Épisodes

  • Erin Codey - Johnstown Symphony Orchestra

    Erin Codey - Johnstown Symphony Orchestra
    Aug 4 2025
    For their upcoming 2025-2026 Season, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra is celebrating America's 250th, as well at the 10th Anniversary of James Blachly as Music Director. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with JSO Executive Director Erin Codey about their upcoming season. It kicks off October 25th, 2025 with Part 1 of the America 250 Celebration, and continues with their annual Holiday Pops concert, a Johnstown's Got Talent concert, music of Aaron Copland and the concluding concert in April 2026 with "Carmina Burana." Erin explains why it's worth the trip to Johnstown to see the orchestra, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center where their concerts take place, their Candlelight concert at the Grand Halle in November and more.
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    16 min
  • Pittsburgh's Avant-Garde Book Release

    Pittsburgh's Avant-Garde Book Release
    Aug 1 2025
    It's a culmination of 5 years of hard work. Founder of Garfield's Irma Freeman Center of Imagination, Shelia Ali, highlights her new book "Pittsburgh's Avant-Gard: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene". Shelia and collaborator Joelle Killebrew talk about the book's release and forthcoming mini book tour. Shelia talks about first being inspired to write the book, and the grant that helped her start. With over 400 pages, the book documents the many avant-garde artists, community organizations, and more in Pittsburgh. Richly illustrated, with many full-page color reproductions, the book highlights art from Thad Mosely, Robert Qualters, and many others. Shelia also highlights the many photographers, such as Chuck Barr and Doug Cooper. The last part of the book focuses on gallery spaces, such as AIR, Garfield Artworks, Silver Eye Photography Center, and much more. She also discusses her late grandmother, Irma Freeman. Joelle highlights her role as editor and contributor, and talks about the process of creating this book. The book launch starts on August 1st at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, with the mini book tour continuing until the end of the year. You can buy the book now, and join the book tour! Visit https://www.irmafreeman.org/ to learn more.
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    19 min
  • WQED President and CEO Jason Jedlinski

    WQED President and CEO Jason Jedlinski
    Jul 31 2025
    WQED President and CEO Jason Jedlinski spoke with Morning Show host Jim Cunningham live on July 31, 2025 regarding the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting, which not only cuts $1.8 million from WQED, but will likely add additional expenses such as music licensing and satellite program delivery. Jason emphasized that WQED’s radio and televisions stations will not go off the air. WQED will continue sharing classical favorites, interspersed with newer compositions, plus interviews with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and more. Familiar WQED personalities including Anna Singer, Chris Fennimore, Rick Sebak, Minette Seate and Jim Cunningham will continue on the air. (Jason said he saw footage from Rick and cameraman Frank Caloiero of chickens roasting on a flaming stove for a new feature.) Whatever PBS programs the network provides will continue to be seen on channel 13, but the prime-time schedule is bound to change, as producers’ budgets have been cut deeper than WQED’s. Jason explained the work of the award-winning Education Department will continue and there will be new original programming for tv. WQED’s President thanked listeners and members for increasing their support in recent days and acknowledged the money raised by stations across the system. However, he explained that one-time gifts to close the gap left by a single grant cannot ensure long-term financial sustainability or make up for the $535 million removed from the local-to-national public broadcasting system. Jason acknowledged the difficult decision to lay off 19 employees yesterday, confirming how painful staff cuts are, and added that he and WQED’s Board of Directors continue seeking expanded support from companies and foundations. Jason Jedlinski emphasized his passion for talking with neighbors and invited listeners and viewers to call him through the WQED switchboard, 412-622-1300, or send an email to jason (at) wqed.org.
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    17 min
  • Johnstown Concert Series

    Johnstown Concert Series
    Jul 25 2025
    The Johnstown Concert Series is gearing up for their 2025-2026 season as they approach their 20th anniversary! The series continues to bring world-class musicians to the Johnstown community, without the need to travel to neighboring cities. Bryan Sevjar talks with directors, Michael Bodolosky and Joe Dipyatic, about the season’s exciting variety of performances taking place at the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Johnstown. Each performance will be on a Sunday at 3 pm, with the full schedule including the West Virginia Brass Quintet on September 14th, Voces Solis on November 2nd, Henry Wong Doe on April 26th, the Philly Street Strings on May 17th, and more! Tickets and more information about the Johnstown Concert Series is available on their website at www.johnstownconcertseries.org. Hear what's happening at the Johnstown Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in our previous Voice of the Arts episode - https://www.wqed.org/podcasts/johnstown-pasquerilla-performing-arts-center-concerts/.
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    18 min
  • A Look into Heritage Johnstown

