The Confluence Cast

What makes news in Columbus? From gentrification to policing to protests, Matter News is approaching issues with an approach meant to build trust while avoiding bias. In this week’s episode, Matter News’ Editor in Chief, Jaelynn Grisso, talks about their non-profit structure, how they choose and execute their coverage, and the importance of objectivity in reporting. SHOWNOTES Matter News Ohio Capital Journal episode Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University News Match This episode of The Confluence Cast is sponsored by Gateway Film Center, a nonprofit cinema committed to storytellers and amplifying the impact of their work in our community. A story told by an authentic voice can inspire new ideas and has the power to entertain, push boundaries, spark new levels of empathy, and advance social change. The post Matter News appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The work of an artist isn’t much different from other pursuits. You have to plan, react to change, and it doesn’t hurt if you’re in the right place at the right time. This week, we talk with cartoonist and one of the organizers of Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, Jeff Smith, to discuss the origins of his character Bone, the importance of getting buy-in to those that you’re accountable to, what it was like to have Bone get picked up by Netflix, and what the virtual Cartoon Crossroads Columbus will look like this year. Shownotes Jeff Smith Cartoon Crossroads Columbus Previous Confluence Cast episode with Jeff on Cartoon Crossroads Columbus Bone Monkey’s Retreat Billy Ireland Cartoon Research Library Wexner Center for the Arts Tom Spurgeon Columbus Museum of Art This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Cartoonist Jeff Smith appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

In this time of consistent change and challenge, we look at how the Columbus community is standing up. Can’t Stop Columbus is a community-wide movement that tries to address some of the problems that have arisen due to the COVID-19 crisis. Co-organizer Mackenzie King joins us to discuss how the organization got started, how they’ve scaled up to 56 projects, and the importance of being authentic in their endeavors. Shownotes Can’t Stop Columbus Smart Columbus Columbus Partnership Give Back Hack Support Columbus Eats COSI Teachback Code for America Columbus Foundation Support this week comes from the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. While recognizing that the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is a much-loved tradition, art and culture is much more than just a one-day festival. As a result, the Cultural Arts Division is excited to present a variety of alternative ways to still celebrate art and artists in the community. Join us as we celebrate an alternative Labor Day Arts Festival, with events and activities for everyone to enjoy. For a list of planned events please visit upperarlingtonoh.gov/LDAF. The post Can’t Stop Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When is Columbus getting a hyperloop?! Reporter Brent Warren spoke with MORPC’s Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Development, Thea Ewing, to discuss where things stand with plans for the hyperloop, what’s holding Columbus back from having mass transit, and the importance of redundancies in technology; including transportation. Shownotes Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) MORPC’s Leadership Team COTA West Central Ohio Port Authority John Kasich Ted Strickland Virgin Hyperloop Roundup of hyperloop stories on Columbus Underground Columbus Crossroads Project Federal Railroad Administration US Department of Transportation Pathways to Transportation of the Future The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post Behind the Hyperloop Hype appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Is the Columbus startup scene ready for its closeup? In this episode, independent creator Jay Clouse talks about his documentary film, Test City, USA, which paints a portrait of the Columbus tech scene and the funding that supports it. In addition to the film and the scene at large, we talk about Jay’s path, the importance of diversity, and the blank slate that is Columbus. Shownotes Jay Clouse Test City, USA Unreal Collective Upside Podcast Eric Hornung Olive Drive Capital Freelancing.School Creative Elements Podcast Create Columbus Commission Gateway Film Center Rev1 Ventures Horizon Two Labs Fintech71 CoverMyMeds Ohio Third Frontier Root Insurance Beam Dental Physna Robotics Finite State Covail Film Festival of Columbus Columbus International Film Festival We Feed CBUS Can’t Stop Columbus James Clear Web Smith The post Test City, USA appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Much like the rest of our city, the land controlled by and surrounding The Ohio State University is continually evolving. Reporter Brent Warren spoke with Ohio State’s Vice President of Planning, Architecture and Real Estate, Keith Myers, to discuss their framework plan, the importance of connecting the university to the surrounding community, and why consistent leadership and vision are needed for productive change. Shownotes The Ohio State University Keith Myers Office of Administration and Planning MKSK Campus Partners 15 & High / Arts District WOSU South Campus Gateway Byrd Polar Research Center Arena District Urban Land Institute Rapid 5 Project Metro Parks Nationwide Realty Investors Brian Ellis Scioto Peninsula The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post Real Estate at Ohio State appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How should news outlets negotiate the changing digital landscape? David Dewitt, the editor of the newly-launch Ohio Capital Journal, sat down to discuss their nonprofit news model, the importance of non-partisan news, how to deal with commenters, and more. Shownotes Ohio Capital Journal David Dewitt on Twitter States Newsroom Plunderbund Report for America Zack Space Ohio Capital Journal Newsletter The post Ohio Capital Journal appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

There is a myriad of possible solutions to breathe new life into a neighborhood. The Idea Foundry, an established makerspace in Franklinton, has a solution. In this episode, CEO Casey McCarty discusses how they helped transform an abandoned warehouse into a vibrant community that houses over 30 private office spaces for small businesses, startups, and corporate innovation spaces, sparking growth for one of Central Ohio’s most at-risk neighborhoods. Shownotes The Idea Foundry Milo Grogan Franklinton Franklinton Arts District Franklinton Development Association 400 West Rich Brewdog Rehab Tavern Land Grant Brewery Urban Scrawl Art for Franklinton BalletMet WAV: We Amplify Voices Veterans Memorial Columbus Fashion Initiative The post The Idea Foundry appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Is Ohio woke enough? Why aren’t we a swing state anymore? What’s it going to take to turn things around before the 2020 election? These questions and more were addressed by former Governor Ted Strickland at a special live event at the Gateway Film Center. Shownotes Governor Ted Strickland Capital University Senator Harry Reid Senator Rob Portman House Bill 6 Gateway Film Center Governor Bob Taft The post Governor Ted Strickland appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The City of Reynoldsburg is in for some big changes in the coming years. How they go about that change and get buy-in from their residents is key to their success. Reporter Brent Warren sat down with OHM Advisors Principal Aaron Domini and the city’s Director of Development Andrew Bowsher to talk about how they’re approaching the coming changes and best practices for planning for the future. Shownotes Aaron Domini Andrew Bowsher OHM Advisors Insight 2050 The City of Reynoldsburg MORPC Calthorpe Analytics Ice Miller Murphy Epson Urban Land Institute (ULI) Ohio Health Battelle The Ohio State University COTA The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post Development in Reynoldsburg appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

When artist Laura Alexander came back to Columbus after graduate school, she thought she’d stick around for a couple months. That was ten years ago. Laura sat down to talk about why Columbus is the place she makes her work, her background, and we go behind the curtain on the art world at large. Shownotes Laura Alexander Laura Alexander on Columbus Makes Art Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center Maryland Institute College of Art University of Washington Charlotte Beland interview Simon Breitbard Fine Arts Hammond Harkins Galleries Frank Stella Junctionview Studios Franklinton Urban Scrawl Greater Columbus Arts Council Wexner Center for the Arts Columbus Museum of Art This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Artist Laura Alexander appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

After a nervous breakdown and mental health diagnosis, Achea Redd needed help. She found it by finding her voice through writing on her blog, Real Girls F.A.R.T. (Fearless, Authentic, Rescuer, & Trailblazer). On the occasion of her upcoming keynote at the Columbus YWCA’s fundraiser Activists and Agitators, she sat down to talk about her work, the stigma of mental health in African American and spiritual communities, and how to talk to kids about trauma and mental illness. Shownotes Real Girls F.A.R.T. Michael Redd Nationwide Children’s Hospital On Our Sleeves initiative YWCA Columbus Activists and Agitators event Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Nina West The post Real Girls F.A.R.T. appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Who should be taking ownership over the uniqueness that is Columbus culture? Scott Woods has some ideas about that and how we should be defining it. Among his many hats (poet, organizer, journalist, etc), he’s working to curate and develop what Columbus has to offer with his biggest project to date, Streetlight Guild. Shownotes Scott Woods Scott Woods’ Columbus Make Art profile Scott Woods’ Instagram Holler: 31 Days of Columbus Black Art Columbus Metropolitan Library Prince and Little Weird Black Boy Gods: Prince Essays Columbus Alive Streetlight Guild Love Jones Kafe Kerouac Poetry Slam Inc Art of Republic Second Site Project I, Too, Sing America: The Harlem Renaissance at 100 Save the Crew Columbus Museum of Art Wexner Center for the Arts CAPA Counterfeit Madison Mark Lomax Greater Columbus Arts Council This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Streetlight