The Culture Show Podcast

The HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands is back with its 19th annual multi-day music extravaganza. It is outrageous and inclusive, brass and brash, percussive and persuasive. It kicks off October 4th and honks its way through the streets of Somerville and Cambridge through October 6th. HONK! Committee representatives, Reebee Garafalo and John Bell – who are also members of The Good Trouble Brass Band – join us for an overview. Then The Good Trouble Brass band wows us with their music.From there Daniel Gómez Llata, the Town Crier of Provincetown joins us to talk about what it takes to host the first-ever Provincetown Town Crier Competition. It kicks off next Monday, with 15 Town Criers from the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom crying and vying for prizes and top honors.Finally, its “Laughs in Spanish.” The play is part whodunnit, part telenovela and 100% fun. The director Mariela López-Ponce and actress Paola Ferrer, who stars as Estella, join us to talk about the production. “Laughs in Spanish” is presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company at Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts. Through Oct. 12.

Sarah Ganz Blythe is the newly appointed Elizabeth and John Moors Cabot Director of the Harvard Art Museums. She joins The Culture Show to talk about starting this new post and what her vision is for The Harvard Art Museums. To see all of their events and exhibitions you can visit their website here. From there, Morning Edition co-host Jeremy Siegel joins The Culture Show to talk about the making of the Donna Summer mural in Roxbury, which he recently reported on. You can learn more about the mural here. Finally, Mark Anastasio, program manager and director of special programming for the Coolidge Corner Theatre joins The Culture Show to preview Schlock and Awe: The William Castle Experience, which kicks off tomorrow. Coolidge Corner Theatre describes the series as a “journey through cinematic history, where Castle's ingenious marketing ploys turned a night at the movies into a truly immersive experience.” The series will feature a mix of Castle’s cult classic, his influence on cinema and crowning achievements.

Today Edgar B. Herwick III, Jared Bowen and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week-in-review.First up: we remember actor Dame Maggie Smith, who has died at age 89. A legend of the British stage, she also won Oscars, Tonys and Golden Globes. She enchanted new generations by way of Harry Potter. And, then of course, she was the Dowager Countess from Downton Abbey everyone wanted to sit next to for her delicious courses of wit. From there it’s a new narrative for the videogame The Legend of Zelda. It’s the princess who’s now doing the saving. Then Project Skydrop, which sounds like a quest you’d find in The Legend of Zelda. Superstar video game designers have invented a real life event that has sent people scouring the woods of New England for golden treasure.And, Saturday Night Live turns 50. Now old enough to have an AARP membership, does it still have its edge and cultural relevance.First up: Project Skydrop. It’s what happens when superstar video game designers invent a real life event – a treasure hunt, which now has people scouring the woods of New England in search of buried treasure.. From there, a spin on cancel culture. Called “click to cancel,” a new law in California makes it as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up for one. Plus, if less is more, are Americans ready for a super-downsize –me movement, as the restaurant industry considers serving up smaller portions?Finally, SNL turns 50. Now old enough to have an AARP membership, does it still have its edge and cultural relevance?

Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney. She has become an astute observer of the ever widening cultural divide in American politics. Now in her memoir, “Oath and Honor,” she paints a scathing portrait of the Republican party, condemning her former colleagues and party leaders who after the 2020 election were willing to violate their oath to the Constitution out of political expediency and loyalty to Donald Trump. From there, it’s poetry in motion. A traveling festival, celebrating the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe kicks off in Boston, launching its four-city tour. Dutch artist Erik van Loon, founder of the Poetry Downtown Festival joins The Culture Show with a previewFinally, Joyce Kulhawik is here for Balancing Acts, a look at the latest plays in the area with a focus on what to prioritize amid the bounty of productions. Joyce Kulhawik is an Emmy-award winning arts and entertainment reporter, president of the Boston Theatre Critics Association and you can find her reviews on joyceschoices.com

Uzo Aduba, the award-winning actress spans television, film, and theater. Her road to success is explained in her debut memoir “The Road is Good: How a Mother’s Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose.” In the book, Aduba tells her own coming-of-age story, growing up in Medfield, Massachusetts and studying the Arts at Boston University, by simultaneously telling the story of her late Mother. She joins us ahead of her Harvard Book Store event this Friday.From there, we leap into the Dance Complex’s fall programming. Now in its 34th year, New England’s largest dance hub is kicking off its fall season this Friday with Fall Into Dance, a free public celebration in collaboration with Boston Dance Alliance. Peter DiMuro, Executive Artistic Director of the Dance Complex, joins The Culture Show to talk about the legacy of the Dance Complex and what is in store for dance enthusiasts this fall.Finally, Culture Show contributor, Pedro Alonzo joins us with an update on the Boston Triennial and a new public art installation that’s making a splash in Central Wharf Park, “Whale Song,” by artist Jean-Marie Appriou.

