S2:E45 | Avenue Q · Metal at the Marina 3 · Alliance Classical Players

HOT SEAT: MEDIA MONDAY S2:E45Avenue Q, Metal at the Marina & Alliance Classical PlayersFrom Broadway puppetry and heavy metal to timeless classical compositions, this episode celebrates music in many of its different forms.AVENUE QClaire Bosley, Carl Neff and Zach Swistack of the Pioneer Theatre Alliance at Utica University preview their upcoming production of Avenue Q.The performers introduce their puppet costars—Kate Monster, Rod and Princeton—and explain how they act, sing and express emotion through their characters. They also discuss the humor and heart behind the adult musical and its surprisingly relatable exploration of identity, relationships, acceptance and the uncertainty of becoming an adult.Avenue Q, directed by Justin Jones, runs August 13–16 at Strebel Auditorium at Utica University, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday and a Sunday matinee. Tickets and additional information are available through Utica University and Eventbrite.METAL AT THE MARINA 3Ron Klopfanstein and Jim Hale take viewers to Metal at the Marina 3 in Frankfort, one of the Mohawk Valley’s biggest free heavy-metal festivals.Organizer Austin Evancheck, musicians, vendors and fans discuss the power of heavy metal and the community surrounding it. They describe metal as a source of energy, emotional release, self-expression, friendship and even calm.The report also features Alex from The Omen Machine, who explains the band’s white-collar-crime concept, satirical image and collaborative creative process.ALLIANCE CLASSICAL PLAYERSColleen O’Neal and Kristin Kelly celebrate 20 years of the Alliance Classical Players and their tradition of bringing free chamber music to the Mohawk Valley.The two clarinetists discuss what makes classical music timeless, how classical instruments and musical styles have evolved, Mozart’s influence on the clarinet and what their instrument allows them to express.They also preview the Alliance Classical Players’ free outdoor anniversary concert at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, at the Rome Art and Community Center, 308 West Bloomfield Street in Rome.Audience members should bring their own seating for the outdoor concert. The performance will move indoors in case of rain, and a free reception will follow.FEATURED PERFORMANCES• Arthur Bird’s Suite in D, Movement 4• Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 2, “Bourrée”VIDEO CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome and episode preview01:06 – Avenue Q with Claire Bosley, Carl Neff and Zach Swistack18:28 – Metal at the Marina 325:47 – Alliance Classical Players celebrate 20 years30:23 – Arthur Bird’s Suite in D, Movement 432:04 – Why classical music remains timeless46:40 – Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 2, “Bourrée”50:35 – Closing credits and concert reminderHot Seat: Media Monday originally aired August 3, 2026, on 95.5 FM The Heat.PRODUCTION CREDITSHost and Producer: Ron KlopfansteinAudio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks/DJ J-EasyPhotojournalist and AI Content Producer: Jim HaleEntertainment Correspondent: Nabil KhanCorrespondent: Lily ChristopherListen live Mondays at 5 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat or at 955TheHeat.com.Watch, listen and learn more at UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday.#MeetMeInTheHotSeat 👍😎 #MediaMonday