In October, Pablo Center welcomed BLACK VIOLIN, a genre-blending duo of classically trained Black musicians redefining what string music can be. Their performance opened the door to conversations about representation, creativity, and the possibilities available to African American and biracial youth.

Dennis Beale, founder of Power of Perception, joins Kathy Wright to discuss how experiences like this show, along with other cultural opportunities, can positively impact young people and strengthen the minority community throughout the Chippewa Valley.

The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards and one of the longest running Broadway shows in history, returned to Pablo Center in early November. Kathy Wright sits down with Jarius Miquel Cliett, who brings the role of Mafala Hatimbi to life, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about performing in a Broadway production. Jarius shares what it is like to take the stage night after night, the journey that led him there, and the joy of connecting with audiences along the way.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Jarius holds degrees in Vocal Performance from both the University of Alabama and Georgia State University. He also discusses his previous credits and the path that ultimately led him to The Book of Mormon.

It always feels like a win for the entire community when one of our own heads out into the world and finds success. Anthony Laguardia joins the podcast to share his journey from Memorial High School to Broadway and beyond, now calling Nashville home.

A native of Eau Claire, Anthony is the Dance Director, Tour Manager, and a featured performer with the Ranch Hands show. When not on tour, the production holds a residency in Nashville. Anthony shares insight into the show, his career path, and how growing up in Eau Claire shaped the artist he is today.

Ranch Hands is a fully scripted variety show packed with comedy, singing, dancing, and yes, shirtless cowboys. Designed to deliver 90 minutes of pure fun, this 21+ show has built a loyal following across a wide range of audiences.

The creative magic at Pablo Center doesn’t stop at the stage. It lives on the walls, too. Gallery Manager Erika Crotty joins the conversation alongside Teva Dekel of the Confluence of Art Annual to explore the exhibit and the larger gallery program throughout the building. Erika shares how exhibits are curated, how works are selected, and how the collection rotates, while Teva brings his own perspective shaped by a background in fashion and jewelry design and a deep, enduring passion for the arts.

One of Eau Claire’s true storytellers, BJ Hollars joins the podcast for a conversation spotlighting the Chippewa Valley’s vibrant writing community. A prolific author and the Director of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, BJ has shaped countless stories on the page and beyond. He’s also a creative force behind the award-winning documentary Rubber Hit the Road and the upcoming Kings of Kubb—bringing regional voices and Midwest stories to a wider stage.