“Mamma Mia!” The musical’s 25th anniversary tour has arrived at the Citizen’s Opera House by way of Broadway in Boston. “Mamma Mia!” is full of surprise appearances, comic situations and misunderstandings that culminate in an unexpected wedding. It has all the makings of a Shakespearean comedy, only it’s told through ABBA’s greatest hits. Phyllida Lloyd, a theater powerhouse, known for putting women center stage, directed the hit musical and then the 2008 film. She joins us to talk about 25 years of “Mamma Mia!”From there, in her latest cookbook, “The Chinese Way,” Betty Liu debunks the myths about traditional Chinese cooking, breaking down the fundamentals and showing us how we can apply them to everyday meals.Finally, Paul Revere risked every farthing he owned to open the country’s first copper mill in the early 1800’s. A new exhibit at the Paul Revere Museum honors his innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Joyce Stenmon, the exhibition’s curator, joins us for an overview.

Writer Amor Towles is the bestselling author of “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “The Lincoln Highway.” Now he has another bestseller, “Table for Two.” His latest book is a collection of short stories that land us in New York. The second part of the book moves us to Los Angeles in a novella set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Towles joins The Culture Show ahead of his appearance at the Emerson Colonial Theatre on September 24th to talk about “Table for Two,” his creative process, and what it was like to see “A Gentleman in Moscow,” come to life by way of a Paramount+ limited series starring Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.From there Independent filmmaker Sabrina Aviles, founder and executive director of CineFest Latino Boston joins us for an overview of the annual film festival highlighting the Latino experience with films made by Latinos about Latinos. The festival kicks off on September 25th and runs through September 29th.Finally, as we wind up the countdown clock to America’s 250th anniversary, we’re launching a new series with historian Catherine Allgor leading the way. In her inaugural appearance she focuses on what Boston was like on the eve of the American Revolutionary War, and the people on the ground who ultimately became “we the people.” Allgor also has some book recommendations: “A People's History of the American Revolution: How Common People Shaped the Fight for Independence” by Ray Raphael; “The Boston Massacre: A Family History,” by Serena R. Zabin; “This History of Boston,” by Daniel Dain.

Today Culture Show co-hosts Callie Crossley, Edgar B. Herwick III and Jared Bowen go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week in review.First up, we remember two music legends: Tito Jackson and JD Souther.From there we look at the lawsuit filed against Miley Cyrus alleging that her hit track “Flowers,” includes lifted passages from Bruno Mars’ “When I was Your Man.”Then we look at the rise and fall of music mogul Sean Combs who has been indicted by a New York Grand Jury on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering that date back well over a decade. From there, we head over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where their infamous Dutch Room, the gallery where a selection of Vermeers and Rembrandts were stolen, will get a major restorationFinally, a fight for better paternity leave in the UK gets the public art treatment. To advance their cause, men are strapping baby slings to bronze statues of famous men throughout central London.

Culture Show co-host Edgar B. Herwick III sits down for a chat with Dave Barry, the acclaimed humor columnist who popularized Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Coinneach MacLeod is better known as The Hebridean Baker. His simple living, Scottish accent, and photographs of Soctland’s rugged landscape have made him an international bestseller. And then there are his bakes. He joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest book “The Hebridean Baker: At Home: Flavors & Folklore from the Scottish Islands.”From there Edgar B. Herwick III, Culture Show co-host and man behind The Curiosity Desk, discusses the origin of International Talk Like a Pirate Day and traces the real life linguistic influences that pirates have on how we talk today.Finally, saxophone virtuoso James Carter joins The Culture Show ahead of his performances at Scullers Jazz Club on September 21st.

Kneecap. The Belfast-based rap group join The Culture Show ahead of their sold-out show at Paradise to talk about their debut album and biopic, “Kneecap.”From there, is it easy being green? With “Shrek the Musical” now on tour, Morning Edition Co-host Jeremy Siegel goes behind the scenes to find out what it takes to become the beloved, outsized ogre.Finally, Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon. He is the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Deborah and Philip Edmundson Composer Chair, a three-season position in which Simon will contribute several new works to the BSO's repertoire, curate concert programs, and lead educational and outreach programs. He joins The Culture Show to talk about this inaugural position and upcoming performances.

