Meet the Cast & Crew of "Lambent Fuse"

"Lambent Fuse" was entirely shot in the Twin Cities by students from various colleges in the state of Minnesota, including St. Cloud State University student David Marketon. In this feature interview, KVSC News Director Chris Duffy sits down with Matt Cici, David Marketon and Dan Eckman-Thomas--cast and crew of this full-length feature film.

"Lambent Fuse" is a character-driven drama that illustrates human connection and choice. This complex narrative unfolds in a non-chronological time frame as the lives of these six main characters intertwine. Listen to this FeatureCast to learn more about the work put into this film and what goals the crew has now that the film is complete.

The Creative Circle

A diverse group of writers have been meeting regularly in a small coffee shop in Albany, MN for the past three years to create, critique, and caffeinate while supporting each others’ creative process. Arts & Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack visited with The Creative Circle recently to hear their individual quests for expressing the wildest of ideas. From Fiction to Poetry to Non-Fiction to Family Instruction Guidebooks, all forms of writing are welcomed and shared, laughed over and critiqued. Some of the writers with an online presence include Phyllis Sather and Jeanette Clancy.

Explore the Minnesota Zoo

KVSC News Director Chris Duffy talks with Lee Ehmke, CEO & director of the Minnesota Zoo to discuss one of the best zoos in America. Ehmke stresses the importance of changing exhibits, econimoc support during a recesion and the importance of attracting people from all over the Midwest to visit the zoo. Listen in on this FeaturesCast to learn all about the Minnesota Zoo and everything it has to offer its visitors.

Sisters of St. Benedict Travel to China

On this news feature, Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack travels back in time with the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. "In Their Own Words: Mission to China and Taiwan” exhibit out at the Haehn Museum on the College of St. Benedict Campus.  This collection of letters and artifacts traces the lives of the Benedictine Sisters in China beginning in 1930 and gives us a sense of the ordeals that they went through during World War II and beyond.

Head Water Blues Opry

What is The Blues?  Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack looks for the answer as he explores the Head Water Blues Opry, performed at the Pioneer Place Theater in St. Cloud.  Unique with its audience emersion, The Head Water Blues Opry is "kind of" a musical and is written and directed by SCSU Professor Rex Veeder with a musical score written and performed by local Blues artist Leon Laudenbach.  You'll hear interviews with Rex Veeder, Dan Barth from the Pionner Place, and Iron Cat, a character from the Opry, as well as a selection of original music from the show.

"THE LOVE KNOT" COMES TO THE PARAMOUNT

So, is that a vasectomy in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Find out the answer to this question as Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack interviews Steve Barberio from the production company The Directors. The Directors will be bringing “The Love Knot” to the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud this Friday and Saturday night for its World Premiere before the comedy tours around the Midwest. It’s a conversation about comedy, arts in cities like St. Cloud, and what it takes to have a successful love life when you’re middle-aged.

Sunday Afternoon at Weber's Deck

On Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, there is a unique and special music venue in French Lake, MN which features some of the best Blues and Bluegrass Minnesota has to offer.  It’s Weber’s Deck and it’s a non-profit lawn party in its second year of entertaining bikers, grandmas, and whole families.  With music from Erik Koskinen, Teague Alexy, and Tom Feldman and the Get Rites, everyone under the big shade tree is tappin’ their toes throughout this report from KVSC’s Jeff Carmack.

Larry Haws on his Passion of the Parks in St. CLoud

State Representative Larry Haws from St. Cloud has worked in public service for over 40 years.  His list of accomplishments and awards include an Award of Recognition for service to Vietnam Veterans, a Citation of Service from the Saint Cloud Historical Preservation Association, and the “Eleven Who Care” Award from KARE 11 News to name just a few.  On the eve of his retirement from the State Legislature, and just as KVSC News kicks off the election season with a number of interviews with your local candidates, Representative Haws sits down with Arts & Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack to discuss his career and one of his greatest passions ... the parks of St. Cloud.

What is the MN Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund?

The arts are thriving in Central Minnesota and throughout the state. In this FeaturesCast, Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack sits down with Leslie Schumaker from the Central Minnesota Arts Board and discusses the ongoing influence of the Minnesota Legacy Amendment and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Listen in to learn more about what this fund has done so far to make Minnesota the leader in the nation for supporting the arts and how individuals and organizations can apply for the next round of funding.

