Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 151: Bill Wiemuth, Historian and Author

Bill Weimuth has spent the last 20 years writing, producing, and publishing a diverse collection of works, including books, audiobooks, video presentations, a documentary film, and online courses that explore American history. His first novel, *Down the Rivers of Peril*, is based on the true story of the journey to transport America’s first Western steamboat, the “New Orleans,” from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. This 2,200-mile voyage, taken by the Roosevelt family in 1811, involved enduring floods, earthquakes, fires, and Native American attacks, among other challenges. It is a gripping tale of survival and ambition.

Bill is not only a talented storyteller but also a passionate lover of history. He shared the three-year effort to bring his book from the initial idea to the final published copy. We were honored to hear several readings from his work in his own words. 

To learn more about Bill and his works, please visit HistoryHighlights.com. “Rivers of Peril” is available at Amazon.com.

Ep 150: Ellen Travolta, Jenny Shotwell and the 5-timer jacket

Ellen Travolta, a beloved guest of the Ali & Callie Artcast, has graced us with her incredible stories and vibrant spirit over four seasons. As the first guest to appear five times in a gesture of our appreciation, we presented her with an Ali & Callie five-timer jacket, celebrating her as a valued member of our show and community. Thank you so much, Ellen, for your continued dedication to the arts. We truly appreciate you. 

This winter, Ellen will be acting in a Hallmark movie and producing "The Sounds of Christmas," this year's Christmas show at the Resort. The show promises to capture the true magic of the season. Produced by Ellen Travolta and directed by Roger Welch, this year's show features Jenny Shotwell along with her family—Jenny, Dalton, nine-year old Clark, and six year old Skye. The entire family will perform together, singing beloved Christmas songs and sharing stories, just as in previous seasons. 

Performances will run from November 29 to December 22, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 5:00 PM. To purchase your tickets, please visit cdachristmas.com. 

Ep 149: Lorna Hamilton

Lorna Hamilton, a versatile figure as a choreographer, director, producer, and author, shares her journey with Ali and Callie, starting in Coeur d’Alene in the 70s. Lorna, a recipient of the 2024  Mayor’s Award in Excellence of the Arts, has a humble dedication to the Arts in this community. She has authored two books, The Caregiver’s Story: Trading Anguish for a Life of Gratitude, a moving account of her ten-year journal chronicling the joys and challenges of caring for her ailing mother after a devastating stroke, and Being One- Managing Grief to Become Whole Again, both available on Amazon. Her third book, set to launch in December of 2024, is highly anticipated. Lorna, a spiritual life coach, has developed the “Love Joy Harmony Now” spiritual healing method to assist those in grief. She is NLP and ACET certified and utilizes her knowledge of breath techniques, yoga, and tai chi to promote happiness and abundance.

Ep 148: Mystic Mountain Music, Indie music duo

Mystic Mountain Music is a unique collaboration between two distinct singers, Hanna Rebecca and Meridith Vesser. Both bring their individual backgrounds in a cappella music and choir to the table. Their meeting on social media and subsequent friendship led to the creation of beautiful harmonies, with each taking turns to play the guitar. Their repertoire includes a mix of originals, covers, and mash-ups. The Indie Folk Rock Duo, formed a little over a year ago, has a unique story that continues to unfold. You can catch their performance tonight at Studio 107 from 6-8 PM and on October 26th at High Country Orchard from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 PM. Follow their journey on _mystic_mountain_music_ on Instagram and Facebook.

Ep 147: Mary Bowers with Shakespeare CDA

Shakespeare, even after over 400 years, is still an appeal to so many. And now Shakespeare has made its way to Coeur d'Alene, thanks to the passion of Mary Bowers who holds a masters in Shakespeare studies and found her love for the bard in London.

Shakespeare CDA's performance of Macbeth, perfect for the Halloween season, runs Oct 17-19, and Oct 24-26 at the Kroc Theater in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets and more information can be found at shakespearecda.org.

Ep 146: KEA's Junk2Funk

The Kootenai Environmental Alliance's longest-running annual fundraising event, Junk 2 Funk, is scheduled for October 12, 2024 in the ballroom at the Eagles in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Junk 2 Funk is a unique runway fashion show that features outfits made from at least 80% recycled items or garbage, presenting a "trashy" fashion concept. Local artists design their outfits and model them on a runway in this very fun and popular event. This year, Ali & Callie will showcase their own design on the runway.

