Podcasts

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: What to expect at McKinney’s popular Independence Day celebration this year

McKinney’s Independence Day celebration started back when the city had a modest population of about 20 thousand residents. Today, their population is well over 200 thousand, but the city still strives to create a small hometown feel for their Red, White and BOOM event. In this feature, WRR’s Amy Bishop speaks with Ryan Mullins, Assistant… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: The joys and challenges as an actor during Shakespeare in the Park

From being stung by a wasp onstage, to having a heat stroke mid-performance, it takes a special fortitude to be an actor in a production of Shakespeare in the Park. In this podcast, WRR’s Amy Bishop speaks with Mikaela Baker, who plays Olivia in “Twelfth Night” and Adrian Godinez, who plays Odysseus in “The Odyssey,”… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Shakespeare in the Park returns with drama, comedy & romance

“The goal is to keep bringing people out to share these timeless stories out under the stars,” says Jenni Stewart, Interim Executive and Artistic Director of Shakespeare Dallas, presenting its 52nd season of Shakespeare in the Park this summer. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, Stewart talks about their upcoming productions of Twelfth Night”… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus gears up for a world premiere

“I think the audience will be amazed by how well a children’s chorus can perform a piece of music that’s as complex as this one,” says Ellie Lin, Artistic Director of the Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus, who is presenting the world premiere of a work written especially for the chorus. Hear more about the chorus… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: An evening of American music and apple pie with PHPC

“If you want to hear really great music that you know and love, this is a concert that you don’t want to miss,” says Steve Jobman, Artistic Director of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church’s music ministry. The church’s upcoming Americana concert featuring choir, orchestra, organ, and bell choir will be a mix of American classical, film… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: The Swiss Ave. Home Tour returns for Mother’s Day weekend

Anyone who has ever driven down Swiss Avenue in East Dallas can understand why the annual Mother’s Day home tour is so popular; the street contains some of the most stunning historic homes of the city. In this feature, WRR’s Amy Bishop speaks with Swiss Ave. Historic District’s resident historian Bob Cox, to hear more… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: DSO Maestro Fabio Luisi’s Reflections on The Ring

In this podcast with WRR’s Kurt Rongey, DSO Maestro Fabio Luisi discusses the first time he cracked open the score to one of the Ring operas, what the audience can expect at the Ring of the Nibelungs performances, upcoming recording projects and the maestro’s personal highlights for the 2024-2025 DSO season.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Brooklyn Rider brings a sense of place everywhere, including Dallas

“There’s the physical aspect of resonating together – and then how that goes out and is perceived by an audience – it’s kind of everything,” says Colin Jacobsen, violinist with the Brooklyn Rider string quartet. The group will close Dallas Chamber Music Society’s 2023-24 season with a concert of old and new works at SMU’s… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: How charities benefit from this North Texas art festival

Springtime in DFW brings countless art fairs and festivals, but Southlake’s Art in the Square may be the only one that gives its proceeds back to charities. WRR’s Amy Bishop recently visited with Kathy Talley, the chair of this year’s festival, to learn what new attractions they’ll be offering – and what sets them apart… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: The arts in Dallas are more accessible than ever for Dallas Arts Month

“There’s a lot of data that backs the way arts and culture have a positive impact on folks’ health and wellness,” says Martine Philippe, Director of the City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture. April is Dallas Arts Month, founded to champion the arts and cultural sector of the city. This year, they’ve created… Read more »