Granite City Days

Summer in Minnesota means a few things: playing in the park, playing in the water and playing around at all the festivals scattered about Central Minnesota. Thursday, June 24th is the Lemonade Concert and Arts Fair and the kickoff to St. Cloud's Granite City Days June 24-27. In this feature story, Arts & Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack sits down with Mayor Dave Kleis and a number of organizers of the Granite City Days.

Movies on Radio:

After a 'unique' way of talking about the weather, Dick Hill and "The Man in the Box" look past all the larger world issues and dive into a couple deep movie reviews (well, the first review is deep anyways).  "The Man in the Box" saw a film in Spanish subtitles called the "The Secret in Their Eyes."  The story of rape and murder and how peoeples' lives change was tastefully told.  Listen in to hear how this review goes.  Dick saw a less compelling movie with Liam Nesson ... listen in to hear what movie he reviews and just how high (or low) his review is...

Stearns History Museum

In this news feature, Arts & Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack visits the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud.  This report comes on the eve of the Stearns History Museum's Pan Barbeque Fundraiser on June 12, 2010, celebrating the history of the Pan Automobile Company in St. Cloud.  Come along and visit with the museum staff as they discuss exhibits that showcase the heritage of Minnesotans in Stearns County.

A Look at the Many parks in the St Cloud Area

Summer 2010 in St. Cloud means getting outdoors for fun, frolick, and festivals. From the foliage of the Beaver Island Trails and the Munsinger & Clemens Gardens to the Fido friendly dog playgrounds in Wilson and Whitney Parks, the City of St. Cloud offers more than 90 parks for your outdoor pleasure! Please join Arts & Cultural Heritage Producer Jeff Carmack as he sits down with City of St. Cloud Rec Director Scott Zlotnik to discuss the variety and history of parks in the Granite City. This report is made possible through the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and is produced by KVSC Radio.

The Paramount Visual Arts Center

 The Paramount Theater has been the cultural jewel of downtown St. Cloud since the age of vaudeville.  However, do you know what takes place in the basement of this historic building?  It’s ART!  Lots and lots of art!  Please join KVSC’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack as he visits the Paramount Visual Arts Center, located in the lower level of the Paramount Theater, for the last official Teen Night of the school year.  Hear from staff, artists, and a whole bunch of kids about the difference that having this space for art has made in their lives and in the community. Also, you can learn about upcoming summer camps!  This feature is supported by the MN Cultural Heritage Fund.

Spotlight on St. Cloud Performing Arts!

Theater! It's what's on stage in St. Cloud!  Please join Arts & Cultural Reporter Jeff Carmack for a feature covering the rather unique and inspiring people and organizations which create a real world of make believe within our community.  In this report, you'll visit with professors from St. Cloud State University's Department of Theater, Film Studies, and Dance, learn about the Paramount Theater as well as the GREAT Theater Company which brings over one hundred performances to our area per year, and explore the Pioneer Place Theater, a newer kid on the performing arts block.  Drama, comedy, and dance on stage teach us life lessons through the creative wisdom of the past and present, and it's the original 3-D performance!  Support for this program is through the Minnesota Cultural Heritage Fund and produced by KVSC, Independent Public Radio.

Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the U.S.

In April of 2010, St. Cloud State University hosted the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States for their annual conference.   Please join Arts and Cultural Heritage Report Jeff Carmack this Thursday during the Noon Newswatch Program as he talks with SCSU Music Department Professors Scott Miller and Kristian Twombly about the conference and the imaginative manner in which this music is created.  After this report, you may never listen to your audio environment the same way again!

The Importance of Networking in a Tough Job Market

News Director Chris Duffy interviews Andy Ditlevson, associate director of SCSU Career Services Center.  In this in-depth interview, Ditlevson discusses the importance of networking in a world of social media and how to tap in to those all-important contacts.  Even with social networking the importance of face-to-face contact is still the best way of landing the job you want.  Listen to this interview to understand how Career Services can help graduates in this tough job market.

Jeff Carmack explores the Avon Area Arts

Have you ever wondered what would happen if rural artists got together and helped support one another in their respective arts?  Find out by listening in as Arts and Cultural Heritage Producer Jeff Carmack explores the Avon Area Arts.  This volunteer-driven arts group has been steadily growing since its inception only about three years ago and has brought vibrancy to the businesses and communities in the Avon, Minn. area.  From the Lost Hour Music Revue at Aunt Anne's Quilts and Silks to the solitude of a potter's studio, these artists discuss how small towns can develop an art scene with just a whole lot of work and a whole lot of love.