Cynthia Rozyla, president of the all-volunteer board of Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA) and one of its founding members, has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and is passionate about the nonprofit sector and the environment. She talks about the KEA focus on five key pillars: Land, Water, Climate, Sustainability, and Education. For tickets to Junk 2 Funk, and to learn more about the organization and opportunities to support this impactful organization, please visit kealliance.org.

Ep 145: Mary Lee Ryba, Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission Chair

Mary Lee Ryba, originally from Massachusetts, has been the Assistant Dean for Development at the University of Idaho, College of Engineering for over 17 years. She is currently serving as the chair of the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission is appointed to aid the Mayor and the City in formulating and administering public art policy for the City. The vision of the Arts Commission is to build an exceptional collection of public art that defines the community and distinguishes it from others, complementing Coeur d'Alene's many attributes, and serving for posterity. The Commission consists of thirteen members appointed by the Mayor and City Council to serve a three-year term.

Mary Lee provides insight into how public art is selected and financed and how you can view over 80 pieces in Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding area by using the Otocast Self-Guided Audio Tour app.

The CDA Arts Commission is holding the 28th annual Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, a free event, on October 9 this year at 6:00 PM at the Hagadone Events Center. Please R.S.V.P. to mryba@gold.idaho.edu.

Ep 144: Susie Feickert, Local Author

Susie Fieckert spent most of her life living in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where she worked in corporate sales. After her kids went off to college and she experienced an unexpected divorce, she decided it was time to start a new chapter in her life. With some convincing from friends, Susie joined an online dating service and eventually met her husband, Rich. As they traveled to find their new home, they ended up in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho by happenstance. During the long winters, she wanted something to do and decided to pursue writing, a passion she had thought about for many years. After some convincing, she sat down with a pen and paper and started writing her first book, "Abby’s Road". Drawing from her own life experiences, she realized that many women were going through similar situations. The book begins post-divorce, where the character Abby is trying to figure out her new direction in life, learning that life is meant to be lived and encouraging others to have the courage to take chances.

A great read, you can find the book on Amazon or at the Bonners Ferry Book Store. She will also be doing a book signing at the Barnes and Noble book store in the Spokane Valley on October 27 from 1-4pm.

Ep 143: Max Mendez and Beer Choir

Max Mendez, a multi-talented individual, is involved in various artistic and musical endeavors. He is a musician, conductor, opera singer, educator, and podcaster, as well as the host of Beer Choir. Beer Choir is a national singing movement creating a fun and inclusive activity where everyone, regardless of their singing experience, is welcome to join in, sing, and enjoy some drinks together. It's an opportunity for all to be part of the choir and have a great time. The Beer Choir Coeur d'Alene chapter was the first established chapter after the original was created in 2015 by composer Michael Engelhardt in Minnesota. Beer Choir now has over 30 chapters across the country. Our local Beer Choir holds monthly singing events at the Crown and Thistle from September through May and has become a popular night in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Max Mendez has been actively contributing to the arts in the Inland Northwest for more than 25 years. He has been involved with various organizations such as North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, Inland Northwest Opera, Spokane Valley Summer Theater, and the Spokane and Walla Walla Symphonies. Additionally, Max serves on the Board of the Arts & Culture Alliance and has recently launched a new business venture called Thrive-Learn-Connect, which is a podcast focusing on personal and professional development for a balanced work-life integration.

If you're interested in participating in Beer Choir, mark your calendar for the start date on September 26, 2024, at the Crown & Thistle from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. The events will continue through May 2025. For additional information and event dates, please visit beerchoir.com or find them on Facebook at beerchoircda.

If you are interested in starting a Beer Choir in your area visit beerchoir.com/membership-levels

Ep 142: Mary Crane Nutter, Walla Walla Artist

The 4th episode in our Walla Walla series was a delightful conversation with artist Mary Crane Nutter, a painter from Walla Walla, Washington. Her studio is at her home and small farm with a traditional barn. A few years ago, Mary partnered with her sister Sarah Crane, a graphic designer and photographer, to create a neighborhood art and performance experience for the community. She discovered her new style at the farm: color-blocked paintings on panels inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch barn star artwork, which she calls "quilts." She mounted large-scale panels on her barn for the festival; the rest is history.

Mary attended the Seattle Art Institute in 2003, which furthered her desire to become a painter. Her work as an interior designer inspired her to work in textiles. She loves adding textures, sanding elements, and acrylic mediums to build up the piece's texture. Her works are displayed not only in Walla Walla; she currently has an exhibition at the Strauss Studios called "Liminal." You can also view her artwork on Instagram (@mcraneart), at mcraneart.com and at john-strauss-furniture.myshopify.com.