Italy (‘75-76). He resides in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Adrian Tió has exhibited nationally and regionally, in drawing, painting, and printmaking for over 40 years. Tió maintains the Hare of the Dog Press & Studio in New Bedford, Massachusetts, at the north end Hatch Street Studios. Adrian spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed his art, heritage, life, and his time and experiences at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Adrian Tió Mattapoisett, MA 02739     Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Zarla Ludin, a design strategist, product enthusiast, and sometime artist. Her career has focused on helping businesses—such as Sonos, Amazon, and iRobot—connect their creative teams with clear narratives and organizational goals. Zarla has also partnered with municipalities, including the City of Boston, to shape service innovations and reflect on design practice. She is now channeling her love for storytelling and product development into her artistic side. After she began prioritizing her art practice, she was surprised by how few art supply stores exist in Massachusetts—outside of big-box chains, options are scarce. Zarla Ludin launched The Spare Studio in 2024 to address this gap with a second-hand art supply store that extends the life of creative materials and invites the creative community and community-at-large to "reimagine what's possible with what we already have." She is officially an art supply retailer. Zarla spoke with The Artists Index co-founder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier. They discussed her passion, heritage, life, and developing journey as a working musician. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Zarla Ludin Scituate, MA 02o66     Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

In Episode Seven, Jazz Podcast Host, Dave Reis speaks with drummer Chris Poudrier, Sr., about his talent, passion, and dedication. Chris's career has not been limited to a specific genre. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, Cum Laude. He is a drum set professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he is the musical director for the UMASS Dartmouth Latin-Jazz “ Vision” Ensemble. Chris has also been on the guest faculty for The Berklee College of Music's Annual Percussion Festival. His work has been documented on many recordings.  He performs with The Jim Robitaille Group. Chris Poudrier, Sr., is also a composer, an Irish Bodhran player, and an Irish Uilleann piper. The Artist Index's jazz documentarian and Jazz Podcast Series host, Dave Reis, spent nearly 26 years as a Jazz radio show host, among his many other accomplishments. He was one of the original longtime DJs who worked at the former WUSM, which became radio station WUMD, 89.3 FM, on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. Dave Reis, AKA David Domingo Reis, began as our guest on In-Focus Podcast 154 and In-Focus Podcast 181. He returns once again as the host of our first-ever ten-part jazz podcast series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. There is no better host for this series than Dave Reis, a walking, talking jazz encyclopedia and local legend himself. Dave grew up surrounded by and hanging around with many of the jazz greats he will be presenting his ten-part Jazz Podcast Series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, Lara Lourenco Harrington, AKA Lara Harrington, a re-emerging artist and supporter of the arts in the South Coast. She is the daughter of immigrants from Terceira and Faial, "two of the most beautiful islands in the Azores." Her journey to connect more deeply with her heritage took a significant turn in 2011 when she became involved with the Azorean Whaleboats in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Lara's involvement opened doors that allowed her to immerse herself deeply in the culture, "particularly through participating in international regattas with Pico Island and Faial." Through these experiences, she has built amazing friendships and discovered incredible opportunities to share the Islands' beauty and charm from a local perspective. Her passion for the Açores (Azores in English) continues to grow as she brings the essence of these islands to those around her. "This journey of bridging a creative community between New Bedford and the Azores was inspired by my background in the arts and my commitment to cultural exchange." Lara Harrington received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art in 2000. After building and leaving a successful business in fitness, she is excited about her new adventure, Hotel Papel, which includes an art residency program! Lara spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently. She spoke about her passion, heritage, life, and developing journey as a working musician. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Lara Harrington New Bedford, MA 02744 508-965-8860   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

