Catch Creative Conversations during Let’s Talk between 3 and 5pm on Mondays with Mandee Hammerstein.
You’ll meet creative contributors in our region who help spearhead engaging artistic endeavors for us all to enjoy. Mandee interviews a variety of talents in the arts for your discovery and inspiration
You can listen to archived show from the past two weeks on our Archive Page under Let’s Talk and explore even more below!
Past Conversations
On Monday, April 10th, Mandee Hammerstein welcomes to the WDVR studio the Greenwood House and speaks with Director of Development Neil Wise and CEO Rick Goldstein. On April 29th, the Greenwood House holds its most popular annual fundraiser, “The Battle of the Bands,” where proceeds benefit the nonprofit and its residents. Goldstein shares the Greenwood House’s founding history, interesting operational facts, and how the organization decided to do something different to fundraise for aging while describing what it takes to honestly care for seniors. Neil and Mandee talk exciting details on the Battle of the Bands event, from Keith Urban guitars, glitter, and VIP to rockin’ docs and the new crowds they have come to embrace with this out of the “industry box” event. More about Greenwood House and their upcoming Battle of the Bands fundraiser at https://www.greenwoodhouse.org
March 13, 2023 | Creative Conversations with Trenton Circus Squad
Trenton Circus Squad is a non-profit organization that inspires young people to take big leaps in life. Through our free circus programs, squad members learn how to cooperate, push themselves and serve their community – all through the astonishing practice of circus arts. Squad members learn physical techniques, life skills and build trust with teens from other neighborhoods. They lead community engagement through workshops and performances with younger children and families. It’s an often breathtaking experience filled with exercise, learning and joyful laughter for kids of all ages.
Conversation Archives
November 14, 2022 | Mandee Hammerstein interviews live in the studio with International artist Alexandre Arrechea (Nolimits (2013), Katrina Chairs (2016), Dreaming with Lions (2021), and ArtYard’s Meghan Van Dyk, who leads the communications and promotions at the Frenchtown, NJ nonprofit. Arrechea is Artyard’s first resident artist, and his exhibition Landscape and Hierarchies is open through January 22nd. Alexandre and Meghan talk with Mandee, sharing with listeners about the artist’s process, inspiration, meaning, and even some of the mechanics behind each piece. Landscape and Hierarchies consists of monumental watercolors, sculptures, and multimedia installations, representing the community, collaboration, an interdependence and more. ArtYard is an alternative art center that brings unlikely people together and sparks dialogue while fueling creative expression. For more information and Alexandre Arrechea’s exhibit or to discover all programming at ArtYard visit: ArtYard.org.
Oye cómo va! Tito Puente Jr. spends time with host and friend Mandee Hammerstein on Creative Conversations. Mandee and Tito go back in time, talking growing up Puente! Tito shares personal family experiences with his legendary six-time Grammy-winning father and the love for keeping his father’s music alive! Tito also discusses what’s next, including his live performance in Bucks County as he flies in from Miami for one-night only performance with his Latin Jazz Ensemble as part of his National tour. Friday, September 30th, Tito Puente, Jr. will be performing at the Zlock Performing Arts Center in Newtown, PA. To save seats, visit www.bucks.edu/tickets
Keith Spencer, baritone & vocalist
Vertical Dancing, Michael Feinstein, The Amazing Max, The New York Philharmonic and Silk Weaving, Kids Outreach, and more! Find out what Zoellner Arts at Lehigh University is about with Executive Director Mark Wilson and Mandee Hammerstein on Creative Conversations. Mark shares the layered details of Zoellner’s vibrant season ahead, plus the exciting plans for their much-anticipated 25th Anniversary Gala and Gala week! Get to know this performing arts center in the Lehigh Valley at: https://zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu
Playwright, Director, Actor, and Producer Rick Goodwin and Valerie Eastburn from the Phillips Mill Community Association join Mandee Hammerstein to discuss Rick's Premiere Showcase at the Mill titled Bleeding Black and White. Learn about the inspiration, process, and cast behind Rick's play and the artistry, delight, and dedication that makes the Phillips Mill truly a one-of-a-kind arts space. Bleeding Black and White runs July 14th through July 17th only, and tickets with more information can be found at https://www.phillipsmill.org/event/premiere-showcase-bleeding-in-black-and-white
How does the idea of a great film come to mind and become a reality? Find out this week on Creative Conversations as Mandee Hammerstein learns along with listeners the dimensional yet personal path of Author and Filmmaker Jennifer Lin. Lin’s original film, Beethoven in Beijing, is currently on PBS, has been reviewed in The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, and more, and has a series of recent and upcoming screenings, talkbacks, and book signings. Beethoven in Beijing examines a pinnacle moment in our history through the lens of when the Philadelphia Orchestra and President Nixon touched ground in China in 1973, exhibiting how music truly changed the world. Listeners also discover the exciting details of Lin’s next inspiring and cultural project, Beyond Yellow Face. More at https://www.beethoveninbeijing.com
