creative:impact

Being entrusted with storied band programs seems to be Jason Fettig’s forte. After leading “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Jason arrived in Ann Arbor this year to become the eighth director of U of M’s band program. Meet Jason when he joins Deb Polich to talk about the pomp, circumstance and tradition of bands.

Bev Willis, Washtenaw County Historical Society administrator, has a passion for history. She grew up in Washington, D.C. in a family deeply ensconced in the Civil Rights Movement. Her family’s role and record of the movement is our nation’s history. In this summer marking the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act becoming law, Bev tells her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Keeping a community’s past alive for current generations while capturing current history for future generations is the charge of many historical societies. The Webster Township Historical Society has a champion in Thelma Tucker. Meet Thelma when she joined Deb Polich to talk about the history and charm of the Webster Township Village.

Marionettes are considered the finest form of puppetry. A beloved art form, especially among children across the world, marionettes have a special local legacy in Saline. The Bixby Marionette Collection is the subject of a new book, and John Anderson from the City of Saline's Arts and Culture Committee joins Deb Polich to talk about the authors and Meredith Bixby’s legacy on this edition of "creative:impact."

"creative:impact" listeners have often enjoyed Mark Clague, musicologist and foremost authority on "The Star-Spangled Banner," as a frequent guest. Mark has recently accepted a new role as the executive director of U of M’s Arts Initiative. Mark is back on the show to tell us about his new role and what’s in store for the Arts Initiative. He joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

WEMU's David Fair guest hosts this week's edition of "creative:impact." His guest? None other than the actual host of "creative:impact", Deb Polich. After 38 years as a champion of the arts and creative industries in Washtenaw County, Deb is going to retire. She joined David for a look back and a look ahead as the guest on her own show!

Whether or not Ann Arbor’s Bobby Fox, the author of the book "Love & Vodka", ever thought such a dream could come true, Ypsilanti filmmaker Heidi Philipsen-Meissner made it happen. Heidi and Bobby join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact" to talk about their experience at the Love & Vodka’s film premiere during the 2024 Cinetopia Film Festival.

Musician and educator, John E. Lawrence had a dream for a summer jazz festival in Ypsilanti. In 2021, he took the leap, and wow, did they come! Now, thousands flock to Ford Lake on Friday nights to hear the sounds and sway to the music of jazz artists from Southeast Michigan and beyond. Johnny tells us about his Summer Jazz Festival phenomenon when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day – was started in France 40 some years ago to mark the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Now celebrated in hundreds of countries, Make Music Day made its way to Ann Arbor last year, thanks to the Ann Arbor District Library. On this episode of WEMU’s "creative:impact," Rich Retyi tells host Deb Polich what’s on the playlist for the longest day of the year, June 21st.

Stamina is a required trait in the world of theater! Rachel continues to face and meet the challenge of getting her plays produced. She has also distinguished herself by breaking — wait for it — a Bonneville Salt Flat speed record! Meet Rachel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."