Craft: Exploring Creativity

Tim Kazurinsky was part of the cast of Saturday Night Live when I first started watching it and kind of getting the humor. He had many memorable characters, including a scientist who identified sex in a sports car as a “four on the floor-gasm,” a joke that may or may not have gotten me into trouble in junior high when overheard by a particularly tightassed teacher. He’ll be in town with Columbus Galaxycon on December 5-7 so listen in to learn more about his great career and then see him in person!

The Accidentals, violinist Sav Madigan and cellist Katie Larson, have been captivating audiences since a little after they met in a Traverse City, Michigan, high school. Their latest album, “Timeout 3,” is the most recent addition to their Timeout series of cowritten albums. Sav describes how the album was born during the pandemic, leveraging unexpected free time to collaborate remotely with their musical heroes. This new album continues to build on the storytelling and emotional processing initiated in earlier projects.

Their new-found freedom has them exploring edgier lyrics, including some that necessitated original and radio-friendly versions. Songs like “Better Than Me” use explicit language as a powerful response to individuals in the music industry who attempt to belittle the band’s unique voice.

They also discuss their “Play It Forward Again and Again” nonprofit initiative that brings instruments and assistance to student musicians,

Catch the Accidentals’ return to Columbus on November 21st with Six String Concerts

Ohio musician David Wilcox has released over 20 albums, including his latest The Way I Tell the Story. Wilcox discusses his songwriting process as a form of emotional and traumatic event processing. He emphasizes the joy of exploring feelings through music, how songs evolve to offer new meanings, and the balance between playing new and old songs for his audience. He also shares insights on connecting with listeners and the transformative power of songwriting.

“ The most important part about life is living it” – Ernest Hemingway

Brandy Gleason, chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure and the creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, follows this Hemingway quote in life and in her writing. Her recent book 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die, explores the Buckeye State, recommending spots for families and couples. From Ohio zoos in Toledo, Cincinnati, Akron, and Columbus to retro pinball halls to Lakeside Chautauqua to the haunted history of Ohio cities like Marietta, Gleason has suggestions throughout the state.

So get out and live life to the fullest in the state of Ohio!

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abby Posner has released four albums and won the 28th annual USA Songwriting Competition in 2023. She’ll be in town with the Six String Concert series on September 19. We discuss her multi-instrumental talents and her journey in learning music from a young age. Abby also answers my eternal question of what musicians mean when they say they want to push their boundaries. It’s not buying the neighboring apartment, like I thought.

Join her at Six String!

Journalist and improv comic Bridjet Mendy will perform at the Columbus Comedy Festival, September 4th – 7th. Bridget discusses her comedy style, heavily influenced by her experiences as a 30-something first-generation American with family roots in the Soviet Union. Initially a journalist, Mendy transitioned to comedy after moving to Chicago and taking improv classes to overcome her fear of public speaking. Now based in Columbus, she performs at clubs and bars around town and has enjoyed the growth in Columbus’s comedy scene. Get to know Bridjet on Instagram @BJMendy and then see her at the Columbus Comedy Fest!