S2 Ep2107: ONE PLACE, MANY VOICES: Beth Gelman with Christine Renc-Carter - Pinellas County Arts Scene

S2 Ep2103: Singer Songwriter Julie Black sits down with host Domenico Pontoriero

Domenico Pontoriero sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Julie Black to explore her creative process, musical influences, and recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Palladium Creative Fellowship. Julie shares how her music is deeply rooted in pre-1960 blues, jazz, and soul while embracing a broad artistic palette that allows her songs to evolve organically. Writing music since the age of 11, she discusses her intuitive approach to songwriting, viewing herself as a conduit for songs that arrive with purpose and meaning. The conversation delves into Julie’s collaborative work with guitarist and composer Dave Eichenberger, her extensive performance schedule across Florida, and the challenges of managing a vast catalog of original material. Julie explains how the Palladium Fellowship will help her expand her creative infrastructure and bring more of her music into the world. Listeners also get a glimpse into Julie’s philosophy on artistic authenticity, the importance of avoiding creative limitations, and her commitment to honoring the musical traditions that inspire her work. The episode highlights several notable venues where Julie performs, including Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Florida Botanical Gardens, and various festivals and concert halls throughout the Tampa Bay region. Julie invites music lovers to follow her journey, attend upcoming performances, and experience the powerful connection that live music creates between artists and audiences. Key Topics Discussed: * Julie Black’s songwriting and creative philosophy * Blues, jazz, and soul influences * Collaboration with Dave Eichenberger * The Palladium Creative Fellowship * Live performances and Florida music venues * Artistic authenticity and musical storytelling #JulieBlack #SingerSongwriter #TampaBayMusic #FloridaArts #domenicopontoriero #soundscapes Websites mentioned in the interview: * Julie Black Music [https://www.julieblackmusic.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * The Palladium at St. Petersburg College [https://mypalladium.org/] * Radio St. Pete [https://radiostpete.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Ruth Eckerd Hall [https://www.rutheckerdhall.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Florida Botanical Gardens [https://www.flbgfoundation.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ABOUT DOMENICO PONTORIERO Domenico Pontoriero is a St. Petersburg–based artist, composer, and radio host working across instrumental music, film, and community arts. He releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, an instrumental project with two studio albums available on all major streaming platforms and at BoyintheRain.com [http://boyintherain.com/]. An award-winning filmmaker, Domenico’s short art film has screened at more than 15 film festivals worldwide, including the SunScreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. His creative work is rooted in atmosphere, storytelling, and place—whether through sound, image, or live broadcast. Domenico brings years of experience behind the microphone, including his time at WMNF in Tampa, where he co-hosted Made in the Dark. He currently hosts Soundscapes, airing Monday nights at 10 PM, a weekly program dedicated to immersive, locally made instrumental music. Soundscapes highlights regional composers, nurtures creative community, and supports the performing arts scene throughout the St. Petersburg area. The show is accompanied by the Soundscapes podcast, where Domenico interviews guest co-hosts featured on the program, offering listeners a deeper look into their creative processes, influences, and artistic journeys.

S2 Ep2111: Big Broadway Energy: Passing Strange at The Studio at 620

In this episode, host Stephen Riordan dives into the upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange, which closes out a powerful season at The Studio at 620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Under the new leadership of Artistic Director Erica Sutherlin, the theater has focused heavily on inclusivity and boundary-pushing art. Steven welcomes two of the production's featured cast members: Olivia Neal (playing "Mother") and Shakar Smith (playing "Youth").

