creative washtenaw

Steve Ouellette is in the house…the front of the house, that is. Steve has managed theaters in New York City, Lansing and he’s now in the land of Ann Arbor. Following his “yellow brick road” brought him full circle from the opening of "Wicked" on Broadway to the opening of "Wicked" the film at the State Theatre. Meet Steve and hear some wickedly good stories when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact."

The only constant, they say, is change. You couldn’t prove that by the Michigan Theater! Since it opened in 1928, two people — Jerry Hoag and Russ Collins — have led that business for a combined 88 years. Change is in the air though! Molly Rowan-Deckart is coming to town to usher the Michigan Theater towards its centennial in 2028. We meet Molly when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

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.

An interdisciplinary artist, Claire Moore applies her belief as she leads art workshops at the Disability Network of Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston. Claire joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative impact" to talk about the impact of her work and an upcoming holiday market featuring the work of her clients.

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.

A lot has been happening at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Arts Center since Elizabeth Warren took her seat as the executive director two years ago – building expansion, new programs and community events to name a few. We find out what else Liz and her board have in store for the center in this conversation with Deb Polich.

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."

Ron Brooks is a jazz musician, a band leader and a mentor. He founded the legendary Bird of Paradise Jazz club, that, for more than 20 years, brought the greatest jazz musicians to Ann Arbor. Ron will receive Creative Washtenaw’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement medal at THE pARTy! on September 30. He joins Deb Polich to talk about his career and legacy on this edition of "creative:impact."

Being entrusted with storied band programs seems to be Jason Fettig’s forte. After leading “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Jason arrived in Ann Arbor this year to become the eighth director of U of M’s band program. Meet Jason when he joins Deb Polich to talk about the pomp, circumstance and tradition of bands.