Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 168: Barry Aiken, Bare Mic Music Studio

What a pleasure visiting Barry Aiken in his recording studio to dive into his life as a jazz musician, composer, and founder of BareMic Music Studio in Coeur d’Alene.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Barry’s career has taken him from San Diego to Vancouver, BC. Eventually, he chose to return to his roots in Idaho—a move that reflects the deep importance of home and community.

In addition to performing and composing, Barry found a growing passion for teaching, which inspired him to open BareMic Music, a school where he now teaches piano, drums, and composition. His goal: to create a space where music matters—where students can collaborate and explore genres from jazz and pop to classical.

Known for his high-energy performances and magnetic stage presence, Barry has built a loyal fanbase. His music—a distinctive fusion of contemporary jazz and R&B with both classic and modern influences—is defined by a strong groove and melodic depth that resonates with music lovers.

If you’re lucky, you can catch Barry live at The Depot, or at two upcoming shows:

• Art on the Green – August 1, 2025

• Riverstone Concert Series (with Balboa Park) – August 28, 2025

You can find Barry on Facebook and Instagram @barryaiken

Ep 167: Adam Schluter, Building Community, One Monday at a Time

Adam Schluter, photojournalist and founder of Hello from a Stranger, moved to Coeur d'Alene a few years ago, knowing no one. Feeling isolated, he longed for real connection. Inspired by his mother’s tradition of Monday night family dinners, he opened his backyard to the community with one simple rule: bring a side dish—no business, no politics, no phones. Just genuine connection.

This May marked his 90th Monday Night Dinner, a milestone that reflects the growing impact of these inclusive gatherings.

Now, Adam is launching a new series: OFF Monday Nights—evenings of art, culture, and connection on the Mondays without a regular dinner. Kicking off June 2nd with improv from Levity Theatre (CDA/Spokane), future nights will feature storytelling, stand-up, poetry, and more.

The format:
Dinner from 6:00–7:30 p.m., followed by a show.
Guests bring a side dish and a $10 suggested donation (which goes directly to the performers).

While the first half of the night encourages conversation and connection, the second half invites the community to settle in and enjoy the show.

It’s all part of Adam’s mission: bringing people together, one shared meal—and now, one performance—at a time.

For more information, visit the Monday Night Dinners Facebook page. And the Off Monday Night Dinners page as well.

Ep 166: Christina Crawford, Author

Meet Christina Crawford, actress, author, and performer in theater, film, and television. Her first book, Mommie Dearest, was a New York Times Bestseller in 1978. She has always been an advocate for social justice, particularly for the rights of children and women who have been assaulted or abused. Her unwavering belief in justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred, is a powerful message of empowerment and hope. 

Ali and Callie had the privilege of meeting Christina to delve into her enlightening book, Daughters of the Inquisition: Medieval Madness: Origins and Aftermath. This literary masterpiece provides a comprehensive account of the events that have shaped modern womanhood in the Western world, offering a unique perspective on 'Herstory'. The book's primary focus is the evolution of women’s spiritual communion, chronicling cultural, industrial, governmental, and gender dynamics throughout the centuries. It explores the impact of the Inquisition on women's lives, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of oppression. It also sheds light on the aftermath of the Inquisition and its lasting effects on the status of women in society.

Since 1993, Christina has called the Inland Northwest her home, where she has embarked on diverse experiences. She has been a B&B owner, a regional TV show host at Channel 24 in Spokane, WA, a county commissioner, and the Entertainment Manager for the CDA Casino. 

“Own your life, own your journey, honor that journey, and understand that is the only reason you are graced with life.”

You can find her books on Amazon.

Ep 165: Joel Riner, Photographer

Passion. Experience. Dedication. Words that describe Joel Riner’s photography career. Since his freshman year in college, Joel has pushed himself to become the best photographer, whether spending extra hours in the darkroom, trekking up mountains with his 4x5 camera or going in on days off to shoot some creative studio work. His passion for the craft has not faded over the years, and he is well-known in our area as “the” architectural photographer. Not wanting to be pigeon-holed in one specialized area, he excels in photographing individuals, nature, and action. After working for Quicksilver Studios for years, he went out on his own in 2016. His work is constantly featured in Nspire Magazine. His photography has taken him to many beautiful places and numerous amazing experiences.

You can find Joel’s work around the Coeur d’Alene area in offices and businesses as well as on his website joelriner.com.

Ep 164: Christian Youth Theater (CYT)

Christian Youth Theater (CYT North Idaho) is not just a theater program, it's a comprehensive after-school arts education program for ages 5-18. It offers a wide range of classes throughout the year, including drama, music, dance, technical theater, and more, ensuring that every child's unique talents and interests are nurtured.

