Hi there,

Today, I am delighted to share this conversation with the exceptional creative team behind Welcome to the Big Dipper, a new musical!

The York Theatre Company Presents WELCOME TO THE BIG DIPPER Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Roberts Book by Catherine Filloux and John Daggett Additional Lyrics by John Daggett

Inspired by the Play “All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go” by Catherine Filloux

DIRECTED BY DEMONE SERAPHIN

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Welcome to the Big Dipper premieres at The York Theatre Company November 21 to December 29:

NOVEMBER TICKETS https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/34375

DECEMBER TICKETS https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/34375/1733029200000

ABOUT THE MUSICAL: What defines home, family, and identity? Joan Wilkes confronts these questions when she must sell The Big Dipper Inn, near Niagara Falls in upstate New York, known for its music and African American heritage. She's all set to sign the contract when a blizzard lands a group of Amish folks and a busload of men in dresses on her doorstep. For three days and nights, they wait out the storm. Cultures clash, romance crackles, and Joan struggles for answers, as a houseful of strangers becomes an unexpected community. https://www.welcometothebigdipper.com/

Thanks for this wonderful conversation! Break a leg!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro. Click here for more info: artscalling.com/links

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: New music at Washingtones Records!

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Hi there,

Today I am delighted to be arts calling award-winning writer Georgia Jeffries! georgiajeffries.com

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Georgia Jeffries is a writer of Emmy Award winning drama and critically acclaimed noir fiction. Honored with multiple Writers Guild Awards, Golden Globes and the Humanitas Prize, her work in film has been praised by the Los Angeles Times as “standing ovation television.” The Los Angeles Review of Books described her short stories in the national anthologies, Odd Partners and The Last Resort, as “firecracker tales” and “domestic tragedy brilliantly segueing into comic farce.” She has also written biographical profiles for HuffPost and UC Press, including “The Last Gun of Tibercio Vasquez,” which can be viewed on the KCET-TV website, Artbound. Born in the Illinois heartland, she worked as a journalist for American Film before writing and producing ground-breaking female-driven dramas, Cagney & Lacey, China Beach and Sisters. Her screenwriting career has been distinguished by extensive field research, from patrolling the mean streets of Rampart with the LAPD to crashing a Vegas bounty hunters’ convention to reporting from a Walter Reed Army Hospital surgical bay, each investigation the basis for one of her many docudramas and series pilots for CBS, ABC, NBC, HBO and Showtime. A cum laude UCLA graduate, Jeffries is a professor at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts where she created the first undergraduate screenwriting thesis program at an American university.

THE YOUNGER GIRL, available from Mission Point Press on October 22nd!

ABOUT THE YOUNGER GIRL: Based on a true crime, The Younger Girl, (Mission Point Press, October 22, 2024) a debut novel by trailblazing, award-winning writer Georgia Jeffries, combines fiction and supernatural suspense to unravel a thrilling tale of family betrayal and redemption. On March 2, 1933, Chicago tabloids trumpeted the death of 20-year-old "town belle" Aldine Younger: "HEIRESS SLAIN, MARRIED MAN HELD." The son of the mayor of Pontiac, a rich farming community south of Chicago, was convicted of manslaughter. But the dead girl's baby brother, Owen, grew up in a broken family and suspected his beloved sister’s killing was orchestrated by their wealthy uncle. In 1996 Owen is an old man desperate to make peace with the tragedy of Aldine’s death. His daughter, Joanna, takes her still grieving father back home to claim his share of his sister's lost inheritance. Together, they are caught in a dark labyrinth of family betrayal crossing three generations. Owen is found raving during a violent thunderstorm and now believes his daughter is his sister, Aldine, returning to him. Joanna races against time to save her father and unearths damning secrets that threaten her own life. The guilty will be exposed at the psychic bridge linking past, present and future. But at what cost? And who will survive the revelations?

“True-crime stories are difficult, and far more so, when the true crime is in your own family. Georgia Jeffries’s triumphant novel tells the story of her aunt Aldine Younger’s killing in 1933—a violent death that has cast a long and complex shadow over the family, the community, and far beyond. Viewing these events through the lens of fiction, Jeffries deploys clear-eyed research and lucid, evocative prose to craft a novel that will haunt long after the book is closed.”

—Howard Rodman, novelist/screenwriter Professor, USC School of Cinematic Arts Vice President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Georgia! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro at the coalition.

