Greenroom Conversations

Kevin Chavez, Dr. Carol Aicher, and Ryan Michael Hartman combine their diverse backgrounds within music to interview professionals who work in the performing arts. GRC looks to explore the successful performer's individual path in the arts to discover themes that will help listeners with their own artistic path. Interviews include Grammy winning artists, Broadway and Classical performers, as well as composers, producers, teachers, and many more from the music community.

S04E04 - Cecile Licad 03/30/2020

S04E04 - Cecile Licad Cecile Licad called “a pianist’s pianist” by The New Yorker, joined us to talk about her international career, starting as a prodigy and leading to her current project of American music. http://www.barrettartists.com/artist.php?id=clicad /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/13175261

S04E03 - John Clark 03/16/2020

S04E03 - John Clark Jazz French Hornist and composer John Clark talked about his career path in both classical and jazz improvisation, playing, teaching, recording, composing and publishing. He remains one of the first and few full-time jazz horn artists in the US. Currently, he freelances in NYC, records and publishes under his label Hidden Meaning Music. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/13175255

S04E02 - Tosca Opdam 03/02/2020

S04E02 - Tosca Opdam Tosca Opdam is among the most prominent artists to have emerged from the Netherlands in recent years. Dividing her time between the US and Europe, she embraces the idiosyncratic qualities of both cultural worlds to enrich a personal expressiveness in music. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/13175234

S04E01 - We're Back! 02/16/2020

S04E01 - We're Back! We are so embarrassed abbot the long wait and if you're reading this that means you've stuck around! Yeah for you... and Thank you! /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/13175168

S03E15 - Betsy Morgan 04/17/2017

S03E15 - Betsy Morgan About our Interview with: Best Morgan. Betsy entered the studio for our interview like a true New Yorker carrying an old full Ikea bag of tasks and errands and yet also with the positivity and friendliness of a midwesterner both of which she identifies as being. And all while being 8 ½ month pregnant. Betsy tells Ryan and Kevin all about being a multifaceted performer with lots of hats to wear which she does so well from on-stage every day to understudying, standby and swing. Hang on tight; there's a lot to learn form Betsy in all of the ways. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/5271046

S03E14 - George Farmer 04/02/2017

S03E14 - George Farmer About our Interview with: George Farmer. Ryan and Kevin were delighted to have George Farmer in the studio to discuss how he got to broadway and how he feels about lending a hand to aspiring performers. George is truly a musician's musician. He clearly loves everything about the industry. Enjoy! Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/5228977

S03E13 - Ryan Driscoll 03/20/2017

S03E13 - Ryan Driscoll About our Interview with: Ryan Driscoll. Ryan is currently on faculty at NYU and works as a music copyist for Broadway. Most recently Ryan was the copyist for the musical COME FROM AWAY, a show he feels incredibly proud of. Listen in to find out how Ryan’s path led from early success as a performer in his teens (starring opposite Idina Menzel), to following his heart to teaching and being a music copyist. His love of what he does is infectious; you are going to be entertained listening to Ryan tell his story and explain the world of the copyist. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/5186201

S03E12 - Paul Sheftel 02/27/2017

S03E12 - Paul Sheftel About our Interview with: Paul Sheftel, Pianist, Composer and Pedagogue joined us in the studio to share his story about his teaching experience and his path to the use of technology in his piano teaching. We discussed many aspects of his remarkable career. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/5119436

S03E11 - Lisa Alexander 02/06/2017

S03E11 - Lisa Alexander About our Interview with: Lisa Alexander, bassoonist, is a solo recitalist and chamber musician in the New York metropolitan area and currently holds positions with The Ridgefield Symphony and The Little Orchestra Society. She is a founding member of the Glickman Ensemble, a bassoon chamber ensemble that has toured the United States and Europe. Ms. Alexander is Adjunct Professor of Bassoon at Hofstra University. She shares with us her career experience, reed making, synthetic reeds and all about Bassoons manufacturers and sound. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/5057438

S03E10 - Chris Fenwick 12/05/2016

S03E10 - Chris Fenwick About our Interview with: Chris Fenwick. Chris was the Music Director of the Tony award winning production of FUN HOME, and is currently on staff at City Center as the Music Director of Encores! Off-Center. He sat down with us in the studio after his hugely successful run of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, that starred Jake Gyllenhaal and an all-star cast. Listen in to find out how he chooses to learn rather than panic in stressful situations, and why he as achieved so much so early in his career. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4888131

S03E09 - Gustavo Romero 11/14/2016

S03E09 - Gustavo Romero About our Interview with: Gustavo Romero, concert pianist, professor of piano at the University of North Texas College of Music. A child prodigy he performed with the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. He started to study at the Juilliard School at the age of 14, later graduating with a Bachelor and Master of Music. We talked about how he was able to make the transition to an adult career, later winning many competitions including the Clara Haskill International Piano Competition. His continuous passion for the piano allowed and still allows him to be able make changes effortlessly. We talked about repertoire and his process in chosing and learning his program music, teaching and the legacy of the great pianists Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4827901

