Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

The new Executive Director of the opera company UrbanArias updated our listeners on the company's upcoming release of the one-woman contemporary opera "Driving While Black" starring Karen Slack that promises to bring the subject of racism to the forefront of opera discussions. Also learn about her background both on and off the opera stage, her advice to listeners who are intimidated by opera productions, what she is most looking forward to in her new role at UrbanArias and much more. And find out why she believes opera is the  most complete art form.

Actor Judy Lewis and Stage Manager Shayne Gardner give us all the details about the virtual edition of the WATCH award-winning production of "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove." Find out the when and where, as well as how these two had to adapt from their live performance experience to a "ZOOM" one. Also get insight into how an online production is "stage managed" and how the ensemble will be adapting their "set." And with whom did Judy recently record another play recently?? Interesting take on "pivoting" from live performances to online ones.

The Managing Director of Monumental Theatre Company Beth Amann and the Producer of The Original Cast podcast Patrick Flynn have joined forces to produce a new podcast series entitled "What Is Love Actually." Find out all the details, their excellent guest line-up, how guests were "assigned" to each story line, how the podcast came about, other topics covered in the series (like movie making techniques and British culture), and of course details about the film in our interview. Also find out how Beth really feels about screenwriter and director Richard Curtis. Very fun and entertaining show!

The Helen Hayes award-winning actor Frank Britton joined Embracing Arlington Arts Talks for a wide-ranging interview about the theater community in the DMV and his unique journey in joining that industry. Find out what his original career was supposed to be, which organization he cites as most responsible for his success, how he prepares for each role, and his "bucket list" of roles. Also get more details about the first play he is writing as part of 1st Stage's Commission of Solo Works - a very personal story and why it has been so challenging. Mostly he wants to express his thanks to the DC theater community.

Mary Anne Schnider and Bobby Mahoney who together manage the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art gave us the details about their upcoming exhibition featuring the work of Sherry Trachtman and Jenny Wu as the first duo presentation. Find out about their work, the theme of the show, safety measures put into place and interesting online offerings the Gallery has been working on. Also get the details about how to visit the gallery and what else is in store for the exciting 2021 season.

Musician and Co-producer of the documentary film "Anacostia Delta" Ken Avis joined us on Embracing Arlington Arts Talks to update listeners on how his band VERONNEAU has been busy and performing during the shutdown, including upcoming holiday shows at the Canadian Embassy and the Botanical Gardens. Also hear about the extremely interesting documentary he co-produced entitled "Anacostia Delta" about guitarists Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan, as well as their unique style of playing and how DC was a music destination city. Such an interesting chat with the knowledgeable Ken.

Photographer Lloyd Wolf joined Embracing Arlington Arts to talk about his career, projects, how the pandemic has impacted his work and more. Also we learned about his many social justice documentaries and his "Quarantine Diary" that covers the most emotional issues and events happening in our nation. His photos are so important to us better understanding these issues.

Visual Artist Beth Hudgins updated us on a new collaborative she founded with 4 other artists - Studio 10 Artists. With new exhibitions every two months at Sterling Picture Framing in Arlington, the group's work centers around a theme each time and care is made for all the pieces to fit nicely together. The collaborative is looking forward to hosting opening receptions and other events in the spring. Beth also talks about how she got into painting, her preferred mediums and when she knows a painting is finally done.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Expert and President of The Almond Group Dr. Monica Almond offers so much critical advice and insight to non-profit organizations about embarking on a Diversity Strategic Planning process. Warning that most groups do not know what they want when starting a plan, Dr. Almond gives details about what groups should expect, what they should be attaining, what their goals should be and so much more in this extremely timely podcast. She also cautions organization leaders about first steps when contracting with an EDI expert. Every non-profit organizations should listen to her wise words.

Visual Artist David Carlson talked about his pieces in a new exhibit entitled "Flattening Time" currently at the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art. Also learn about how the pandemic has impacted his work, exciting collaborative project coming up with the exhibit featuring dance and live music, details about the recent Arlington Visual Artists Studio Tour (AVAST) event that was held virtually for the first time and more. Also get details about how to visit the gallery and show.