Thief River Falls native Brayden Drevlow connected with Phil McKenzie in Singapore recently. This is the second part of their conversation. Brayden is a talented pianist. In the first part of the conversation he shared the challenges of practices his instrument when he travels. They spoke about how few pianos he finds internationally and the overuse of these pianos. Because of this, he has learned how to fix pianos. He fixes the pianos before his concerts. Now, when he returns to Minnesota for 3 to 4 months a year, he tunes and works on about 1,000 pianos. He also searches out pianos when he travels, fixes them, and performs.

Brayden has an upcoming concert in Alexandria on April 5 with the Central Lakes Symphony. Listen to hear their conversation.

Thief River Falls native Brayden Drevlow connected with Phil McKenzie in Singapore recently. They spoke about some of Brayden’s upcoming concerts — March 15 and 16 with the Bismark Symphony and one in Alexandria on April 5 with the Central Lakes Symphony. Besides being a world traveler, Brayden is a talented pianist. He attended Concordia for piano performance. He’s performed quite a bit internationally, including Siberia and Africa. He shared the challenges of practicing his instrument when he travels. Listen to hear the first part of their conversation.

Warroad Artist Kat Allen spoke about working on the NWMAC Artists of NW Minnesota booklet as the graphic designer. Kat is a children’s author and visual artist, as well as a graphic designer. This resource is available on the NWMAC website here and in hard copy throughout the region (at libraries and other spots). The booklet highlights regional artists, arts businesses, and organizations that serve artists or offer arts programming. Each listing includes a photo of the artist and what they create or offer. The booklet also lists performing artists like musicians and bands. Kat also spoke about her books and one that will be published soon. Listen to the conversation to learn more!

This week’s podcast continues the conversation with Leslie LeCuyer, Executive Director of Central Minnesota’s Art Council. Leslie spoke about projects that the Central Minnesota Arts Board provided funding for and the impacts of those projects. She also spoke about legislators and how important their support for the arts is. (hence the importance of Arts Advocacy Day) Leslie explained that art can build community and develop relationships. “The arts allow us to escape and address our emotions… The arts are an essential need.” Arts Advocacy is March 4 and you can see Leslie there. Listen to hear all the details of the conversation.