S03E08 - Elad Kabilio 11/07/2016

S03E08 - Elad Kabilio About our Interview with: Elad Kabilio, Founder and Artistic Director of MusicTalks shared his ideas that created his concert series. As a Cellist he shared with us the importance of talking to the audience and how this lead to creating his concert series to connect with the younger generation of audience. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4808931

S03E07 - Jeremy Lawrence 10/31/2016

S03E07 - Jeremy Lawrence About our Interview with: Jeremy Lawrence. He’s a Bistro Award recipient and he sat down with us to chat about his upcoming cabaret: LAVENDER SONGS. Jeremy has teamed up with director Jason Jacobs, and TOSOS to remount this award winning show with a spin that will draw even more parallels to Nazi Germany and today’s political climate. The show features songs written by or performed by queer artists in Weimar era Berlin which have been translated by Jeremy himself. Jeremy started his cabaret career in 1990 with CABERET VERBOTEN at the Mark Taper Forum, and has continued pursing the history of cabaret ever since. Listen in for a history lesson on this fascinating style of performance. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4790198

S03E06 - Rick Heckman 10/24/2016

S03E06 - Rick Heckman About our interview with: Broadway doubler Rick Heckman. Rick and Cast opens Falsettos this fall on Broadway! In our interview, you will learn Rick's long history with the production as well as how he got into this highly competative career back in the 1980s /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4767175

S03E05 - Thomas Boulton 10/17/2016

S03E05 - Thomas Boulton About our Interview with: Thomas Boulton. Thomas is a very busy NYC area Freelance Trumpeter. Through his busy schedule, he makes time to teach Privately as well as in the NY Philharmonic's Teaching Artis program. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4711290

S03E04 - Elizabeth Earley 10/10/2016

S03E04 - Elizabeth Earley About our Interview with: Elizabeth Earley. Elizabeth Earley is currently a swing in the Broadway production of SOMETHING ROTTEN, and has already been cast in the upcoming production of HELLO DOLLY, which has smashed box office records for ticket sales of a rival. Elizabeth sat down with us to chat about her experience of being a performer, but also to talk about Project Oak Dance Training, a forum she created to help artists achieve more of their potential. Listen in to hear about her beautiful outlook on performing and teaching, and find out why being left handed has helped her “rub elbows” with some very successful individuals. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4733442

S03E03 - Jason Tramm 10/03/2016

S03E03 - Jason Tramm About our Interview with: Jason Tramm. Jason is a passionate conductor and promoter of music with more than a few titles attached to his name. He tells Kevin and Carol how he keeps himself busy with his passion as well as remaining a dedicated father. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4711289

S03E02 - Ari Afsar 09/27/2016

S03E02 - Ari Afsar About our Interview with: Ari Afsar. Ari is about to add HAMILTON to her list of credits that is already pretty impressive with American Idol contestant, and Miss California 2010 winner. This week, she will begin her performances as Eliza Hamilton in the Chicago HAMILTON cast. We got to sit down with her during the rehearsal process to discuss this amazing opportunity, and the steps that led to it. We talk about the ups and downs of getting fame at an early age, and why American Idol was both the best and worst experience for her. Also, listen in to this fun interview to find out how she still attended UCLA, even after the university turned her down; it’s a great lesson in tenacity!!! Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4697926

S03E01 - Matous Michal 09/19/2016

S03E01 - Matous Michal About our Interview with: Matous Michal one the newest members of the Chicago Symphony’s Second Violin section joined us in the studio to share his journey to getting his first job. We talked about his audition and preparation process and his experience during the first few months with the Chicago Symphony. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4671330

S02E40 - Season Wrapup 08/01/2016

S02E40 - Season Wrapup Season Two Wrap-Up The Greenroom Co-Hosts all get together to talk about Seaon 2 and talk aboout whats to come for season 3. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4520231

S02E39 - Courter Simmons 07/25/2016

S02E39 - Courter Simmons About our Interview with: Courter Simmons dazzles the stage playing many characters ranging from Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys) to Le Fou (Beauty and the Beast) to a character of his own invention who goes by the name of "Cacophony Daniels." In our interview we learn how Courter went from the Broadway stage to mastering heels in his own drag character and how both personas get work. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4520183

S02E38 - Ali Ewoldt 07/18/2016

S02E38 - Ali Ewoldt About our Interview with: Ali Ewoldt joined us in the studio just four weeks after taking over the role of Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Being cast as Christine, in addition to being a lifelong dream, marks a groundbreaking shift for the PHANOM family as Ali is “the first woman of color, and Asian American” to take on the role. Listen in as Ali tells us about her audition process, including the notes Hal Prince had for her during her final audition on the stage at the Majestic Theatre. Ali was a wonderfully fun guest, and she has some pretty funny stories about stage mishaps. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4522449