Guild & Scott Woods appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Two years ago, when the Independents’ Day Festival wrapped up after 10 years, it left a gap in the Columbus festival scene that’s slowly been filled by other independent event producers. Festival and community organizer Cassie Young sat down this week to talk about her new endeavor, Cloud City 614, filling that gap, and how people can discover what’s going on in Columbus. Shownotes Cloud City 614 Matter News Independents’ Day 400 West Rich Wild Goose Creative Franklinton Board of Trade Mikeys Late Night Slice Cova Coworking What? Music and Arts Festival 2×2 Hip Hop Festival Gnarbeque Breakaway Music Festival Front Stage Fest 934 Fest Dublin Irish Fest Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival Greater Columbus Arts Council Steadfast Festival The Move 614 on Instagram 614 Startups Columbus Alive Cringe.com Gravity Project The Confluence Cast is brought to you this week by the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival, a day of creativity and entertainment for all to enjoy. Join us September 2 at Northam Park as we celebrate our 53rd year. Visit www.upperarlingtonoh.gov for more. The post The Columbus Festival Scene appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

In Ohio, single parents pay nearly 44% of their income for an infant in a daycare center and nearly 80% for two children (Child Care Aware of America, 2018). The Overcomer Foundation is trying to address that financial burden. This week, Sarah Perez, co-founder and president of the newly formed non-profit discusses their mission and the importance of companies in Columbus giving back. Shownotes Overcomer Foundation Sarah Perez Perez & Morris Huntington Big Lots National Church Residences Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Nationwide Center for Healthy Families Columbus State Community College Otterbein University Women’s Fund of Central Ohio Columbus Women’s Commission The post The Overcomer Foundation appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Honing any craft takes practice. That’s the philosophy of educator, illustrator, and animator Charlotte Belland. In this week’s episode, she discusses her background, her role at the Columbus College of Art & Design, how Columbus gives to its artists, and the importance of forming habits and showing up. Shownotes Charlotte Belland Charlotte Belland on Columbus Makes Art Charlotte Belland on Instagram CCAD CCAD Animation Program Laughing Ogre Columbus School for Girls Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Stephanie Rond S.Dot Gallery Video of Charlotte’s installation in the S.Dot gallery Cat Sheridan GCAC This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Artist & Educator Charlotte Belland appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Who should we have at the table when trying to address the challenges and opportunities in Columbus? Storyteller and filmmaker Donte Woods-Spikes talks about that, being a young Black man in Columbus, and how he tries to show the importance of being present with family and friends in his work. Shownotes Donte Woods-Spikes Donte Woods-Spikes on Columbus Makes Art His Last Words trailer His Last Words premier TEDxColumbus Donte at TEDx Code-switching Columbus Makes Art GCAC Duarte Brown Hakim Callwood Scott Woods The Columbus Foundation This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Storyteller Donte Woods-Spikes appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Is Columbus ever going to get light rail? Is that what Columbus really needs? Reporter Brent Warren sat down with Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission Executive Director William Murdock to discuss the work that MORPC does, where the region is going, the difference between developing a plan and implementing it, and how to ignite the conversation about transit change in Columbus. Shownotes MORPC William Murdoch MORPC membership map Clean Ohio Revitalization Program Insight 2050 Steiner & Associates Columbus 2020 Columbus Partnership Columbus Foundation Corridor Concept Study Tactical Urbanism Joanna Pinkerton COTA Crawford Hoying Rickenbacker International Airport The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post MORPC’s William Murdock appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Columbus’s suburbs will play a big role in how we’re able to grow in the future. Reporter Brent Warren sat down with Whitehall’s mayor Kim Maggard and Economic Development Director Zach Woodruff to discuss the new mixed-use development plans in Whitehall, how they believe they are uniquely positioned to grow in the years to come, and what you may not know about Whitehall. SHOWNOTES The City of Whitehall Continental Real Estate COTA OHM Advisors Casto Development The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post The City of Whitehall appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How is Columbus going to deal with its anticipated growth? Former United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, who was in town for MORPC’s State of the Region meeting sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to discuss that, the importance of helping people with technology, and autonomous vehicles. SHOWNOTES MORPC Anthony Foxx Smart City Challenge Smart Columbus Department of Transportation Lyft City of Charlotte Columbus Ranked #1 Real Estate Market in US The post Former Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

