Front Row, Backstage

Part two of our chat with Aral Gribble delves further into his dual career as both an accomplished actor and an educator in the performing arts. We explore the motivations that led him to embrace teaching alongside his performance career, revealing the profound impact it has had on his journey. Gribble shares anecdotes from his early teaching experiences, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered in guiding aspiring young actors. Furthermore, we examine the unique attributes of Michigan's theater scene, characterized by a community of artists driven by passion and creativity.

Related Podcast: Trollin' the Mitten

Website: LCC Digital Media, Audio and Cinema Program

Website: OpenSpot Theatre

Website: Michigan Film Industry Association

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Aral Gribble, a distinguished actor and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience, joins us to illuminate the intricacies of the performing arts. We delve into his extensive background, including his time at the University of Michigan and his diverse roles in esteemed theaters. His passion for storytelling is palpable, and he shares insights from his journey, from stage to screen.

Related Podcast: Trollin' the Mitten

Website: LCC Digital Media, Audio and Cinema Program

Website: OpenSpot Theatre

Website: Michigan Film Industry Association

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Instagram: Front Row, Backstage

YouTube: Front Row, Backstage

This podcast episode features the esteemed independent gospel artist Jonathan Crutcher alongside his wife, Blair Crutcher. They delve into Jonathan's profound journey in gospel music, beginning at an early age and the pivotal influences that shaped his artistry. The conversation highlights the emotional process behind his song "Pour Out," inspired by personal loss, and emphasizes the ministry work of God's Creation Ministries. Listeners gain insight into the significance of faith and community within the arts, underscoring the importance of sharing one’s truth through music.

Facebook: God's Creation Ministries

Website: Johnathon Crutcher

Facebook: Johnathon Crutcher

In this episode, we dive into the compelling journey of DJ Ganja Girl, an emerging force in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. She shares her unique experiences and the challenges faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. We explore her creative process, influences, and the significance of community support, particularly through initiatives like Femtronica, which aims to empower female artists in the EDM landscape.

Website: Ganja Girl

Website: Ganja Girl / Femtronica

Website: Electric Forest

Website: ELEKTRICITY

Cloverbeard and Crew, a dynamic trio from central Michigan, blend traditional Irish melodies with contemporary music, captivating audiences at Renaissance fairs and pubs alike. In this episode, we delve into the origins of their unique stage names and the stories that shape their performances. The band members share their experiences engaging with audiences, highlighting moments of connection and spontaneity that elevate their shows. We also explore their creative process, discussing how they incorporate both beloved classics and original compositions into their repertoire. Join us as we uncover the enchanting world of Cloverbeard and Crew, where music transcends boundaries and invites everyone to participate.

Facebook: Cloverbeard and Crew

Instagram: Cloverbeard and Crew

This episode features an enlightening discussion with Steve Simonson, an audio engineer and educator whose extensive career traverses multiple facets of the audio production realm. At the outset, we delve into Steve's formative years as a drummer, which laid the groundwork for his profound understanding of sound and music technology. Currently, a sound instructor a sound engineer instructor at Lansing Community College, Simonson explains the evolution of his career, transitioning from live performance to mastering audio production and sound design.

In this episode, Greg connects with three remarkable cast members of "Puffs", Olivia Challa, Jonathan Riley, and Caleb Tracy. They share their unique experiences and challenges in bringing their respective roles to life. Olivia, as the narrator, reflects on the complexities of guiding the audience through the narrative, while Jonathan discusses the evolution of his character, Oliver Rivers, from an anxious newcomer to a confident Puff. Meanwhile, Caleb articulates the essence of his character, Wayne Hopkins, as the heart of the story, emphasizing the significance of both comedic and emotionally resonant moments. All three revel in the fun, yet exhausting, process of bringing "Puffs" to life at LCC's Dart Auditorium.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

Part 2 of the FRB "Puffs" series features an insightful discussion with two exceptionally talented performers, Kenneth Wilson and Jacob Maurer, who shed light on the intricacies of portraying multifaceted characters within the play. They share their experiences navigating the challenges of rapid character transitions and the physical demands of their roles, all while maintaining a comedic essence. Additionally, they recount some of the most memorable moments from rehearsals, offering listeners a glimpse into the vibrant and sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the production.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

This episode delves into the enchanting and humorous universe of "Puffs," a play presented by Lansing Community College Performing Arts that takes place within a magical academic setting. We chat with three talented cast members: Liam, who embodies the charming Cedric Diggory; Shane, who portrays the whimsical Jay Finch; and Josh, who astoundingly takes on three distinct roles, including the Sorting Hat and both Headmasters. We explore the intricacies of character development, the challenges of embodying their roles, and the delightful chaos encountered during rehearsals. Each cast member shares insights into the unique qualities that render "Puffs" a distinctive experience.

Website: Puffs Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

Website: LCC Performing Arts

Facebook: LCC Performing Arts

Greg invites LCC Connect General Manager, Daedalian Lowry onto this episode of Front Row, Backstage to discuss the profound influence and significance of local radio in nurturing community identity and culture. With over twenty years of broadcasting experience, Daedalian has reflects on how technology has changed the landscape of radio and the challenges faced by local radio amidst the encroachment of corporate interests and streaming platforms.

Website: LCC Connect

Website: WYCE 88.1

Website: WJXQ 106.1

Website: WFMK 99.1