This is the July AHA! episode - our eleventh - in our continuing series of livestream podcasts from Play Arcade co-hosted by our podcast partner and friend Adam Katz. We invited Max Wickemeyer The Artists Index's new volunteer development director, and Kat Knutsen (Episode 73, Episode 131, and Episode 180). Elyse Laurelle Dermarest joined us later. The topics ranged as they usually do. Our guests joined podcast host Ron Fortier to relate and swap stories about our wonderful South Coast creative Community and New Bedford, the world-famous, historic New England seaport. The Living Room at Play Arcade is "an old-school 80's style arcade offering a full-service bar, craft-made drinks, and food..." and over 40 vintage arcade games and a rooftop deck overlooking the working waterfront in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) has presented New Bedford and the South Coast with free arts and culture nights. It celebrated its 25th anniversary this September! AHA! Nights are held every second Thursday of the month to recall and honor the nostalgic late shopping night offered in New Bedford from the 1940s through the 1960s. This revival has brought a new and lasting vibrancy to downtown. Every artist has a story! Listen in to all of our up-close and personal conversations with artists, supporters of the arts, and the cultural impresarios of the South Coast's remarkable creative community. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Welcome, Jimi Blacksheep, AKA James A. Bourne, musical artist. His mantra: sounding good and looking good. His alter ego, his stage persona, is Jimi Blacksheep, and his life has been a musical journey. Now in his 60s, this transplanted New Bedford, Massachusetts, resident is most at home busking on the streets, entertaining pedestrians with his vast catalog of covers and original songs. Jimi Blacksheep has been taking his dream to the streets for quite some time, and he continues to do it with style. He regularly commutes to Boston to entertain pedestrians with his catalog of covers and original songs on the city's sidewalks. It's just Jimi, his guitar, voice, amplifier, and another page in his continuing musical journey. Jimi spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently after meeting him at an AHA! event. Ron asked him to talk about his passion, his life, and his journey as a working musician. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Jimi Blacksheep (AKA James A. Bourne) New Bedford, MA 02746 774 271-5179   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Jeff 'Pixel' Palmer, a block and screen printing artist with deep New England roots, is currently based in Marion, Massachusetts. His artistic style is heavily supported by his years in the field of graphic design production. Jeff or Pixel has extensive credentials in video and film production.  His subject matter includes historic icons, famous actors, musicians, animals, pop art, humor, and a dose of whimsy. Jeff's shop is where you'll find "Cool art for fun folks!" Jeff spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his life, and his journey from commercial to, well, fun art. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Jeff 'Pixel' Palmer Marion, MA 02738   Studio Address: Kilburn Mill Artisan Center 3rd Floor - Suite 40 127 Rodney French Boulevard New Bedford, MA 02744 857-523-9252   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

In Episode Seven, our Gallery X Documentation Project podcast host Sean FitzGerald speaks with Matthew Ryckebusch, musician and ESOL instructor at UMass Dartmouth Workers' Education Program for over 20 years. Matt, AKA Gaston Jethro, is the vocalist and bass player in the popular South Coast musical group, The Jethros! He is an associate member and an important part of the evolution of Gallery X. Matthew joins Sean's other guests in contributing his memories to the Gallery X Documentation Project and discusses his part in the gallery's growth. Gallery X is integral to New Bedford and the South Coast creative community. PHOTO CREDIT: UMass Dartmouth   About Gallery X The gallery was founded in 1990 and is a contemporary, cooperative art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artist members and volunteers. Gallery X has served as an incubator for emerging artists and is a venue for established artists. It is a platform for local artists, performers, and creatives of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as an integral part of the South Coast‘s community. This eight-episode podcast series supports and documents the overall project and provides historical and background information about the gallery and the progress made to date. The Gallery X Documentation Project will reach out to listeners and anyone seeking information about historical or contemporary artists from the South Coast's creative community. The Artists Index offers listeners up-close and personal conversations with the artists, supporters, and cultural impresarios of South Coast's creative community. Listen to the artists talk about their work, backgrounds, passions, dreams, and accomplishments.  Also featured are those who work in or manage the creative community's economy, promotion, and cultural agenda. Please consider donating to, sponsoring, or underwriting our podcasts and programs. This and other podcasts are available on The Artists Index and your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer / APPLE PODCASTS

In Episode Six, our Gallery X Documentation Project podcast host Sean FitzGerald speaks with Don Wilkinson, painter/art writer. Don is an important part of Gallery X and contributes his memories to the Gallery X Documentation Project! He's one of the earliest Gallery X members and an integral part of the gallery's formation and growth into a New Bedford and overall South Coast creative community institution. Don's art articles have appeared in Artscope Magazine, Art New England, The Standard-Times, The Providence Journal, Ceramics Ireland Magazine, and currently, as the Chasing the Muse arts columnist for The New Bedford Light, is a free, nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news outlet for the South Coast. PHOTO CREDIT: Don Wilkinson   About Gallery X The gallery was founded in 1990 and is a contemporary, cooperative art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artist members and volunteers. Gallery X has served as an incubator for emerging artists and is a venue for established artists. It is a platform for local artists, performers, and creatives of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as an integral part of the South Coast‘s community. This eight-episode podcast series supports and documents the overall project and provides historical and background information about the gallery and the progress made to date. The Gallery X Documentation Project will reach out to listeners and anyone seeking information about historical or contemporary artists from the South Coast's creative community. The Artists Index offers listeners up-close and personal conversations with the artists, supporters, and cultural impresarios of South Coast's creative community. Listen to the artists talk about their work, backgrounds, passions, dreams, and accomplishments.  Also featured are those who work in or manage the creative community's economy, promotion, and cultural agenda. Please consider donating to, sponsoring, or underwriting our podcasts and programs. This and other podcasts are available on The Artists Index and your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer / APPLE PODCASTS

In Episode Five, our Gallery X Documentation Project podcast host Sean FitzGerald speaks with John Neiman, AKA Screamin' Johnny Neiman. John is an important part of Gallery X and the Gallery X Documentation Project! He's one of the founding members of Gallery X. John has served in many capacities as an active member, an integral part of the everyday operations, and in all aspects and projects, from hanging work to helping set up musical productions. John is also a member of the musical Pumpkin Head Ted. The gallery was founded in 1990 and is a contemporary, cooperative art gallery of visual, performing, and literary artist members and volunteers. Gallery X has served as an incubator for emerging artists and is a venue for established artists. It is a platform for local artists, performers, and creatives of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to showcase their talents as an integral part of the South Coast‘s community. This eight-episode podcast series supports and documents the overall project and provides historical and background information about the gallery and the progress made to date. The Gallery X Documentation Project will reach out to listeners and anyone seeking information about historical or contemporary artists from the South Coast's creative community. The Artists Index offers listeners up-close and personal conversations with the artists, supporters, and cultural impresarios of South Coast's creative community. Listen to the artists talk about their work, backgrounds, passions, dreams, and accomplishments.  Also featured are those who work in or manage the creative community's economy, promotion, and cultural agenda. Please consider donating to, sponsoring, or underwriting our podcasts and programs. This and other podcasts are available on The Artists Index and your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer / APPLE PODCASTS

In Episode Six, Dave Reis speaks with internationally renowned, award-winning jazz musician and centenarian, Terry Gibbs, via Zoom from Australia! Terry Gibbs, was born Julius Gubenkon in 1924. The renowned American jazz vibraphonist and band leader is 101 years old! According to his Wikipedia page, Gibbs has performed or recorded with many of the greatest names in Jazz, including  Tommy Dorsey, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Alice Coltrane, Louie Bellson, Charlie Shavers, Mel Tormé, and Buddy DeFranco to name just a few. "I am the oldest bebopper alive!” proclaims 93-year-old Terry Gibbs, according to an article in Jazz Times, "This forefather of the jazz vibraphone may well be right; age-wise he beats out his closest competitors, including Roy Haynes (92), Jimmy Heath (91), Lee Konitz (90) and Sheila Jordan (89). Certainly, few musicians of any age can top his ability to whip up a storm of excitement on his instrument." The Artist Index's jazz documentarian and Jazz Podcast Series host, Dave Reis, spent nearly 26 years as a Jazz radio show host, among his many other accomplishments. He was one of the original longtime DJs who worked at the former WUSM, which became radio station WUMD, 89.3 FM, on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. Dave Reis, AKA David Domingo Reis, began as our guest on In-Focus Podcast 154 and In-Focus Podcast 181. He returns once again as the host of our first-ever ten-part jazz podcast series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. There is no better host for this series than Dave Reis, a walking, talking jazz encyclopedia and local legend himself. Dave grew up surrounded by and hanging around with many of the jazz greats he will be presenting his ten-part Jazz Podcast Series underwritten by the Fiber Optic Center. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app, including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer, and APPLE PODCASTS   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!

Welcome, John Irwin, a Tiverton, Rhode Island, artist. His studio is in The Handkerchief Factory, which is located in Warren, Rhode Island. Tiverton, by the way, is a part of the South Coast.  John has been painting for almost 50 years. He is a Special Education teacher at East Providence High School and teaches art at his studio and several other venues. John Irwin paints landscapes and portraits in oil and acrylic. He enjoys painting from life but, increasingly, also from memory. For the last half a dozen years, he has been teaching art, and he says, "I think it has made me a much better artist." John Irwin emphasizes drawing and experimentation with his students. He is interested in depicting emotion and feelings in his private work.  John spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his life, and his journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   John Crawford Irwin Studio Address: The Hankerchief Factory 569 Main Street. #121 Warren, Rhode Island 02885 401-639-2037   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, Mwalim (AKA Daphunkee Professor AKA Morgan James Peters), who has been studying music since he was ten years old. He is formally trained in classical, jazz, and is a fourth-generation musician on his mother's side. Mwalim's first instrument was the viola, and he performed at Carnegie Hall with an orchestra before he was 14. He also started studying piano and composition with his grandfather, the noted jazz arranger, band leader, and producer for Southern Records and Decca Records, Allan Nurse. Mwalim went to the Music & Art High School (LaGuardia) in New York City, and later earned his BA in Music and an MS in Film from Boston University. He earned an MFA in Writing from Goddard College. Mwalim spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, recently about his passion, his life, and his journey as an artist. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford. Representative Work OUT OF THE WOODS (Black Squirrel Version) LET OURSELVES GO 7 GHOSTS THIEF IN THE NIGHT 01-7 CANDLES GEMINI - BY THEMSELVES   Mwalim - Daphunkee Professor (Morgan James Peters) New Bedford, Massachusetts 02746 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linktree | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

Welcome, South Coast newcomer and the owner-operator of an already local institution, Fairhaven Frets, Bryon Knight. One of our newest friends, supporters, and collaborators. He began his musical career at age 11 and wanted to know more about how instruments were built. Bryon began “hanging around” a shop where a master fiddle maker was producing hand-made violins, violas, cellos, and a few guitars. He "swept the sawdust just to be near the old luthier and glean technical tidbits that would prove to be valuable later in my life." He also began playing in bands and eventually started touring regionally. Did we mention that Byron was from Arkansas and that he also had a 25-year career in television production, producing programs for ESPN, Fox Sports, The Discovery Channel, and The Outdoor Channel? He moved on to join the largest music retailer in the world, Thomann/Sweetwater Sound. After the devastating loss of a friend, he was encouraged by Little Rock Frets, which, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, was the largest string instrument repair shop in the state. His wife, Frances, is a New England Native and wanted to return "Home," and so they did and came to Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where Fairhaven Frets came into existence in 2019. Byron Knight spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, this past April, about how he "always played music and worked on instruments - mostly for the pure love of the art". This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Bryon Knight Fairhaven Frets 105 Sconticut Neck Road Fairhaven MA 02719 508-433-3738   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

This is the May AHA! episode - our tenth - in our continuing series of livestream podcasts from Play Arcade co-hosted by our podcast partner and friend Adam Katz. We invited David Walega and guests from our earliest podcasts, Jill Law, and Michael Pietragalla to join us this month. In fact, Michael was our very first guest on Episode 2. Jeff Wotton and Ron Fortier did the first or intro Episode 1 podcast. Max Wickemeyer The Artists Index's new volunteer deveelopment director, Catherine Carter (Episode 57 and  Episode 102), Dan Cooney (Episode 29) our very first sponsor, and Kat Knutsen (Episode 73, Episode 131, and Episode 180), one of our staunchest supporters were there! John Wojtowocz also dropped by. The topics ranged as per usual. Our guests were invited to help us celebrate over 200 podcasts and counting, and to  remind us of our earliest days. It all jappened on Thursday, May 8th (from 6 to 7:30 pm.). They joined podcast host Ron Fortier to relate and swap stories about our wonderful South Coast creative Community and New Bedford, the world-famous, historic New England seaport. Also discussed was the experience of being a part of one of the largest and continually growing creative communities in Massachusetts. A community now being assisted by the long awaited arival of South Coast Rail. The Living Room at Play Arcade is "an old-school 80's style arcade offering a full-service bar, craft-made drinks, and food..." and over 40 vintage arcade games and a rooftop deck overlooking the working waterfront in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) has presented New Bedford and the South Coast with free arts and culture nights. It celebrated its 25th anniversary this September! AHA! Nights are held every second Thursday of the month to recall and honor the nostalgic late shopping night offered in New Bedford from the 1940s through the 1960s. This revival has brought a new and lasting vibrancy to downtown. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know! The Artists Index records our podcasts at our Spectrum Marketing Group studio. We also use Zoom to accommodate our guests' schedules or for those who no longer live on the South Coast of Massachusetts. The Artists Index provides our listeners and readers with up close and personal conversations with artists, supporters of the arts, and the cultural impresarios of the South Coast's remarkable creative community. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer and APPLE PODCASTS   * David Walega  featured and additional photos credit   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Welcome, South Coast native, America's Master Mentalist, and our friend, Jon Stetson, to our 206th podcast! Jon was our guest during the height of the pandemic when we recorded his visit on Podcast Number 67. A lot has happened in the World since we last spoke with him. In case you didn't know, Jon inspired the CBS hit television series “The Mentalist”. Stetson blends the art of Mystery with the study of Psychology, the predictability of human nature, and the power of intuition. According to Jon, “Imaginations are wowed, stretched, and captured, as thoughts are revealed and minds are being read.” This all takes place with Jon's intriguing games of mind-to-mind contact. As his billing touts, “The Stetson Experience is intelligent, interactive, sophisticated fun.” Jon says he began, "the study of the mystic arts at a very early age and has been blessed to receive formal training from some very gifted and proficient mystics, intuitives, shamans, and healers." He has performed for five U.S. Presidents, the King of Sweden, and the Royal Family of Monaco. He has appeared on several major television networks and made hundreds of corporate and celebrity appearances, Jon Stetson spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, once again last summer, about his study of the mystic arts and interactions with some of the greatest mystics and shamans. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford. Jon Stetson Fairhaven MA 02719 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!    

