George Culver: Puttin' on the Ritz

George Culver: Puttin' on the Ritz

George Culver is a producer, arts administrator, and the former executive director of Talladega’s Ritz Theatre [https://ritztalladega.com/]. His innovative approach to theatre programming and background as a producer helped transform the Ritz into an indispensable cultural asset for audiences throughout East Alabama.   Special appreciation to Stefani Priskos, Director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, for conducting the interview.   Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

Yogi Dada: From Wounded Heart to Wearable Art

Yogi Dada [https://www.yogidada.com/] is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, poetry, music, and wearable art. Inspired by her mother’s early lessons and shaped by years of creative exploration, she transforms personal memory and emotion into bold, colorful earrings she calls “Dadas.” Based in Center Point, Ala., her custom jewelry tells stories of resilience, identity, and self-expression. Learn more at YogiDada.com [https://www.yogidada.com/]. Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

Ashley Jeffcoat: A Dyed-in-the-wool Entrepreneur

Ashley Jeffcoat is the owner and fiber artist behind Paper Crane Yarns [https://www.papercraneyarns.com/], a hand-dyed yarn studio based in Calera, Alabama. Working from her self-described “secret lab of wonderment,” she creates small-batch colorways inspired by a wide range of influences including literature, film, video games, and natural landscapes. Her distinctive yarn collections serve as a foundation for connection and creative exchange, and Ashley’s homey cottagecore shop fosters a sense of community among local and visiting makers alike. See her creations and more at papercraneyarns.com [https://www.papercraneyarns.com/].  Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.    Eight-bit sound effect by freesound_community from Pixabay.  Music by Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay.

Gary Waldrep: Sand Mountain's Music Man

Gary Waldrep is best known for his skill as a banjo player, performing and preserving the traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. He has also worked as a teaching artist for several decades and has received multiple grants through the Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Folk Arts Apprenticeship program.   Special thanks to Anne Kimzey, folklorist and literary arts program manager at the Alabama State Council on the Arts, who interviewed Mr. Waldrep for this episode. Music provided courtesy of Gary Waldrep.  Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.

Eric Essix: Southbound and Soul-Deep

Eric Essix [https://www.ericessix.net/home] is a guitarist and recording artist who lives and works in Birmingham, Alabama. He has released 29 albums to date maintaining a steady flow of new music that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. He has toured extensively with his own band, the Eric Essix Group, and with dozens of A-list artists as a sideman. In 1991, he was the youngest musician to be inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame [https://jazzhall.com/]. Building on a foundation of faith and heritage, Essix continues to produce new music and participate in educating and mentoring the next generation of Alabama’s jazz musicians.   People Get Ready was used with permission from Eric Essix.  Arts Fell on Alabama airs weekly on Troy Public Radio. © 2026 Alabama State Council on the Art.