They say politicians are only as good as their last election, but after that, they’re already looking towards the next election. After serving 4 years as mayor of Columbus, Andrew Ginther is reflecting on the accomplishments of his first term, but since he’s running unopposed for reelection, now he’s thinking about what to get done in his second term. Ginther sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Lauren Sega to discuss the results of new initiatives, ranging from housing to policing and infant mortality, and what he envisions for the city in the years to come. Shownotes Mayor Ginther’s Office Ginther’s Strategic Priorities Neighborhood Development (One Linden Plan) Infant Mortality in Columbus Celebrate One Columbus Women’s Commission Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission Columbus Police Matrix Consulting Group Columbus Launches National Search for New Police Chief Ginther Running for Reelection Unopposed New Campaign Finance Rules in Columbus Issue 10 on Ballotpedia The post Mayor Andrew Ginther appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The test of an organization is how it responds to adversity. Such was true for development organization Crawford Hoying during the recession. With multiple developments built and thriving since then, principals Brent Crawford and Bob Hoying sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to discuss how a chance meeting in the late 1990s led to a partnership that endures today, how difficult times led to positive momentum, and how to make sure that Columbus is growing in the right way. Shownotes Crawford Hoying Bridge Park The Lane Updox Fore!Fest Bridge Park Farmers Market The Heights at Worthington Place Water Street District The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post Crawford Hoying appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Ohio’s place in history is often relegated to a few events or trivial facts. Local attorney Alex Hastie and his podcast, Ohio v. the World, are seeking to change that. With in-depth interviews on Ohio’s influence on our society, Hastie digs deep to show his love of history and his home state. We sat down to talk about the podcast got started, why it’s important, and his plans for the future… of history. Shownotes Ohio v. the World The Ohio Presidents Keynesian Economics OutaTim Billy Milligan Daniel Keyes Eliot Ness Ohio History Connection Ohio History Center Ohio–Champion of Sports exhibition Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 7 PM everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Ohio v. the World appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

With nearly a year into her role as president and CEO of COTA, Joanna Pinkerton sat down with Columbus Underground reporter Brent Warren to talk about how she came into her role, the interdependence of mobility in Columbus, mobility as a service, the state of affairs at COTA, and where they’re going. Shownotes COTA Joanna Pinkerton Department of Transportation Center for Automotive Research Honda/OSU Partnership Transportation Research Center Incorporated Smart Columbus Steiner & Associates MORPC C-PASS Program The Confluence Cast is sponsored by The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) featuring stories about local and regional partners that envision and embrace innovative directions in economic prosperity, transportation, sustainability and an inclusive Central Ohio. MORPC’s transformative programming, innovative services and public policy initiatives are designed to promote and support the vitality and growth in the region. The post COTA’s Joanna Pinkerton appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Being a working artist isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are plenty of folks in Columbus to show you the way. Muralist Adam Hernandez talks about how he found his way here, the importance of mentors, and being a “real” person in the business. Shownotes Adam Hernandez Art Makes Columbus profile Theme song episode Mysterioso Rock Art P3 Magic Theater Erik Tate episode Stephanie Rond episode Blockfort episode Art and Artists of 614 Facebook group Denmark on High Triad Architects Harmony Project Gravity Project Eduardo Kobra Kaufman Development episode Dude Locker Worst Kept Secret Fest Wexner Center for the Arts 934 Gallery Saintseneca This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Muralist Adam Hernandez appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Slam brought poetry out of academia in the early 1990s. Since then it has grown and become an outlet for performers around the globe. Local poet and performance artist Barbara Fant sat down to talk about the finer workings of the medium and her evolution in it. We also focused on the importance of mentors, the difference between writing and performance, her volunteer work, how to deal with burning out, and what it’s like to share very personal work on stage. Shownotes Barbara Fant Columbus Makes Art profile Sunni Patterson Ohio Dominican Poetry Slam on Wikipedia TEDx Talk William Evans Ohio Environmental Council Gala Gramercy Books Chap books Transit Arts Central Community House Jazzy Christmas CAPA Community Wide Slam Workshops People to Watch profile Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam Kafe Kerouac Writer’s Block Poetry Paging Columbus 7th Draft Poetry Slam Two Dollar Radio The post Barbara Fant appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

