Spotlight on the arts

For our July 23 episode we sit down with Grammy Award winning composer and producer, Kitt Wakeley. We discuss the ensemble Six String Symphony and their newest album, 'A Six String Odyssey,' which has it's album release party on Friday, July 24 at 7pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center in Edmond. We discuss how the album came together and the people who helped to make it happen. We then sit down with Rachael Parsons and Trace Burchart, two cast members with the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which runs July 28 thru August 2 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

For our July 16 episode we sit down with Angelika Machnik-Jones with the Oklahoma Summer Chamber Music Institute. We learn about the inaugural program as well as the 3 concerts being put on by the students and faculty. Then we sit down with composer and producer Chris Prather. We learn about his participation in an upcoming album being released July 24 titled 'Symphonina Stories: New Horizons." We will also get a sneak preview of his composition on the album titled 'Carriage Ride To Spooky Town.'

For our July 9 episode we sit down with Lucas Ross with the American Banjo Museum. We discuss the history of the banjo, how he got involved with the instrument and the museum, and what we can expect from his program titled 'A Very Muppet Sing-Along with Lucas Ross.'

For our July 2 episode we sit down with Dr. Tommy Dobbs and Sarah Neely with the Great Plains International Marimba Competition. We discuss this year's event and how it's evolved over its 13 years. Next we sit down with Sherry Klechka and Nathaly Ramos with the Paseo Arts Association. They join the program to discuss July's First Friday Gallery Walk and 3 new exhibitions coming to the PAAC. Finally we sit down with Cory King and Renee Anderson, two cast members of Sister Act being presented by the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. We discuss their experiences and what folks can expect from this production.

For our June 25 episode we sit down with Lester Claravall and Kelsey Rogers to learn about the Children's Health Foundation's Dancing For A Miracle taking place August 22nd at 5:30pm at the Embassy Suites in Norman. Then we sit down with Amy Stephens with the Edmond History Museum to learn about this year's Songs and Stripes Big Band Show taking place Friday, July 3 at 2:30, 4:30, and 7:30pm.

For our June 18 episode we sit down with Eric Walschap, Program Director with Jazz in June, to learn about the artists coming to this years festival which kicks off tonight in Andrews Park. Then we sit down with Alex Johnson, Kevin W. Smith, and Nicholas Bartell with Cimarron Opera to discuss their two productions of Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience.

For our June 11 episode we sit down with Zoe Elrod with the Metropolitan Library System to learn about their Summer Reading Program and Neighborhood Arts programming. Next we sit down with Tyler Woods with Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park to learn about their production of The Tempest. Finally, we sit down with Kenzie Beckham and Sierra Sikes with the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of Annie.

For our June 4 episode I sit down with violinist Angelica Pereira to learn about her program titled Raices, Music of Latin America, taking place this Saturday. Next I sit down with vocalist and composer Karena Van Horn to learn about her program “Karena Sings With Friends,” taking place this Sunday. Finally I sit down with Sherry Klechka with the Paseo Arts Association to learn about this First Friday Gallery Walk and the 3 next exhibitions coming to the PAC.

For our May 21 episode we sit down with Dylan Madoux with the Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra and Dr. David Anderson with Chamber Music in Oklahoma. They join us to discuss their collaborative program featuring Vivaldi's The Four Seasons on Sunday, May 24 at 4pm at Christ the King Catholic Church.

For our May 14 episode we sit down with Kaleb Benda and Hamed Erfani with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony to learn about their season finale concert taking place on Saturday, May 16 at 7pm. Next we sit down with Kaleb Benda and Noah Pool with the Oklahoma Community Orchestra to learn about their season-finale concert on Sunday, May 17 at 3pm. Finally, we sit down with Dr. Julie Yu with Canterbury Voices to learn about their fundraiser and program, Crescendo which takes place tonight at 7pm at the Little Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall.

For our May 7 episode, we sit down with Drs. Julia Montag and JoBeth Moad with the OCU School of Music to learn about the events wrapping up the school calendar and what will be taking place this summer. Then we sit down with Amanda Bleakley with the Paseo Arts Association to learn about the 49th Paseo Arts Festival taking place and volunteer opportunities.

For our April 30 episode we sit down with Dr. Rob Glaubitz with the University of Central Oklahoma School of Music for his weekly visit where he details all the upcoming concerts, recitals, and productions coming to UCO. Next we sit down with Dr. Julia Montag with the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and Theatre for her weekly visit learning about their upcoming productions and concerts. Then we’re joined by Rachael Geiger with the Oklahoma City Orchestra League to discuss the 2026 Symphony Show House which opens up May 2 runs through May 17. We then sit down with Courtney Monk with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras to learn about their 2nd of 2 season-ending concerts taking place as well as information about auditions. Next we are joined by Nolan Patrick Reilly with the Cathedral Arts Series to learn about their concert tonight featuring Vincent Dubois. We’re then joined by Sherry Kletchka and Sofia Arenas with the Paseo Arts Association to learn about this month’s First Friday Gallery Walk. Finally we’re joined by Rev. Laurie Purcell to learn about the St. Luke’s Community Orchestra concert taking place this Sunday. As we like to say, lets put a Spotlight on the arts here in Oklahoma.