Mandee Hammerstein gets all the details on a near summer-long, free concert series at the Red Mill in Clinton, New Jersey – "Music at the Mill", starting June 18th. Mandee speaks with board member and sound engineer Neil Krash and Executive Director Paul Muir. Paul talks about all things mission, exhibitions, programming and community throughout the year for all ages. Neil dives into the Music at the Mill’s features and facts and the much-anticipated, overall entertainment experience for the area to enjoy. Music at the Mill will additionally be broadcasted here on WDVR! Get to know this cultural nonprofit by visiting: https://theredmill.org
Up next on Creative Conversations, Mandee explores more hands-on community theater with local professionals Sarah LeClair and Judy Parrish of Langhorne Players. Sarah and Judy talk fun highlights about the wit and genius behind their current production “Olive and the Bitter Herbs” by award-winning playwright Charles Busch and some other thought-provoking show plots for the remainder of their season. Sarah and Judy share their passion and professional experiences in the theater business and the joy they find at their once historic mill that now serves as an intimate performance space at the scenic Tyler State Park in Newtown, PA. Learn more about this community nonprofit at: https://www.langhorneplayers.org
Ginny Brennen, Founder and Executive Director of Music Mountain Theatre, joins Mandee on Creative Conversations to talk all things local theater! Ginny shares how MMT creatively selects your favorite Broadway shows to present, using fun audience input, and talks about MMT's current season, which recently included a special Von Trapp Family Lodge stay give-away! And find out how they're putting their specific nonprofit fundraising needs aside for Ukraine and how they're helping! Listen in to get to know this thoughtful theater, or visit their website to learn more: MusicMountainTheatre.org
Contemporary Classical Composer Heidi Breyer speaks with Mandee Hammerstein on Creative Conversations about her latest album release titled "Amor Aeternus", her July debut at Carnegie Hall, the creative process, growing up in England, living in Frenchtown and more!
Acme Screening Room’s Executive Director Donna Muchnicki talks with Creative Conversations host Mandee Hammerstein about all things movies, grants, reopening and more! Donna also shares upcoming Acme film events, highlighting their new “Midnight Society Film Club”, Oscar nights, special documentary evenings with live director Q&As, an Earth Day film event, Family Halloween happenings and the comeback of their playful Pechakucha!
To learn more about the Acme Screening Room in Lambertville, NJ visit: www.acmescreeningroom.org
Up next on Creative Conversations with Mandee Hammerstein; Bette Sovinee from the Artists of Yardley (AOY) introduces to Mandee and listeners two artists from the Anew Artist Alliance group, Warcheerah Kilima and Paul Norris. Both Warcheerah and Paul talk about their group’s founding mission nearly twenty years ago at the Trenton Soup Kitchen, their incredible support and how members find inspiration, motivation and solace. Anew Artist Alliance will be having their first Pop-Up Show at the Artists of Yardley the weekends of March 4-6 and March 18-20 pm 12-5pm. Art work will be on exhibition for purchase and the artist’s unique stories can be found on their website: AnewArtists.com. More about the Artists of Yardley at AOYarts.com
Mandee Hammerstein interviews with ArtYard’s Communications Manager Meghan Van Dyk. Mandee and Meghan dive into the opening act for ArtYard’s much anticipated McDonnell Theater opening on March 3rd, headlining with Multi-Award-Winning Hip Hop Artist Supaman. Supaman’s one-of-a-kind performances combine Native culture, comedy, and urban hip hop attitude into a high-energy presentation that dazzles audiences and captivates listeners. He has performed at symphony halls, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Arise Festival, World Fest. Don’t miss this ArtYard interview as listeners also learn of all the offers this immersive and engaging, all-art experience institution offers. More at ArtYard.org
On Creative Conversations, Mandee Hammerstein interviews Grammy-nominated cellist and Artistic Director of the Concordia Chamber Players, Michelle Djokic. Together, Mandee and Michelle discuss Djokic’s lifelong passion for chamber music, art, the inspiring beauty of New Hope, as well as the collaborative process when commissioning world-premieres from CP’s roster of Grammy Award-winning & nominated talent. The Concordia Chamber players is a nonprofit organization in Solebury, PA and additionally offers complimentary, public rehearsal performances prior to each performance. Upcoming in-person and digital stage concerts are set for March 6th and April 24th, 2022. More at www.concordiaplayers.org
The Hills are Alive with young talent! The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theater Education Center in Doylestown, PA, launches their annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest with prizes to be won and Broadway professionals for participating kids to learn from! Mandee K. Hammerstein interviews Board Member Jaime Rogers about this most energizing contest that helps the nonprofit spread the word about Hammerstein’s legacy and a museum in the making. To learn more visit: www.HammersteinMusuem.org