With a little over two years of episodes out in the world, it’s high time to give a little more behind the scenes on how the Confluence Cast gets made. This is a rebroadcast of an episode I recorded with the local podcast the Sounds of Bustown. They interviewed me about where the Confluence Cast came from, what the goals for it are, and how the show gets made. Shownotes The Confluence Cast The Sounds of Bustown Loud Cat Podcasts Amy Schmittaur The One You Feed Nina West DragCast Columbus Podcast Festival Create Columbus Commission The Columbus City Charter teamtim trivia The Columbus Alive motive. We’re on Patreon! Confluence Cast Theme Song Cody Heichel Crispin Glover Back to the Future lawsuit OutaTim: The Pop-Culture Time Travel Podcast The post The Confluence Cast appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Elected officials should reflect their constituencies. That’s the essential thesis of the Matriots, an Ohio nonpartisan political action committee founded by a group of women who participated in the Women’s March on Washington. I sat down with their executive director, Elissa Schneider, to talk about the organization and their big hairy audacious goal of equal representation of women in public office. Shownotes Matriots Women’s March on Washington Ohio General Assembly Ohio Senate The post The Matriots appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Magicians guard an empty vault. Columbus-based magician and comedian Erik Tait won’t hesitate to show you that. We talked this week about the Columbus magic scene that you may not have heard of, his path in the local and national magic scene, and the importance of intellectual property for performers. Shownotes Erik Tait Erik on Penn & Teller Fool Us Humber College Erik’s trick on Penguin Magic International Brotherhood of Magicians Cincinatti Fringe Festival Champions of Magic Tour Magi Fest Penn & Teller on This American Life Amber Falter The Quiz Box Shadowbox Live The Garden Theater Nikki Winkelman Zach Hanson steals art Tiny Plunger trick The Magic Castle P3 Magic Theater Penguin Magic Whiskey Bear Comedy Dustin Meadows GCAC Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 7 PM everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Magician Erik Tait appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do artists work, both alone and together? I sat down with organizer and artist Stephanie Rond to preview this weekend’s Columbus Open Studio and Stage and learn how she herded cats to get here. Shownotes Stephanie Rond Stephanie Rond on Columbus Makes Art Carnegie Gallery Columbus Open Studio & Stage Art Makes Columbus Bryan Christopher Moss April Sunami Brick Box Studios Tom Katzenmeyer Gantt Charts! This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Columbus Open Studio & Stage appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How can women break into male-dominated fields? In the case of hip-hop artist and rapper Domenique Larue, they just do it. We sat down to discuss how she got started, how she creates her work, the music business, and dealing with depression and anxiety. Enjoy the interview and a sampling of her music.   SHOWNOTES Dominique Larue Columbus Makes Art Fort Hayes MEC Veteran’s Memorial BHB Hip Hop Expo Transit Arts Jim Maneri Spacebar Flypaper Blueprint Rehab Tavern Skully’s Trism Club Voodoos Strongwater Comfest 2×2 Hip-Hop Festival Independents’ Day TEDxColumbus This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Dominique Larue appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Are land use and development a civic responsibility or just a monetary transaction? Yaromir Steiner, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer of Steiner + Associates has an opinion. He sat down with Columbus Underground’s urban development staff contributor Brett Warren to talk in-depth about that, the importance of density in Columbus, and the future of everything from Downtown to Easton. SHOWNOTES Yaromir Steiner Steiner + Associates Easton Town Center Urban Land Institute (ULI) MORPC Insight 2050 Kaufman Development COTA The post Steiner & Associates appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Art and artists don’t evolve in a vacuum. That’s certainly true for Columbus-based mixed media artist April Sunami. We sat down to discuss her work, how she translates the identities of women of color in her work, working with and without the support of those around you, her influences, the importance of finding communities, and the importance of outreach. SHOWNOTES April Sunami Art Makes Columbus profile Chris Sunami, The Pop Culture Philosopher Gustav Klimt Alphonse Mucha Reeb Avenue Center Creative Women of Color Kafe Kerouac King Arts Complex GCAC Cowry Shells This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Artist April Sunami appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

