Centered on the Arts

Guitarist and composer Nolan Harvel sits with different artists and industry professionals to discuss their work, art, and why the arts are important.

Dance in Flight 03/12/2024

Dance in Flight Dance in Flight is celebrating their 30th year here at Pepperdine University! They will be presenting a very exciting show in Smothers Theatre on March 14, 15, and 16. I sat down with senior dancers Mariah Macias and Taylor Faas to learn more about the excitement and hard work that go into these special performances. Ticket link: More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at Music by Jeremy Zerbe /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/30343303

Keith Colclough (The Merry Widow) 02/20/2024

Keith Colclough (The Merry Widow) Presented by the Flora L. Thornton Opera Program, the light-hearted romantic comedy, The Merry Widow, is coming to Smothers Theatre on February 22nd and 24th! I sat down with Dr. Keith Colclough, the show's director and associate professor of vocal studies at Pepperdine, and talked about the challenges of preparing opera for the stage, his favorite parts of the show, and the enormous talent that carries the opera. Ticket link: More information about the Center for the Arts can be found at Music by Jeremy Zerbe /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/30029448

Young Concert Artists on Tour 02/05/2024

Young Concert Artists on Tour Pepperdine University’s Raitt Recital Hall was recently treated to an incredible performance by five young classical artists: American bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, Danish cellist Jonathan Swensen, Spanish/Dutch pianist Albert Cano Smit, American tenor Daniel McGrew, and Chinese violinist Lun Li. Represented by Young Concert Artists, these singers and instrumentalists are among the elite of today’s rising classical musicians. Together, they shared an impressive program of Mendellsohn, Strauss, Schumann, and Marx. I had a chance to sit down with them and discuss their touring experience, performing on the concert stage, and the demands of practice and preparation. More information about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found at Music by Jeremy Zerbe /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/29813553

Dr. Ryan Board (Director, Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert) 12/01/2023

Dr. Ryan Board (Director, Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert) THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! Come see the Pepperdine Choir and Orchestra present their annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30pm in Smothers Theatre. They'll be performing timeless holiday tunes and selections from the classical repertoire. I sat down with Dr. Ryan Board, Director of Choral Activities at Pepperdine, and discussed the joys and challenges of preparing students for this event. This show is sold out, but will be livestreamed here: More information about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found at Music by /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/28891103

Andrew von Oeyen 10/10/2023

Andrew von Oeyen Internationally acclaimed pianist returns to Pepperdine for a residency at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts! During his time here, he performed Beethovan's Emperor Concerto and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Pepperdine Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Pierre Long-Tao Tang. I sat down with Andrew to discuss his experiences as a performer and his special connection to Pepperdine. Follow the Center for the Arts here and on to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released. More info about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found here: Music by and /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/28273091

Composer Talk with Jeremy Zerbe 09/19/2023

Composer Talk with Jeremy Zerbe SEASON 4 IS HERE! I welcome composer back to the podcast for an incredible conversation about the music written for the show over the past three seasons. We have an incredible conversation about the creative process, collaborating with musicians, and the joys of writing music for media! There is a lot in store for this season! Make sure to follow us here and on to stay up to date with new episodes as they're released. More info about the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University can be found here: Music by and /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/28077216

Graduating Seniors 2023 07/26/2023

Graduating Seniors 2023 It’s the last episode of season 3! On today's episode, we meet with some of our graduating seniors from the Center For the Arts. Our patrons will have seen these students working back-of-house, front-of-house, on stage, or in the museum, and together we can enjoy the lively anecdotes of these remarkable students. Behind-the-scenes stories, as well as backstage gossip, make this a must-listen-to episode. But in addition to their humor, our students have brought a community to the CFA they happily share with every patron. Our graduating seniors are wise beyond their years, and their worldviews are worth appreciating. Join us in the Fall of 2023 for the next season! More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by: Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/27458199

Season 3 Finale 07/26/2023

Season 3 Finale We’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 3. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for season 4 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date. Take a listen to some of our favorite responses as to why the arts are important. We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Taimane, Laila Biali, Mandy Gonzalez, Javier Muñoz, Pablo Sainz-Villegas, and the many others. More info about the Center for the Arts including the 2023-2024 season can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/27573609

