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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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

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.

Tricia Harding has been a board member of ArtWalla for the past eight years. ArtWalla is an organization that initially focused on public art and continues to educate the artistic community. Tricia was the chair of the City Commission for Art in Public Places. She is very proud of all that ArtWalla has accomplished in such a short time. Tricia is also a mixed-media paper artist who loves working in her studio and collaborating with creative people. Find out more about what’s happening in the arts in Walla Walla! For more information visit artwalla.com.

We had the opportunity to interview Tyson Kaup, the Executive Artistic Director of Walla Walla Summer Theater, a non-profit theater company in its second season. Tyson, an accomplished actor, director, and producer, grew up in the Walla Walla area and moved to New York at the age of 20. After many years of success in the city and starting a family, he decided to return to his roots. Tyson's goal is to establish a world-class, professional summer theater organization and training program. Ali, Kristin, and I were thrilled to attend their impressive production of Beauty and the Beast, featuring our very own Elaina Dejong from Coeur d’Alene. The show was presented as a fundraiser for the restoration and ongoing support of the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater, a 1500-seat outdoor venue that will serve as the future home of Walla Walla Summer Theater. Stay tuned to hear more from Tyson about the essential qualities he believes are important for success in the theater industry. For more information visit wallawallasummertheater.org or @wallawallasummertheater

Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines created, owned, and managed by women. Not only is she a wine-lover, but Mary Derby, the founder of DAMA Wines, is a wine enthusiast and a classically trained opera singer from Minnesota. Along with her husband, Devin, she co-created the brand of wines known as Spring Valley Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and after the untimely passing of her husband, Mary, and her young son, faced the difficult decision of whether to stay in the Valley or return to the Midwest. Supported by 9 other nationally recognized winemakers and friends, they produced a special Syrah vintage called “Devin” in honor of her late husband. Mary's exceptional palate, passion for singing (she actually studied to be an opera singer), and the support of her friends add a unique balance and style to her wines. Learn more about Mary's incredible journey to becoming one of the finest winemakers in the area.  To find out about Mary and her wines, visit damawines.com or find them on Facebook @damawines.

Caden Butera, a talented filmmaker hailing from Coeur d’Alene, wears multiple hats as a writer, director, and editor. He has a passion for creating captivating short films that have garnered attention at the prestigious “50 Hour Slam” in Spokane as well as through online platforms. Embarking on his creative journey at the age of ten, Caden, alongside his supportive family, leads "Paradox Studios," a dynamic videography/photography enterprise that crafts compelling content for the local film industry in the Inland Northwest. As an artist who has honed his craft over the years, Caden's earlier works can be discovered on YouTube. Presently, he is immersed in the post-production phase of his second feature film, a spellbinding sci-fi thriller titled "Recollection." In sharing his experiences, Caden offers valuable insights into the trials and triumphs associated with the production, direction, and scripting of a full-length feature film. Find his movie shorts and trailers at paradoxstudiosco.com. Or on YouTube at CadenButera.

We were honored to talk with “The Boyle Fuel Twins”, Deanna, and Deanda Sylte, growing up on a ranch in Rathdrum, Idaho that was originally owned by Frederick Post. At nine years old, the Sylte Sisters first appeared on “Starlit Stairway” on KXLY in 1953, Spokane’s answer to “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Performing for six years on the show, they pursued their Hollywood dreams with their older sister Joan, where they recorded their first record .45 “Ballad of Lover’s Hill.” The sisters sang on shows with Roy Rogers and Dale Evens, Pat Boone, Arthur Godfrey, Liberace, and Jim Backus.  They then traveled abroad, singing for Indonesian President Sukarno and royalty in Vietnam and Afghanistan. They also performed for the king and queen of Thailand, the king of Nepal, the Shah and queen of Iran, and the king and queen of Cambodia. Deanna is also an accomplished watercolorist and graphic designer. Deanda is a psychotherapist. Enjoy listening to the tales of these talented sisters. You can see the two of them singing on Starlit Stairway on YouTube.

