Ali & Callie Artcast

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.

 

Ep 158: 2025 Regional Events Kickoff for spring and summer

There is so much happening this summer. Listen in as Ali & Callie and Kristin (our producer who we actually gave the mic to this time) go over the highlights of performances so you can plan ahead!

Aspire Community Theater – aspirecda.com
at Midge & Pepper Smock Family Theater at the Kroc (1765 W Golf Course Rd, CDA)

• Guys and Dolls – April 25-May 4
• Catch Me If You Can – Aug 1-10

CDA Summer Theatre - cstidaho.com
at North Idaho College (1000 W Garden Avenue, CDA)

• Clue the Musical – April 18-26
  with the NIC Drama Department
• Hello Dolly – June 27 – July 6
• Anastasia the Musical – July 18-27
• She Loves Me – Aug 8-17

Lake City Playhouse - lakecityplayhouse.org
at Lake City Playhouse (1320 E Garden Ave)

• Steel Magnolias – Apr 18-20
• School of Rock – May 2-18

CYT – cytnorthidaho.org

• Peter Pan Jr – May 9-10 at Mt Lakes Bible Church (2215 N 7^th, CDA)
• Mary Poppins – May 16-25 at the Kroc
• Annie – Aug 15-24 at the Kroc

CDA-ACT cdaact.com
the Kroc (1765 W Golf Course Rd, CDA)

• Cinderella youth edition – Nov 7-10

Spokane Best of Broadway Series -
at the First Interstate Arts Center in downtown Spokane

• Hamilton – Apr 8-20
• Champions of Magic – May 17
• Riverdance – May 28-29
• Book of Mormon – June 3-7
• Mama Mia – June 17-22
• MJ the Musical – July 8-13

Theater on the Verge – theaterontheverge.com
at The Hamilton Studio (1425 W Dean Avenue, Spokane)

• Green Day’s American Idiot – July 18-Aug 2

Spokane Valley Summer Theater – svsummertheatre.com
at University High School Theater (12420 E 32^nd Ave, Spokane Valley)

• Pirates of Penzance – June 20-July 6
• A Grand Night for Singing – July 11-19
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat – Aug 1-17

Spokane Civic Theater – spokanecivictheatre.com
at the Spokane Civic Theater (1020 N Howard St, Spokane)

• Romeo and Juliet – Mar 28-Apr 13
• Reader’s Theater: I Hate Hamlet – Apr 4-6
• The Beauty Queen of Leenane – May 2-18
• Waitress – May 15-June 16
• Wind in the Willows – July 18-27
• Peter and the Starcatcher – Aug 8-17

Spokane Symphony – Spokane Symphony

Coeur d’Alene Symphony – cdasymphony.org

• Summer Concert Series
  Riverstone Summer Concert Series – Riverstone Summer Concert Series
• Koep Concerts – koepconcerts.com

Ep 157: Erin Hall, Singer, Songwriter and Cellist

Erin Hall, a talented singer-songwriter and cellist from Boise, Idaho, now resides and creates music in New York City. She was featured in the "Idaho in Song" series on Idaho Public Television, Season 8, episode 5, where she premiered her song "Lullaby of 55." This episode can be viewed online at PBS' Idaho Experience Series "Idaho in Song". The series highlights songs inspired by Idaho's history and its distinctive musical style.

"Lullaby of 55" is a heartfelt tribute to Erin’s father, Richard Hall, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020. The song reflects the emotional journey from Boise to McCall on Interstate 55, a route that holds deep personal meaning for her. Erin’s musical style blends influences from Latin, jazz, blues, and French pop, which were further shaped during her time in Belgium as part of a Rotary Exchange scholarship. Her lyrics, sung in both French and English, explore the beauty of everyday life and the surprising wonders of nature. Erin’s music is available on all major streaming platforms under the names Erin Hall and Erin and Her Cello, or you can visit her website at erinhallmusic.com.

Be sure to listen to the end as Erin gave us permission to add her beautiful song to the podcast.

Ep 156: Alvin Williams, Comedian

You know we all need to laugh... it is so good for our psyche... especially these days.
This episode features Alvin Williams, a “stand-up” comedian since his post grad years in Boise in 2006. We had so much fun laughing and chatting with him.
For years, he has brought his unique brand of humor to a live audience, touring the United States and Canada from cruise ships to comedy clubs. Alvin's comedic style can now be enjoyed on the Audible Channel Series Sounds Like America, and his 4th comedy special, “Don’t Let the Devil Know...” is a must-watch on YouTube. Alvin’s comedy perfectly blends current events, relationship advice, family dynamics, and pop culture, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for the audience.
Originally from Chicago, Alvin now calls Idaho home. He recently had a successful comedy show in Boise at the Egyptian Theatre and will be back by popular demand on July 12 at the Egyptian.
Don't miss the opportunity to catch Alvin host Comedy Night live on April 4-5 at 7:00 pm at the Club at Prairie Falls. Tickets are only $35 each or a table of eight for $240 and are available at prairiefallscomedy.com Follow Alvin on Instagram @Comicalvinwillams or visit his website at alvinwilliamscomedy.com.