We were LIVE at Art on the Mall 2026!

We were LIVE at Art on the Mall 2026!

Kristen Chesak and Kim Shaw of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo talked with Val Birch, Carolyn Fink, and Kaitlin Gotcher - artists involved in this year's Art on the Mall Festival.  We discussed the uniqueness of presenting artwork outside, the challenges of weather, and the sense of community created by participating in an open-air festival.  Originally aired on Saturday, June 6 at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

Celebrating 40 years of Art on the Mall

This week on Creative Café, we preview Art on the Mall as it celebrates its 40th anniversary in downtown Kalamazoo. Hear from Kim Shaw of the Arts Council and Jennifer Prenkert Hudson of Sounds of the Zoo as they share what to expect from this vibrant, artist-filled weekend. From a diverse lineup of regional artists to live music throughout the day, discover why this free community event continues to bring creativity and connection to the heart of our city. Originally aired on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 8 am on WKZO 590 AM and 106.9 FM in Kalamazoo, MI.   Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

Reverend Millard Southern III - Music, Faith, Democracy, and Community

On this episode, Kristen Chesak sits down with Reverend Millard Southern III—pastor of historic Allen Chapel AME Church, accomplished trumpeter, scholar, and community leader. Together they discuss the powerful connection between music, faith, democracy, and community, including Rev. Southern’s work bringing world class cultural experiences to Kalamazoo such as a recent appearance by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. In the second half of the show, they explore his newest project made possible through an Arts Fund grant: bringing the renowned Spelman College Glee Club to Kalamazoo for “A New Song,” an inspiring evening of music, culture, and collaboration. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts. Creative Cafe is a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Home - KalamazooArts.org [https://www.kalamazooarts.org/]

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/]