In 2018 Hannah Gadsby experienced seismic success with Nanette, a Nextflix special that upended standup comedy. Since then Gadsby has had other solo shows, written a memoir and hosted the recent Netflix comedy special, “Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda.”Now their latest standup tour, titled “Woof!” is bringing them to the Emerson Colonial Theatre on September 19th for two performances. They join The Culture Show to talk about everything from Taylor Swift to the world on the verge of a nervous breakdown.From there Ran Bechor and Karin Sharav Zalkind, co-founders of Adam Theater, a theater company committed to high-quality theater for children, join The Culture Show. They discuss their current production, the musical play “Library Lion,” a site specific performance at the Boston Public Library. The production will have a second run in January at The Huntington at the Calderwood Pavilion.Finally Kiernan Schmitt joins us to talk about his new book “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide,” which takes us into the curious corners and around town. Kiernan Schmitt co-hosts the “Out of Office” travel podcast with Ryan Davis.

Writer Zadie Smith’s latest novel, “The Fraud” is historical fiction, set in Victorian England. Based on real events in 19th century Jamaica and England, her characters are grappling with many of the issues that we’re grappling with today: class, gender, and the reverberations of slavery.This is a work that is about so much – it’s a novel about a mediocre novelist falling out of favor, it’s about the relationship between England and Jamaica, and it’s an exposition on truth. Zadie Smith joins us ahead of her event at Brookline Booksmith.From there Robin Dawson, executive director of Boston Film Festival, joins us for an overview of their 40th season, which kicks off this Thursday, bringing a diverse slate of films and world premieres to the city,Finally, “The Gun Violence Memorial Project.” The exhibition showcases the magnitude of gun violence in America and it also makes it personal, featuring victims of gun violence, their mementos and the stories that they leave behind. “The Gun Violence Memorial Project,” is created by MASS Design Group and Songha & Company, along with gun violence prevention organizations Purpose Over Pain and Everytown for Gun Safety. Now on display in Boston, Jha D. Amazi, a principal at MASS Design Group joins us to talk about launching this project and bringing it to Boston.

On today’s arts and culture week-in-review Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons, the artistic and executive director of the Roxbury International Film Festival and program manager at Mass Cultural Council, go over the latest headlines.First up, Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president and encourages everyone over the age of 18 to register to vote. Will this make an impact on the race?From there we remember the magisterial and masterful actor James Earl Jones and preview this Sunday’s Emmy awards.Finally, we look at Glenn Lowry, the director of the Museum of Modern Art. He is the latest high-profile leader to exit the museum world. What will the next generation of leaders bring to our major arts institutions and what challenges do they face?

Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston and José C. Massó III, the longtime host of WBUR’s “¡Con Salsa!,” join The Culture Show to preview The Embrace Massó "¡Con Salsa!” International Music Festival, a celebration of music, culture, and social justice. From there it’s Swampscott native Spencer Charnas. The frontman of the horror metal band Ice Nine Kills is also the curator of The Silver Scream Con. He joins us ahead of its Friday the 13th kickoff in Worcester.Finally Mary Grant, president of MassArt, joins The Culture Show for her monthly segment to talk about a range of topics, which this month includes colleges teaching AI, Governor Ron DeSantis’ severe budget cuts to the arts, and the story of a museum, an ancient broken jug, and forgiveness.

The Tony winning Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater Diane Paulus.She is a master revivalist. If you thought you knew the story of “Porgy and Bess,” or “Pippin,” Paulus has given the classics a new life by giving audiences a new way of experiencing them. Now she’s reframing “Romeo and Juliet,” with an emphasis on the lovers’ love. Diane Paulus and theater legend Terrence Mann join us.From there we get a jump on Mexican Independence Day with mariachi singer Veronica Robles – a cultural force as a performer and as a leader whose cultural center offers Latin American arts and culture programming and jobs for youth.And, artist Alex Buchanan. A Coast Guard veteran and former mariner, rope is now his medium of choice. He literally weaves it and other maritime materials together to figuratively weave the threads of waste, ocean health and maritime culture.

Actor and Comedian Eugene Mirman was born in Moscow, raised in Lexington, and he honed his craft working the stages of Boston's comedy circuit. Today he is known as the voice of Gene Belcher on the FX animated hit “Bob’s Burgers” and for his inventive standup.. He joins The Culture Show ahead of his appearance at the Crystal Ballroom in Somerville.From there, Edgar B. Herwick III takes us to Worcester’s Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. That’s where the wondrous Wurlitzer pipe organ can still be experienced as a single instrument that wows with its mighty orchestral sound. Finally, author JM Varese joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest novel, a Victorian Gothic thriller that is rooted in the real-life Victorian scandal when arsenic was used to make decorative wallpaper. JM Varese is Director of Outreach for The Dickens Project at UC Santa Cruz.

Today on The Culture Show Katie Bach, acting director of the Kodály Music Institute and music teacher at the Peabody School, talks about bringing the Kodály method of teaching music into local classrooms.From there we raise a glass to Boston Rum Week, which kicks off on September 15th. Olivier Raynaut, one of the head organizers, joins us for an overview.Finally, artist Sandra Sawatzky has created a chronology of environmental degradation over millennia with a tapestry that is nearly a decade-in-the-making. Titled “The Black Gold Tapestry,” it is one of the works included in MassArt Museum’s exhibition “Displacement,” which looks at our relationship with the environment, Sandra Sawatzky and Lisa Tung, executive director of the MassArt Art Museum, join The Culture Show to talk about this exhibition.

