Matthew VanBesien

A plastic bag store will opening in Ann Arbor today. It's actually not selling plastic bags. It's part of an art installation focused on the environment and a culture of overconsumption. The University Musical Society is sponsoring the plastic bag exhibit and other art programs focused on the environment, climate change, and forced immigration. WEMU's Cathy Shafran talks to UMS President Matthew VanBesien about art with a message.

"Wynton Week" on 89.1 Jazz wraps up today, but that's not the end of celebrating the great Wynton Marsalis. WEMU's Michael Jewett talks all about Marsalis's upcoming week-long residency at the University of Michigan with University Musical Society president Matthew VanBesien.

With the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaching, there is still much reflection on the impact of what happened, and it is still a solemn…

With its last season online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Michigan University Musical Society officials have been planning some in-person…

After a year of no in-person performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan Musical Society, known as UMS, is announcing its next…

Another impact of the current health pandemic is on our cultural life. In this edition of "Art and Soul," WEMU’s Lisa Barry talks with Matthew VanBesien,…

This week’s Art and Soul is about the performing arts in our community. 89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry is joined by local journalist and A2 Arts Addict blogger…