Conversation Archives
Mandee Hammerstein interviews Makers Alley Co-Founder Peter Rosenthal. Peter, a native from NYC, previously worked in media and design with such clients as MTV, Anheuser-Busch, McDonald's, Pepsi, Coke, HBO, CBS, Time Warner, Warner Bros; and was the producer of the original six-time Emmy award-winning show, PEE-WEE's Playhouse! Now calling Bucks County home, Peter is working hard towards an art movement throughout the Delaware Valley for "makers" – supporting artists of sculpture, pottery, painting, and more! Makers Alley is an "artist for artist" community that also welcomes the public to partake in various engaging events and gallery exhibitions that uplifts and educates. To learn more, visit www.MakersAlley.org
The State Theatre of Easton’s Marketing Manager Kori Lotito interviews with Mandee Hammerstein regarding various facets of the theatre; its glorious, original architecture with influences of Spain and Italy to Kenny G through to Broadway Tours, fundraisers, their regionally-famous and award-winning Freddy Awards and more! Visit http://statetheatre.org for theater schedules and educational offerings
"Get to know the creative contributors of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, one of New Jersey’s finest music organizations on Creative Conversations. Music Director Rossen Milanov and Executive Director Marc Uys discuss with Mandee Hammerstein their upcoming Holiday POPS! Concert featuring Soprano Laquita Mitchell on 12/14, the transformative power of innovative musical performances and their unique programming ahead, involving poetry, opera, storytelling, and more! Learn more about PSO at: https://princetonsymphony.org"
"Award-Winning Dramatist, Author, and Screenwriter, Barry M. Putt Jr. speaks with Mandee Hammerstein on Creative Conversations, discussing his latest book, Alice: Life Behind the Counter in Mel's Greasy Spoon (A Guide to the Feature Film, the TV series, and More) the business of writing, his creative process for authoring books, scripts, audio dramas, and his virtual reality series collaborations. Barry also teaches others at the scholarly level and as a consultant on how to write their own books, from the children's market through to memoirs and novels. To learn more about Barry M. Putt Jr., listen now on WDVR or visit his website at: https://barrymputtjr.com"
Conversation Archives
Mandee interviews Sam LaFrange, the creator of the award-winning family show Rapunzel by the Ragtag Theatre Company. Learn how Sam first developed Rapunzel, conceptualized its characters, and discovered his cast, all for this unique, Commedia dell Arte style show. Rapunzel was created specifically to be outrageously-fun and colorful, exuding the special message of acceptance and finding the joy in just being you. For one-show only, the cast of Rapunzel will be performing at the Zlock Performing Arts Center on November 6th at the Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA. For tickets visit: www.bucks.edu/tickets
On Creative Conversations, Mandee Hammerstein interviews founder and President Mary Pitcairn of the Lenape Chamber Ensemble. Mandee and Mary talk about the history of Chamber Music, instruments used, the Chamber's national talent and how the Lenape Chamber began over 40 years ago. Discover what’s next with their upcoming Baroque Festival, featuring Biber, J.S. Bach, Handel and more and all before the holidays for both children and adults. Learn about the Lenape Chamber Ensemble and their schedule at http://lenapechamberensemble.org"
On Creative Conversations, Mandee Hammerstein speaks with singer, songwriter and musician. Wade Lynch. Wade, now back home in NJ after living and performing in Europe for over twenty years, talks with Mandee about his return home, his creative process, his latest work, collaborators, inspiration in music and more. To hear Wade’s latest releases, visit: https://wadelynch.com
On September 20th, Mandee Hammerstein interviews Europium Dance Theater’s (EDT) founder, Linda Erickson. Mandee explores with Linda how EDT originally became and how the company is bringing that same passionate, artistic flavor from the stage to film, with the premiere of their first film, 365 exclusively at the Hopewell Theater on Friday, September 24th. EDT’s 365 premiere is for one night only and includes an artist talkback with the creators, including topics of process, inspiration, frustrations and settings. More at europiumdancetheater.org
Mandee Hammerstein speaks with Bette Sovinee, Coordinator at the Artists of Yardley/AOY! Mandee and Bette speak all things AOY from classes to juried and open air shows. Learn more about the AOY and all their exciting, public art events all season long at: aoyartcenter.org
About Mandee Hammerstein
Mandee K. Hammerstein, Public Relations, Marketing Strategist, and Creative Consultant, is best known locally for her launching work of some of the Region’s most recognizable cultural institutions, arts initiatives, and new businesses. But, for Mandee’s inspirational fun, you can also find her teaching the occasional art, design, or photography class, keeping her close to her first love, the visual arts. Mandee is a mother of four kids and two dogs, Pearl S. Bark, the countryside-loving Sheepadoodle, and Redfield, the coziest of Spaniels; whose namesake is Edward Willis Redfield, one of New Hope’s most notable impressionists’ painters.