S2 Ep2113: GOOD DEEDS Sara Garas, Woven Anew

In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks with Sara Garas, Woven Anew Founder & CEO. Woven Anew is redefining what a thrift boutique can be. Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg on Central Avenue, Woven Anew is more than an upscale thrift boutique. It is a safe haven where young women find dignity, encouragement, and practical support as they overcome trauma, hardship, and life challenges. 👉Founded on the belief that every life has value and purpose, Woven Anew serves young women ages 12–25 through confidence-building programs, mentorship, life-skills workshops, and personalized support designed to help them move from surviving to thriving. 👉What makes Woven Anew unique is its sustainable model. Every purchase made in the boutique directly supports the organization’s mission and programs. Revenue generated through the sale of donated women clothing and accessories, helps fund workshops, confidence-building experiences, career development opportunities, and resources for young women in need. ABOUT SARA From the corporate boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the heart of St. Petersburg, Sara Garas has spent her career building platforms that empower women. A native of Alexandria, Egypt, Sara overcame a childhood of crisis through the power of faith and mentorship. Today, she leverages her background in global strategy and scaling to lead Woven Anew, ensuring every young woman overcoming trauma has the professional tools and personal foundation needed to thrive. A Midnight Rescue  Woven Anew began not in a boardroom, but at a seawall in the middle of a freezing February night.  In 2019, a 16-year-old girl made a desperate choice. Fleeing from a human trafficker, she jumped off a boat and swam through the pitch-black, shark-infested, and freezing cold intracoastal waters and found her way to the home of our founder, Sara Garas. That midnight rescue was a catalyst. As Sara helped that young woman navigates her return to safety, she realized the heartbreaking reality that exploitation wasn't a distant tragedy. It was happening in her own backyard. More importantly, she realized that for survivors, being "safe" was only the first step. The true challenge was what came next. A Personal Connection to Crisis The drive to help others rewrite their stories is deeply rooted in Sara’s own journey. Raised in Alexandria, Egypt, her life changed overnight at age 12 when the sudden loss of her father cost her family their home and their business. Relocating to Cairo, Sara navigated a childhood defined by financial hardship and social discrimination.  During that season of crisis, Sara was anchored by two things: her Christian faith and the transformative power of mentorship. A spiritual mentor helped her process her loss, while a dedicated teacher encouraged her to see education as her ticket to a better future. These individuals acted as the bridge Sara needed to move from a state of survival to a life of purpose. The Corporate Blueprint for Compassion Sara’s resilience led her to a successful global career at Procter & Gamble. As a strategist, she learned how to enter new markets, listen to the needs of women, and build brands from the ground up. When she encountered the survivor at her seawall, Sara applied that same strategic mindset to the local nonprofit landscape. She also discovered a critical gap. While many agencies focused on the initial rescue and crisis management, few provided the long-term professional and personal development needed for sustainable independence. Weaving the Future: A New Chapter on Central Avenue  Sara founded Woven Anew in St. Petersburg to serve as that missing bridge. She envisioned a place where young women weren't just rescued but celebrated and given the tools and support necessary to finally close the chapter on survival and begin the journey of thriving. #gooddeeds #saragaras #thriversnotsurvivers #domesticabuse #humantrafficking #wovenanew #nanettewiser #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2110: GOOD DEEDS Lauren Hubbard, All The World's Kids