On this Friday’s arts and culture week-in-review, Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B Herwick III go over the latest headlines.First up, it looked like it was going to be curtains for West Newton Cinema, but in a major plot twist, it could be a Hollywood ending for the independent movie house, which has a new owner. And, the latest buzz is that Boston could be getting boozier, from a dramatic expansion of available liquor licenses to the city considering open container districts in an effort to boost Boston’s nightlife.And, is “Dancing with the Stars,” in the business of choreographing comebacks for convicts? Plus, Adele, famous for mega hits like “Hello,” is saying so long to show biz–for now.

Eric Vloeimans is a Dutch trumpet sensation, Cambridge native Will Holshouser is an accordion master. Together they create original, evocative compositions that draw on jazz, classical and folk music. Ahead of their upcoming shows – one tonight at the Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke, MA and one at the Lilypad in Inman Square this Saturday – they join The Culture Show for an in-studio performance.Then, with election season in full swing you have likely heard that five word phrase that’s ubiquitous in campaign ads, “And I approve this message.” But why? Edgar B. Herwick III, Culture Show co-host and man behind The Curiosity Desk, brings us the answer.Finally the MFA’s Frederick Ilchman, Chair and Mrs. Russell W. Baker Curator of Paintings, Art of Europe, joins The Culture Show to talk about their first-ever Salvador Dalí exhibition “Dalí: Disruption and Devotion.”

Actor and author Marianne Leone joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest book, “Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy,” which details how she and her husband, the actor Chris Cooper, have been able to come to terms with the death of their teenage son with the help of their canine companions.From there, The Culture Show’s James Bennett II takes us to Cambridge, MA where a nonprofit is investing in the future of Hip-Hop and the next generation of Hip-Hop artists.Finally, with the presidential election a mere 61 days away, Mahesh Daas, president of Boston Architectural College, joins us to appreciate the architectural gem that is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Sebastian Smee, art critic for The Washington Post, and author of “The Art of Rivalry” joins The Culture Show for a discussion of his new book “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism.” From there Gloucester Stage Company and Teatro Chelsea are collaborating on “The Hombres,” in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Actor Jaime José Hernández who stars in the play as Beto is also Teatro Chelsea’s Program Manager. He joins The Culture Show ahead of “The Hombres” regional premiere. Finally, we look at an underground art movement, literally. Culture Show contributor Julia Swanson, who runs The Art Walk Project, takes us on a tour of the MBTA’s Red Line subway art scene.

Today we bring you three very different takes on Baseball. First up. from a diamond in the rough to the baseball diamond. Toni Stone made history as the first woman to play professional baseball in the mens’ Negro League. It’s the subject of Lydia Diamond’s latest play.From there it’s sportswriter and film critic Noah Gittell. In his new book he merges two American pastimes: baseball and movies. In looking at how the baseball movie has changed over the decades – from sports glory, to nostalgia to cynicism – he says we can also see how American values have changed.And Finally, why do baseball fans get to keep a foul ball if they catch it? Edgar B. Herwick III has the answer.

Writer Raj Tawney. Growing up in a multicultural household, his coming of age story happened in the kitchen, helping his mother and grandmother cook recipes from their homelands. Themes of food, memory and identity come together in his memoir, “A Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey through a Mixed American Experience”From there, it’s award-winning pastry chef Joanne Chang. She joins us with her theory on why there is a comfort food revival, putting her spin on the classics and how, for her, a recipe is always a work in progress.Finally we top things off, by topping one off with mixologist Marsha Lindsey, As the principal bartender at SRV where she also runs the bar program, she raises a glass to Black history by introducing us to some of her favorite black owned spirits–and her craft cocktails.

Turn up the volume because we have three takes on music, from Bob Dylan to Cole Porter to populist punk.First up, the Irish dramatist Conor McPherson wrote and directed a play incorporating 20 songs by Bob Dylan. This is no JukeBox musical. And though it is set in Dylan’s hometown of Duluth, Minnesota it’s no bio-musical either. It’s titled “Girl From the North Country.” He joins us to talk about weaving Dylan’s songbook into a deeply stirring show. From there it’s singer-songwriter Janie Barnett. She has reimagined Cole Porter, Americana style. We talk to her about this genre-bending work and what it took to be the queen of the jingle, belting out classic, commercial earworms.Finally, the populist punk band “Already Dead” wrote an anthem about our housing crisis with their track “Landlord.” Now they take on the economic divide in their new release “The Spirit of Massachusetts Avenue.”