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: Greater Ghost, a new poetry collection by Christian J. Collier, now available from Four Way Books (AC22)

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Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be arts calling playwright Sarah Congress! (sarahcongress.com)

About our Guest: Sarah Congress is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her play "Melting" was just selected to be produced this October at Siena College for their Climate Justice plays series. She co-wrote the screenplay "I Can't Hear You," which won BEST COMEDY in the 2024 Jersey Shore Film Festival and 2nd place in the APin3 Film Challenge in Asbury Park. Her comedy Overdose won 2nd place for Best Short in the 2023 Downtown Urban Arts Festival at Playwrights Horizons. She teaches playwriting and screenwriting and works part-time for the Dean's Office at Columbia University, School of the Arts. Learn more about Sarah here: https://sarahcongress.com/

Check out Sarah's upcoming playwriting classes!

-Saturday, September 21st: "Let's Write a Ten-Minute Play" with the wonderful Hudson Valley Writers Center (virtual): https://writerscenter.org/calendar/play/

-Wednesday, September 25th: "Intuitive Writing Workshop" at Freedom Rocks down the J. Shore (in person): https://freedomrocks.as.me/Intuative-Writing

-Tuesday Evenings October 8th-22nd: "Humor Writing" with the fabulous Project Write Now (virtual): https://projectwritenow.org/writers-institute/product/humor-writing/

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Sarah! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: Do Not Wish for Any Other Life: A Musical Sequence from the poetry of Richard Jeffrey Newman (AC128)

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Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be arts calling singer/songwriter Nathalie Miranda! (https://linktr.ee/nathaliemirandamusic)

About our Guest: With an arsenal of genre-bending singles under her belt, London-based powerhouse popstar Nathalie Miranda performs straight from the heart. Blending soul, blues and classic rock into high-energy retro pop, Nathalie rocks out with unbridled passion, showcases a stellar octave range, and leaves it all on the stage. Influenced by artists such as Freddie Mercury, Prince, Madonna, Tina Turner, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston, as well as music from her Greek-Cypriot roots, Nathalie’s powerful belts and playful lyrics make her distinctive sound even more electrifying. Nathalie’s star continues to rise in 2024. With her smash hits ‘Catch-22’ and ‘Soul on Fire’ hitting 250,000 Spotify streams each, with more than 200,000 YouTube views combined, her unique artistry and shimmering vocals prove she’s the UK’s answer to the US powerhouse divas. She was featured in Wonderland Magazine, Rolling Stone India, previously performed on BBC’s ‘Later... with Jools Holland’ as a backing vocalist, and has headlined iconic London venues like The Troubadour. Born in London to Greek-Cypriot parents, Nathalie speaks fluent Greek and is fiercely proud of her roots - something she loves to incorporate into her music. Authentically homegrown, with a superstar polish, her dramatic 2022 single ‘Χίλια Σημάδια (1000 Scars)’ follows a classic Greek folk rhythm called Zeibekiko and was produced by Greek smash hit producer Harry K. Beyond her spotlight as a solo pop artist, Nathalie has written lyrics and melodies across dance and house music since 2017. Working with international producers who crave her 90s diva vocals, Nathalie has built her reputation as a multi-hyphenate artist free from creative boundaries. She credits her childhood classical piano studies for laying the foundations for her songwriting career - and a hotel karaoke night for unlocking her vocal abilities while on holiday with her family. Nathalie’s dazzling sound is ever-evolving, full of passion, heart, and Greek-Cypriot spirit. Follow Nathalie Miranda for updates and new music: https://linktr.ee/nathaliemirandamusic

Nathalie's latest single, U GOT SOUL, is now available! Listen here: https://ditto.fm/u-got-soul

Instagram: @nathaliemirandamusic | Threads: @nathaliemirandamusic | YouTube: @nathaliemirandamusic

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Nathalie! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: Check out our friends at My Bad Poetry Podcast! Here's their latest episode.

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Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be arts calling author C.J. Spataro! (https://www.cjspataro.com)

About our Guest: C.J. Spataro is an award-winning short fiction writer whose work has appeared in many literary magazines and anthologies including Taboos & Transgressions, Iron Horse Literary Review, december, Sequestrum, and Exacting Clam. She directs the MFA in Creative Writing and the MA in Publishing programs at Rosemont College and was a founding partner of Philadelphia Stories. Her debut novel, MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE (Sagging Meniscus Press) was recently named to Reactor’s Can’t Miss Indie Speculative Books for Spring.

MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE, a new novel, is now available from Sagging Meniscus Press! https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/more_strange_than_true/

Instagram: @cjspataro | Twitter: @cjspataro

ABOUT MORE STRANGE THAN TRUE: After an epically shitty day, Jewell Jamieson unknowingly eats a magic-spiked meal and happens also to make a certain wish—and that’s why she awakes the next morning to discover her beloved dog Oberon has been transformed into a beautiful naked man in her bed. Conflict ensues when Titania, the impulsive Queen of the Faeries, decides she wants Oberon for herself. Is Oberon simply a man who used to be a dog, or is he somehow something more? When Jewell discovers the answer, she will be faced with a devastating choice. Will she choose to save the man she’s grown to love by giving him up, or will she honor his wishes and watch him die?

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, C.J.! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: FORGET I TOLD YOU THIS, an award-winning novel by Hilary Zaid, now available!

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Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be arts calling singer/songwriter Ciara Lawless! https://linktr.ee/ciaralawless

About our Guest: From arranging flowers to arranging music, Irish singer and florist Ciara Lawless, goes from working in her flower shop by day to arranging music by night where she writes and records her own music. The Celtic songbird made her mark on the music industry with her debut single, ‘Half The Man’, in May of 2023. Since then, Ciara has been sharpening her stage skills performing at various festivals including The Mná Festival at Dun na Sí, Co. Westmeath, The Lovestock Festival in Tuamgraney, Co Clare and The Healing Spirit Festival in Co. Cavan. Ciara's music journey began at a young age when she started taking classes in acting and singing. She later developed an interest in classical and opera, training at the Academy of Music in Tullamore, where she also competed in national and international competitions. While some singers cut their chops while climbing the music ladder, Ciara earned her singing stripes as a funeral singer, something that she is very proud and honoured to do. With her debut album out now, Ciara Lawless is poised to become one of the most exciting new artists of 2024 and beyond. Her music deals with deep and meaningful themes while remaining uplifting, leaving a positive impact on the listener.

PAINT MY SOUL, Ciara's debut album, is now available! https://linktr.ee/ciaralawless

Instagram: @ciaralawlesshq | Twitter: @CiaraLawlessHQ

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Ciara! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Weekly shoutout: The Ugly Radio is wrapping up season 4, listen asap! https://linktr.ee/theuglyradio

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Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be arts calling author Kate Brandes! https://katebrandes.com

About our Guest: Kate Brandes lives in the small river town of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two sons. She writes about and paints rural places and small-town dynamics with underlying environmental themes. Kate has worked as a geologist and environmental scientist for more than twenty years. She currently teaches geology, creative writing and a course on Landscape, Culture and Story of Place at Moravian University, where she also co-directs the Moravian Writers’ Conference. Kate’s first novel, The Promise of Pierson Orchard, was published in 2017.

STONE CREEK, a new novel, now available from Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing!

BOOKSHOP https://bookshop.org/p/books/stone-creek-kate-brandes/21590727?ean=9781954332522

BARNES & NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stone-creek-kate-brandes/1145904467?ean=9781954332522

AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Stone-Creek-Kate-Brandes/dp/1954332521

About STONE CREEK: Seventeen years ago, Tilly Stone (age 13) is left to fend for herself in rural Pennsylvania when her infamous eco-terrorist father disappears under mysterious circumstances. Ever since she’s tried to forget the dams they blew up together and forge a new life until her father’s return threatens to upend her small-town world and her friendship with the dogged FBI agent still pursuing him. Ultimately, as the past and present fuse and blow up with more than one kind of casualty, Tilly must choose between the father she loves and her home.

Instagram: @kate_brandes | Facebook: @kate.a.brandes

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Kate! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j

Hi there,

Today I am so excited to be once again arts calling indie creative Andrew Shanks!

About our Guest: Andrew Shanks is a part-time dinosaur, part-time theater punk living and working in Seattle, WA. He is the creator and producer of The Ugly Radio, a late night lo-fi sci-fi theater anthology podcast, which has featured over +100 artists and performers over the past four seasons. His plays has been performed in New York, Portland, Los Angeles, North Carolina and various dive bars around the PNW when you get enough drinks in him. See you in the Void.

Listen to THE UGLY RADIO here:: https://linktr.ee/theuglyradio

Instagram: @theuglyrsdio

Thanks for this wonderful conversation, Andrew! All the best!

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Arts Calling is produced by Jaime Alejandro (cruzfolio.com).

HOW TO SUPPORT ARTS CALLING: PLEASE CONSIDER LEAVING A REVIEW, OR SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN.

Much love,

j