Dr. Vicki Bell, Professor of Music Theory at Asbury University, and Dr. Stephen Bolster, retired Chair of Music at Berea College, join host Kate Savage to share their story as newly appointed co-artistic directors of the Kentucky Bach Choir. Vicki and Stephen recount decades of collaboration, their combined musical backgrounds, and the unique advantages of co-directing a choir—such as sharing responsibilities, blending their skill sets, and diversifying the group's leadership. They discuss the upcoming Bachtoberfest fundraiser at West Sixth Barrel Room, which blends German food, drinks, and music in an effort to attract new, younger audiences, and detail the rigorous audition process and the multi-generational makeup of the choir. Vicki and Stephen explore the enduring influence of Bach, the choir’s mission to keep his works alive, connections to other composers, and even links to modern pop music. They also preview innovative season events such as the Bach Marathon and plans to support local charities through future performances—all underscoring the central power of music and community in their shared vision.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

​Marina Ubaldi Ritter and Lucinda Zoe, members of the Carrot Cake Collective, join Art Throb host Kate Savage to talk about about their efforts to document the history and recipes of the beloved Alfalfa Restaurant in Lexington. The conversation explores the impact of the restaurant's closure during the pandemic, the importance of preserving its legacy, and the community that formed around it. They discuss the challenges of creating a cookbook that reflects the restaurant's unique culture, the significance of sustainability practices, and the role of art and creativity in building community.

The episode highlights the collective's mission to share personal stories and recipes while supporting local nonprofits Institute 193 and Moveable Feast through their fundraising efforts for the book.
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They share their personal stories, the zeitgeist of Alfalfa, and reflect on a bygone era.

The book: EAT YOUR CARROT CAKE - LIFE, ART, COMMUNITY AND COOKERY is not yet published but expected by the end of 2025-early 2026.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Margaret Price, award-winning writer and recipient of the Kentucky Arts Council's Al Smith Fellowship, joins host Kate Savage to discuss her new novel Where Stillness Speaks, inspired by decades of research into the mystical world of Kentucky’s Shaker communities. Margaret shares the story’s origins, from a chance encounter with a local storyteller to deep dives into Shaker journals and the secrets of Pleasant Hill. She reflects on the Shakers’ reverence for stillness, radical forgiveness, and their belief in things unseen—including visions, female divinity, and sacred places hidden in the Kentucky landscape. The conversation traces both Margaret’s personal journey and broader themes of healing, faith, and the enduring power of history, offering listeners a window into the novel’s richly layered narrative and a heartfelt invitation to experience the wonder of Shakertown for themselves.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html