Summertime, and the living is easy. Or, if you’re Audra McDonald, you make it look and sound easy. The award winning singer and actor earned her fifth – of a record-breaking six– Tony awards for her portrayal of Bess in the Broadway hit “The Gershwins Porgy and Bess,” which was mounted right here at The American Repertory Theater.Jared Bowen caught up with McDonald when she was in Boston for a one-night only performance.Then it’s another star of the stage Leslie Odom, Jr. The award winning actor and singer’s portrayal of Aaron Burr in“Hamilton,” gave us a new way to think about America’s historyAnd if history doesn’t repeat itself, it rhymes. In his latest return to Broadway, Odom starred in a play that skewers racism in America. He joined The Culture Show to talk about performing on Broadway and his latest album, “When a Crooner Dies.”

Today on The Culture Show, P Carl. He built a life as a queer woman. But all the while he had a yearning to become more fully realized. For him that meant transitioning to another gender. He wrote about it in his 2020 memoir, “Becoming a Man,” which he adapted for the stage in a play that made its world premier at the American Repertory Theater. From there it’s multi-media, artist Miranda July on her new novel, a coming-of-middle-age story about a woman who is either experiencing a turning point or is turning her world upside down.Finally, artist Lorraine O’Grady’s slow burn of a career. At nearly 90- years-old she is having a moment–from receiving a Guggenheim fellowship to having her first ever museum retrospective at the Davis Museum.

Today on The Culture Show, the one-man media conglomerate: Matt Farley. For him quality IS quantity. The Danvers based singer-songwriter is prolific. He’s written, produced and recorded more than 25,000 songs. He also makes movies, hosts podcasts and writes books. Then, It’s music to environmentalists’ ears. We check in with Adam Gardner. The lead singer of Guster is also leading the way to make the music industry more sustainable. Finally, how many pianos does it take to Celebrate Charles Ives? The pioneer in avant-garde music was recently celebrated at New England Conservatory with a series of concerts marking his 150th birthday. NEC’s Stephen Drury joins us to talk about Ives’ genius and where we can hear his influence today

First up, after months of speculation about divorce, Bennifer is over, again. The highly publicized rollercoaster of a romance that’s spanned decades has its own wikipedia entry, there are numerous analyses breaking down their breakups, legal experts weighing in on the potential financial fallout….so what does our fascination with the on again off again relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez say about fame, fortune and us?Then we remember Phil Donahue. A pioneer of TV talk show who paved the way for Jerry Springer and Oprah Winfrey; using the format of live audience participation to tackle what were then, taboo topics for daytime TV–– such as sexual assault and race relations.From there, we look at the relationship between comedy and news by way of a forthcoming CNN show taking on the weekly headlines with humor.

Judy Collins, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter is bringing her unmistakable, ethereal voice, and her legendary repertoire to Tanglewood..Ahead of her performance, she joins The Culture Show to talk about her landmark 1967 album, “Wildflowers,” her 2022 studio album of original material titled ”Spellbound,” and her fight for social and environmental justice.From there we enter the unsettling universe of acclaimed artist Jamie Wyeth. The haunting, ominous and menacing worlds that he has conjured over decades are on view in a new exhibition at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME titled “Jamie Wyeth: Unsettled.” Finally, GBH News digital producer Alexi Cohan joins us from Chicago with her highlight reel, recapping four days of the Democratic National Convention.

In the 1970’s photographer Jack Lueders-Booth went to MCI Framingham, the women’s prison, to teach the incarcerated photography. He transformed a vacant wing of the prison, building darkrooms…and a community. During his nearly 10 years there he collaborated with the women who lived in the prison; teaching technique, learning their stories and making a series of color Polaroid images. They number nearly 200 and now a selection of these portraits appears in his new photo-book, “Women Prisoner Polaroids.”From there we look at Artists For Humanity. The nonprofit trains youth in art and entrepreneurship. This summer, through a partnership with the city of Boston, they became one of the largest employers of teens in the city by creating 460 jobs. Anna Yu, executive director of Artists for Humanity and Jason Talbot, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Program join the culture show to talk about their mission and work.Finally we time travel to the 16th century by way of King Richard’s Faire. The largest and longest running Renaissance festival in New England kicks off on August 31st. Seasoned performers Mikayla Kanode and Frank Dixon join us for a preview.

Filmmaker Jason Pollard joins The Culture Show to talk about his latest documentary. “Old Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” which premieres on A&E on august 25th. This authorized biography looks at the life, career and legacy of Russel Tyrone Jones, AKA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the founding member of Wu-Tang Clan.From there Edgar B. Herwick III and producer Kate Dellis take us to a place that is woven into Nantucket’s creative community, economy and history: Nantucket Looms.Finally, a day in the life of Perry T. Rathbone, one of America’s great museum directors who brought the Museum of Fine Arts into a new era. A new book, “In the Company of Art: A Museum Director's Private Journals,” gives us insight into what it took to successfully run a megawatt art institution like the MFA. The book was compiled by Belinda Rathbone, an historian, biographer and daughter of Perry T. Rathbone.