Tarin Leach, an artist who studied Social Sculpture at the University of Idaho and former instructor at Gizmo, is associated with CDA Galleries, Emerge, and the Art on the Edge Program. She will be hosting the first AltWalk: Estate Pop-up Show in Coeur d’Alene on August 9 from 4-9 pm at her home. Tarin looks forward to welcoming visitors to her estate gallery, offering an open house and garden tour as a unique addition to the ArtWalk. She believes that art is life, and her pop-up estate gallery will showcase an eclectic array of paintings, sculptures, and drawings throughout the house and backyard, along with poetry readings and more experiential art. For more information visit her on instagram @tarinleach

Carrie Scozzaro, a dedicated art teacher, accomplished freelance writer, and talented artist, has carefully curated an exquisite exhibition titled "In the Mean Time." This captivating showcase opens on August 2, coinciding with First Friday in Spokane, and is gracefully hosted by Terrain, captivating audiences through the entire month of August. During a compelling discussion, Carrie provided deep insights into the profound meaning behind the show's title and shared her collaborative journey with eight other skilled artists. Together, they skillfully crafted a collection that delves into a language inspired by literature and current events, purposefully exploring the intricate intersection of culture and language. As spectators engage with the exhibition, they are invited to interpret and uncover personal significance within each remarkable piece. For more information visit terrainspokane.com For a complete calendar listing of arts events in the area visit inlander.com

Not only does Michael Koep write books, play drums in one or more bands, and pour himself in creating a shire-like home complete with studio in the back that accommodates his creative projects; but now he has taken over the Sunday in the Park concert series in Coeur d'Alene called Koep Concerts. This concert series was formerly run by the late Chris Guggemos, known locally as "The Music Man."  After Chris died in 2022 from a 6-year battle with cancer, Michael was approached by many in the area (including Chris' family) to continue this popular, free concert series for the community. Michael talks about this year's lineup, his annual tribute concert to Chris featuring local singer/songwriters, and catches us up on the other projects in his life that he has talked about with us in previous episodes (Ep 4, 11, and 75). To learn more about Koep Concerts visit koepconcerts.com. 

After four years being dark, Lake City Playhouse, a valuable community theater, is back and coming in with a bang with the production of Oliver which runs this weekend with four shows: Friday, July 12 at 7:30, Saturday, July 13 at 2 pm and at 7:30, and the final run on Sunday, July 14 at 2 pm. And thanks to the amazing community support this treasured theater is finally able to celebrate its 60th season! We sat down on the set with Jessica Peterson who plays Nancy, and Brady Campbell who plays Fagan and talked about the show, the excitement about being back, many of the businesses who supported the renovation after an unfortunate flood, and their upcoming season with some very fun shows to look forward to. For more information or tickets, visit lakecityplayhouse.org.

A gem of summer nights in Coeur d'Alene is the Riverstone Summer Concert Series put on by the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance. The season this year begins on July 11, and goes every Thursday night through the end of August. And the line up ahead is promising to be phenomenal! Board members, Ruth Pratt and Max Mendez, talk about the  season line up, the sponsors, and what you can expect from this valuable community event. For more information about the concerts, and other A&C programs, visit artsandculturecda.org.

It takes a lot of creativity to make a photography business successful. Kim Hildebrand does just that with her specialty family photo sessions and online education tools to help others become better photographers. Join us for a great conversation with Kim on her business, her inspirations, her great ideas, and more. For more on Kim, visit her website at kimhildebrand.com or check out her instagram @kimhildrebrandphoto

Today, we had a delightful conversation with Devin Weeks, a respected reporter for the Coeur d'Alene Press and a passionate supporter of the arts in our community. The art of writing, especially in journalism, requires great creativity, as professionals in this field offer essential information, breaking news, and captivating entertainment. Journalism, demands immense creativity as individuals in this profession provide us with essential information, breaking news, and captivating forms of entertainment.

Dan Brown is not just an artist, but also a teacher, author, and sculptor. He loves creating art from found objects and works in various media. For an impressive 29 years, he was the only art teacher at Okanogan Middle and High School. His art is mostly inspired by nature since he grew up on US Fish and Wildlife refuges and has a deep appreciation for exploring the outdoors. Dan holds a BS in Wildlife Biology and a master's in Education. He is the author and illustrator of "Trout: A Fictitious History", a wonderful book filled with beautiful watercolors and fanciful stories with some bits of truth mixed in. You can find more about Dan and his book at danbrownartist.com or on social media at danbrownartist.  For more on the local art community visit Twisp's Confluence Gallery, The Winthrop Gallery and Methow Valley Goods. located in Twispworks.

