Creative Cafe

New Executive Director of the Stulberg International String Competition - Dr. Garrett Jones

On this episode we welcome Garrett Jones, the new Executive Director of the Stulberg International String Competition. A seasoned arts leader and accomplished musician, Garrett shares his journey to Kalamazoo, what excites him about leading one of the world’s premier string competitions, and how this year’s event is shaping up. We will also take you inside the competition itself, including what audiences can expect from the finals and what is at stake for these extraordinary young musicians. Tune in for a conversation about talent, opportunity, and the power of music to connect communities. Originally aired on May 16, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

Bars for a Cause: A Mic for Meals Initiative

This week on Creative Café on WKZO, Kristen Chesak welcomes back purpose driven hip hop artist Slym Beno along with Kalamazoo DJ, host, and entertainment entrepreneur DJ Certified. Together, they discuss the power of creativity to inspire change through two exciting initiatives: Bars for a Cause: A Mic for Meals Initiative at Glow Hall, a benefit concert supporting local meal programs and raising awareness around food insecurity, and Spotlight Thursdays, a weekly showcase creating opportunities for emerging artists to perform, grow, and be seen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, mentorship, community impact, and building spaces where creativity and purpose come together. Originally aired on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MIchigan. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

Glow Hall - Kalamazoo's newest space for creativity

This week on Creative Café, we’re joined by Christopher Keener, owner of Glow Hall in downtown Kalamazoo, a new all-ages space for music, art, and creative community. From group singing to live shows and youth programs, discover how Glow Hall is bringing people together through creativity. Originally aired on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

Lavendar Home Project - Drue McPherson Part II

This week on Creative Café, we continue our conversation with Drue McPherson and are joined by Kim Shaw from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Learn more about the Lavender Home Project and get a preview of Drue’s upcoming exhibition in the Westin Gallery during the May Art Hop, themed PLAY. Originally aired on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 Am and 106.9 FM Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

House, Human, Home - Drue McPherson Part I

This week on Creative Café, we sit down with Kalamazoo-based artist, architect, and salon owner Drue McPherson. We explore his thesis work, House, Human, Home, and the powerful ideas behind his Pinkwashing project, examining how identity, storytelling, and design shape the spaces we live in. Originally aired on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]