By day Roxbury rapper Cakeswagg is a theater teacher working with youth, by night, she puts her theatrical skills to use, assuming the larger-than-life alter ego, Cakeswagg.Fresh off Boston Calling, her sophomore album, “Michelin Star” drops this week. She joins us for a pre-release party, performing some of her new tracks. From there, Dream Role Players gives actors an opportunity to play their dream roles, which includes a new production of Richard III with an all female presenting cast. We talk to the creative force behind this adaptation, producer and Dream Role Players founder Lisa Burdick, and actor Elizabeth Ross who stars as Richard III.Finally, we talk to Jean Mineo, executive director of Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield, about their expansion plans and upcoming events, which include a Rathskeller Reunion and CultureFest 2024.

Today on The Culture Show co-hosts Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B Herwick III go over the latest headlines.First up, a rallying cry for political rallies. Musicians are sick of the same old tune, having to threaten politicians with legal action for using their music as a soundtrack for their own political ambitions–without permission. Celine Dion and the estate of Issac Hayes are just the latest to object – but what protections do they actually have?From there it’s another spin on politics and music, with the D.J. in chief, Barack Obama. The release of his summer playlist is a much-anticipated tradition that gives unknown artists a boost along the way.Then, it’s Banksy’s graffiti managerine, the artists wraps up nine days of nonstop animal muralsAnd we remember the great actress Gena Rowlands and Wallace Amos, the man behind Famous Amos cookies.

Kate Pierson, an original member of the B-52’s, also has a solo career, which includes an upcoming album, “Radios and Rainbows.” Though it will be released next month, you can get a preview at the 20th annual Cape Cod Jazz & Arts Festival on August 21st where she will be debuting her new material. She joins us to talk about her upcoming show, discovering the ocean as a Cape Cod resident, and why she is hooked on interior design.From there we stay on the Cape by way of the Gifford House. It is one of the last grand inns in Provincetown and now it has a new life with proprietor Steven Azar bringing it into the 21st century and reviving it as an arts and entertainment hub. Ahead of Carnival Week, he joins The Culture Show to talk about all that the Gifford House has to offer.Finally Culture Show contributor Lisa Simmons, the executive and artistic director of The Roxbury International Film Festival, joins us to talk about the anatomy of a summer blockbuster, if Hollywood star power can save Broadway, and what local events to take in.

In 1838 Angelina Grimké made delivered a groundbreaking speech to the Massachusetts Legislature demanding the immediate end of the slave trade. This was the first time in US history that a woman had addressed a legislative body. Now this history has been brought to life in the play “ A Light Under the Dome,” which is staged where it all took place: at the Massachusetts State House.This, along with two other forthcoming productions, I’s produced by the site specific theater company Plays in Place in collaboration with the National Parks of Boston. The director Courtney O’Connor and Liza Stearns, deputy superintendent of the National Parks of Boston, join The Culture Show to discuss. From there we head to the North End by way of the 114th annual Fisherman’s Feast, which kicks off August 15th and runs through August 18th. Domenic Strazzullo, the president of the Fisherman’s Feast, and The Boston Guido, one of the meatball competitions judges, join us for the ultimate overview. Finally, we top things off by topping one off. Marsha Lindsey, the principal Bartender at SRV in Boston’s South End serves up summer drink suggestions.

Fifty years ago a federal court forced Boston to desegregate its schools with busing. Known as the Boston busing crisis, it was fraught with racism and violence and it tore the city apart. To take stock of this anniversary, Imari Paris Jeffries, president and CEO of Embrace Boston, joins us to look at the role that Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King played in fighting for school desegregation. From there Damon Lehrer, an artist and founder of the Boston Figurative Art Center, joins us to talk about their Art Gym, a space where artists can drop in and get their creative workout.Finally, Sarah Bob, founding director of New Gallery Concert Series and multimedia performance artist Daniel Callahan, join us to talk about MAGIA, a multimedia immersive experience that blends contemporary music and visual art. The event kicks off this Saturday at 7:30.

At The London offices of Pierpoint & Company there is still the residue of the old boys' network on the trading floor where backs are stabbed, fortunes are made as quickly as they're lost and hedonism abounds. This is the fictional investment bank depicted in HBO’s workplace drama “Industry, ” which both romanticizes and rebukes the world of finance. Actor Ken Leung is central to the show’s drama and searing satirical take on the finance world, playing Eric Tao, a senior banker. He joins us to talk about season three, which premiered on HBO yesterday.From there we talk to Yssis Cano-Santiago. The Associates of the Boston Public Library recently announced that she will be the writer-in-residence for 2024-25. The organization has been running its writer-in-residence program for 20 years, supporting emerging writers.Finally, the future of the Cape Ann Museum is getting bolder, bigger and for visitors, free-er. The museum’s director, Oliver Barker, joins us to talk about their capital campaign, which coincides with the museum’s 150th anniversary next year.

