Leading the Next Chapter: A Conversation with Shawn Watwood

The Sound of Freedom: A Conversation with Louis Heriveaux

Call and Response: The Story Behind The Sound of Freedom Ahead of his performance at Art Farm on Saturday, July 11th, acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader Louis Heriveaux joins Music Council Chair Gary Kassas for a conversation about the roots and reach of American jazz. From childhood piano lessons to a life-changing encounter with improvisation at the Georgia Governor's Honors Program, to years on stage with legendary guitarist Russell Malone — Louis traces the journey behind his upcoming program, The Sound of Freedom: A Musical Journey Through the History of Jazz. Together, they explore what freedom really means in jazz, how the music carries the story of America's struggles and triumphs, and why an art form born from constraint still speaks so powerfully today. IN THIS EPISODE * Louis's earliest piano lessons and how classical training shaped his musicianship * The moment at Governor's Honors that changed his path from pharmacy to jazz * Lessons in professionalism and listening learned on stage with Russell Malone * What "freedom" means inside the structure of a jazz composition * How jazz carries forward call-and-response traditions from spirituals and work songs * A preview of The Sound of Freedom's arc — from Africa and the Middle Passage through New Orleans, swing, and bebop * Meet the ensemble: Justin Chisarik (drums), Tommy Sartre (bass), Farid Maluli (sax & vocals), Carla Lynette (vocals), and narrator Scott Free * A mini lesson in how to listen to jazz — melody, improvisation, and structure * Why jazz remains vital to younger generations * What Louis hopes audiences carry home ABOUT THE GUEST Louis Heriveaux is an acclaimed pianist, composer, educator, and bandleader whose classical training and deep immersion in jazz have made him one of the genre's leading voices. Discovering jazz as a teenager, he went on to perform with some of the world's finest musicians, including a formative stint with Russell Malone. His program, The Sound of Freedom, traces jazz's evolution from its African roots through spirituals, blues, New Orleans, swing, bebop, and into the sounds of today. FEATURED CONCERT The Sound of Freedom: A Musical Journey Through the History of Jazz 📍 Art Farm at Serenbe 📅 Saturday, July 11th LOOKING AHEAD: 2026 JAZZ SERIES * Friday, Sept 19 — Mambo: Latin Jazz featuring Bobby Sanabria * Friday, Oct 2 — Modern Jazz Masters featuring Jason Marsalis and Vanisha Gould The Jazz Series consistently sells out — early ticket purchase encouraged. Hosted by Gary Kassas, Chair of the Music Council Presented by Art Farm at Serenbe

Turning Shakespeare Into a Sitcom (Friends Meets Macbeth Explained)

What happens when you take one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies and drop it into the world of Friends? In this interview, writer and creator Aaron Stegman breaks down her bold new play—Macbeth reimagined as a sitcom, set in a modern-day Manhattan inspired by the Friends universe. What starts as a clever parody quickly reveals deeper themes around community, isolation, motherhood, and how modern life has changed the way we connect. Developed with Art Farm at Serenbe, this world premiere blends nostalgia, comedy, and emotional depth—bringing together fans of Shakespeare, sitcoms, and immersive theater. We talk about: * Why Monica makes the perfect Lady Macbeth * How comedy and tragedy coexist in this adaptation * The role of community in a post-pandemic world * The creative journey from parody to full-scale production * Why live theater may be more important than ever Whether you love Friends, Shakespeare, or just great storytelling—this is a conversation about where theater is going next. 🎭 Premiering at Art Farm at Serenbe 📍 Outdoor immersive performance at the Wildflower Meadow #Macbeth #Friends #Theater #ArtFarm #Serenbe #Playwriting #ImmersiveTheater #Shakespeare #DarkComedy

In Harmony: A Conversation with Julie & David Coucheron

In this special conversation, internationally acclaimed siblings Julie and David Coucheron sit down with Music Chair Gary Cassis for an intimate discussion on artistry, collaboration, and the lifelong journey of music. From stages like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to their upcoming performance in Serenbe, the Coucherons reflect on growing up in music, performing together around the world, and the unique bond that shapes their sound. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at their global careers, the emotional power of live classical performance, and what audiences can expect from this unforgettable Valentine’s weekend concert experience.

AILEY Dinner with the Director | Jamila Wignot at Art Farm Serenbe

Art Farm at Serenbe kicked off its 2026 season with an unforgettable Evening with the Director celebrating AILEY, the acclaimed documentary about legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey. This intimate wine dinner featured filmmaker Jamila Wignot (Ailey, STAX: Soulsville USA) in conversation about the making of the film, Alvin Ailey’s cultural legacy, and the power of storytelling through movement. Guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner by Chef Nicholas Bour, Brown Estate wine pairings, and an inspiring night of art, film, and community in Serenbe, Georgia. AILEY premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and continues to spark conversations about identity, dance, and Black artistic excellence. 📍 Filmed at Art Farm at Serenbe 🌿 Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia 🎭 Celebrating dance, film, and cultural storytelling Subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers, artists, and creatives at Art Farm at Serenbe. #AileyFilm #AlvinAiley #JamilaWignot #ArtFarmAtSerenbe #BlackFilmmakers #DanceDocumentary #AtlantaArts #EveningWithTheDirector #SundanceFilm #CulturalLegacy

Classical Music, Community & Connection at the Art Farm

In the Season Two premiere of the Art Farm Podcast, host Gary Cassis is joined by Art Farm board leaders Jane Blount and Bill Sission for a conversation about the role of classical music in building connection and community. They reflect on memorable performances at Serenbe, explore how nature shapes the listening experience, and preview the upcoming classical season—including a Valentine’s Day matinee and six free summer concerts at the Mado Amphitheater. The episode also looks ahead to how live music and the arts can foster empathy, dialogue, and shared experience across generations and backgrounds. 🎶 Classical music 🌿 Art in nature 🤝 Community & connection Perfect for longtime supporters and first-time listeners alike.