Feminism in Our Everyday Lives

Award-winning author and journalist Daisy Hernandez spoke to students and the St. Cloud State community on March 3, 2010.  Best known for editing the ground-breaking collection "Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today's Feminism," Hernandez directly and perceptively challenges the complex intersections of gender, race, class, sexual identity, national identity, and culture in the contemporary world.  Listen to the full speach in this exclusive podcast.

Central Minnesota Arts Board Providing Opportunities

Art can happen anywhere, at any time and by anybody -- the Central Minnesota Arts Board is one vehicle that has a profound impact on the arts in our communities.  In this feature interview with Executive Director Leslie Schumacher, the 30-year history of the program in Central Minnesota is discussed.  

Funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature allows support for arts in public schools, arts events and numerous arts-related activities.  All of the opportunities provided through the Central Minnesota Arts Board is listed on its Web site, http://www.centralmnartsboard.org/.  Also discussed is the funding for the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and new programming this initiative has brought throughout all of Minnesota.

Open Mics Flourish in St. Cloud

In March of 2010, Arts and Cultural Heritage Reporter Jeff Carmack brought the KVSC listeners a special feature highlighting the open mic venues in the St. Cloud area.  Listen in on this podcast as "Iowa" Jeff explores the open mic scene with interviews from open mic hosts and artists who have the passion of music.  The interviews take a look at the history of open mic venues and is complete with live sound bites from several developing artists.  This program is supported by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Fund.  Listen to Noon Newswatch on KVSC every weekeday for more in-depth feature stories and live interviews.

Matt Roloff from Little People, Big World

In this FeaturesCast, Matt Roloff from the TLC reality show "Little People, Big World" joins KVSC News Director Chris Duffy in a live in-studio interview.  Roloff visited the campus of St. Cloud State University on February 9, 2010 to speak to students on instilling courage and perseverance through stories of his experiences as a successful entrepreneur, father of four, and through his work in representing the Little People of America at national conferences.

Explore The Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post

In January of 2010, KVSC's Arts and Cultural Heritage Producer Jeff Carmack traveled a bit north and east of St. Cloud to spend time at a site many of you have probably driven by, or visited in person.  This podcast takes you on a journey to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post north of Onamia, MN.  This Minnesota Historical Society site is a focal point of Ojibwe culture in Minnesota and has been in existence for nearly 100 years.  The museum and trading post offers many workshops and continues to be a meeting place between the Ojibwe and Minnesotans.  You will also hear from Tribal Elders regarding the preservation of ancient Ojibwe culture, issues and successes on the reservation, and the tribe’s role in today’s modern world. This report is produced with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Saunter Along the St. Cloud Arts Crawl

On a late November 2009 Friday night, St. Cloud's downtown came to life with artists, musicians, and 800 people exploring the St. Cloud Art Crawl.  KVSC's Artistic and Cultural Heritage Producer Jeff Carmack took this interactive stroll too. He brings you an audio tour with Art Crawl organizers, artists, performers and spirited souls.

Go ahead, use your favorite digital device and saunter through downtown St. Cloud with us.  This production is supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Wining and Dining Tips with St. Cloud Sommelier

KVSC's Artistic and Cultural Heritage Producer Jeff Carmack spends some time with a local wine expert in an effort to bring comfort to the intimidated, continuing education to the informed, and a fresh perspective on wine in a box.  St. Cloud businessman Nick Barth, the owner and operator of Cru Wine Specialists, shares his passion and sommelier skills in this lively conversation.   In wine terms, this bold, yet distinct feature, has many dimensions to entertain and inform wine explorers of all vintages.

This production is supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Arts Director Highlights the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra

In this special arts edition feature, KVSC's Artistic and Cultural Heritage producer Jeff Carmack takes look at a genre not played too often on Your Sound Alternative: classical orchestral music.  In exploring this wonderful musical treasure in the St. Cloud community, Carmack speaks with executive director Sandy Nadeau among others of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.  Among topics discussed is the upcoming Christmas concert and the upcoming 2010 season including Bolero (with Flamenco Dancing) and a young performers competition (including Beethoven's 9th).

