Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 193: The Uncrushable Spirit Behind Matt’s Place Foundation

In this special episode, Ali & Callie sit down with Theresa Wild, co-founder of Matt’s Place Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families facing the devastating challenges of ALS. Theresa shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation, the innovative housing solutions they’ve pioneered, and the community-driven mission that keeps their work moving forward. Her passion, resilience, and commitment shine through as she talks about the families they serve and the hope they work to protect every day.

As we close out the year, we invite our listeners to join us in supporting Matt’s Place Foundation—Ali & Callie’s charity of choice in honor of our friend, the late Steve Gibbs. Your end-of-year gift can make a meaningful difference for families navigating ALS and help continue the incredible work Theresa and her team are doing.

For more information or to make a donation visit mattsplacefoundation.org.

Ep 192: Behind the Curtain at Lake City Playhouse, Jessica Peterson on Little Women

Lake City Playhouse is bringing a beloved holiday classic to Coeur d’Alene with its production of “Little Women,” opening tonight and running through December 7. This heartwarming story filled with sisterhood, sacrifice, and timeless charm is the perfect way to ease into the spirit of the season.

The show is directed by Jessica Peterson, a vibrant force at Lake City Playhouse. Known for her talent on stage as well as behind the scenes, Jessica made her directorial debut earlier this year and now returns with a fresh, heartfelt vision for this iconic production. In addition to joining the Playhouse board, Jessica is a licensed master social worker who brings deep empathy and insight to every project she touches. Theater has long been a passion woven through her life, with memorable performances in both CYT and Lake City Playhouse shows.

Tickets are on sale now at lakecityplayhouse.org.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this cherished classic—beautifully staged and perfectly timed for the holidays. Gather your friends and family and make “Little Women” part of your seasonal tradition.

Ep 191: Brian Crain’s Musical Journey

Brian Crain is an American pianist and composer whose music has been streamed more than six billion times. Born in Hollywood, Brian grew up creating melodies by ear—often whistling tunes he made up on the spot. His father was an award-winning educational filmmaker, and Brian spent part of his youth helping with film projects, which sparked his interest in writing music for pictures. Though he briefly took piano lessons as a child, he mostly taught himself by improvising at the family piano between baseball practices—balancing dreams of being a professional ballplayer with a growing pull toward composition.

In his early twenties, Brian began writing music for films alongside his father, before releasing his own solo piano albums. His breakout came with Morning Light, leading to a career of more than twenty albums that blend contemporary classical, cinematic storytelling, and minimalist elegance. His duet albums Piano and Cello Duet and Piano and Violin Duet have inspired musicians around the world to perform his work, and pieces like Butterfly Waltz and Song for Sienna have become global favorites.

Brian’s music has been featured in films, commercials, and broadcasts internationally, and in 2013 he was named Honorary Cultural Ambassador for Yeongwol, South Korea. Today, he continues to compose and perform music rooted in curiosity, emotional resonance, and the simple joy of creating.

You can find his music on any streaming app, or visit his website at briancrain.com

Ep 190: Jim Lien - from One Night to 39 Years

What started as a one-night gig in 1986 turned into a nearly 40-year tradition of good music, good people, and very good times. Back then, the school district needed a band for a levy victory party — and teacher/musician Jim Lien basically said, “Yeah, I know some folks.” He rounded up a crew of fellow educators who could sing or play (or, in some cases, were just brave), and they hit the stage as Heavy Levy and the Rhythm Dawgs — playing classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

The levy passed. The crowd went wild. People danced like nobody was grading them. And somewhere in the middle of all that fun, something stuck. The band dropped the “Heavy Levy” part and officially became The Rhythm Dawgs.

Fast-forward 39 years: the Dawgs are still out there. Sure, life changed — band members rotated, music styles shifted, and the world sped up — but one thing stayed steady: Jim Lien, bass in hand, heart in the community, keeping the groove alive.

He’s the backbone, the memory-keeper, the storyteller, and the guy who reminds everyone why this all started in the first place: because music has a way of bringing people together — especially when there’s something to celebrate.

You can find him on Facebook @TheRhythmDawgsCDA

Ep 189: Dancing with Heritage: Kultura de Filipino Dance Company

We’re joined by Gatieh Nacario and Anna Caldwell, founders of the Kultura de Filipino Dance Company — a passionate, independent Filipino cultural dance company in Spokane dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of their heritage through authentic performances.

More than just a dance group, Kultura de Filipino is committed to artistic excellence, cultural education, and the personal growth of their dancers. Their performances celebrate the rich traditions of the Philippines through movement, storytelling, and traditional attire.

