Front Row, Backstage

Actor, Student, Teacher, and Troll: Aral Gribble, Pt. 2

Tue, 20 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Part two of our chat with Aral Gribble delves further into his dual career as both an accomplished actor and an educator in the performing arts. We explore the motivations that led him to embrace teaching alongside his performance career, revealing the profound impact it has had on his journey. Gribble shares anecdotes from his early teaching experiences, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered in guiding aspiring young actors. Furthermore, we examine the unique attributes of Michigan's theater scene, characterized by a community of artists driven by passion and creativity.

Related Podcast: Trollin' the Mitten

Website: LCC Digital Media, Audio and Cinema Program

Website: OpenSpot Theatre

Website: Michigan Film Industry Association

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Actor, Student, Teacher, and Troll: Aral Gribble, Pt. 1

Tue, 13 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Aral Gribble, a distinguished actor and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience, joins us to illuminate the intricacies of the performing arts. We delve into his extensive background, including his time at the University of Michigan and his diverse roles in esteemed theaters. His passion for storytelling is palpable, and he shares insights from his journey, from stage to screen.

Related Podcast: Trollin' the Mitten

Website: LCC Digital Media, Audio and Cinema Program

Website: OpenSpot Theatre

Website: Michigan Film Industry Association

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YouTube: Front Row, Backstage

Gospel Harmony: Jonathan and Blair Crutcher's Musical Mission

Tue, 06 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode features the esteemed independent gospel artist Jonathan Crutcher alongside his wife, Blair Crutcher. They delve into Jonathan's profound journey in gospel music, beginning at an early age and the pivotal influences that shaped his artistry. The conversation highlights the emotional process behind his song "Pour Out," inspired by personal loss, and emphasizes the ministry work of God's Creation Ministries. Listeners gain insight into the significance of faith and community within the arts, underscoring the importance of sharing one’s truth through music.

Facebook: God's Creation Ministries

Website: Johnathon Crutcher

Facebook: Johnathon Crutcher

From Backyard Raves to the Big Stage: Ganja Girl Aims for Empowerment

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive into the compelling journey of DJ Ganja Girl, an emerging force in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. She shares her unique experiences and the challenges faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. We explore her creative process, influences, and the significance of community support, particularly through initiatives like Femtronica, which aims to empower female artists in the EDM landscape.

Website: Ganja Girl

Website: Ganja Girl / Femtronica

Website: Electric Forest

Website: ELEKTRICITY

Cloverbeard & Crew: Non-Traditional Irish Folk in a Traditional Manner

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Cloverbeard and Crew, a dynamic trio from central Michigan, blend traditional Irish melodies with contemporary music, captivating audiences at Renaissance fairs and pubs alike. In this episode, we delve into the origins of their unique stage names and the stories that shape their performances. The band members share their experiences engaging with audiences, highlighting moments of connection and spontaneity that elevate their shows. We also explore their creative process, discussing how they incorporate both beloved classics and original compositions into their repertoire. Join us as we uncover the enchanting world of Cloverbeard and Crew, where music transcends boundaries and invites everyone to participate.

Facebook: Cloverbeard and Crew

Instagram: Cloverbeard and Crew

Insights from an Audio Production Veteran: Education Meets Experience

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Steve Simonson, an audio engineer and educator whose extensive career traverses multiple facets of the audio production realm. At the outset, we delve into Steve's formative years as a drummer, which laid the groundwork for his profound understanding of sound and music technology. Currently, a sound instructor a sound engineer instructor at Lansing Community College, Simonson explains the evolution of his career, transitioning from live performance to mastering audio production and sound design.

Cast Insights on Puffs, Pt. 3: Whimsical Wizardry & Wounded Wands

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Greg connects with three remarkable cast members of "Puffs", Olivia Challa, Jonathan Riley, and Caleb Tracy. They share their unique experiences and challenges in bringing their respective roles to life. Olivia, as the narrator, reflects on the complexities of guiding the audience through the narrative, while Jonathan discusses the evolution of his character, Oliver Rivers, from an anxious newcomer to a confident Puff. Meanwhile, Caleb articulates the essence of his character, Wayne Hopkins, as the heart of the story, emphasizing the significance of both comedic and emotionally resonant moments. All three revel in the fun, yet exhausting, process of bringing "Puffs" to life at LCC's Dart Auditorium.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

Cast Insights on Puffs, Pt. 2: A Breathtaking Comedy... Literally

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Part 2 of the FRB "Puffs" series features an insightful discussion with two exceptionally talented performers, Kenneth Wilson and Jacob Maurer, who shed light on the intricacies of portraying multifaceted characters within the play. They share their experiences navigating the challenges of rapid character transitions and the physical demands of their roles, all while maintaining a comedic essence. Additionally, they recount some of the most memorable moments from rehearsals, offering listeners a glimpse into the vibrant and sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the production.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

Cast Insights on Puffs, Pt. 1: Unveiling the Underdog

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This episode delves into the enchanting and humorous universe of "Puffs," a play presented by Lansing Community College Performing Arts that takes place within a magical academic setting. We chat with three talented cast members: Liam, who embodies the charming Cedric Diggory; Shane, who portrays the whimsical Jay Finch; and Josh, who astoundingly takes on three distinct roles, including the Sorting Hat and both Headmasters. We explore the intricacies of character development, the challenges of embodying their roles, and the delightful chaos encountered during rehearsals. Each cast member shares insights into the unique qualities that render "Puffs" a distinctive experience.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

Connecting Communities: The Power of Local Broadcasting

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Greg invites LCC Connect General Manager, Daedalian Lowry onto this episode of Front Row, Backstage to discuss the profound influence and significance of local radio in nurturing community identity and culture. With over twenty years of broadcasting experience, Daedalian has reflects on how technology has changed the landscape of radio and the challenges faced by local radio amidst the encroachment of corporate interests and streaming platforms.

Website: LCC Connect

Website: WYCE 88.1

Website: WJXQ 106.1

Website: WFMK 99.1

Concerts, Comedy and Kazoos: A Plethora of PleThorA

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This episode features an in-depth dialogue with Matt, the lead singer of the band Plethora, a Michigan band known for their electrifying performances that seamlessly blend various musical genres. We delve into the origins of Plethora's unique concert experience, characterized by its comedic rock style and crowd engagement, which has garnered a dedicated following. The discussion illuminates the band's creative process, exploring how they fuse humor and storytelling with diverse musical influences, from metal to folk.

Website: Plethora Music

The Artistry of Self-Taught Musicians With Caleb Eubanks

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Caleb Eubanks, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, has made remarkable strides in the music industry over a mere five years. His distinctive blend of folk, rock, and indie genres results in a sound that is both raw and deeply personal, often drawing inspiration from his family life and everyday experiences. In this episode, we delve into Caleb's artistic journey, exploring how he transitioned from a bassist to a versatile musician who plays guitar, drums, and sings. His songwriting process has evolved significantly, serving as a cathartic outlet for his thoughts and emotions, particularly regarding the changes in his life. Join us as we uncover the artistry and dedication that define Caleb's approach to music, along with the challenges he faces in balancing his roles as a husband, father, and musician.

From Page to Stage: The Transformation of Dostoevsky's "Crime & Punishment"

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Today, we delve into the captivating realm of "Crime and Punishment," a psychological drama set to premiere at Lansing Community College. The production, inspired by Dostoevsky's esteemed novel, invites a nuanced exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption through the eyes of its complex characters. I'm joined by Director, Andy Callis and three remarkably talented actors, each of whom brings their unique perspective and experience to this compelling narrative as we uncover the emotional depths and thematic richness of this adaptation, we invite our listeners to engage with the profound questions about how a classic novel applies to our contemporary world.

Crime and Punishment at the LCC Black Box Theatre - Feb. 21-23, Feb. 28, March 1

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Website: Upcoming Performances

Cruz Villarreal, Unveiling the Human Condition Through Poetry

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode delves into the life and artistry of Cruz Villarreal, a poet whose evocative works resonate deeply with themes of social justice and personal experience. Cruz's journey into poetry commenced at the age of nine, and he has since transformed his life experiences into profound literary expressions that explore the complexities of the human condition. Throughout our conversation, he elucidates the profound influences of esteemed poets such as Mary Oliver and Maya Angelou, whose styles have informed his own poetic voice. Notably, Cruz shares his commitment to shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly through his poignant work addressing child labor and economic oppression. As we engage with Cruz's insights and creative processes, we uncover the powerful role that poetry plays in fostering awareness and understanding in our contemporary world.

Website: Cruz Poet

Unearthing Rhythms With The Druid Drummer (Part 1)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The Druid Drummer, a singular musical entity hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, captivates audiences with his innovative and primal soundscapes that transcend conventional music. In this episode, we delve into the artistry and inspiration behind his unique performances, which serve as both a powerful form of self-expression and a conduit for audience connection to their inner rhythms. The Druid Drummer illustrates how his Celtic roots and profound reverence for nature inform his creative process, culminating in immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between sound and emotion. We explore the significance of his signature piece, "Call of the Forest," which embodies his artistic essence and resonates deeply with listeners. Join us as we unpack the intricate layers of his musical journey and the philosophies that drive his captivating performances.

The Druid Drummer on Facebook

The Druid Drummer on Spotify

From Classroom to Stage: LCC Theater Students Talk Passion and Performance

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Greg Trimmer hosts a dynamic discussion with LCC theater students Shane Curtis and Liam Hamilton, who share their experiences and insights from their journey in the theater program. The episode highlights their recent roles, including Shane's lead performance in "Cosplay" and Liam's experience as an understudy for Percy in "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief." Both actors reflect on their inspirations for pursuing theater, the challenges they faced, and the supportive environment fostered by their instructors. They explore the importance of teamwork and communication in balancing their demanding schedules of school, work, and rehearsals. This engaging conversation delves into the essence of theater as a collaborative art form, emphasizing the growth and connections made along the way.

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Website: Upcoming Performances