We loved getting to know Janet Fagan, an exceptionally skilled painter and printmaker who combines her distinct artistic styles to create captivating and evocative artwork. Drawing inspiration from the stunning natural landscapes of the Methow Valley, her creations vividly reflect her boundless imagination. They intertwine memories, optimism, a deep love for the natural world, and a profound compassion for humanity. For more about Janet, visit Janetfagan.com or find her on Instagram at Janet.fagan.artist For more about the Trashion Show, visit the Confluence Gallery Facebook Page to see not only Janet's creation, but the others as well.

Twisp has a funky little radio station that is run by a really cool man, Don Ashford, who doubles as a potter, former horse trainer and gold miner. What makes someone suddenly decide to own and operate a radio station? He answers that and more about the art community he lives in, his love of the area, and his passion for clay. Check out their radio station that is now streaming at radioroot.com KTRT 97.5 The Root For more on the local art community visit Twisp's Confluence Gallery  and be sure to click on the Trashion Show, Twisps Big Gala Event and fundraiser for the gallery.

Leadership Coeur d'Alene is a year-long program at the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber that provides exclusive access to community leaders from various key industries that make this community unique. This month, we had Media Day, which featured representatives from the community discussing various forms of media. Our segment during the day involved conducting a live podcast. We interviewed Geoff Carr, a Journalism professor from North Idaho College, and discussed Media Literacy and Ethics. Geoff has been teaching at the college for about 13 years and provided an intriguing perspective on the distinctions between reporting and opinion, among other topics. We also talked about podcasting and shared our experiences with it.

About 8 years ago, Adam Schluter found himself alone in Coeur d'Alene knowing no one. He put himself out there and invited people to his home for dinner as a way of getting to know each other. The first dinner, to his surprise, eleven people showed up. That first dinner paved the way for the Monday Night Dinners outdoors in Adam's back yard every other Monday in the good months of the year. It has grown to include dinner, music, drink and a great sense of community. This past Monday, May 13, 2024, Adam did a huge kick off dinner in McEuen Park as a way to promote more commaraderie as well as host a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the Coeur d'Alene Library Foundation. Adam knows well the great value of our local libraries, and he got together with the Foundation to organize the event in the park, which included many local businesses - a winery, breweries, sweet shops, and more - to come together to provide a free night of commonality for all. Everyone brings a dish to share, so there is plenty of food... and what better way to commune with people than over food. Our conversation includes Adam and his videographer Jack Wade from his project, Hello from a Stranger. We also had Jimmy, Joy, and Sarah join us to tell of their experiences with the dinners. This was filmed outdoors in the park, so please excuse the occasional quality bumps. For more information about the Monday Night Dinners visit the website at Monday Night Dinners, and while you are there, check out the Hello from a Stranger project (hellofromastranger.com)! You can also check out his story in season 1, episode 8 on the Ali & Callie website alicallieartcast.com

At only 25 years old, Elaina DeJong has already accomplished so much. She has written and recorded several of her original songs, and she has put together her own concert with openers and a full band to showcase her music. She learned to play the violin at four years old, caught the musical bug at age 15, and now holds a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University. She has appeared in many Coeur d’Alene and Spokane plays, musicals, commercials, films, and concerts. Since August 2023, she’s been one-half of the music duo The Kindreds who can be found playing around the Inland NW. Elaina’s first song release, “City Park”, comes out in mid-May. The single anticipates her original concert debut, Montage Season, which will play on the Kroc Center stage in Coeur d’Alene on May 31. Elaina is also one of five individuals who received the Jack Bannon Memorial Fund for the Arts for this year. A formal presentation of the checks will be made by Ellen Travolta on May 15 at the CDA Chamber Visitors Center in a nice reception for the awardees, family and friends. For more information about Elaina, or tickets to her upcoming show, visit elainadejong.com/. For more information about the Jack Bannon Memorial Fund for the Arts (managed by the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance) visit artsandculturecda.org/jack-bannon-fund-for-the-arts

Such a treat talking to Kathy Colton who has been playing around the area since the 80s. We hear about her music, her influences, and her band. And we really enjoyed the private concert featuring a couple of songs, one an original. You can find Kathy and the Reluctants around town during ArtWalk, at some of the local hangouts, and more.  Check out where she will be and come see her. On Facebook you can find her at Kathy Colton and the Reluctants, or at Kathy Colton.

