State of the Arts

By Lisette Grado

"State of the Arts" is a podcast where the arts are embraced and artists are celebrated.... more

· Arts

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FAQs about State of the Arts:

How many episodes does State of the Arts have?

The podcast currently has 265 episodes available.

State of the Arts episodes:

January 28, 2024 State of the Arts Episode 165: Indie Filmmaker, Content Creator, Meetup Organizer and Author Dan Masiello
State of the Arts Episode 165 (Part I) now available on Spotify and other platforms! Dan Masiello, the inspirational founder of the Short Film Production Meetup Group, a group with over 2000 members, joins me this week in an in-person home studio interview. As an indie filmmaker himself, he diligently unites others in the industry through the various networking events he hosts. His most recent work as an author is a poignant children's book that will be released as a slide show as well as an online book. The music composer who teams up with Dan is none other than my husband and creative partner, Joe Grado Jr. The vibrant pages are carefully illustrated by Fernanda Quintero, who is Dan Masiello's girlfriend. This collaborative effort is discussed by all three of these inspiring creatives in the two-part episode. Tune in for the first part of a motivational, intriguing, yet casual discussion between a group of spirited artists with Dan Masiello as the guest of honor.
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28min
January 21, 2024 State of the Arts: Episode 164: In Memory of Old Master Q Cartoonist Alfonso Wong
State of the Arts Episode 164 now available on Spotify and other platforms! Comic book illustrator and author Alfonso Wong was a Hong Kong legend whose work became appreciated internationally. Like a combination of Charles Shultz and Jerry Seinfeld, Alfonso Wong created a simple, yet humorous, comic book series about day-to-day life in the bustling metropolis that was Hong Kong under the United Kingdom. The star of his hilarious stories is Old Master Q, or as he is known in Cantonese, Lo Fu Zi. His zany protagonist spends his time with a quirky group of companions. Their silly adventures take place at work, in their homes, in barber shops, on the street and other ordinary places. These comic books have been available since 1964. They can be purchased in most Chinese book stores in any Chinatown and of course, in Hong Kong. The illustrations are self explanatory, so the stories can be understood even by those who can’t read Chinese. I have many fond memories of enjoying these comic books as a child, as do many members of my family. This is why my Mom Caroline Osborne, is joining me on this commemorative episode of this late creative genius. Alfonso Wong passed away quietly in California at the age of 92. His son will carry on the distribution of his father’s comic books. This beloved artist brought so many smiles to countless people all over the world. May he rest in peace and may his work forever be celebrated.
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32min
January 15, 2024 State of the Arts Episode 163: Godspeed Luxury Urban Clothing
State of the Arts Episode 163 now available on Spotify and other platforms! A young creative without formal training in fashion or business had a dream to create a clothing line. With the support of a loyal group of friends turned associates, Randy launched his designs about a decade ago. This self-taught fashion designer and business owner has grown his brand, "Godspeed" into a successful New York City enterprise. This episode is a celebration of a line of luxury urban clothing made possible by a brilliant and creative African American entrepreneur. "Godspeed to the moon" is the motto for this extraordinary independent business. The core team is comprised of inspiring young businesspeople with courage, ambition and faith. I had the privilege of interviewing Randy and his dedicated associate, Foxx. I was blessed with the honor of joining them for their grand opening along with my part-time co-host Anthony Bonilla. A temporary popup for Godspeed fashion is currently located at 21 Spring Street in Manhattan. Godspeed can be found on their website and on Instagram.
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19min
January 07, 2024 State of the Arts Episode 162: Indie Filmmaker, Multi-Media Teacher and Content Creator Michael Castaldo
State of the Arts Episode 162 now available on Spotify and other platforms. On the first episode of 2024 I am proud to welcome filmmaker, multi-media teacher and content creator Michael Castaldo to State of the Arts! Michael Castaldo is an independent filmmaker who continues to make his mark in the local industry with his short films. His most recent work "Ashley," a comical horror short, was featured in last year's Yonkers Film Festival. In addition to creating films, he teaches multi-media and film classes at my alma mater, Manhattanville College. I had the privilege of being a guest speaker for his podcasting class last autumn. At one point in his career he regularly filmed live bands as they gigged in various venues. Some of his live band videos have reached over a million views on social media. All of his riveting content can be found on Instagram and YouTube under "okaboutmyself." I am greatly honored to have such a dynamic talent on my podcast. Tune in for a fascinating interview of a remarkable creative.
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27min
December 31, 2023 State of the Arts 161; The New Year's Eve Special: Guitarist, Painter & Visual Artist Julie Rosenberg
State of the Arts Episode 161: The New Year's Eve Special is now available on Spotify! To ring in 2024, State of the Arts welcomes guitarist and painter Julie Rosenberg who makes her cutting-edge mark in the art world with her hand-painted guitars and live music. This dedicated member of the Reservoir Road Band creates unique works by painting both electric and pick guitars. Her guitars have been sold to many satisfied clients, played on at multiple gigs and displayed at an art gallery. Custom guitars can be created by this artistic pioneer as she works alongside her trusted team of luthiers. Fascinated by this exciting creative who has merged two art forms into one original craft, Guitar.com, Yellow Studio NY, Katonah Connect Magazine and Westchester Family Magazines have all requested to interview Julie Rosenberg. These interviews can be found on her website julierosenberg.com. She can also be found on Instagram, linktr.ee and Facebook! I am greatly honored to interview such an intriguing creative on my podcast for this New Year Special!
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30min