S02E37 - Abbie Conant 06/27/2016

S02E37 - Abbie Conant Trombonist, Actress, Poet; Abbie Conant joined us in the studio to share stories of success, challenges, and perseverance. Currently, she finds artistic fulfillment in teaching and performing new theatrical works for Trombone with her husband William Osborne. We discussed her journey to Europe and experience with sexism in Italy as well as the Munich Philharmonic. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4445919

S02E36 - Patrick Milando 06/21/2016

S02E36 - Patrick Milando About our Interview with: Patrick is currently the First Horn chair for THE LION KING on Broadway. When he's not playing for the pride, Patrick can heard in various gigs not only throughout the country, but throughout the world. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, he has been playing on Broadway for a few decades, and has also managed to rack up a few participation Grammy’s for his involvement in works produced by the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to being a wonderful french horn player, Patrick finds continued creativity through his exploration of conducting as well as composing. We were fortunate enough to have him provide an expert of his haunting composition, Meditations on Manhattan. A longer cut off his music is generously supplied at the the very end of the podcast. Listen in to hear some great stories from this fantastic individual. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4457985

S02E35 - Jack Schatz 06/13/2016

S02E35 - Jack Schatz During our conversation with Jack Schatz, Trombonist, we learn just how networking was done in the 80s which still holds true today, playing your best and saying yes. Jack started as a piano student and tells the store of how he became a monster of the the low brass world of jingles, studio work, broadway and orchestra gigs. In his "spare" time Jack managed to beat cancer, teach at the college level and have a family in the big apple. In the Fall, Jack is taking on new adventures on the faculty at SUNY Purchase. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4419259

S02E34 - Kristy Cates 06/11/2016

S02E34 - Kristy Cates About our Interview with: Kristy Cates, singer, dancer, actor, creative director, mentor and mother tells Ryan and Kevin how a small town girl from Northern California can through hard work and focus hit the musical theatre scene in New York and find success and artistic satisfaction. Kristy tells great stories about her journey and how she meets fellow broadway stage performers all along the way. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4434526

S02E33 - Jeffrey Palmer 05/30/2016

S02E33 - Jeffrey Palmer Countertenor Jeffrey Palmer originally from the State of Virginia and now lives and works in NYC after studying music in Bath, England. During the interview Jeffrey shares how he discovered his vocal speciality and explains how it is a differentiator, but does not let it put him "in a box" musically. As an artist, Jeffrey likes to use his voice to tell stories and entertain audiences by exploring his extensive vocal range and genres of music. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4392648

S02E32 - Alfie Parker Jr. 05/23/2016

S02E32 - Alfie Parker Jr. About our Interview with: Alfie Parker Jr. Alfie, a Broadway Bares staple and one of ALADDIN’s newest additions, took time to sit down with us after making his debut in the show, but while also still being in rehearsal for his upcoming put-in for the Genie role. We get to learn about the incredible audition process he went through, and how all of the Disney team gave him the “freedom to fail.” Alfie is an incredibly hard working artist, who is no stranger to set backs and disappointments, but it is his faith in God, and his positive outlook that defines him. He believes God has given him the “gift of hope” that pushes him to keep moving forward. Alfie talks about how the setbacks of not getting accepted into any musical theatre programs, and the layoffs from different shows have actually opened other doors that have made him stronger. Listen in to find out what advice Danny Burstein gave him during his first Broadway show: SOUTH PACIFIC. And also listen in to hear Alfie school us co-hosts in the world of Step Teams. Links to learn more A photo of Alfie Parker /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4388699

S02E31 - Tara O'Connor 05/16/2016

S02E31 - Tara O'Connor Dr. Tara O'Connor lit up the studio (as she does every place she goes) with her joviality and quick wit. In the interview it became apparent that if you really love what you do, you never need a "vacation". Aside from teaching at numerous high-level music programs and performing in many prestigious professional performance ensembles, she makes time for personal music projects she believes in. As a flutist (not "flout-ist") she had never felt the gravitational pull of the orchestral establishment being artistically fulfilled and free to blaze her own path as she has done so successfully. In our interview, you will not be able to help but be inspired and energized by her apparent love of music and the flute. And cooking. And photography. /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4362865

S02E30 - Dave Thomas Brown . 05/10/2016

S02E30 - Dave Thomas Brown . About our Interview with Dave Thomas Brown. Currently staring on Broadway in AMERICAN PSYCHO, Dave sat down with us in the studio to give us some insight into the preview process for a Broadway show. Dave, originally from North Carolina, grew up doing community theatre and having occasional guest spots in his dad's barbershop quartet. We had a great time chatting about this last year which he described as blessed because of his award winning performance in THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, getting the opportunity to tour the country with his girlfriend in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and then of course making his Broadway debut in AMERICAN PSYCHO. Listen in to hear Dave's amazing Mandy Patinkin impression, as well as find out how Bradley Cooper made him mess up his choreography during previews of AMERICAN PSYCHO. Links to learn more /episode/index/show/greenroomconversations/id/4357293

Greenroom Conversations

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