Today on the Culture Show co-hosts Jared Bowen, Callie Crossley and Edgar B. Herwick III take on the latest headlines on out arts and culture week-in-review, First up, So much for sacking the Sacklers. Though dozens upon dozens of institutions have severed ties with the Sacklers because of their ties to the opioid epidemic, the family still has a hold on Harvard. After a long review, the university has decided to keep the Sackler name on some of their properties, which includes the Harvard Art Museums. Then we look at the state’s budget and if a theater tax credit still has a chance to boost the local arts economy and build a Boston to Broadway pipeline along the way.Plus, when it comes to another Aerosmith concert, fans will have to “Dream On.” with news that they will no longer be touring.

Today on The Culture Show we preview The Mission Hill Arts Festival Saturday event. Executive Curator and organizer Luisa Harris joins us for an overview. We’re also joined by featured artist, Ivanna Cuesta who is a Dominican jazz drummer and composer. She’ll be performing compositions from her new album “A Letter To The Earth.” Ivanna Cuesta, along with Max Ridley on bass and Fall Raye on sax, also treat listeners to an in-studio jam session.From there we look at one of the strangest events in Olympic history, the 1904 St. Louis Marathon. Ashwin Rodrigues wrote about it for “Runner’s World” in an article entitled “The Unbelievable True Story of the Craziest Olympic Marathon.” Ashwin Rodrigues is a freelance writer and former Boston resident whose work has been featured in GQ, Outside Magazine, and VICE.Finally, we hit the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, making a stop at the Boston Children's Museum Hood Milk Bottle. Carole Charnow, President and CEO of Boston Children’s Museum joins us to talk about the Hood Milk Bottle’s history, and the museum’s current exhibitions.

Reginald Dwayne Betts, who was incarcerated when he was 16, is an award-winning poet, a lawyer and founder of Freedom Reads, a first-of-its kind organization working to bring books into prisons. Now in a first, Freedom Reads, along with the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation, has launched the “Inside Literary Prize,” which is awarded exclusively by currently incarcerated people. The award-winning author was announced on Friday — Imani Perry for her book, “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation.” Dwayne Betts joins The Culture Show to talk about the award and the winning book that resonated with the judges.From there we mark the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, the venerable tabletop roleplaying game, with a look at how it has shaped pop culture and how it shaped Ethan GIlsdorf. In a recent piece for The Boston Globe he writes about how it saved his life. Gilsdorf is the author of “Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks.” Finally, MassArt president Mary Grant joins The Culture Show to talk about the Olympics and if it’s time for art – as it once was – to be an official Olympic sport.

Germaine Jenkins has made it her mission to do something about the food deserts in her native South Carolina. In 2014, she co-founded Fresh Future Farm on a vacant city lot with $600 from a family tax refund. What thrives today is a food Oasis.. Her ongoing fight for food justice is the focus of the documentary film “Rooted.” She joins us ahead of a screening event at the Martha’s Vineyard African American FIlm Festival.Then, Culture Show contributor James Bennett II gives us an explainer on one of the more obscure and complicated Olympic sports, the Pentathlon.Finally, best-selling author J. Courtney Sullivan joins The Culture Show to talk about her latest novel, “The Cliffs.” It is an intricately layered novel of family, spirits, and secrets set on the seaside cliffs of Maine.

Today on the Culture Show, after nearly 90 years, the giant sea monster, known as Morton, returns to Nantucket. Edgar B. Herwick III joins us live from the island with a play-by-play to rival Snoop Dogg’s sports commentary.From there it’s The Indigo Girls –Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. They join us to talk about their artistic process, and the community they’ve built through their music ahead of their performance at Tanglewood. Finally, the new play “HOOPS” looks at hoop earrings and what they say about cultural identity. A Company One production, onstage at The Strand Theatre through August 10th, two of the lead performers, Brandie Blaze and Karimah WIlliams join The Culture Show.

The Olympics - Should Snoop Dogg get a gold for bringing the party to Paris? If anyone has Joie De Vivre, it is he! From dancing with the gymnastics team to swimming with Micahel Phelps, to calling the badminton highlights – we look at what the celebrity correspondents are bringing to Olympics coverage.From there, the longtime local music venue Great Scott is getting a reboot after a COVID closure, finding new diggs– just up the street from its old stomping grounds.And , it’s a milestone for MASS MoCA, marking its 25th anniversary. One of the largest contemporary art museums in the country, it’s brought world class art to the region but has it managed to bring about an economic revival?