December 25, 2023 State of the Arts Episode 160: The Holiday Special; Visual Artist & Events Coordinator Monique Ford
State of the Arts Episode 160 now available on Spotify! For the 2023 Holiday Special of State of the Arts, I am overjoyed to introduce a champion of all art forms, Monique Langlais Ford. A visual artist, an arts events coordinator and a performing arts manager. This pillar of the arts community was a teacher before she entered into arts administration and events management. In Katonah, the town where she grew up, she works on the Board of The Katonah Museum Artists Association. As the exhibition chair she helps artists showcase their work and unites artists along with patrons of the arts in the community. This community includes Southern Westchester, Northern Westchester and parts of Connecticut. She is an extraordinary visual artist who focuses on painting, arts curation and arts education. I cannot dream of a better guest for my holiday special! I am greatly honored to have this exceptional leader and role model on my podcast. Thanks to this dynamic creative, this week’s episode is my holiday tour de force!
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30min
December 17, 2023 State of the Arts Episode 159: Actress, Singer, Guitarist and YouTube Content Creator Lola Lukas
State of the Arts Episode 159 now available on Spotify! Actress, singer, guitarist and YouTube content creator Lola Lukas joins me this week on my podcast. Originally from the Ukraine, this independently educated artist has made a splash in the New York theatrical entertainment industry. As a member of a performance company that is a staple of the Theatre for the New City, she is currently in Terry Lee King’s mesmerizing production “Questions.” She was also a member of the cast of “The Third Rail,” an uplifting outdoor production by Crystal Field. Her YouTube Channel “Ekata Lila” offers a diverse array of videos from a documentary short featuring Lola Lukas to performances to videos that address vital topics. The war in the Ukraine, human psychology and efforts to save a historical structure are all brought to light on Ekata Lila. Lola Lukas is an extraordinary guest who brings her variety of talents to State of the Arts! I am so pleased to have this intricately gifted artist on my podcast this week!
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29min
December 10, 2023 State of the Arts Episode 158: The Saw Lady Natalia Paruz
State of the Arts Episode 158 now available on Spotify! Natalia Paruz, also known as The Saw Lady is my enchanting guest this week. Saw playing is a unique musical form with more than one origin in different parts of the world. Natalia Paruz has mastered the art of saw playing, along with the timeless art of bell ringing, only to become an international sensation. Her accomplishments include performing with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Air Moroccan Symphony Orchestra and many other renowned orchestras. With multiple television appearances on her resume, including a spot on Behind the Music (VH1), Good Morning America (NBC) and New York Voices (PBS), this fetching musician has catapulted into stardom in recent years. No stranger to the silver screen, my versatile guest had various film appearances in major productions including "Dummy" with Adrian Brody, "Time Out of Mind" with Richard Gere and When Jack Went Glamping with David Arquette. The New York City Council presented The Saw Lady with a citations of honor. The city of Paris, France awarded her with a Medal of Honor. Multiple prominent news papers and magazines have featured her in major articles. After having played the saw in majestic venues such as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, she revealed to me that the New York City subway stations have the best acoustics. From her early career as a busker on, she has not ceased to continue to play in public locations where her music can be appreciated by all. The Saw Lady transforms into different characters from angels to witches to ghosts to Victorian ladies for some of her thrilling thematic performances. At the Triborough Film Festival 2024, her ethereal short "While Mortals Sleep," which was composed by Scott Munson, will make its premiere. I am so delighted and honored to have this magnificent, free-spirited and kind artist on my podcast!
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35min
December 04, 2023 State of the Arts Episode 157: A Review of "Questions" A Production by Terry Lee King
State of the Arts Episode 157 now available on Spotify! This week my distinguished cohost Anthony Bonilla and I review stage director/writer Terry Lee King’s current production “Questions” which can be seen at The Theatre for the New City in East Village, Manhattan. “Questions” is a beguiling musical that touches upon several current social justice issues. This captivating show takes the audience through a myriad of emotions. Audience participation is a central part of this gripping play as the audience itself becomes a character in the riveting plot. Another masterful piece of theatre by the talented Terry Lee King that has been such a treasure to watch and ultimately review on State of the Arts this week!
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25min
November 27, 2023 State of the Arts Episode 156: The Thanksgiving Special: Acclaimed Music Composer Joel Diamond
State of the Arts Episode 156: The Thanksgiving Special now available on Spotify! In this epic podcast episode I have the great honor of interviewing acclaimed film composer Joel Diamond. A composer, a teacher, a musician and a studio producer. Joel Diamond has vast experience in many arenas of the world of professional music. He was featured by Variety in the top 20 Creatives to Watch. “The Believer” (2001) was scored by him. A writer for Rolling Stone magazine praised him for his work on this powerful film, as did a writer for the Hollywood Reporter review. Joel Diamond received a Grammy nomination for his Danza Caprichosa, a string quintet recorded by Orcesta Nova. The Cuban National Ballet has commissioned him multiple times and continues to commission him to compose pieces for their performances. One of his works “Seasons” (commissioned by the Compania de la Danza Narciso Medina) premiered at the Guggenheim Museum. Joel Diamond produced many scores and has performed on hundreds of recordings as a studio musician. He toured with a variety of performers, including Mick Taylor, Graham Parker and Jane Olivor. I feel abundantly blessed this holiday week to have such a gifted power-hitter from the music industry join me on State of the Arts!
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28min

FAQs about State of the Arts:

How many episodes does State of the Arts have?

The podcast currently has 265 episodes available.