St. Cloud has a vibrant arts scene and the Symphony Orchestra is only one facet of arts in the community.  Enjoy this special broadcast full of heat-felt interviews and moving musical performances from the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra. This production is supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Talk Sex with Sue Johanson Interview

When KVSC got word that Sue Johanson was coming to campus, the news team knew that an in-studio interview was a must.  Sue, from the popular TV program "Talk Sex With Sue," sat down with KVSC News Director Chris Duffy and Assistant Training Director (and long time fan) Joe Clemence on September 23, 2009 to talk about her life as a sex therapist and host of a call-in TV show with the topic of sex. If you missed the live broadcast, download the podcast to hear this engaging interview with one of the world's most beloved sex therapists. Sue's openess on the topic of sex was more than enough to make most of the KVSC staff blush...

20 Years of SCSU's Women's Center

The Women's Center at St. Cloud State University is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009-10.  Director Jane Olsen shares her memories, vision and the changing role of the Women's Center with KVSC news director Chris Duffy.

Convocation '08 Podcast

In his presentation to faculty and staff during convocation, President Potter welcomes everyone to campus, and discusses the need to continue to elevate St. Cloud State University's reputation. The President used his address to remark on a new day for the university building on the strengths of the campus to become a force for transformation.

Potter previews priorities for the 2008-09 academic year and reflects on his first year in the top post.

Louie Foote Podcast

Loiue Foote sat down with Jo McMullen Boyer to chat about his love of the rails. In this podcast, Foote talks about his hobby-traveling the Amtrak lines for the last 40 years and amassing more than 200,000 miles traveled. It's a chance to hear about his experiences on the road with people and interesting places. He even survived a derailment in New Orleans.

SCSU Mascot Summit Podcast

Responding to concerns of its American Indian community, St. Cloud State University took the issue of offensive sports team mascots to center stage by sponsoring the Midwest Summit on American Indian Mascots on March 21, 2001.

The summit brought together higher education representatives, tribal leaders, activists and students who are working to change sports team names and end the use of American Indian images as symbols and mascots. The university initiated the summit to raise awareness of the issue, provide a comfortable forum for Indian students and faculty to discuss their concerns and develop a policy that representatives could take back to their campuses.

An estimated 1,000 participants were part of the summit. A traditional pipe ceremony, two speak-out panels were held, one comprising University of North Dakota students, staff and faculty, and another that included Clyde and Vernon Bellecourt and other American Indians. UND students described being the target of discrimination, hate mail and death threats. (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Performance newsletter, spring 2001)

KVSC news reporter and assistant news director at the time, Rob Callahan, gathered audio from the panelists and put together two comprehensive news features, which have been posted as one podcast available here on demand.

Buck O'Neil Podcast

While he may not have made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was alive, Negro Leagues star John “Buck” O’Neil is in the record books as the oldest person to play in a professional baseball game. O’Neil batted for the minor league team, the Kansas City T-Bones on July 19, 2006. Buck O’Neil died in October that same year at the age of 94, but left behind his oral history and legacy of the Negro Leagues.

Buck O’Neil visited St. Cloud State University on October 15, 1997. He gave hugs, signed autographs, and shared his endearing personal story. The presentation was sponsored by the department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sport Science under the guidance of Dr. Ray Collins, faculty emeriti.

Winona LaDuke Podcast

Winona LaDuke visited St. Cloud State University in February 2005 as the keynote speaker for NOVA's week on Non-Violence. LaDuke took the challenge from her cousin to talk about wild rice, endangered non-genetically modified seeds, and the war in Iraq in one hour. She does just that. The key question LaDuke asks is who is responsible for your future? Using her personal story she gives the listener tangible modes to make a difference in their own enviromental and energy choices.

The Harvard educated economist and mother of three has returned to Minnesota to work on the White Earth Land Recovery Project.

Wangari Maathai Nobel Laureate Podcast

Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai spoke at St. Cloud State University's Ritsche Auditorium on January 31, 2007. She tells her story of being selected to attend a college in the United States during the John F. Kennedy administration. Maathai shares what inspired her to form the Green Belt Movement, which has helped women plant more than 30 million trees across Kenya.

She explains complex environmental sustainability issues in a way that the listener feels motivated and connected--not overwhelmed.