In the fall of 2017, the owner of the Columbus Crew SC announced their intention to move to Austin, Texas. Almost immediately, a grassroots movement was born; aptly named, Save the Crew. Since then, lots of things have been said, proposals floated, and actions are taken. This week, we get a primer on the whole situation up to this point and sit down with a representative from Save the Crew to find out what’s next. SHOWNOTES Save the Crew Columbus Crew SC Major League Soccer Nils Root Haven Coworking Crew Supporters Union Compton Construction Safelite The Columbus Partnership Art Model Law Mayor Andrew Ginther Community Kit Project 2019 Celebrate One Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 7 PM everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Save the Crew appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Happy Comfest! Get a preview of the already-begun festival season and hear from a selection of bands gracing the stage at this weekend’s Comfest. SHOWNOTES Comfest InkCarceration Festival Holler Scott Woods episode Maroon Arts Group Midwest Queer Comedy Festival John Glen Astronomy Park Summer Jam West Hilltop Rising Sculpture Hilltop Bean Dinner Hilltop Neighborhood episode Pelotonia Flyover Fest Land Grant Brewing Melanincholy Festival Milo Groghan 934 Gallery Columbus Coffee Fest Independents’ Day episode BlockFort episode New Albany Classic Pinned Ohio Moonlight Market Campfire Experience MoJo Flow Zoo Trippin’ Doc Robinson Hugs & Kisses Willie Pheonix George Barrie Band Cadaver Dogs Souther Matt Ellis This week’s episode of the Confluence Cast is sponsored by the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival hosts 25,000 visitors participating in interactive performances and activities, purchasing art from more than 100 artists working in a wide range of media and enjoying refreshments from a variety of vendors. It all happens because of their great volunteers! 2018 marks the 52nd Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival as well as the Centennial Celebration for the City of Upper Arlington. The post 2018 Festival & Comfest Preview appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Sometimes comedians make the best politicians. I sat down with Travis Irvine, Ohio’s libertarian gubernatorial candidate, for a live interview at the Columbus Podcast Festival, to talk about his rich and varied history running for political office, making fun of John Kasich, and his upcoming feature film, Killer Raccoons 2. SHOWNOTES Travis Irvine Libertarian Party of Ohio Columbus Podcast Festival Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night Killer Raccoons! 2! Dark Christmas in the Dark Troma Entertainment The Toxic Avenger Short North Stage Under Siege 2: Dark Territory Die Hard 2 Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Speed 2: Cruise Control Eric Bogosian VICE Columbus Free Press Travis Irvine – Guy from Ohio MadLab Theatre On Tour Records Stewart Huff Liberal Redneck Roger Stone Gary Johnson Charlie Earl Ed Fitzgerald Travis Irvine Jon Husted “A New Face” for Bexley, Ohio – Travis Irvine for Mayor Irvine for Congress: A Federal Budget Haircut Irvine for Congress: The Third Finger John Hickenlooper – “Shower” Christine O’Donnell – “I’m Not a Witch” Central Ohioans Countering Kasich John Kasich – “He Listened” John Kasich – “He Yelled” The post Irvine for Ohio appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Once they find success, how do artists choose the right commercial and creative collaborations? I sat down with Ramble Jon Krohn, better known as RJD2, to talk about his journey from 8-year-old classic rock fan to hip hop DJ and producer, his many collaborative projects over the years, how Columbus has grown up as an incubator of creativity and the primacy of the groove in his musical vision. SHOWNOTES Invisibl Skratch Piklz Bernie’s Groove Shack Dodge Park MHz Fondle ‘Em Records Rawkus Records Definitive Jux Mr. Lif El-P 614 Magazine: “Why I Came Back” Soul Position STS x RJD2 Magnificent City (Aceyalone & RJD2) RJD2 – “A Beautiful Mine” (Mad Men theme) Viktok Vaughn – Vaudeville Villain Paul’s Boutique OK Computer Sufjan Stevens Nas – Illmatic Confluence Cast Episode #9: Bryan Christopher Moss This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post RJD2 appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How does one lead the rebirth of a performing arts organization? I sat down with Peggy Kriha Dye, General and Artistic Director of Opera Columbus, to talk about this weekend’s production of Orphée Et Eurydice (running April 20-22 at the Southern Theatre), her beginnings as a singer, how she came to call Central Ohio home, and the unique opportunities for collaboration and growth inherent in the Columbus performing arts scene. Shownotes: Opera Columbus Orphée Et Eurydice CAPA BalletMet Southern Theatre The Juilliard School Metropolitan Opera Shakespeare in the Park Opera Goes To School KIPP Columbus Against the Grain Theatre Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Company XIV Marcy Richardson Joel Ivany Twisted / Twisted 2 “Bed Tax” GCAC “Ticket Tax” This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Opera Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What’s it like to be a local media personality? I sat down with Drew Hanson, former WNCI DJ and self-proclaimed “D-List Celebrity,” for a freewheeling conversation about his experience in Columbus media, why he decided to leave Columbus and why he