New Mexico Nonprofit Helps Small Communities Find Their Voice

When I was in high school, I used to write in a little red journal. Whenever I had some spare time, I’d sit and scribble down musings about my life, my family and my neighborhood – knowing that nobody else would read them, but still hoping to get my thoughts out there in the universe. Like most teenagers, I had a busy mind, but I didn’t have much of an audience to share it with.

A few weeks ago, then, I was thrilled to learn that a few students in Taos, NM, are getting a chance to voice their thoughts on the radio – thanks to a nonprofit organization called Cultural Energy. (more…)

Our recent “Sounds of the Re:Union” episode features the old time music and square dance scene in LA. In the episode, one of the people we hear from is Susan Michaels. Susan’s been calling at LA square dances for decades. She also helps to keep the old time tradition in LA alive by teaching a new generation how to call.

One of her mentees, Cory Marie Podielski, has been calling for a little more than a year. We asked Cory some questions about how and why she participates in the LA Old Time scene. Here’s what she had to say: (more…)

El Rey – You Can Never Leave the Music

For our Los Angeles documentary, we teamed up with California Is a Place in an intimate piece that focuses on the day-to-day life of working mariachis. From the daily uncertainty of employment and living conditions to the unquestionable passion and love for the music, State of the Re:Union explores how these practitioners of beloved culture are making their living and making home in LA.

To listen to our radio episode, Los Angeles – Home Sweet Home, or see other related collateral, visit our Los Angeles page. And please start the conversation about this documentary by commenting below.

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Listen to Our Radio Episode, Los Angeles – Home, Sweet Home:

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Los Angeles - Home, Sweet Home

LISTEN TO OUR NEWEST EPISODE HERE!

When a chance to speak with Phil Collins comes around, you simply can’t turn it down. Seriously, that’s like a law or something. Anyway, we had the pleasure of chatting with him about Going Back, his new album of Motown covers, his work with the Little Dreams Foundation and in true SOTRU style, a rapid fire selection of questions. We hope you enjoy! (more…)

We want to thank all of our amazing sponsors, volunteers and guests that made SOTRU – A Celebration of Community such an incredible and successful event. The food from Biscottis, Orsay and Bento Cafe was out of this world, the beer from Bold City was tops and the downtown library venue was just right.

The cocktail hour was perfectly accented by the music of Adam Mantovani. Additionally, guests purchased raffle tickets for items including owner’s suite tickets to a Jaguars game donated by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, original artwork by mactruQue and Heather Blanton. (more…)