This week we focus on Aspire Community Theater's upcoming show "Gypsy", a musical fable based on the real life memoirs of high-class stripper Gypsy Rose Lee that focuses on her mother, Rose, who was the ultimate show business mother. This episode features the girls who play Rose's daughters, Louise and Rose, played by Bridget Erb and Ashley Cleveland, Director Mark Jacobs, and on piano, Presley Dupuis.  We are excited because Callie plays the lead role in this epic show with loads of memorable music ("Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You,") and a well written script that is bound to capture everyone. For more information on the show and tickets, visit aspirecda.com. Use promo code "Callie" for discounts.

Beth Rich is an amazing photographer. She says "Photography is the perfect way to carry "the beautiful" with us after we leave a place." And she carries the beautiful, having traveled all over the world. She was even invited to exhibit in China as one of many photographers in the Photo Beijing exhibit. Beth also owns Mix It Up Home and Mix It Up Gift, two separate stores just a couple of blocks from each other in downtown Coeur d'Alene.  To find out more about Beth's photography visit her Facebook page at Thrublueiisphotograpy And for information about Mix It Up, visit mixituphomeandgift.com

What a delight to speak to the very talented and creative Ali Koski about her design business, her unique t-shirt business, her experience acting in the fun production of the Vagina Monologues earlier this spring, and her creative outlets, not to mention her conversations with Debbie, her new name for her brain. ahacda.com and travelingt.com

One of our favorite events in downtown Coeur d'Alene is Emerge's Ceramic Throwdown and Cup Frenzy during 2nd Friday ArtWalk on April 12. With such energy, potters come together to compete 2 at a time on the wheel, sometimes blindfolded, to show what they can create in about 5 minutes given certain parameters. And the cup frenzy part where you can go into a maze of handmade mugs created by local artists for $15, some of which could be worth upwards of $120! And the gallery exhibit featuring the works of many noted ceramic artists on display. The event is just fun, and Executive Director, Jeni Hegsted talks about how it came about and what the money raised is used for. In addition, she talks about the goals for this year for Emerge, and other upcoming events, including the annual Block Party happening this year on July 12. For information about Emerge, to get tickets to the VIP early entry to the cup frenzy, or to apply to have your work shown at the Block Party, or to check out their class schedule and other events, visit emergecda.com.

The NIC Foundation was founded in 1977 to encourage private support of North Idaho College. Through contributions and prudent stewardship, Rayelle and her team invests in NIC students, programs, services, and special projects.  Since 1977, over $16.9 million was awarded in student scholarships. Supporting NIC Employee excellence, they have raised over $1.5 million for 376 grants through the NIC Foundation Grant Program to enhance educational excellence and over $235,000 for the NIC Employee Service Award Program to recognize employee excellence. In addition, they have raised over $16.5 million in support of NIC capital projects, land acquisition, technology, and equipment for projects including Ft. Sherman Officers’ Quarters, Molstead Library, Workforce Training Center, Children’s Center expansion, Meyer Health and Sciences Building, and the Parker Technical Education Center. The Really Big Raffle, now in its 31st year, is the foundation's main fundraiser. Tickets are $150 each with only 5000 sold, with the grand prize being a $563,000 home in Coeur d'Alene Place. For more information on the raffle visit nic.edu.org/rbr. For more information about the Foundation, visit nic.edu/foundation.

Painting since 2008, Kathy Gale's work leans heavily toward impressionism with a strong abstract quality. Her current pieces are rooted in the landscape and inspired by the photos she takes while traveling throughout Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. In 2013, Kathy, joined by local artist Teresa McHugh, started the CDA Artists' Studio Tour. It continues to grow yearly, with the ongoing support of The CDA Arts and Cultural Alliance. For Kathy, the practice of making art is not a solitary endeavor. Though actual paint time is secluded, her life is truly sustained by the love of family and friends, which no painting on earth can replicate. To view Kathy's unique style of art, visit her website at kathygale.com or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

Our women's history month series continues with one of our strong female leaders, Linda Coppess, President and CEO of the CDA Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thinking outside the box is the strategy of keeping a chamber alive and relevant in today's world. Linda talks about how adapting to the changing environment Is bringing exciting new ideas and ways of improving our community and getting businesses involved in the process. For more information on the chamber visit cdachamber.com.