ultimately came back. Shownotes: WNCI Mark Dantzer “Parents Just Don’t Understand” Bradley Cooper Power 107.5 The Art of War Jym Ganahl Sunny 95 Confluence Cast Episode 6: Columbus Film Commission I Am Wrath Rookie of the Year “Chelsea Dagger” Star 107.9 Drew Hanson Adam Kontras Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 7 everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Drew Hanson appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What is the role of a conductor in helping an orchestra perform to the best of its ability? I sat down with David Danzmayr, music director of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, for an engaging conversation about his surprising journey from Austrian piano prodigy to American music director, how ProMusica impressed him with its singular focus and commitment and why musicians should focus on emotional expression and engagement with musical pieces over technical mastery. Shownotes University Mozarteum Sibelius Academy Royal Scottish National Orchestra Bram van Sambeek Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Vadim Gluzman Naked Classics Paul Rissmann This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post ProMusica Chamber Orchestra appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What has 2017 meant for those of us living in and around 270? I sat down with Anne and Walker Evans, the owners of Columbus Underground, for our year-end roundup of the website’s top ten stories. We also covered the inside scoop on the latest developments in Central Ohio public life and culture, and some of the great things happening in our city to watch for in 2018. Shownotes: The Top 20 Columbus Underground Articles of 2017 Columbus 2017: Year in Review Confluence Cast Episode #2: Robert Mason Company Matthew Moore / “As We Are” COSI Dinosaur Gallery Grandview Heights Municipal Pool Grandview Mercantile Company East Public Two Dollar Radio Fortner Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 7 everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post 2017 Year in Review appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How did Central Ohio become the gaming hub of the Midwest? I sat down with Chris Volpe, President and CEO of Multivarious Games, to talk about his journey from working in healthcare to managing a video game startup, Multivarious’ origins in the Columbus game developer community, and several exciting projects he and his team have on the horizon. Shownotes Multivarious Games Central Ohio Gamedev Group (COGG) GDEX Sandbox Idea Foundry Hatch-It! No Mercy Steam Franklinton Fridays Ready Player One Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 8 everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Multivarious Games appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do we make the best use of our time and resources to make the biggest impact in our neighborhoods and in our city? I sat down with Matthew Goldstein, Executive Director of Besa, to talk about helping people and businesses give back to their community, innovative, technology-driven approaches to service, the important work being done by non-profits in Columbus, and the ongoing need for all of us to find ways to give back. Shownotes Re:work Furnishings Van Buren Shelter Dress for Success Columbus Homage Columbus Foundation Broad Street Food Pantry Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Ohio Mid-Ohio Foodbank ‘Nina West Besa Promise Create Columbus Commission Blackbaud Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 8 everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Volunteering with Besa appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do the choices artists make in their creative process affect what we experience as an audience? I sat down with Bebe Miller, acclaimed choreographer, dancer and director of the Bebe Miller Company to talk about how she arrived at dance as an art form, her newest work In a Rhythm, the keys to appreciating modern dance and how the artistic process shapes the artistic end product. Shownotes In a Rhythm Great Migration Henry Street Settlement House Alwin Nicolais Vera Blaine Nina Wiener NEA Four Robert Mapplethorpe The Holy Virgin Mary (Chris Ofili) Karen Bell William Forsythe ACCAD Merce Cunningham Fait Accompli (Twyla Tharp) Susan Rethorst The Making Room New York Live Arts Greater Columbus Arts Council Ohio Arts Council David Foster Wallace\ The End of the Tour / David Lipsky Saturday (Ian McEwan) Forever Overhead Incarnations of Burned Children Toni Morrison The Difficult Gifts of David Foster Wallace (Zadie Smith) Jazz This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Choreographer Bebe Miller appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

