Beyond the Stage with Pablo Center

In this episode of Beyond the Stage, Megan takes listeners on a tour of the Pablo Center's versatile event spaces and shares how they can be transformed for everything from weddings and corporate meetings to fundraisers, celebrations, and private parties. Learn what makes each space unique, discover the services available to help bring your vision to life, and hear why the Pablo Center is more than a performing arts venue—it's a place where unforgettable moments happen.

In this episode of Beyond the Stage, we sit down with bestselling true crime author and criminologist Scott Bonn for a fascinating conversation about the minds behind some of history's most infamous serial killers. Scott shares what draws society to true crime, separates fact from fiction, and explores the psychology that fuels these notorious criminals. From media myths to real-life investigations, this engaging discussion offers a deeper look into one of the world's most captivating and unsettling subjects.

Live music doesn’t really exist without the people in the room. In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with two passionate fans of the live experience, Michael Strubel and Nick White, to talk about what keeps them coming back show after show.

Michael shares the story behind his “Year 50” challenge, attending fifty live performances across the region to mark his 50th birthday, and the moments and artists that made it unforgettable. Nick dives into the energy of local house shows and the unique spaces where live music thrives, including experiences like the 715 Series.

Together, they reflect on what makes live music feel so personal, so powerful, and why the audience is just as essential as the artists on stage.

Get ready to feel the rhythm return to downtown Eau Claire. In this episode, Quentin Volk joins us to preview the 2026 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, happening April 17–18.

From intimate sets to high-energy performances, Jazz Fest fills the city with sound in all the right ways. Quentin shares a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store this year, reflects on favorite moments from festivals past, and talks about what makes this event such a standout on the spring calendar. It’s a celebration of music, community, and a festival that continues to grow year after year.

Spring arrives a little early at the Pablo Center. Before gardens begin to bloom across the Chippewa Valley, the galleries come to life with color, texture, and fresh inspiration during Fabulous Florals.

In this episode, Erika Crotty joins us to share a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved annual exhibit, on view March 26–29. Blending live floral design with works of fine art, Fabulous Florals transforms the gallery into a living, breathing experience. Erika talks about what goes into creating the exhibit, the collaboration between artists and florists, and why it continues to be a favorite for both staff and visitors year after year.

In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with Andrew Salvaterra, Board President of the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, for a conversation about the power of youth arts in our community. Now in its 37th season, ECCT has grown into a vibrant organization producing nearly 20 shows each year, creating space for young performers to build confidence, creativity, and connection.

Andrew shares the story behind ECCT’s growth, the impact of arts education on young people, and the many ways kids—and adults—can get involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. He also highlights how families and community members can play a role in supporting the next generation of artists right here in the Chippewa Valley.

He may be known nationwide, but he’ll always belong to Western Wisconsin. This February, Chris Kroeze returns to The Pablo to debut brand-new music and an all-new live show.

Chris joins Kathy Wright to talk about the February 21 premiere, what longtime fans will notice right away, and which new song is his personal favorite. He shares insight into his songwriting process, reveals a surprising admission about his time on The Voice, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the unique space where he recorded his latest project.

Plus, we discuss his continued dedication to veterans and first responders—and why that mission remains at the heart of everything he does.

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.