Carson Vandermade (Weisman Museum Assistant) 04/18/2023

Carson Vandermade (Weisman Museum Assistant) For the first time, Carson Vandermade joins the podcast to discuss the Senior Showcase presented in the Weisman Museum. Carson discusses what patrons expect to see, the senior students’ work, the importance of showcasing their work in a museum, and why he believes the arts are important. Carson Vandermade graduated from Pepperdine University in 2022 with a BA in studio art. He is the museum assistant and arts education coordinator for Pepperdine's Weisman Museum of Art. Carson is also a practicing visual artist whose work considers the relationships people form with their spaces and their belongings. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found at Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/26582823

Cathy Thomas-Grant (Director, Americana: A Murder Ballad) 04/04/2023

Cathy Thomas-Grant (Director, Americana: A Murder Ballad) Directing major Jacqueline Thornell meets with Cathy Thomas-Grant, a cherished theatre professor at Pepperdine who served as the director of the summer Edinburgh program from 2000-2022. Jacqueline and Cathy talk about Pepperdine’s upcoming performance of Americana: A Murder Ballad, its relevance and importance to today’s time, and why the arts are important. After earning her Bachelor's degree at California State University Northridge in 1984 and her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco in 1992, Cathy went on to lead an impressive career in the theatre, with acting credits, including but not limited to Steel Magnolias, Macbeth, and Tartuffe, and directing credits attributed to Much Ado About Nothing, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Death of a Salesman. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found at Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/26445063

Ying Li, Piano Concert (BONUS EPISODE) 03/22/2023

Ying Li, Piano Concert (BONUS EPISODE) For the first time on this podcast, we get to bring the concert to you! Back on January 29, 2023, pianist sensation, Ying Li performed at Raitt Recital Hall. Listen to Ying Li perform Fantasy in C Major, Opus 17 by ROBERT SCHUMANN, Sonata for Piano by BÉLA BARTÓK, Instants d’un opera de Pekin by QIGANG CHEN, and L’oiseau de feu by IGOR STRAVINSKY. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Jeremy Zerbe /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/26299224

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas (Classical Guitar, 2006 International Parkening Guitar Competition Winner) 03/15/2023

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas (Classical Guitar, 2006 International Parkening Guitar Competition Winner) Guitar sensation and the inaugural winner of the 2006 Parkening International Guitar Competition Pablo Sáinz-Villegas join the podcast! Pablo has been acclaimed by the international press and by The New York Times for his "virtuous and moving performance, with an irresistible exuberance and a range of bright colors." He has played for world leaders such as the Dalai Lama and has made numerous world premieres, including the first work written for guitar by John Williams. Pablo will be performing at Smothers Theatre on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Listen in as Nolan Harvel, our Assistant Podcast Producer interviews Pablo about his journey as a guitarist, his past, and why he believes the arts are important. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/26243052

Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz (Broadway Stars) 03/01/2023

Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz (Broadway Stars) Broadway stars Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz join the podcast! Mandy is highly known for starring as Angelica Schuyler on the hit show Hamilton and Nina Rosario on In the Heights. Javier is equally as known for starring as Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton after Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the show. Javier is currently on Broadway starring in the pre-Broadway run of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: A NEW MUSICAL. He plays Miranda Priestley’s right-hand man, “Nigel”. Listen in as Jacqueline Thornell, a Theatre Directing major at Pepperdine interviews them about their acting journey, advice for the next generation of theatre & entertainment professionals, and why they believe the arts are important. Ticket link: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/26086887

Keith Colclough (H.M.S. Pinafore) 02/14/2023

Keith Colclough (H.M.S. Pinafore) Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast for the third time! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of H.M.S. Pinafore Details! H.M.S. Pinafore Details Thursday, February 23 & Saturday, February 25, 2023 Ticket link: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/25933557

Laila Biali Part 2 (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner) 01/31/2023

Laila Biali Part 2 (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner) Part 2 of jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali! Listen to the second part of Laila’s interview. Laila is wonderful! Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about the differences in music between her home in Toronto, Canada, and her other home, New York City, and a few other topics. You can find all of Laila’s information here: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/25791246

Laila Biali (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner) 01/17/2023

Laila Biali (Jazz Singer, JUNO Winner) Jazz and musical phenomenon Laila Biali joins the Centered on the Arts podcast! Don’t miss this episode as Laila talks about her JUNO win, finding her space within Jazz and the music industry, and what she thinks should be taught in music education. And, of course, why she believes the arts are important. You can find all of Laila’s information here: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/25635999