Many artists begin their creative ventures when they retire. Cyndie Hammond, a former educator and higher education administrator, found her creative outlet in elaborate and unique colored pencil drawings. Her first attempt was entering a contest for the Coeur d'Alene Art on the Green poster contest, and she won! That inspired her to keep going, as she explored old houses, trees, horses and more. To see Cyndie's art, visit cjhammondart.com, or visit her on Instagram @cjhammondart.

With March being Women's History month, we thought we would start by catching up with our own Ellen Travolta who shares about her late husband, Jack Bannon, and the fund for the arts set up through the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance. We talk about Jack, the fund and how to apply, and more.

Director, Tracy Benson and Lead Actor, Thomas Gandy talk to us about the rarely produced Monte Python's musical spoof with a twist, lovingly ripped off from the Monte Python and the Holy Grail first time ever at the Kroc Center opening February 8. Spamalot offers everything that makes a great night from French taunters, killer rabbits, flying cows, dancing girls and of course, the Lady of the Lake. The musical offers a highly irreverent parody of the legend of King Arthur. Produced by Aspire Community Theater Tickets will go fast so don't wait! Visit aspirecda.com.

Season 3 finale could be called "Whine with Kevin and Stu," the husbands of Ali and Callie who are often the subject of their banter. The guys wanted a chance to set the record straight! A great way to end the season with great stories shared, laughter, and love. We all wish you the very best Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you!

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association in partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance are bringing an illuminated outdoor art experience for all ages to take place every evening starting January 26 through February 4. Locals & visitors are invited to downtown Coeur d’Alene to journey through an immersive wonderland of large-scale, light-based artworks, interactive displays and colorfully lit sculptures. The outdoor event is free for patrons to stroll through and celebrate the Northwest winter season as downtown glows from featured works of art from local, national, and international artists.  Emily Boyd, Downtown Association Director and Chloe Linton, Downtown Association Event Coordinator talk about the process, the awesome artist who is bringing in a awesome interactive art display, and the window art by local artists that will make the downtown absolutely sparkle in the dreary part of late January to early February. Artists are encouraged to submit to the artist call to design cool lighted art displays for downtown business windows for a stipend. To submit a proposal, visit the jot form site. For more information about this event, and to keep up with the news as it becomes available, visit cdadowntown.com.

"The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization." Frank Lloyd Wright Rod Rada, originally from Patagonia Chile, is an architect at Architects West in Coeur d'Alene. Such a fascinating conversation from a man who has been all over the world, that we are lucky enough to have living and working here in Coeur d'Alene.  Rod has been active with the Kids Draw Architecture program of the CDA Arts & Culture Alliance which is a one-day program in September pairing kids with local architects, designers, and artists to learn to draw, while given the opportunity to appreciate our local architecture and history. Kids Draw Architecture is sponsored by Architects West. For more information visit artsandculturecda.or/kids-draw-architecture.

A delightful conversation with several members of CDA ACT (Celebrating Different Abilities through Art and Community Theatre), a theatre program that provides adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities the experience of participating in live theater.  We talk to the director, some of the actors, and several of the other creative volunteers who are working on their next production, Elf the Musical, Jr which will run Nov 2-5 at the Midge and Pepper Smock Theater at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. Our guests included Director Jamie Sciarrio, Crew Members Paul Sciarrio and Janean Jorgensen, Shadows Ray Krueger and Becca Basta, and Actors Logan Basta and Madison Bronson. For more information on tickets, how to get involved and general information about this amazing company, visit cdaact.com.

The Divas are back! Sandra Marlowe and Carol Davis talk about their upcoming show "What She Did... a feminine perspective" at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls on October 27 and 28. With seven amazing women, this is a lovely mix of country, jazz, broadway, blues and pop music mixed in with a fun perspective on womanhood. A great opportunity for men to get enlightened! Last year's "What She Said" sold out, and they expect the same this year, so get your tickets early at thejacklincenter.org

Join Ellen Travolta, Mary Sanderson and Ruth Pratt as we reminisce about our friend and long time art supporter, Roberta Larsen, who just won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 CDA Mayor's Awards in the Arts. Roberta, who passed away just after her 87th birthday in early August, was loved by many for her passion for arts, education and the environment, and her quick, dry wit. Roberta Larsen was a person who clearly understood that art is everywhere…not just confined to galleries or museums. She knew that supporting and encouraging the arts leads to a healthy, vibrant and thoughtful community. As an educator herself, she also realized that the arts (in all forms) matter because they build culture and understanding through stretching and challenging us…bringing enlightenment in important ways. Roberta has been and always will be a true gem in the crown of our arts community. Her impact will be felt and remembered for many years to come. A lovely tribute to a great lady through fun stories about her life.

Bill Bozly is a singer & songwriter from the Pacific Northwest with over 25 years of musical entertainment experience under his belt. He has performed in thousands of concerts across Europe and North America with various musical acts in nearly every genre of American popular music. Bill’s musical journey began with the guitar. From the first time he picked it up, he knew it was his destiny to make his mark on the world with it. His first gig, a wedding, came after only six months of practice and he hasn’t let up since. He now plays over 200 concerts a year in the Northwest area as a solo artist or as a member of various local bands. When he isn’t on a stage, Bill spends his time writing and recording original material at his home studio. He has some great stories about what it takes to become a musician, and his ultimate dream of performing on stage with Eddie Vedder. For more information about Bill Bozly, visit his website at billbozly.com.

Jaime Rome Crain is a fine artist based in the Inland Northwest. Jaime works primarily in oil paint, and her work explores the beauty and power of the human mind through themes such as the human condition, memory, emotional sensitivity, and contemporary social issues. She combines figures with nonobjective environments and embraces heightened, often unexpected color. Jaime graduated summa cum laude from Whitworth University in the spring of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in fine art and graphic design. She has been granted numerous awards and talent scholarships from organizations such as the Northwest Watercolor Society and the Spokane Valley Arts Council. Jaime’s work has been included in several group exhibitions through organizations such as Terrain and Emerge. One of the most notable group shows Jaime participates in is Garage Sale Exhibition, a recurring community project which she co-founded and curates. In 2024, Jaime will be an Artist-In-Residence at The Hive. Find Jaime online at jaimerome.com or on instagram @jaimeromeart

Heidi Acuff has trained under some of the best artists in the industry. She continues studying art, taking workshops and classes with known artists to excel in the art of oil painting. Some of her instructors of workshops and classes include Stan Miller, Joe Kronenberg, Tina Garrett, William Suys, Charles Dayton and Kyle Paliotto. She is influenced by many, developing a style of her own. Heidi is one of the featured artists in the Arts & Culture Alliance fundraiser, Under Western Skies on Saturday, Sept 23 at the Rockin' B Ranch at Stateline in Liberty Lake. For more on Heidi's work visit heidiacuff.com. For tickets to the fundraiser visit artsandculturecda.org/westernskies.

What a fun conversation with long time musicians, legendary almost for this area, Bones Kasun, Pat Coast and Tom Kuntz who are part of the band called What About Bob. All three of them started playing in their early teens, and the passion about music is clear with each of them. We really enjoyed reminiscing about the old bands they were part of over the years, and the local influences that shaped their music careers.  Check them out on Facebook @whataboutbob.

Caution, this episode might make you hungry for a great sausage! Ben Drake and his wife, Jennifer, own and operate the Crown & Thistle pub in downtown Coeur d'Alene, known not only for their amazing pub environment, but also for their bangers. There is a lot of creativity in sausage making, and Ben has outdone himself with his new business, Gentleman's Sausages, just across the street from the pub. And every sausage has a unique name, and many are local favorites. This is a fun episode, with guest host, Kristin Kilmer. You can find Gentleman's Sausages at gentlemansausages.com, or on Facebook or Instagram. Or if you are in town, stop by and see them at 112 N 4th Street in Coeur d'Alene.