In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser catches up with Lauren Hubbard about what's happening in both St. Petersburg and abroad with her non-profit, All The World's Kids [https://alltheworldskidsinc.org/].  👉 2nd Global Impact Expedition to the Kingdom of Cambodia June 16-July 4, on a mission to build water filters and provide clean and safe drinking water to families. Water filters last up to 15 years and are painted once built and before installing. The water filters stand to serve as public art installations for community members.  This expedition program is for ages 12-17 for local youth in St. Petersburg looking to build leadership skills and gain a greater sense of the world and local community.  👉In preparation for next years expedition this trip will take no local youth, but serve to build stronger ties for education and community outreach for next years expedition in the host country.  Applications opened in January 2026 for the 3rd Annual Expedition. 👉 All The World’s Kids received Level Up Arts Grant in partnership with the City of St Petersburg, $5,000. Currently working on activating the Lakewood Trail Connector that bridges Districts 5 and 7 together. This trail is a corridor for residents and youth.  The revitalization of this trail will be a community mural on the wall of the trail created by local artists in partnership with youth from Maximo Marina, Connect Pinellas, Lakewood Estates Civic Association, Sunline, and the City of St. Petersburg. Conversations are in the works for making this project possible with a community unveiling event in August 2026. To partner with us please contact All The World’s Kids at info@alltheworldskidsinc.org [info@alltheworldskidsinc.org]  👉 Art in the Park at Childs Park, 11am-1pm every 3rd Saturday, each month a new art theme! Art supplies and refreshments provided. All ages welcome. Art in the Park is a free community event.  June Art in the Park is themed “The World."  In July, they partner with Imagine Museum! All future leaders who join the July Art in the Park event (theme is “Freedom”) will have their art on exhibition, August 3-31, flier attached. There will also be a small recognition ceremony where certificates are presented to participating future leaders  Each participating future leader will also receive free admission to Imagine Museum for themselves plus up to 5 family members while the e 👉 New Show on RHStv, Unscripted Success with host Lauren Hubbard. Where purpose meets progress.  Take a look at the people behind the work – where challenges, purpose, and growth shape the journey.  Featuring both nonprofit and for-profit leaders, this series highlights not just what they do, but why they do it – inside their organizations and out in the community. From business milestones to meaningful impact, each conversation reveals the human side of success. The RHStv app is a free, ad-supported streaming platform created by St. Petersburg-based Red House Streaming. It focuses on Tampa Bay-area local programming, community stories, podcasts, and underrepresented live sportsWant to be on or sponsor the show?  #laurenhubbard #alltheworldskids #imaginemuseum #murals #publicarts #gooddeeds #nanettewiser  #futureleaders #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

S2 Ep2109: MUSIC SCENE Dr. Mark Evans America 250 Patriotic Music History

In this episode of Music Scene, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser chats with author, composer, pianist and radio/tv show host Dr. Mark Evans who has spent his career preserving and promoting America's cultural and musical heritage. Learn more here. [https://www.culturalconservation.org/our-musical-heritage/] Did you know that a composer signed the Declaration of Independence? America has a rich musical heritage, but it is in danger of falling into an undeserved oblivion. Classical music, jazz, film scores, and the masterpieces of musical theater are an essential part of our history. "Our Musical Heritage" by Mark Evans explores America's musical past, provides a link to our musical present, and distills the essence of our nation's musical spirit from the music itself. From unsung heroes to the musical giants of the modern age, meet the composers, conductors, performers, and teachers who gave us an incredible legacy. "Our Musical Heritage" guides you on an exciting journey of discovery that can make the world of music a part of your daily life. American concert music has pursued a unique journey. "Our Musical Heritage" introduces a musical Founding Fathers, Francis Hopkinson, the composer who signed the Declaration of Independence, Francis Scott Key who wrote the words to "The Star Spangled Banner." and John Philip Sousa, the March King. We meet Lowell Mason, the father of music education in the United States and the important composers and conductors who devoted their lives to pursuing a truly American style of music, from "Yankee Doodle" to Carnegie Hall, we must rediscover our musical history. Jazz has been called America's classical music. From the early days of pioneering African American musicians in New Orleans through the masters of stride piano in Harlem, from the swing era of big bands through the age of bebop, jazz evolved as a unique art form. Jazz is defined by two elements, improvisation (simultaneous composition and performance) and swing. The finest jazz musicians created a legacy that has traveled around the world. American musical theater was born of Viennese operetta, British music halls, immigrants from Ireland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Russia, the sounds of jazz from New Orleans to Chicago, the folk-songs of African Americans, and even the Italian operatic tradition. From this musical melting pot, a remarkable group of composers, lyricists and playwrights fashioned a musical genre and a Great American Songbook quite unique with skill, technique, imagination, and a touch of magic. Music in the movies comes from the pens of the talented composers who have written the scores that give life, energy, and emotion to motion pictures, which have captivated audiences around the world. #americamusicalheritage #oneplacemanyvoice #musicscene #markevans #culturalconservationist #america250 #nanettewiser stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete