Bellingham Art Beat aired 2016-18 weekly on Make.Shift Radio KZAX LP FM 94.9 Monday 7:00 p.m., encored on Saturday 9:00 a.m., streamed at http://tunein.com/radio/KZAX-LP-949-s261743/ and KPNW-DB pnwradio.org/ Wednesday 3:30 p.m. This award-winning radio program was produced by Shannon Laws, who also hosted the program under the moniker “Boosie”. In 2016 the program received a Mayor’s Arts Award celebrating its promotion of local, independent artists.
“…[WE] HONOR “BELLINGHAM ART BEAT” AND THE ADVOCACY IT PROVIDES FOR ARTISTS. …WITHOUT CONTRIBUTIONS SUCH AS YOURS, BELLINGHAM WOULD NOT BE THE VIBRANT PLACE IT IS TODAY!”
~KELLI LINVILLE, MAYOR
Bellingham Art Beat was a program that interviewed local artists, promoted their latest projects, shared their backstory, and explored their motivation.
“Thank you (Bellingham Art Beat) for sharing so many stories, and helping us get to know some of the wonderfully creative people in our community. Boosie, (Shannon Laws), is a great interviewer who can get anyone feeling at ease in minutes and provide a unique perspective on their story.”
-KZAX 94.9 LP FM station manager
The top 10 listened-to programs from 2016-18 are below, starting with the #1 most listened to and “liked” program featuring the guests Conrad Korsch and Ben Mann!
1.Conrad Korsch and Ben Mann
Bellingham Art Beat brings you local artist interviews, hosted by Boosie Vox. This week is a double treat. Boosie serves up internationally acclaimed acoustic and electric bassist, composer/producer, and educator Conrad Korsch. Widely known as Rod Stewart’s bassist since 2002, Conrad shares about the joy of releasing his own album “On The Threshold” this year. Next, we take a walk over to the Fairhaven studio of beloved painter/illustrator Ben Mann. Ben talks about his new projects, community work, and shares about the inspiration for his art. In his own words, his work “is far more about stirring a kinship than challenging the viewer.” Another show not to miss. Airdate May 16, 2016
2. Eric and Anissa Caprina Snyder and Chuck Dingee
This week husband and wife musician, songwriter, and artist team Erik Snyder and Anissa Caprina Snyder join us. Erik and Anissa share what it’s like for an artistic couple to create. Then Chuck Dingee, a founder of the popular band “The Walrus” joins us in the KZAX studios. Chuck talks about how he got his start in the music industry and why he loves it unconditionally. Airdate April 4, 2016
3. Luther Allen and Ron Leatherbarrow
This week our guest Luther Allen shares about his life as an active poet in the literary community. Luther is the host of the “Speakeasy” open mic series and the co-editor of the ambitious project “Noisy Water, Poetry from Whatcom County, Washington” featuring 101 poets. Next, we head on over to the Public Market off Cornwall and catch up with Ron Leatherbarrow, a well known recently retired Vice President for Instruction, poetry teacher at Whatcom Community College, and the host of Poetry Club. Ron talks about the class that changed the direction of his life and shares which artists inspire him. Special music by Bob Dylan. Recorded Fall 2016
4. Fredrick Dent and Lisa Spicer
This week a special edition of Bellingham Art Beat focuses on anthropologist film producer team Fredrick Dent and Lisa Spicer. Two outstanding artists in the fields of photography, film, writing, and editing, Dent and Spicer have their heart and soul in “The Homeless in Bellingham Film Project.” The series of films, 10 to 30 minutes in length, introduces the multifaceted issues relating to homelessness in Bellingham through the eyes of people experiencing it. These producers are active in the community, presenting their films to panels and interactive discussion groups of all ages, working to enlighten the population regarding core issues and solutions. This “Beat” will both surprise and encourage!
To watch the series and donate, visit their site: http://www.whatcomhsc.org/homeless-in-bellingham-film-project/
Airdate: July 18, 2016
5. Dylan Green and Woolly Breeches
This week Dylan Green, a musician with “Kolas”, photographer and a coordinator at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership shares about his many projects. This ambitious Western graduate has a lifetime of work already under his belt. Listen as he shares his inspiration & vision to take Bellingham to “the next level.” Then, Brit Keeton and McKain Lakey of the Woolly Breeches join Boosie, at Brandywine Kitchen for a cold drink, to discuss their craft of folk music. Honoring the greats while adding a modern message, these driven musicians take folk into new territory.
Airdate July 11, 2016
6. Jan Peters and Trish Harding
Bellingham Art Beat brings you local artist interviews, hosted by Boosie Vox. Today Boosie sits down with acclaim Irish folk band “Gallowglass” frontman Jan Peters. Jan shares about the phenomenal Irish folk music happenings in Bellingham. Then take a walk on down to Studio UFO off Bay Street to meet painter and environmental activist Trish Harding. Trish and Boosie sit down for conversation and tea.
Airdate April 18, 2016
7. Tad Beavers and Shu-Ling Hergenhahn-Zhao
This week international photographer Tad Beavers talks with Boosie. Tad shares about current trends in the professional world of photography and his next big event. Then, well known Idiom Theater actress and director, Shu-Ling Hergenhahn-Zhao talks about her dream project and her journey as a career actress to a director.
This show features special music by Sarah Goodin from the “Good Time Girls” documentary released in 2016. Airdate: April 25, 2016
8. Carla Shafer and Leslie Wharton
This week on Bellingham Art Beat host of the long-standing open mic monthly event Chuckanut Sandstone Writer’s Theatre and World Peace Poets co-founder Carla Shafer joins us. Carla shares about her first encounters with poetry in the second grade, her inspirations, and the latest collaborations with The Whatcom Peace and Justice Center . Next is Leslie Wharton, author of “Phoenix Rising”, poet and novelist. Leslie shares how surviving a hellacious Colorado forest fire sent her life in a new direction. After experiencing the loss of everything including the shirt on her back, Leslie started writing her own story and collecting survivor stories. Her art helped her to process painful memories and encouraged others. Two compassionate ladies on the show today. Interviews recorded fall 2016
Special music provided by Robert Sarazin Blake, Tom Paxton and The Kin
9. Sam Chue and Robert Lashley
This week Sam Chue local musician, sound engineer, and owner of NorthWest Sound Studio slides open the door to his studio for an interview about his “hobby” designing sound and making music. Next is a semifinalist for the PEN/Rosenthal fellowship and a Jack Straw fellow, poet Robert Lashley. Robert shares about life after the national success of his debut book The Homeboy Songs, published by Small Doggies press 2014.
Airdate May 9, 2016
10. Morgan Paris Lanza and Pace Rubadeau
Morgan Paris Lanza, Executive Director at Bellingham Girls Rock Camp, Business Manager at Tillie Lace Gallery and School of Fine Art and musician joins the show this week. Morgan shares what life is like as a multi-faceted artist and the joys of teaching girls the power of music at the Girls Rock Camp. Also, she brings in a song from her jazz quintet, Impressions, called “No Moon at All.” You’re going to love it! Next up Pace Rubadeau, the internationally known trumpet player and music producer with Pace Productions visits us at the KZAX Make.Shift Radio studio in downtown Bellingham. Pace enjoys jazz from the 20-30’s era and supports the revival music scene as the new booking and event coordinator for the classic venue The Majestic. Pace also shares the joy of playing out in natural spaces, especially canyons with good acoustics, and describes what Pace Productions is all about.
Special music by Amy Winehouse, Impressions, and Connie Converse.
Recorded January 2017
Thank you for listening. Thank you for a vivacious eight years!
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shannon p. laws 