Ali & Callie: an artcast

06/19/2026

Summer Concerts at Riverstone: Music is the Answer!

Welcome to another music-filled episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast as we catch up with two familiar faces in North Idaho’s arts scene—Max Mendez and Ruth Pratt.

Our conversation begins with a preview of the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, the beloved free summer music tradition presented by the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.
Beginning July 9, the series returns to Riverstone Park with six evenings of live music, community connection, and summer fun in one of Coeur d’Alene’s favorite outdoor gathering places.

But this episode is about much more than a concert series.
Max shares details about his exciting new venture, Mendez Vocal Works, where he is helping singers of all ages develop confidence, technique, and artistic expression through personalized vocal instruction. He also celebrates a special milestone as he officially joins the Ali & Callie Artcast "5-Timers Club," making his fifth appearance on the podcast and proving once again that he’s always got a new creative adventure up his sleeve. .com

Ruth talks about her latest musical journey as a member of the Tom Tucker Band, bringing her signature talent, energy, and love of performance to audiences throughout the Inland Northwest.
Along the way, we explore the power of live music, the excitement of new beginnings, and why both Max and Ruth continue to find fresh ways to connect with their communities through performance, education, and collaboration.

To learn more about the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, view the lineup, sign up as a volunteer, or make a donation to help support this free community event, visit artsandculturecda.org
Join us for a lively conversation about music, mentorship, community, and the creative spirit that keeps North Idaho singing all summer long.

06/19/2026

We love Max Mendez and all that he does for this community!

Meet our newest 5-timer! The versatile and talented Max Mendez, who is proudly wearing his new yellow coat! Welcome to this exclusive club Max!
He joins Ellen Travolta and Michael B. Koep, Author
Maximiano Jose Mendez

06/19/2026

Meet our newest 5-timer! The versatile and talented Max Mendez, who is proudly wearing his new yellow coat! Welcome to this exclusive club Max!
He joins Ellen Travolta and Michael B. Koep, Author
Maximiano Jose Mendez

06/19/2026

Welcome to another music-filled episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast as we catch up with two familiar faces in North Idaho’s arts scene—Max Mendez and Ruth Pratt. Our conversation begins with a preview of the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, the beloved free summer music tradition presented by...

06/12/2026

Join us for the latest episode!
Ep 208: More Than Glass - The Remarkable Journey of Atsuko Kroetch
When we first invited stained glass artist Atsuko Kroetch to the podcast, we planned to talk about the stunning stained glass horses she created for the cupola of the Coeur d'Alene Historic Carousel. What we discovered was a story far bigger than art alone.

Born in China to Japanese parents, Atsuko shares an extraordinary life journey that spans continents, cultures, and pivotal moments in history. Her path took her from Asia to America, including a fascinating career as an airline stewardess during the Vietnam War. One of the most gripping moments of our conversation recounts her experience leaving alongside refugees on one of the last planes out as the war came to an end—a firsthand account of a historic moment that forever shaped her perspective on life, resilience, and gratitude.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every work of art has a story behind it, and sometimes the artist's journey is every bit as captivating as the work itself. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about history, immigration, perseverance, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.

And for more information about the Carousel, and the book Window to the World, stories about each of the eight horses designed by Atsuko and written by her friend Debbie Weiser, visit cdacarousel.com/stained-glass-windows/.schlesinger

06/12/2026

When we first invited stained glass artist Atsuko Kroetch to the podcast, we planned to talk about the stunning stained glass horses she created for the cupola of the Coeur d'Alene Historic Carousel. What we discovered was a story far bigger than art alone. Born in China to Japanese parents, Atsuko....

06/09/2026

Art walk Friday night featuring the new art gallery Modus Fine Art on Sherman.

06/05/2026

NIC's X-Lab Project - Learning Beyond the Classroom
What happens when curiosity, creativity, and collaboration come together to solve real-world challenges?

In this episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast, we sit down with Marita Diffenbaugh, Director of Innovation for the forward thinking X-Labs program at North Idaho College.
Marita shares how NIC X-Labs is creating a dynamic learning environment where students, faculty, community members, and industry partners come together to exchange ideas, tackle meaningful challenges, and build solutions through design thinking. More than a makerspace or classroom, X-Labs is a collaborative ecosystem where everyone is both a teacher and a learner.
We explore the power of empathy-driven innovation, the importance of relationship-building, and how active learning can unlock human potential. From fostering creativity and critical thinking to addressing community needs, X-Labs is helping shape a future where learning extends beyond traditional boundaries and meaningful change happens through collaboration.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, lifelong learning, and the remarkable possibilities that emerge when people come together with a shared purpose.
For more information about NIC X-Labs, visit nic.edu/x-labs/ and discover how innovation is taking shape right here in our community.