Listen to our conversation here about her introduction to gospel music through her church in the Quad Cities, the necessary musical skills she learned while subsequently living in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina with her family, and the sense of freedom and limitless expression she has experienced with the act of re-naming herself.

Listen to the conversation here with educator Dan Christian about some of the unique structural elements of the Divine Comedy, how Dante’s use of the vernacular language helped set the stage for higher levels of future literacy, and why it has remained relevant for readers throughout the centuries.

Listen to our conversation here about the duality between his professional and musical careers, the innate ability of music and dance to facilitate communication, and the evolution of Latin Jazz from both African and Cuban rhythms and percussion instruments.

Listen to the conversation here with Elizabeth Moen about her emergence within the musical scene while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa, the transition to writing her own songs and lyrics, and how intimate and locally owned music venues are essential to newly developing artists.

Listen to the conversation here with guitarist, composer, and educator Steve Grismore about his 50-year career in music, his role as an educator at the University of Iowa as well as numerous other academic institutions (including both Augustana College and Black Hawk College in the Quad Cities), and his hopes for the Iowa City Jazz Festival which he co-founded in the early 1990’s.

Listen to the conversation here with contemporary art collector Jordan D. Schnitzer about the importance of stewardship in the arts, the philosophy behind his extensive exhibition and lending program, and the impact he feels art has on the quality of people’s lives.

Listen to the conversation here with activist Moselle Singh about the impetus behind the formation of the Solidarity Collaboration, her belief that all people should be able to listen to music safely, and how as a community we can strive to make our entertainment spaces safer.

Carolyn Martin talks art with Satomi Kawai and Vero Rose Smith

The dynamic show Tubbs & Moss: A Vintage Jazz Experience will be held on select Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Performing in the new Blueprint Bar & Lounge within the iconic Spotlight Event Center in Moline, pianist Mason Moss and vocalist Sara Tubbs highlight songs from the Great American Songbook in an endearing and high energy performance that is a joy to experience after a long pandemic year.