    A Look into Heritage Johnstown
    Jul 24 2025
    Bryan Sevjar sits with Shelley Johansson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Heritage Johnstown, formerly known as Johnstown Area Heritage Association. The nonprofit organization celebrates Johnstown’s influence on early industrial America, and tells its story through history, culture, and community. Heritage Johnstown hosts a variety of attractions including the Johnstown Flood Museum, The Stone Bridge, and the Heritage Discovery Center. Bryan and Shelley spoke in the Iron and Steel Theater. The organization plans to refresh all in the near future! Visit https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/ to see the full list of special events. You can also become a member of Heritage Johnstown for access to all museums and other benefits!
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    28 min
  • Dance Africa Pittsburgh at the New Hazlett Theater

    Dance Africa Pittsburgh at the New Hazlett Theater
    Jul 24 2025
    Executive Director of the Legacy Arts Project, Erin Perry, and Director of Community Programs, Patricia Marrie Ford, talk with Jim Cunningham about Dance Africa Pittsburgh. Dance Africa was founded by Chuck Davis, whose mantra of 'Love, Peace, Respect for Everyone' is the central spirit of the program. Erin and Patricia discuss the honorees and special guests. This year, Youseef Koumbassa, a world renowned dancer, will have a piece involved 30 dancers and 10 drummers. There will also be a tribute to the founder of the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, who would have turned 70 this year. The theme of all participants this year is 'A Moment in Time'. Other groups include the Hill Dance Academy Theatre, DANA Movement, Kontara Morphis Dance Collective, and much more. Patricia and Erin hope to expand Dance Africa Pittsburgh into a citywide cultural event! Dance Africa Pittsburgh is July 26th and 27th. There will be workshops on Saturday morning, with a free African Marketplace open afterwards. The Dance performances will be at 3 pm and 7 pm on both days. You can find more information and tickets at https://legacyartsproject.org/dance-africa.
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    30 min
  • The August Wilson Trifecta at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre

    The August Wilson Trifecta at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre
    Jul 23 2025
    The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is producing not 1, not 2, but 3 August Wilson plays next month! Founder of the company, Mark Clayton Southers, daughter Ashley Southers, and director Terrence Spivey, talk about the three productions. Mark starts off the trifecta with a production of "Two Trains Running" at the Madison Arts Center. "Two Trains" is set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in the 1960s. A restauranter fights for his property, as the City targets it for demolition. Mark discusses the play, and how doing it will mark the second full competition of the August Wilson cycle that the company has done! Terrence Spivey talks about first meeting Mark over 16 years ago. He is directing "Fences", a powerful August Wilson classic, that is also set in the Pittsburgh Hill District. Terrence reflects on seeing the Broadway production with James Earl Jones. Ashley Southers closes out the festival with "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom". Staged cabaret style, Ashley discusses her role as director. Lastly, Mark talks about the new HVAC system at the Madison Arts Center, and their upcoming season curated by Monteze Freeland. You can see "Two Trains Running" from August 9th to 30th, "Fences" at the August Wilson House from August 8th to September 6th, and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" from August 15th to 24th. Visit https://www.pghplaywrights.org/ to learn more and get tickets! They are going fast!
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    20 min
  • Johnstown's Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center Concerts

    Johnstown's Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center Concerts
    Jul 23 2025
    Since its opening in 1991 at the University of Pittsburgh's Johnstown’s campus, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) continues to bring connections to many different cultures and people. They also continue to provide new artistic experiences for their community as they reach their 2025-2026 season. Bryan Sejvar talks with the director, Janie Leck Grela, about PPAC’s history, and their many scheduled performances. Upcoming performances include "Japanese Storytelling: Mask, Mime, and Music", "Taste of Ireland: Music and Dance!", and "Suessical The Musical". In addition, there will be concerts with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and the Johnstown Concert Ballet. Visit PPAC's social media or https://www.upjarts.org/ to see their full schedule and for ways to get involved!
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    12 min