This is the April AHA! episode - our ninth - in our continuing series of livestream podcasts from Play Arcade co-hosted by our podcast partner and friend Adam Katz. We opted for an open mic evening this month and our guests were Sarah Mulvey Ferreira, The Artists Index Podcast host Scott Bishop, Denn Santoro, and Max Wickemeyer. We covered a bunch of topics last Thursday, April 10th (from 6 to 7:30 pm.) Our guests joined podcast host Ron Fortier to relate and swap stories as working artists about this wonderful world-famous, historic New England seaport, and the experience of being a part of one of the largest creative communities in Massachusetts. It all happened at in the Living Room at Play Arcade "an old-school 80's style arcade offering a full-service bar, craft-made drinks, and food..." and over 40 vintage arcade games and a rooftop deck overlooking the working waterfront in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) has presented New Bedford and the South Coast with free arts and culture nights. It celebrated its 25th anniversary this September! AHA! Nights are held every second Thursday of the month to recall and honor the nostalgic late shopping night offered in New Bedford from the 1940s through the 1960s. This revival has brought a new and lasting vibrancy to downtown. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know! The Artists Index records our podcasts at our Spectrum Marketing Group studio. We also use Zoom to accommodate our guests' schedules or for those who no longer live on the South Coast of Massachusetts. The Artists Index provides our listeners and readers with up close and personal conversations with artists, supporters of the arts, and the cultural impresarios of the South Coast's remarkable creative community. Podcasts are also available on your favorite media app including Amazon Music / iHeart Radio / Libsyn / Podcast Page / Spotify / WebPlayer and APPLE PODCASTS   * Scott Bishop  featured photo credit   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Welcome, Max Wickemeyer to our 205th podcast! Max is also known as Max Harris Wickemeyer or, by his professional name Max H. Wickemeyer. We were introduced to Max by our friend and early podcast guest, Dan Cooney, the co-owner of Heavenly Spirits and our first sponsor. Max said that I described him as a polymath and that, "only time will tell" if, what I said was accurate. He started taking music lessons at 7 years old including trumpet, drums, and then guitar at 12. He's continued playing ever since and was a trio member of a hobby rock group, which according to AI Overview, is a group, "whose members play music primarily for enjoyment and personal satisfaction, rather than for professional gain or career advancement.  It's a group that enjoys the creative process of making music together, often focusing on the camaraderie and artistic expression rather than commercial success." The group performed for charities and was called The Turlebackband. Max says they got together in 2003 and played together until 2017. He was a collaborator and not a frontman. His role was bass player and very occasional harmony. According to Max, "I also helped keep the group glued socially. Max Wickemeyer's other artisanal experiences and executions include carpentry, painting, plaster, metalwork, fine furniture, and picture frames. He is a long-time landscape gardener and his other hobbies include yoga, forest walks, biking, and roaming places including neighborhoods of my most recent residence, the South Coast. He's also been a volunteer land steward for Nature Conservancy. He spent 37 years in the insurance industry and retired to, "only seek an understanding of the cosmos." He has one daughter and two grandchildren. Max Wickemeyer spoke with The Artists Index's cofounder, documentarian, and podcast host, Ron Fortier, last summer, about his passions, his interests, and his new life after relocating to the South Coast. This episode was recorded at our recording studio at Spectrum Marketing Group at Howland Place in New Bedford.   Max H. Wickemeyer New Bedford MA 02740 Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Other   Please consider donating whatever you can to help and assure us in our mission to continue documenting the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!