Ray Bradbury Podcast

Ray Bradbury is a classic writer whose work has spanned two centuries. Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and the Martian Chronicles are must-reads for any student of literature. His writings range from novels to short stories to screenplays and television scripts. In recognition of his stature in the world of literature and the impact he has made, Bradbury was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2004.

Bradbury gave the keynote address at the dedication of the James W. Miller Learning Resources Center on October 20, 2000 at St. Cloud State University. He shared his passion for writing, including how he was inspired as a 12-year old boy to write short stories by a carnival character named Mr. Electrico in his northern Illinois hometown. Bradbury also speaks of his love of libraries and those who support them.

Sarah Weddington Podcast

Sarah Weddington is an attorney, lecturer and mentor who gained world-wide fame when she and Linda Coffee represented "Jane Roe" in the landmark Roe v. Wade case before the United States Supreme Court. She was just 26 years old when the case, that legalized arbortion in the country, was first argued. Weddington is an active speaker, teacher (University of Texas – Austin), and author.

Weddington spoke at St. Cloud State University on the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision on January 22, 2003. She was a guest as a part of the Women’s Center’s Women on Wednesday series. She answered the four most frequently questions she is asked about the case:

• How did she get involved in Roe v. Wade?
• What was it like to argue a case before the Supreme Court?
• How did you find you had learned Roe v. Wade?
• What is different today?

Ralph Nader Podcast

Ralph Nader holds many titles, including attorney, activist, author and candidate. Many political historians believe the staunch independent was the spoiler of the 2000 presidential elections because he got more than 97,000 votes in Florida. The Sunshine state led to a Supreme Court decision that eventually gave the keys to the White House to George W. Bush.  However, Nader feels no remorse for his successful Green Party presidential bid.

Ralph Nader spoke at St. Cloud State University’s Ritsche Auditorium shortly after the high court ruled in favor of Bush.  His speech was delivered on January 31, 2001 and focused on the “Corporatization of America” and was sponsored by NOVA-Non Violent Alternatives.

SCSU Hunger Strike Podcast

1995 was a year filled with student activism at St. Cloud State University.  There were protests and rallies held throughout the academic year—culminating in a Hunger Strike by seven students.  Several of the striking students were members of MECHA -- Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, the Council of African American Students and the Student Coalition on Racism.

The group had a list of demands for the university, including creating a student diversity center, hiring and retaining more faculty and staff of color, and forming a committee to consider a Chicano-studies program.   KVSC radio presented a retrospective news feature on the tumultuous year.

Angela Davis -- Feminist Change: A New Era

Angela Davis, author, activist and 1970s political icon, will spoke on March 4, 2009 in Ritsche Auditorium.

A professor emerita at the University of California-Santa Cruz, Davis has prodded America's social conscience for nearly 40 years. Her presentation was "Feminist Change: A New Era."

Davis burst on the scene in 1970 when she was the subject of a nationwide dragnet for her alleged role in a shootout at the Marin County Hall of Justice near San Francisco.

A Black Panther Party supporter and Communist Party USA member, Davis was arrested, tried and acquitted in 1972.

The 65-year-old is an advocate for feminist causes, racial equality, and the abolition of prisons and the death penalty.

Vicki & Erik Swenson -- The Murder of Teri Lee

Vicki and Erik Swenson tell the story of the stalking and brutal murder of Vicki's sister, Teri Lee. After Lee's death, the Swensons took in her four children, and still deal with the aftermath daily.

Vicki & Erik tell the heart-wrenching story to bring attention to the issues of stalking and domestic abuse. Their presentation was sponsored by the SCSU Women's Center in commemoration of National Stalking Awareness Month.

Brian Myres Podcast

When he spoke to a full auditorium of students, faculty and community members, Brian Myres decided not to use any notes. He spoke from the heart about his passion for his work, his respect for his colleagues, his concept of building brand, and the people who influenced his successful career.

Brian Myres "The Power of Brand, Culture and Values in Today's Business World" is a podcast that everyone can appreciate--you don't need to be a business major or a business owner to enjoy his powerful message of fairness and community service. 

Dr. Reatha Clark King -- Race and Economics

She has a vitae that speaks volumes to a successful career in business, philanthropy and education. The former president of Metropolitan State University and president and board chair of the General Mills Foundation was at SCSU on October 22, 2008.

Dr. King presented "Continuing the Conversation on Race: Economic Opportunities." This podcast covers a wealth of experience and first hand knowledge by Dr. King.