What’s the role of locally-produced art in shaping our identity as a city? I sat down with Brandon Anderson, General Manager of Shadowbox Live and Backstage Bistro to talk about the Columbus theater scene, the origins of Shadowbox, what it means to be the general manager of America’s largest resident theater company, and the responsibility we have as creatives, business leaders and citizens in making Columbus a destination city. Shownotes Confluence Cast Episode #14 Amy Lay Circle of Blood Kabuki / David Mack Jessica Jones – Opening Sequence Daredevil Merlin Xavier University Newport on the Levee Broadway Across America Taft Theatre Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park The Rocking Dead Holiday Hoopla Cratchit A Christmas Carol Soundgarden Counting Crows Standing Room Only Mikey’s Late Night Slice Mayor Andrew Ginther This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Shadowbox Live appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do commercial real-estate developers create community? I sat down with Brian Suiter, Director of Real Estate Development for Kaufman Development to talk about the future of development in Columbus, Kaufman’s development goals and philosophy, the many moving parts involved in large-scale real estate, and The Gravity Project, an impressive new mixed-use building (and community concept) currently under construction in Franklinton. Shownotes Lifestyle Communities Besa Wood Companies Edwards Gravity Wolf’s Ridge Brewing (Confluence Cast episode #42) TEDx Independents’ Day Festival 80 on the Commons 250 High Columbus Commons The post Kaufman Development appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

How do cultural art centers decide what’s worthy of presentation? I sat down with Lane Czaplinski, the Wexner Center for the Arts’ new director of performing arts to talk about his journey from literature student to art curator, his impressions of Columbus, and some of the exciting shows coming up in the Wexner Center’s fall performing arts season. Shownotes Wexner Center for the Arts The Bad Plus Bill Frisell ’85–’95 (OCT 8) Mivos Quartet (OCT 10) Arto Lindsay with Beauty Pill (OCT 19) Parallel Connections (OCT 20–OCT 21) Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom (OCT 24) SQÜRL, featuring Carter Logan and Jim Jarmusch with films by Man Ray (NOV 3) Daymé Arocena (NOV 14) Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense (NOV 17) Counterfeit Madison Vinyl Release Party (NOV 21) Bebe Miller Company: In a Rhythm (NOV 30–DEC 3) A Thousand Thoughts: A Live Documentary by Sam Green and Kronos Quartet (JAN 25) On the Boards Columbus Idea Foundry Composer Mark Lomax Walker Arts Center This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Performing Arts at the Wexner Center for the Arts appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Next week, the capital city will be taken over by Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, a free, citywide arts festival hosted by people and places with a passion for cartoon arts. On the occasion of the festival, I sat down with Columbus-based artist creator Jeff Smith to talk about the festival, his work, and why Columbus is the perfect place to host the festival. Shownotes: Cartoon Crossroads Columbus Bone Billy Ireland Cartoon Research Library Wexner Center for the Arts Columbus Idea Foundry This Confluence Cast episode is sponsored by Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art, featuring stories about our city’s incredible artists — stories full of inspiration, challenge, passion, and success. For videos, articles, an up-to-the-minute calendar of events and an artist directory visit ColumbusMakesArt.com, the resource for all things arts and culture in the capital city. The post Cartoon Crossroads Columbus appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Dine Originals Week is fast approaching! Hear from the organization’s executive director about the deals you can take advantage of while enjoying Columbus’s finest independent restaurants and learn about the pitfalls of public relations in Columbus. As a bonus this week, I sat down with the founders of the new restaurant Ambrose and Eve, slated to open in German Village next year. Shownotes Dine Originals Columbus Dine Originals Week The Refectory Skillet Chile Verde Cafe The Wine Bistro Katzinger’s Umami Consulting Morgan Spurlock (Wikipedia) SuperSize Me 2: Holy Chicken (IMDb) Kolache Republic Seventh Son Challah Food Truck The Rossi Blake Compton (Confluence Cast) Woodlands Tavern Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Barcelona Lindey’s The post Dine Originals Week appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

The Columbus City Charter is essentially the Columbus Constitution. It defines the structure and role of the city and its leaders. I sat down with the chairman of the most recent comprehensive Charter Review Commission, Mike Curtin, to talk about the origins of our charter, why we have the structure that we do, and his predictions on the future of the city. Shownotes Mike Curtin (Wikipedia) The Columbus City Charter Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Columbus City Council Columbus City Attorney Columbus City Auditor 2014 Charter Review Commission William Oxley Thompson (Wikipedia) Washington Gladden (Wikipedia) Will Petrik Jonathon Beard Support for this episode of the Confluence Cast comes from Little Rock Bar. Little Rock Bar is located at 944 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. With 30 beers on tap, Little Rock Bar has happyhour from 4 to 8 everyday. Every Tuesday, get $3 draft beers all night while you enjoy Rock Your Cock Off Karaoke. Wednesdays is Everybody’s a Comedian, hosted by Travis Hoewischer, it’s like trivia but you prove your snark instead of smarts. Everyone’s night should have a little rock. The post Columbus City Charter appeared first on The Confluence Cast.