Al Ross plays an interview with comedian Charlie Berens from 2020 in anticipation of his upcoming show at the Pablo Center at the Confluence. Ross also talks with local writers Cathy Sultan and B.J. Hollars and local North High School music teachers Catherine Lofy and Jacob Puccio.
Ross talks with Charlie Berens, creator of the internet sketch comedy news spoof “The Manitowoc Minute.” Berens’ has a new book out, “The Midwest Survival Guide,” and will be performing four shows at the Pablo Center at the Confluence this upcoming weekend. The conversation between the two was recorded in March of 2020 before Berens’ local appearances were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sultan has written several books about, and based on, her experience living in the Middle East. Her latest work, “An Ambassador to Syria,” is the third in a series of novels that revolve around characters living through turmoil due to the region’s civil and religious strife. Ross and Sultan will discuss the book, previous works, and her life experience.
Hollars returns to talk about the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild event “Sound & Stories: Joy to the Word '' on Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Pablo Center. The event is part of Eau Claire's citywide “Joy to the Word'' program featuring local musicians and storytellers.
Rounding out the show this week will be an inside look at music through the eyes of two music educators. Lofy, vocal music leader, and Puccio, conductor of the orchestra program at Eau Claire’s North High School talk with Ross about the music program and teachers’ dedication to fostering students’ love of music past the high school years. The three will also talk about the performance of their first “Sounds of the Season” concert taking place on Monday, Dec. 20 at the NHS auditorium. The concert is open to the community with voluntary donations benefiting the school’s Tri-M Music Honors organization.