In his debut feature film, Sean Wang depicts the agonies of adolescence: alienation, awkwardness and angst. You know, all the things we try to bury and never remember again. But Wang makes them visible and hilarious. Titled “DIDI,” it’s the story of Chris, a 13-year old Taiwanese-American boy searching for belonging in suburban California – just as Facebook and MySpace are changing everything. It’s a time and place Wang knows well because in some respects, it’s his story. He joins us ahead of a screening at Coolidge Corner Theatre.From there we get an overview of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival. Classical pianist Jon Nakamatsu, who is also one of the Artistic Directors, joins us to talk about its 45th anniversary.Finally, Edgar B. Herwick III takes us to Nantucket where the island is preparing for the return of an 80-foot sea monster.

With so much attention on Paris for the Olympics, many of us have a longing to be in The City of Light. But there is another way to make that French connection – by way of George and Ira Gershwin’s musical, “An American in Paris.”Part of Reagle Music Theatre’s 55th season, it’s onstage August 9th through the 18th. The Elliot Norton award-winning Rachel Bertone – Reagle Music Theatre’s Artistic Director–joins The Culture Show for a preview.From there it’s violinist Lindsay Deutsch, a genre-defying musician known for applying the rigors of classical music to pop and rock, creating mesmerizing mashups along the way. She joins us ahead of her trio TAKE3’s upcoming show at Music Worcester.Finally, “Synchronicity,” The Police’s landmark 1983 album is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a six-disc limited edition box set.In a recent piece for The Washington Post, their national arts reporter Geoff Edgers asks if Synchronicity, the band’s biggest album, killed The Police. And he went to get answers about their premature end – interviewing Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summer, among others.

Kamala Harris is on the verge of making history –again–by becoming the first Black woman to serve as a major party's presidential candidate. And she will be the first to acknowledge that her political path was paved by those who fought for racial justice and civil rights. Imari Paris Jeffries, President and CEO of Embrace Boston joins us to talk about how Martin Luther King Jr. has made this moment possible.From there we head to Portland, Maine by way of Guster. Frontman Adam Gardner joins us to preview their annual beach bash “On the Ocean Musical Festival” and their new album–their first in five years.Finally, artist Keefer Glenshaw has turned playing cello into an endurance sport. In May he performed for 24 hours, this past Sunday another work took him into the woods of Lexington.

The documentary film, “The Queen of Versailles,” is a rags to riches to rags story about one of America’s most opulent couples – David Siegel and his wife Jacqueline – and their quest to build the largest private home in America, Named Versailles, it’s modeled after the French palace. Now it is musical, making its pre-Broadway world premiere at Emerson Colonial Theatre. Starring Kristin Chenoweth, she joins The Culture Show to talk about bringing humanity to Jacqueline Siegel, a woman hell bent on living the high life.From there we head to the Berkshires by way of the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Raphael Picciarelli, their Managing director of Strategy and Transformation, joins The Culture Show to preview their mini-festival within a festival, WTF IS NEXT.Finally Billy Dean Thomas, Engagement Director of City Hall Plaza, and new media artist, composer and percussionist Maria Finkelmeier join the Culture Show to preview this Saturday’s future fest, which will transform Boston City Hall Plaza into a futuristic playground.

Today Jared Bowen, Edgar B. Herwick III and Culture Show contributor Joyce Kulhawik go over the latest headlines on our arts and culture week-in-review.First up, the pop culture response to the presidential race, and the puzzle it presents: is it life imitating art, or art imitating life when it comes to HBO’s Veep? The satirical series following Selina Meyers’ political path from VP to President is surging in viewership as Kamala Harris seeks the Democratic nomination. And, what is a presidential race without celebrity endorsements? Could Hulk Hogan and George Clooney deliver votes for their respective candidates?From there, while President Biden is passing the torch to Kamala Harris, rap legend Snoop Dogg is literally passing it as the Olympics official torch bearer.Finally, two big reveals about the identities of Hello Kitty and SpongeBob SquarePants.

A two hour romp through history considers all of America’s first ladies and their varied roles over the decades. Titled “46 Plays for America’s First Ladies,” The Hub Theatre Company’s production is a “pay-what-you-can" that also includes, a voter registration drive will be held in conjunction with this production. Lauren Elias, Hub Theatre Company founder and producing artistic director joins us along with actor Yasmeen Duncan.From there we look at the life and untimely death of Keith Haring by way of Brad Gooch’s new biography of the legendary artist, “Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring.”Finally, we head to Lowell by way of their 37th annual Folk Festival. One of the performers – multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer Yoni Battat joins us ahead of this weekend’s three-day event.