Hollace Starr Pt. 2 (Into the Woods, Director) 12/07/2022

Hollace Starr Pt. 2 (Into the Woods, Director) Part 2 with Hollace Starr! Listen in as we continue the conversation with all the audio that didn't make it into the first episode. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/25260360

Hollace Starr (Into the Woods, Director) 11/09/2022

Hollace Starr (Into the Woods, Director) Hollace Starr returns to discuss her upcoming production of Into the Woods. Hollace shares her experience directing her first musical, the deep themes within the characters and story of Into the Woods, and why the arts are important. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace received her MFA in acting from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher. If you are interested in tickets of Into the Woods performance, please visit: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/24947412

Taimane (Ukulele) 10/24/2022

Taimane (Ukulele) Ukulele and musical sensation Taimane joins the Centered on the Arts podcast! Taimane, a hapa Sāmoan artist (part indigenous Sāmoan and part Caucasian) born and raised in Hawai‘i, has established herself as an artist-to-watch, wowing audiences and listeners around the world while raking in one accolade after another and garnering a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award as Favorite Entertainer of the Year in 2019. From sold-out shows across the U.S. to Europe, Taimane’s live performances have become must-see events. The same can be said of her videos, which have been viewed well over 50 million times and helped earn Taimane nearly 500,000 online followers. From Bach to Led Zeppelin, flamenco infernos to tribal hymns, Taimane’s artistic vision is boundless, and she’s proving the sky’s the limit for her and her ukulele. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/24784032

Stephane Wrembel ("Gypsy Jazz" Guitarist) 10/13/2022

Stephane Wrembel ("Gypsy Jazz" Guitarist) In this episode, Reinhardt guitar specialist Stephane Wrembel joins us and talks about learning the guitar and spending time with the Sinti people, his connection with Django Reinhardt, and his thoughts on why the arts are important. Specializing in the now-known "gypsy jazz" style of guitar, Stephane has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/24661584

Rebecca Carson (New CFA Season & Booking Artists) 09/28/2022

Rebecca Carson (New CFA Season & Booking Artists) It’s season announcement time!!! Rebecca Carson, our Managing Director, joins me in announcing the new 2022–2023 lineup of Presented Shows at Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre. Rebecca also shares some details on next year’s season - can you believe we’re already planning for next year too? Join Rebecca and me and learn who’s coming to the Center for the Arts and how Rebecca finds artists to book. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/24518679

Brad Griffin (Director, Divisional Dean of Fine Arts) 09/15/2022

Brad Griffin (Director, Divisional Dean of Fine Arts) IT’S TIME FOR SEASON 3! Our first guest is Dr. Brad Griffin, Divisional Dean of the Fine Arts Department at Seaver College and the Director of The Importance of Being Earnest here at Pepperdine University. Brad and I talk a lot about his upcoming show, his directing process, and the selection process in the Seaver College Fine Arts Division. The Importance of Being Earnest will run from Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - Saturday, September 24, 2022. The link to purchase tickets are below. Hurry fast, as two nights are completely sold out! To purchase tickets, please visit: To be added to our waitlist, please call the Box Office at 310.506.4522 Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/24379371

Season 2 Finale 06/30/2022

Season 2 Finale We’d like to thank you all for listening and participating during season 2. After this episode, we’ll be taking a break and will return for Season 3 in the fall. Keep your ears open for our return date. In today’s episode, we share some of our favorite responses to “why the arts are important?” We hear from Christine Cox, Nolan Harvel, Stacey Kent, Jessica Rivera Shafer, Andrea Gyorody, and Heather Lundstedt. We would like to thank all of our guests and artists for joining us this year, including Rebecca Carson, Paul Vacchiano, Nic Few, Kelly Todd, Geneva Lewis, Jenny Scheinman, Sean Allinson, Jacob Haren, Keith Colclough, Hollace Starr, Ryan Board, Lincoln Hanks, Christian Romo, Thomas Lowe, and Bryan Yamami. More info about the Center for the Arts including the 2022-2023 season can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/23596466

TAIKOPROJECT & Jenny Scheinman (Taiko drums, Violinist; Unreleased Audio) 05/17/2022

