Michigan Creates

In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian talks with Monica Swartout-Bebow, Artistic and Executive Director of Kerrytown Concert House, about presenting music in an intimate, artist-centered environment. Monica shares how thoughtful programming, deep listening, and close audience connection shape Kerrytown’s role in Michigan’s live music landscape.

For more information: https://kerrytownconcerthouse.com

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

Ara Topouzian speaks with Amanda Stanger-Read, Executive Director of Great Lakes Performing Artists Associates (GLPAA), about artist touring, advocacy, and sustaining performing arts careers. The conversation explores how GLPAA supports artists, presenters, and communities through collaboration, education, and regional partnerships.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Sarah Clare Corporandy, co-founder of Detroit Public Theatre, about creating theater that reflects community, identity, and lived experience. Sarah shares how Detroit Public Theatre centers storytelling, risk, and connection while developing work that resonates deeply with audiences.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

Ara Topouzian sits down with Dave Bennett, jazz clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist, to discuss musical storytelling, improvisation, and artistic discipline. Dave reflects on his creative journey, performance philosophy, and how clarity and joy shape his approach to jazz and live performance.  

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Dwayne Hayes, founder and Executive Director of KickstART Farmington, about providing access to arts education for young people. Dwayne shares how creative mentorship, community engagement, and inclusive programming open pathways for youth expression and confidence.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

Ara Topouzian speaks with Vince Paul, President and Artistic Director of the Music Hall of Detroit, about leading a historic performance venue with relevance and purpose. The conversation highlights programming decisions, community engagement, and balancing legacy with innovation in Detroit’s cultural scene. 

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Victor Ghannam, Middle Eastern musician and educator, about music as cultural preservation. Victor shares insights into tradition, transmission, and how musical heritage is carried forward through performance and teaching.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

Ara Topouzian speaks with Jeff Karoub, folk musician and songwriter, about storytelling through song and the role of place in shaping musical identity. Jeff reflects on songwriting, performance, and how folk traditions continue to evolve while remaining rooted in lived experience.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Xiao Dong Wei, Chinese musician and composer, about bridging cultures through music. The conversation explores tradition, cross-cultural collaboration, and how music serves as a shared language across communities.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

Ara Topouzian sits down with Michael Hyacinthe, founder of Wimee TV, to discuss storytelling through media and community-based platforms. Michael shares how local voices, creative content, and inclusive media spaces strengthen cultural connection and representation.

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Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com