Citizen44 with Mark Arinsberg

I basically stalked this incredible looking eighteen year old Allison Smith for a year at the Dutch Bros. coffee drive through trying to convince her to allow me to photograph her. After seeing me around town and my persistence, she finally agreed which turned into her becoming my photo studio assistant that blossomed into the beautiful friendship that is still thriving and growing. Allison (LSN) recently released her EP, The Wren while living the unconventional life of a musician during these very odd times in the middle of a global pandemic. She talks about her father raising her in the music business and how she remains positive and focused on her music and inspiring others. pt find their passion.

A ripping great guitar player, singer/songwriter and former band mate, Jeff Stanley talks about an accident playing soccer that would change the course of his life and put him on one of the coolest venues in Southern Oregon opening for Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy. Jeff also recounts a story about auditioning for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, getting a call back and turning it down because of a gig. Jeff is a deeply religious guy with a heart of gold. He gives guitar lessons in Ashland, Oregon to those fortunate enough to discover the opportunity. It was an honor to make music with him.

September 7, 2017

Son of famed motorcycle Baja 500 racer Neil Fergus, Doug would grow up steeped in motorcycle life and also race as a youth. Doug began his music career in 1982 with the Los Angeles band, Split Image and was signed to Allied Artists Records. In 2012 his band Naked in Public opened for Cyndi Lauper at the Britt Festival in Oregon. I was the drummer in that band. Most of his professionally released songs were recorded and produced by legendary producer Sylvia Massy (Red Hot Chile Peppers, Prince, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash). Doug has been inspired by some of his favorite comedians and musicians: Jonathan Winters, George Carlin, Steve Martin, Robin Williams, the Talking Heads, Devo, Weird Al Yankovic, Warren Zevon and Frank Zappa. 

Raised in Germany, Johan would leave at only eighteen years old to escape difficult times and seek out a life of freedom in the US. Arriving in New York with only a few dollars, he would be taken in by a caring family who would steer him in the direction of Oregon. Johan spent much of his life in Ashland starting in high school. An eccentric artistic spirit who has left an indelible mark on the Ashland community. Johan would own and operate a controversial art gallery Nuandart stirring the pot as well as sporting his unusual collection of automobiles ranging from an old fire engine and ambulance to his flame throwing firebirbird with steer horns on the roof. A well known participant in the Burningman project for over two decades, Johan was one of the pioneers in the dome building business who provided domes all over the world through his company Dome Guys.

Long time Ashland, Oregon resident Jerry Solomon talks about his life challenges growing up as the only Jewish family living in a cornfield community. An article was written in the local paper about his family. Soon after the release of the article, Jerry would be horrified with the response by school mates who would call him a "dirty Jew" and throw rocks at him. At the time, he was so young that he did not understand the behavior and found himself running home and asking his parents why this was happening to him. Jerry didn't even know he was Jewish until the article came out. Jerry, who was a trained freelance graphic designer working in Ashland, talks about giving up his career and going into developing electric bicycles then later opening Ashland Electric Bike's in Ashland.

This show is me in the taxi (Crater Lake Taxi) picking up and dropping off PCT (Pacific Creat Trail) Hikers from the trail head up by Ashland Mountain (Calahan's Lodge) and bringing them down into Ashland for their well deserved break before continuing on their quest on the trail to Canada. Many fun stories and trail names.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, T-Poe spent most of his days and nights recounting his horrific experience by pouring his soul into creating memory filled poetry. T-Poe's deeply moving stories of the war speak of the nightmare of losing his friends, the violence of war and his tortured mind that had to wrap itself around a life of delivering death and destruction. A true celebrity and beloved and revered member of the Ashland Community, T-Poe created a very successful Poetry Slam series in the Rogue Valley with the goal of encouraging young people to explore their feelings and creativity through writing and performing their poetry in front of welcoming audiences. Sadly, T-Poe passed away from complications with lung cancer on March 2, 2020. He will be missed.

Dear, sweet Acacia Land. One of the most influential people in my after forty life in Ashland, Oregon. I first saw this angel of light pushing a stroller down the street shortly after moving to Ashland in 2002. I vowed to request that she allow me to photograph her should we come into close contact. That day came after I began selling my photography at the Lithia Artisan's Market later that year. This beacon of hope continually challenged and tormented by life's many challenges he has opted for a path of healing and peace for all of us in her selfless quest to save people from themselves. I've been in love with Acacia since the day I slayed eyes on her and am eternally grateful for her unconditional love and passion for life.

Mike Fitzgerald, a very colorful character and twenty five year veteran high school theater teacher, grew up on the streets of Jersey and can sound the part at will. As a young boy, Mike was heavily exposed to theater and the arts by his godfather. He lived six blocks from Yankee Stadium and was a huge Yankees fan. He talks about pocketing his lunch money and skipping class to catch a game with his idol Micky Mantle. Mike's passion has been teaching and he has been touted and recognized as one of the premiere high school theater teachers in The Rogue Valley. Mike is no stranger to to both acting and story telling as he has had many of his short stories published in a variety of magazines around the country and played a variety of parts in film and television. He has a fantastic presence and is always willing to lend a hand. Mile is happily married to a wonderful woman and lives a pretty great life in Ashland, Oregon as a substitute teacher. He has some great stories to share on the show. I'm honored to be considered his friend.