TAIKOPROJECT & Jenny Scheinman (Taiko drums, Violinist; Unreleased Audio) In this episode, we will be sharing new audio and excerpts from podcasts with two of our favorite artists, TAIKOPROJECT and Jenny Scheinman. The Center for the Arts will present TAIKOPROJECT on May 21, 2022, and we will present Jenny Scheinman on June 3, 2022. First, we will hear Rebecca Carson talking with Bryan Yamami about TAIKOPROJECT’s new tour of Benzaiten. This was originally aired on December 1, 2020. After, R.J. Morgan and Jenny Scheinman talk about her upcoming performance of Kannapolis: A Moving Picture, how she fell into this project, and her process. This was originally aired on January 4, 2022. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Ticket Purchases: TAIKOPROJECT: Jenny Scheinman: Previous Episodes: TAIKOPROJECT: Jenny Scheinman: Taiko Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe Folk and Violin Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/23141351

Dr. Board, Dr. Hanks, Christian Romo, and Thomas Lowe (Satan's Fall) 04/13/2022

Dr. Board, Dr. Hanks, Christian Romo, and Thomas Lowe (Satan's Fall) Dr. Ryan Board, Dr. Lincoln Hanks, and Pepperdine students Christian Romo and Thomas Lowe join R.J. to discuss the upcoming performance of "Satan’s Fall," an oratorio composed by Stewart Copeland, the drummer for the iconic rock band, the Police. The group talk about their unique experiences collaborating with Copeland, the history of the oratorio, and why the arts are important. If you are interested in tickets for Satan's Fall, please visit: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2753567/satans-fallan-oratorio-by-stewart-copeland-malibu-smothers-theatre Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/22776428

Hollace Starr Returns (Voice/Dialects & Director) 03/29/2022

Hollace Starr Returns (Voice/Dialects & Director) Hollace Starr returns to the podcast to discuss her upcoming production of The Winter’s Tale with Assistant Podcast Producer Sean Allinson. Hollace opens up about her affinity for Shakespeare, the universal themes of comedy and tragedy, and why the arts are important. Hollace is an associate professor of theatre at Pepperdine University, where she teaches, coaches voice and dialects, and directs. Outside of Pepperdine she has acted and directed numerous productions, and she is a founding member of Rogue Machine Theatre Company in Venice, CA. Hollace is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and a designated Linklater Voice teacher. If you are interested in tickets of The Winter’s Tales performance, please visit: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/22614737

Stacey Kent (Jazz, Singer) Part 2 03/15/2022

Stacey Kent (Jazz, Singer) Part 2 Stacey joins us once again to discuss how she found jazz and how living in new places affects her musically. R.J. hosts as Stacey describes how finding a close-knit team helped her through the Covid-19 Quarantine. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/22446164

Stacey Kent (Jazz, Singer) 03/02/2022

Stacey Kent (Jazz, Singer) The incredibly talented Stacey Kent guest stars on today’s episode! Stacey and R.J. had a lengthy conversation about the beginning stages of her career, what she would tell her younger self and the pivotal moments within her career. Of course, we asked her why are the arts important, but she also offers some excellent advice to every artist in any phase of their career. Stacey Kent will be on stage at Smothers Theatre on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. For tickets, click the link below. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/22316561

Keith Colclough (Le Nozze Di Figaro) 02/23/2022

Keith Colclough (Le Nozze Di Figaro) Dr. Keith Colclough returns to the podcast! Dr. Colclough is an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera. We sit down to discuss what a healthy singing voice is, types of singing styles, and the upcoming comedic performance of Le Nozze Di Figaro! Le Nozze Di Figaro Details Thursday, February 24 & Saturday, February 26, 2022 Ticket link: More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music Composer: Jeremy Zerbe /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/22232636

Jacob Haren & Heather Lundstedt (Actor/Singer/Producer) 02/01/2022

Jacob Haren & Heather Lundstedt (Actor/Singer/Producer) What a wonderful treat we have for you today! Exceptionally talented performers Jacob Haren and Heather Lundstedt join the podcast. Jacob is highly known for his Broadway role of Elder White from The Book of Mormon. His other credits include The Book of Mormon National Tour, Rock of Ages (Las Vegas), and many others. In addition to being a performer, Heather co-produced the magical show, On-Broadway. She was also a co-creator, producer, and member of the 1940s style girl group, The Bombshells, an original cast member and member of the creative team for the Disneyland show, The Silverlake Sisters, which performed within the Tower of Terror. Listen to us talk about performing on stage, tips for emerging performers, and why the arts are important! On-Broadway will be performed at Smothers Theatre on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Visit the link below to get your tickets and sing along to many of the best songs on Broadway today. More info about the Center for the Arts can be found: Music by Nolan Harvel /episode/index/show/cfapodcast/id/21986633

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