Arts and Culture

  A look at Maine's museums--from the well known to the hidden gems--and the role they play in the state's tourism, education and culture.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Niles Parker - Executive Director, Maine Discovery Museum

Mark Bessire, Executive Director, Portland Museum of Art

Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, Chief Executive Officer, Abbe Museum

  Join a panel of music lovers and writers for a conversation about local bands, great venues and what makes the music scene in our state thrive.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Lara Seaver – Host of ‘Music from 207’ and Private Stage (WCLZ and WPXT).

Spencer Albee – Portland Musician and Event Promoter (former member of AS FAST AS and Rustic Overtones).

Aimsel Ponti, Writer, Portland Press Herald (Focuses on the local music scene)

  A discussion with the man who made the documentary "Waking Up French," which MPBN TV will broadcast on 3/14.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Ben Levine, Video Artist and Documentary Film Maker

Waking up French…! Reveil    -  the film's Website

MPBN Community Films

  Another in our 'What Does It Mean' series, this time looking at being an artist. What is the role of artists in Maine? Who are they, what do they do and how do they earn a living?

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Julie Richard, Executive Director, Maine Arts Commission

Don Tuski, President, Maine College of Art

Aimee Petrin, Executive Director, Portland Ovations 

  Take a look back on the year in films....the contenders...the dark horses...the likely winners. Lincoln vs. Argot? Which will win Best Picture?

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Mary Pols, film critic for Time.com.  Visit Mary's blog.

Bart D'Alauro is the owner of two independent video rental stores in Maine: Bart & Greg's DVD Explosion! in Brunswick and River Bottom Video in Bath

  From Harry Potter to The Hunger Games - young adult and teen lit isn't just for kids. Learn about the latest and great YA/Teen books and authors.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Jenny Mayher, librarian at the Skidompha Public Library and YA / Teen book blogger, Jenny's Book Review

Maria Padian, author. Her most recent book is "Out of Nowhere"

Justin Hoenke, Teen Librarian at the Portland Public Library

Just in time for Valentine's Day - poetry - the language of love. A panel of poets, including Richard Blanco - who delivered the poem at the Presidential Inauguration last month - discussed all things poetic.

 Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Richard Blanco, Inaugural poet

Megan Grumbling, Poet, instructor, theater critic

Gibson Fay-LeBlanc, Poet and VP of the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance board of directors 

  Does grammar still matter in an age of texting and tweeting? Many of us suffered through English class, diagramming sentences and memorizing grammar rules. Was it all for naught? Social media has made choppy communication acceptable, and those grammar rules we learned seem to be shifting with the times.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Nancy Gish, Professor of English at the University of Southern Maine

Phuc Tran, Latin teacher at Wayneflete School

and Taffy Field, English teacher at Wayneflete School 

  What hidden treasures are in your attic?  Maureen Stanton has written a book about Flea Markets, Antiques and Collecting.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Maureen Stanton author of Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

[ Killer Stuff and Tons of Money by Maureen Stanton  originally aired on Maine Calling August 23, 2012.]

  The best and overlooked books of 2012 were discussed. This is our annual look at the best-sellers of the past year as well as the books that might have slipped your notice.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Bill Lundgren, with Longfellow Books

  Take a look at the latest news and trends in the world of children's literature.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Vicky Smith, Children’s & Teen Editor, Kirkus Reviews

Scott Nash, children's book illustrator and author, NASHBOX Design and Illustration

Chris Van Dusen, children's book author/illustrator

  Thanksgiving tips and food trends and forgotten foods and flavors.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Sandy Oliver - food historian and author of Maine Home Cooking and co-author of Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving History and Recipes from Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie

Michael Sanders - nonfiction writer and author of Fresh From Maine

  The Executive Director of PopTech talked about the conference and his new book.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Andrew Zolli, Curator and Executive Director of PopTech, author of "Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back"

"Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back" book review

  Susan Poulin, creator of the character "Ida LeClair," authors a LeClair 'self-help' guide to help readers get in touch with their 'inner moose.'

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Susan Poulin, Author of Finding Your Inner Moose: Ida Leclair's Guide to Livin' the Good Life

Ida's website

Poolyle Productions

Just Ask Ida

  Max Alexander has written a book about his brother Whit's business - selling affordable goods and services to low-income villagers in Ghana, West Africa. An African Adventure on bad roads with a brother and a very weird business plan.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Max Alexander author of Bright Lights, No City and

Whit Alexander, founder of "Cranium," by phone