Robert Ash, Director of Bands at Ann Arbor Huron High School, joins The Song Break to talk about the great opportunity bestowed upon them.

In every music scene in Detroit and throughout Michigan, Don Was is a legend. He's a musician, producer, film composer and the president of Blue Note Records. Was has formed a new band called the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and they're coming to play the Blue LLama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor in February 2025. Was found time to speak to WEMU's Jeremy Baldwin about his career and what his plans are for the New Year on a special edition of the Roots Break!

WEMU took top honors!

Laila Biali discusses Wintersongs on The Song Break with John Bommarito.

Giving Tuesday is December 3rd!

Named an Arts Midwest 2024 Culture Bearer, Gean is a co-founder of the Philippine Arts & Culture Ensemble of Michigan (PACE-MI). They provide community programs and resources in Filipino arts and culture to inform, educate and entertain. Gean joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative impact," and we hear about his passion for the art and culture of the Philippines.

Ben Makinen checks in from Bali on "The Song Break" with John Bommarito.

The Faber Piano Institute anchors its teaching methods with ACE—analysis, creativity and expression. Dr. Veena Kulkarni-Rankin is the lead piano instructor at the institute. Veena joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and they talked about the institute’s founders, Randall and Nancy Faber, and how their teaching philosophy inspires piano students of all ages.

When we hear the term "technology-based arts," it always seems like a brand new artform. Truth is, it’s been around for decades, though it is constantly evolving. On this edition of "creative:impact," alvin hill, an Ann Arbor-based techno-artist, joins host Deb Polich. They talk about his work and how he has extended his practice through Media Ensemble, a program that offers middle schoolers an opportunity to explore the art of technology.

Oz’s Music is a well-known Ann Arbor music store, selling instruments and offering lessons and repairs. Behind that curtain, though, is a life-changing program called Know Obstacles, a musical project for people with disabilities. Steve Osburn joins Deb Polich, and they talk about the magic of music to include everyone on this edition of "creative:impact."

Eastern Michigan University will be hosting the legendary Motown group The Temptations during the halftime show at this Saturday’s football game. Ana Longoria has more.

John Bommarito interviews Professor Brent Wagner and Assistant Professor of Music Tyler Driskill about an upcoming event at Kerrytown Concert House.