Culture Under Fire

Episode 18: Song, Story, and Staying Power: Ann Hampton Callaway on the Art of Performance

In this episode of Culture Under Fire, Marjorie welcomes internationally acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and performer Ann Hampton Callaway for a conversation about the discipline and imagination behind a lasting career. From concert halls to intimate stages, Ann has built a body of work rooted in musical excellence, wit, and emotional connection. Together, they explore what it means to interpret familiar songs in fresh ways, how an artist sustains a voice over time, and why live performance continues to matter in a fast-moving world.

Episode 17: Why Sponsors Say Yes to the Arts

Marjorie speaks with arts supporters, April Marshall and Richard Lowenthal, whose generosity helps bring bold programming to the stage and meaningful experiences to the community. This conversation looks beyond the gift itself to examine the values, relationships, and sense of purpose behind philanthropic support. Why do sponsors choose to invest in the arts right now? What makes a show, an organization, or a mission feel worth championing? Together, they reflect on how private support helps create access, sustain ambition, and keep cultural life visible and alive.

Episode 16: What Board Service Really Means in the Arts

In this episode of Culture Under Fire, Marjorie sits down with Arts Garage board members Steve G. Rappaport and Elise Rubenstein to explore the role of board leadership in shaping a cultural institution. Beyond meetings and oversight, board service calls for advocacy, responsibility, and a belief in what the arts can do for a community. Together, they discuss what drew them to this work, what the public rarely sees behind the scenes, and why strong board leadership matters at a time when arts organizations are being asked to do more than ever.

Episode 15: Art as Identity: A Conversation with Eric Perna and Jessica Kirby

Marjorie sits down with artists Eric Perna and Jessica Kirby to explore how personal creativity connects to cultural identity and community. Listeners hear firsthand how individual artistry carries history and innovation into the public square.

Episode 14: Laughter, Movement, and Connection: Meeting People Where They Are

In this episode of Culture Under Fire, we sit down with Micah Stinson, Arts Garage improvisation teacher, Karen King, Groove coach, and Diana Holm, who helps organize and support this work, to talk about the power of accessible, participatory arts experiences for older adults. Through movement, play, and self-expression, they help create welcoming spaces where people can connect, build confidence, and experience real joy.