Gary Waldrep: Sand Mountain's Music Man

Scott Wright: Of Maestro and Man

Scott Wright is a singer, conductor, composer, actor, patron, and arts advocate. He currently serves as general and artistic director of Mobile Opera [https://www.mobileopera.org/] and is general director emeritus of the International Performing Arts Institute [https://www.mobileopera.org/] in Bavaria, Germany. He has performed in numerous operas, operettas, and musical theatre productions. His favorite role in opera, however, is that of conductor — always a challenging and rewarding experience.   Special appreciation to Stefani Priskos, Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, for conducting the interview.    Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

George Culver: Puttin' on the Ritz

George Culver is a producer, arts administrator, and the former executive director of Talladega’s Ritz Theatre [https://ritztalladega.com/]. His innovative approach to theatre programming and background as a producer helped transform the Ritz into an indispensable cultural asset for audiences throughout East Alabama.   Special appreciation to Stefani Priskos, Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, for conducting the interview.   Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

Yogi Dada: From Wounded Heart to Wearable Art

Yogi Dada [https://www.yogidada.com/] is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, poetry, music, and wearable art. Inspired by her mother’s early lessons and shaped by years of creative exploration, she transforms personal memory and emotion into bold, colorful earrings she calls “Dadas.” Based in Center Point, Ala., her custom jewelry tells stories of resilience, identity, and self-expression. Learn more at YogiDada.com [https://www.yogidada.com/]. Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

Ashley Jeffcoat: A Dyed-in-the-wool Entrepreneur

Ashley Jeffcoat is the owner and fiber artist behind Paper Crane Yarns [https://www.papercraneyarns.com/], a hand-dyed yarn studio based in Calera, Alabama. Working from her self-described “secret lab of wonderment,” she creates small-batch colorways inspired by a wide range of influences including literature, film, video games, and natural landscapes. Her distinctive yarn collections serve as a foundation for connection and creative exchange, and Ashley’s homey cottagecore shop fosters a sense of community among local and visiting makers alike. See her creations and more at papercraneyarns.com [https://www.papercraneyarns.com/].  Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.    Eight-bit sound effect by freesound_community from Pixabay.  Music by Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay.

Gary Waldrep: Sand Mountain's Music Man

Gary Waldrep is best known for his skill as a banjo player, performing and preserving the traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. He has also worked as a teaching artist for several decades and has received multiple grants through the Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Folk Arts Apprenticeship program.   Special thanks to Anne Kimzey, folklorist and literary arts program manager at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, who interviewed Mr. Waldrep for this episode. Music provided courtesy of Gary Waldrep.  Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.