Full STEAM Ahead

Contemporary art, community engagement, and Catskill Art Space take center stage in this episode of Full STEAM Ahead. Gary and Judy Siegel sit down with Sally Wright to explore how art strengthens and connects communities.Located in Livingston Manor, NY, CAS is a vibrant cultural hub—featuring exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, and educational programs for all ages. Sally shares her journey from the Dia Art Foundation to leading one of the Catskills’ most dynamic creative spaces.Learn how CAS expands access to the arts with support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts—and why connecting art, place, and people matters more than ever.Tune in for a conversation on creativity, culture, and community through art. Learn More:https://www.catskillartspace.orghttps://steamfund.orghttps://steamfund.org/#educationhttps://steamfund.org/#mogaathttps://steamfund.org/#new#FullSTEAMAhead #MusicEducation #ArtsEducation #CommunityImpact #SupportTheArts #PodcastEpisode

Music education, arts programs, and community impact are at the heart of this Season 2 premiere of Full STEAM Ahead. Guest host Paul Ciliberto interviews Gary Siegel and Judy Siegel to introduce viewers and listeners to the mission of the STEAM Fund, review highlights from Season 1, and preview the exciting programs coming this season.Gary and Judy share insights into STEAM Fund programs—including Arts in Education, songwriting initiatives, visiting artist outreach, youth programs, Social Emotional Learning, the Healthy Habits Initiative, Professional Development, and Mission One Gig At A Time (MOGAAT)—highlighting how these initiatives engage and enrich communities throughout the Sullivan Catskills, Hudson Valley, Southern Tier and beyond.Listeners will also hear about STEAM Fund’s collaborations with Catskill Art Space, the Shandelee Music FestivalWeekend of Chamber Music, and performances at SUNY Sullivan, illustrating how partnerships, grants, and community support help expand access to music and the arts.Tune in to discover how STEAM Fund is transforming music education, supporting musicians, artists, and venues, and building stronger communities—and learn how you can support these efforts.Learn More:STEAM Fund Homepage: https://steamfund.orgSTEAM Fund Educational Opportunities: https://steamfund.org/#educationSTEAM Fund MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time): https://steamfund.org/#mogaatSTEAM Fund News: https://steamfund.org/#new#FullSTEAMAhead #MusicEducation #ArtsEducation #CommunityImpact #SupportTheArts #PodcastEpisode

Perfect for listeners interested in songwriting, musicians, creative community, folk music, and artistic legacy, this deeply personal episode of Full STEAM Ahead features singer-songwriter, producer, and community builder Miranda Hardy. For co-hosts Gary and Judy Siegel, this conversation comes full circle—Miranda grew up just down the street in Liberty, New York, spent many of her formative years in their home, and is one of their daughter Georgia’s closest friends.The daughter of legendary folk musician and Fast Folk founder Jack Hardy, and acclaimed radio host and Folk Alliance Hall of Famer Angela Page, Miranda shares her journey from a successful decade-long career in advertising back to music. She reflects on her debut album Reverie and her latest release, The Price of Happiness, which explores authenticity, ambition, and the courage it takes to choose your own path.Beyond performing and recording, Miranda builds creative community through Songwriter Nights, leads songwriting workshops for families impacted by cancer through Theatre Within, and carries forward the tradition of song circles—reimagined for today.A moving conversation about music, legacy, friendship, and finding your voice.Links & Resources: Miranda Hardy’s Music Website -https://www.mirandahardymusic.com Miranda Hardy Music Merch -https://www.mirandahardymusic.com/shop The Price of Happiness - https://www.mirandahardymusic.com/product-page/the-price-of-happiness-deluxe-cd The Guiness Song (Bring It Straight Away) - https://open.spotify.com/track/6xhnh6zr6NGX6lApeovZQi?si=0cdaed186eb4478c Theatre Within Website - https://www.theatrewithin.org Dive Bars NYC -https://divebarnyc.com STEAM Fund Homepage - https://steamfund.org/ Donate to the STEAM Fund -https://cfosny.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1400 Educational Opportunities - https://steamfund.org/#education MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time) - https://steamfund.org/#mogaat

In this blues- and soul-driven episode of Full STEAM Ahead, Gary and Judy Siegel sit down with internationally acclaimed blues artist Slam Allen to explore how music becomes soul, spirit, and connection. From his roots in the family legacy of The Allen Brothers to leading the band for the legendary James Cotton, Slam shares a life shaped by rhythm, resilience, andpurpose. Blending the fire of James Brown, the soul of Otis Redding, and the guitar mastery of B.B. King, Slam reveals how he delivers more than music—he delivers joy and unity. This episode dives into his creative process, his philosophy of universal connection, and his mission to spread love through the power of the blues.Links & Resources:● Slam Allen’s Website - https://www.slamallen.com/● Donate to the STEAM Fund● STEAM Fund Homepage● MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time)● STEAM Fund News

Perfect for fans of folk musicians, music philanthropy, songwriting, and community music programs, this episode of Full STEAM Ahead welcomes husband-and-wife duo The Levins. Ira and Julia share their journey from open-mic nights in California to performing around the world, blending music, faith, and social consciousness into their harmony-driven sound.Co-hosts Gary and Judy Siegel explore how The Levins use music to uplift, heal, and connect communities, the creative process behind their new album An Alternate Refrain, and the intergenerational programs they lead in schools and families. Through personal stories and reflections, listeners gain insight into the power of music, partnership, and compassion.A celebration of folk music, collaboration, and the transformative impact of art, this episode shines a light on music’s ability to bridge cultures and generations.Links & Resources: The Levins Music Website The Levins YouTube Channel Donate to the STEAM Fund STEAM Fund Homepage Educational Opportunities MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time) STEAM Fund News

Perfect for fans of musicians, live music, music legacy, Woodstock NY, and music philanthropy, this episode of Full STEAM Ahead features a heartfelt conversation with Barbara O’Brien, Levon Helm’s longtime manager and the driving force behind the legendary Midnight Rambles at his home in Woodstock.Co-hosts Gary and Judy Siegel explore Barbara’s incredible journey — from the early days of the Rambles to her stewardship of Levon Helm Studios — and how she helped keep Levon’s music, spirit, and community alive. Barbara shares personal stories of collaboration, creativity, and resilience that reveal the heart behind one of America’s most cherished musical traditions.A moving tribute to Levon Helm, this episode celebrates the enduring power of community, generosity, and the love of live music.Links & Resources:Levon Helm Studios - https://levonhelm.comThe Midnight Rambles - https://levonhelm.com/rambleDonate to the STEAM Fund - https://steamfund.org/#donateSTEAM Fund Homepage - https://steamfund.org

Perfect for listeners who love songwriting, musicians, creative music, folk rock, and storytelling, this episode of Full STEAM Ahead features a heartfelt conversation between co-hosts Gary and Judy Siegel and Joziah Longo, visionary frontman of the Slambovian Circus of Dreams.From his early days performing Dylan covers in Philadelphia to playing at iconic venues like CBGB’s and Carnegie Hall, Joziah shares stories of creativity, resilience, and imagination. He reflects on the making of The Book of Better Things, the magic behind the annual Slambovian Christmas Show, and a preview of the band’s upcoming studio album.A celebration of music, community, and creativity, this episode captures what it means to live a life inspired by art, generosity, and the power of song.Links & Resources:🎪 Slambovian Circus of Dreams🎵 Donate to the STEAM Fund🌐 STEAM Fund Homepage

Dive into jazz, creative music, musicians, music education, and music philanthropy with legendary drummer, composer, and educator Thurman Barker in this episode of Full STEAM Ahead. Thurman shares his extraordinary journey from Chicago’s R&B, blues, and jazz scene to performing with icons like Marvin Gaye and Cecil Taylor, reflecting on rhythm, improvisation, and resilience along the way.As a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Thurman discusses innovation, experimentation, and his decades-long impact as a professor at Bard College mentoring the next generation of musicians.Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to Thurman’s work, this episode offers an intimate look at musical legacy, creative evolution, and the enduring power of rhythm.Links & Resources:Thurman Barker Official Website - upteeproductions.comAACM | HomeDonate to the STEAM Fund - https://cfosny.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1400STEAM Fund Homepage - home - STEAMFUND.ORG

In this premiere episode of *Full STEAM Ahead*, host Michelle Semerano sits down with Gary and Judy Siegel, co-founders of the STEAM Fund, to share the inspiring story of music philanthropy and the Fund’s mission to support artists and creative communities. From their families’ deep roots in music and community service to the pivotal moments that led to the creation of the STEAM Fund, this episode explores how strategic arts funding can empower musicians, artists, and venues while sustaining creativity and connection in the community.  Listeners will hear about the resilience, generosity, and vision that drive the STEAM Fund’s initiatives, as well as the impact of supporting music education and community arts programs. This heartfelt conversation is perfect for anyone interested in giving back through the arts, supporting local musicians, or learning how creative philanthropy can make a lasting difference. Links: - [Donate to the STEAM Fund](https://cfosny.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1400)  - [STEAM Fund Homepage](https://steamfund.org)  - [Educational Opportunities](https://steamfund.org/#education)  - [MOGAAT (Mission One Gig At A Time)](https://steamfund.org/#mogaat)  - [STEAM Fund News](https://steamfund.org/#news)