This week, Dawn Simmons, the Executive Managing Director of Christian Youth Theater North talks about the history of CYT and the importance of this great program to the community. Ashley Cleveland, the star of their upcoming performance of Mary Poppins, speaks about her years of training through CYT and how it affected her life and continuing her dreams as a professional actress. 

Each year, CYT produces three full-scale musicals for ages 8-18, and one summer show for ages 8-108. The focus is on teaching musical theater to build confidence and character in a non-competitive environment, ensuring that every child can shine. In addition to the shows, they offer week-long camps in the summer months for students 5-18. 

For more information on upcoming shows, classes and workshops visit cytnorthidaho.org.

Ep 163: Kennedy Shioya, Leather Designer

Kennedy Shioya, who holds a B.F.A. in painting from Boise State, grew up in a creative household learning to sew from her Grandmother. An accomplished painter, Kennedy discovered her love for handcrafted leather bags and accessories in 2022, after becoming more excited about functional art.

With her experience in sewing, she took a big step to create Kumé Designs, specializing in leatherworking and making handbags, cross-body purses, totes, wallets, and more. She has several exciting markets lined up this year, including the highly anticipated street fair in CDA in August.

Kennedy has a significant social media presence on Instagram (@kumedesigns) and TikTok as KennedyKume. Find her work online at kumedesigns.com

Ep 162: Idaho Shakespeare Festival with Sara Bruner and Hannah Read Newbill

Meet Sara Bruner, Producing Artistic Director of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Hannah Read Newbill, Festival Director of Marketing. We had a lively and inspiring conversation about the upcoming season and the immense effort it takes to bring five exceptional professional productions to life, running from May through September at the festival’s stunning outdoor amphitheater.

This 770-seat, state-of-the-art venue is thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural power of the human voice, while seamlessly blending into the breathtaking landscape that surrounds it—a habitat rich with diverse plant and animal life.

The Festival thrives through a meaningful partnership with the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Its mission reaches beyond entertainment, embracing education and community engagement through the magic of live theater. A proud member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), the Idaho Shakespeare Festival invites you to be part of a truly unforgettable season beneath the enchanting Idaho skies.

Learn more at idahoshakespeare.org — and don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable celebration of art and nature.

Ep 161: Laura Curry and John McMahon with Arts Idaho

The Idaho Commission on the Arts is a state agency committed to making the arts accessible to all Idahoans.

Executive Director, Laura Curry, and Artist Services Director, John McMahon talked to us about the state of the arts in Idaho, what Arts Idaho does, how it is funded, and what the future holds.

Arts Idaho: Inspiring, Educating, and Supporting Through the Arts

• Strengthening communities by connecting them through the power of the arts.
• Prioritizing arts education, ensuring creative opportunities for learners of all ages.
• Supporting individual artists in their growth and professional journey.

For more information visit arts.idaho.gov. @idahocommissiononthearts

Ep 160: Jimmy Lewis and the Annual Lisa Lewis Memorial Crawfish Boil

Louisiana native Jimmy Lewis grew up immersed in Cajun traditions in the small town of Roanoke, about three hours northwest of New Orleans. Each year, he brings a taste of the South to the Northwest by hosting a classic crawfish boil, complete with "mudbugs" shipped in fresh from Louisiana. The annual event, now a tribute to his late wife, has become a beloved community gathering, with all proceeds benefiting the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.

This year’s Lisa Lewis Memorial Crawfish Boil for the Arts takes place on Saturday, May 17, from 1–6 PM at The Elk Resort (Stella’s on the Hill). Expect a day full of zydeco music, great food and drink, and lots of laughs—all for a great cause.

Get your tickets and more information at:
alicallieartcast.com/crawfishboil
And be sure to follow the Crawfish Boil Facebook page for updates!

Ep 159: Hara Allison and Dream Studio

Hara Allison, a highly skilled graphic designer, photographer, former podcaster, and publisher, has recently launched her passion project: Dream Studio—a space where creativity knows no bounds. Dream Studio offers meticulously curated sets and an expansive room that serves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed by your imagination.

The concept for Dream Studio was born from Hara’s own experience renting studio space for her photography and the exhausting task of hauling equipment. To address this, the studio features three beautifully designed rooms with fully equipped sets, along with a prop room stocked with everything from costumes to fabrics, crowns, and drapery. There's even a dedicated makeup and hairstyling station to complete the experience.

In addition to offering rental space for photographers, videographers, and other creatives, Dream Studio also provides educational opportunities. On Saturday, April 12, a free lighting class will be held, along with a Model Coaching session on April 25 led by two professional models for a small fee.

You can reserve your rental time, register for classes, or find more information at dreamstudionw.com.

To find out more about Hara, visit hara.photography. And you can find her "Beneath Your Beautiful" podcast on your favorite podcast app.