Their dances include:

Phase 1 - Dances of the Cordillera Region; Takiling, Ragragsakan, Salip and Uya-uy

Phase 2 - Spanish-influence Dances; Jota Quirino, Sinakiki, Polkabal, Miligoy, Sinulog

Phase 3 - Exotic Mindanao Dances; Pig-apir, Panghalay, Kapa Malong Malong, Sagayan, Dugso

Phase 4 - Palawan and the Visayas Dances: Karatong, Kuradang, Itik-Itik Sibonga, Tinikling 

Their next performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at the Spokane Folk Festival at Spokane Community College. For exact times and other performances visit spokanefolkfestival.org.

To learn more about Kultura de Filipino Dance Company, visit kulturadefilipinodc.com or find them on Facebook or YouTube @KulturadeFilipinoDanceCompany.

Ep 188: The JACC: 20 Years of Art in Post Falls

 

For over 20 years, the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, also known as The JACC, has brought the Post Falls community together through the transformative power of the arts. What began as a mission to save a historic building has blossomed into a thriving hub where creativity, connection, and culture flourish in the heart of Post Falls.

Darla Dreyer has been the Executive Director for the last eight of those years, and she talks to us about the upcoming events, exhibits and classes happening there this fall and winter.

To find out more visit thejacklincenter.org or on Facebook @JacklinArts.

Ep 187: Making Waves with Ripple Dance Company

We sit down with Crystal Bain, Owner and Artistic Director, and Jessie Tulleners, Assistant Artistic Director of Ripple Dance Company — the first and only professional contemporary-modern dance company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Founded by Crystal, Ripple Dance Company gives advanced and professional-level dancers the opportunity to continue their artistic journeys right here in our community. The company also offers youth apprenticeships, produces both live and screen dance performances, and even hosts an annual dance film festival.

Crystal shares her recent honor as the 2025 Dance Teacher of the Year by the Idaho Dance Education Organization and reflects on her journey as a teacher, choreographer, and creative force shaping the local arts scene. Together, Crystal and Jessie talk about their mission to make a ripple in the community — inspiring others through innovation, education, and a genuine love for movement.

Learn more at www.rippledance.com.

Ep 186: The Inland Northwest Opera, Up Close and Unforgettable

Established in 2003, Inland Northwest Opera brings world-class talent to our region while providing a stage for local professionals to share their artistry with an engaged and inspired community.

Mike Bullard, board member, volunteer, and performer, talks to us about this valuable organization and its return thanks to some passionate folks in our community.

Inland Northwest Opera is a 501(c)(3) organization who produces opera which inspires and educates young and old, provides opportunity for local singers, and fosters access to the dramatic arts in the Inland Northwest.

Be sure to join them on Sunday, October 12 at 3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in CDA for a free afternoon performance dedicated to Menotti’s extraordinary ability to blend heart, humor, and humanity in music in The Human Spirit Demands to be Heard.

More events are planned with a big stage production of Die Fledermaus at North Idaho College Sept 11-13, 2026.

Visit inlandnwopera.org for information, volunteer opportunities and upcoming auditions.

Ep 185: The fabulous Junk2Funk is back!

The fabulous Junk2Funk is back for Lucky #13! 

We sat down with event MC Shannon Irwin and artist/model Brooke Wood for a lively chat about this wildly popular event happening Saturday, October 18.

Junk2Funk isn’t just a fashion show — it’s a “trashion” extravaganza! Every outfit on the runway is crafted from at least 80% recycled or repurposed materials. From plastic water bottles and used grocery bags to old CDs and whatever one might throw away, artists young and old turn literal garbage into high-fashion glory. 

Expect:
• Hilarious hosting from Shannon Irwin
• Show-stopping designs strutted down the catwalk
• A loaded, creative silent auction
• One unforgettable night supporting KEA, one of the area’s longest-running fundraisers

At the Eagles Ballroom - upstairs - a 209 Sherman in  Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Doors at 6pm, show starts at 7pm.

Get ready for an evening of art, imagination, and a fabulously trashy good time!

For tickets and details, visit keaalliance.org

Ep 184: WAXfest at Stylus Wine and Vinyl

It was such a treat to chat with Robby French, co-owner of Stylus, and Paul Irwin, vinyl DJ extraordinaire, about their upcoming event: WAXfest, happening Sunday, October 5, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

WAXfest will be the area’s very first record and vendor fair, transforming the Stylus parking lot at 2605 N 4th Street in Coeur d’Alene into a lively hub of music, community, and creativity. Guests can look forward to an eclectic mix of food and drinks, local record shops, live DJ sets, flash tattoos, and an array of independent vendors showcasing their work.

This is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of music culture and community spirit. We’re thrilled to see so many local businesses and creatives coming together to make WAXfest possible, and we can’t wait to share the experience with everyone.

For more information visit styluswineandvinylbar.com