Vocalist Cara Lucille joins us to talk about her experience in the 2022 Minnesota Original Music Festival Band Challenge as well as her role as an organizer in the upcoming event this year. The 48 hour band challenge drafts participants into teams tasked with preforming 2 covers and 1 original song in front of a panel of judges for a chance to perform on the main stage at the MNOMF along with other prizes. You can find more information about the band challenge and performances at mnomf.com

Entertainer Mollie Fischer joins us to talk about her role as a performer in Skitzo Fonik, we learn about her work in the band as well as some insights into her journey as a musician and entertainer. Mollie also shares some stories from her time working on cruise ships.If you want to catch Skitzo Fonik in the Mankato area they will be playing a show with production by Triple Falls on June 2nd 2023 at the Mankato Brewery.

Photographers Emily Stark, Fede Sagolpa and Bailey Burg join the TF team to talk about Music in Focus a photography exhibit organized by Emily Stark featuring works from the entire group's coverage of the Mankato music scene. We learn a little bit about everyones background in photography, connection to the music scene and workflow as we come together around this exhibit that will be shown in the 410 project from June 2nd-17th.

Artist Shelley Caldwell joins us to talk about "Inversion" her upcoming installation at the 410 project in Mankato, MN. She shares some insights into what has gone into her new works and what separates them from past work. Shelley also shares some of her thoughts on creative practices and work as an artist. You can catch Inversion May 12th-27th at the 410 and be sure to follow Shelley on IG @scald_art

Rodolfo, Deisy and Ruben of Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) join us to talk about their ongoing projects and their newly opened office in Mankato. We have the opportunity to learn about the history, research and impacts of an organization with over 30 years of work in the region. You can find out more at about hacer at: https://hacer-mn.org/

Organizers Megan Schnitker, Alex Ek and Megan Hoogland join us to talk about MANIFEST community centered art fair presented by Mahkato Revitalization Project and MWAC unifying the Indigenous Art Fair with the Post Holiday Extravaganza. MANIFEST will feature live music, outdoor art booths, an art raffle/silent auction from 12pm to 3:30pm, food, kids activities, & Indigenous centered classes presented by MRP. We learn about the educators, performers, activities and vendors you will encounter during the event as well as some background information about the organizers. MANIFEST is taking place May 13th at the Blue Earth County Library starting at noon for more information check out the MANIFEST event on facebook or @manifest_mankato on IG.

Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center Charlie Leftridge joins us to talk about his position at the center, their connection to the community, value of historic venues and to fill us in on some of the services the Carnegie offers. We also learn a little about Charlies history in arts advocacy as well as a little about his work as a musician and composer.

Distillers Jace and Sarah share their passion for producing whiskey, gin and rum, we have the opportunity to try some of their cocktails, explore the distillery and learn about how the products are made. Black Frost is a northern terroir distillery focusing on whiskey, you can visit their cocktail lounge in New Ulm, Minnesota at 201 1st st. N or find out more information at blackfrostdistilling.com

Artist Markus Bean joins us to talk about Mystic Wild, his first solo show that will be installed in the 410 Project April 21st-May 6th as well as his participation in the Mankato Art Crawl. We learn about his journey as an artist, his connection to nature, spiritual life as a norse practitioner and connection to the southern Minnesota region.

Artist and Designer Jenna Freimuth joins us to talk about her experience installing and showing "Lady to Lady" a cooperative show with Theresa Crozier at the 410 project. We also learn about her work as a fiber artist as part of The Wondermakers Collective as well as some insights into her creative process and marketing as a digital artist. Check her work out at the links below. Portfolio: www.jennafreimuth.com Email: jennafreimuth@gmail.com Instagram: @jennafreimuth Wondermakers Collective: https://thewondermakerscollective.com/

Michael Callahan joins us to talk about his study and practice of magic & comedy spanning over twenty years in the region. We learn how some tricks are designed as well as some anecdotes from his time working as a professional magician. If you want to check out a performance Michael he is featured on Quick Wits Ep.3 | Michael Callahan

Musician, educator and producer Luke Smith joins us to talk about his musical projects ranging from singer songwriter to hip hop, instrumental and low fi. He also shares his experiences in the Mankato music scene as a university student, performer and guitar teacher.

Film maker Ryan Sturgis, owner of True Facade Pictures a media company who has been active in the Mankato area for over a decade joins us to talk about his experiences working in the film industry in Mankato as well as on both coasts. Ryan shares with us some of his motivations for getting into the industry, his love of storytelling, how he brings those passions to the work he does in documentary film making as well as marketing as well as telling a few stories from along the way.

Artist, educator and executive director of the 410 Project Dana Sikkila joins us again to update us on the 410. We learn about the upcoming juried art show as well as having an in depth conversation about her experiences working with incarcerated artists. She also shares some insights into what we can expect to see from some of her personal art projects in the coming months.

Musician Calvin Porter joins us to talk about Bejalvin his cybergrind duo with childhood friend Jacob and their new album Bejible. We also learn about his experiences as a Music Industry Major at MSU Mankato as well as his DJ project DJ CR4IG. You can check out the music at bejalvin.com or Calvin on instagram at @djcr4ig

Holly and Nicholas introduce us to "The Lectern Series" a community education project that allows people to speak at length sharing their knowledge and experiences. These speeches are live streamed and followed by a Q&A session. We learn about the origins of the event, the history of the lectern itself and gain insights into the personal philosophy that motivated Nicholas and Holly to pursue the project. https://thelecternseries.com/

Ty joins us to talk about his role in the Mankato Playhouse’s upcoming production of Assassins. Along with learning a little about the show we gain insight into the life of an actor and educator in the Southern Minnesota theatre scene. Assassins runs weekends Feb 9-26 and you can get tickets as well as more information at mankatoplayhouse.com

Musicians Jenny and Bethany join us to talk about their band “The Ericksons” ahead of their February show at the Arts Center in St. Peter. The sisters share stories from their musical upbringing, playing open mics in NYC to touring the entire country and eventually settling down in Southern Minnesota.

Podcast hosts and wedding industry professionals Megan and Cynthia join us to talk about their experiences through the lens of their podcast "The Corner Booth Podcast". We learn a little about the day to day life in the industry, how they became friends and founded their podcast as well as some wild stories along the way.

Artist Theresa Crozier joins us to talk about her upcoming joint show with Jenna Freimuth at the 410 project titled Lady to Lady. We learn about some of the similarities that brought them together as well as some of the experiences that helped shape Theresa as an artist. You can check both artists out on instagram Jenna Freimuth: @jennafreimuth Theresa Crozier: @t_toofresh

Jeni joins us to talk about her experiences as an owner of 3 North Mankato businesses; The Circle Inn, The Beast and The Pelican food truck. Purchasing the Circle Inn shortly before the 2020 Corona virus pandemic we learn how she weathered the storm and managed to start two other businesses while so many others were closing. We also chat about her commitment to the arts and entertainment in lower north bringing a wider variety of music to the Circle as well as supporting the local comedy scene with an open mic.