The Providence local imagines what traditional Black American folk music will sound like in a world where rising seas, desertification and natural disasters have rendered much of the world uninhabitable.
James Baumgartner
James produces and engineers Political Roundtable, The Weekly Catch and other special programming on The Public’s Radio. He also produces Artscape, the weekly arts & culture segment heard every Thursday. His favorite part of the job is talking with artists, musicians and other creators about their process and what inspires them.
James learned the basics of audio editing while studying music at Missouri State University. He went on to get a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he created electronic music, video art and internet-based media art. While at RPI, James went on the air for the first time, hosting an electronic music show on Rensselaer's station, WRPI, but his love of radio came from staying up late so he could hear punk rock on KKFI, the community radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
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The Weekly Catch: Feb. 3, 2023
It’s been a mild winter in Rhode Island, up until this weekend. We’ll talk about how our region is preparing for the extreme cold. Also, it’s Black History Month and we’ll hear from a psychologist about how the field has damaged the Black and Indigenous communities. Then, we’ll share highlights of this week’s Political Roundtable […]
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Rhode Island Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra play together with a powerful sound
Members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra had a rare opportunity this past weekend when they performed at the Vets alongside the professional musicians of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Artscape producer James Baumgartner visited a rehearsal before the performance to talk with the young people about the experience.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Three performers own the stage in ‘Faith Healer’ at the Gamm Theatre
Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez review The Gamm Theatre’s production of “Faith Healer,” the 1979 drama by Irish playwright Brian Friel. The play runs through Jan. 29.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Funda Fest celebrates history and the art of Black storytelling
Funda Fest is celebrating its twenty-fifth year with two weeks of storytelling, starting this Saturday. Morning Host Luis Hernandez talked with one of the featured storytellers, Antonio Rocha as well as Valerie Tutson, executive director of Rhode Island Black Storytellers and Funda Fest.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Episode
Our favorite Artscape stories of 2022
As we wrap up 2022, morning host Luis Hernandez and Artscape producer James Baumgartner look back at some of our favorite stories form the world of arts and culture over the past year.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Craftland celebrates 20 years as a home for art and handmade crafts
For twenty years, Craftland has featured the work of artists and craftspeople in its small shop on Westminster street in Providence. It started as a temporary holiday art show and store, before the term pop-up shop was even popular. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Margaret Carleton, one of the store’s founders, and Deb Dormody, who has been involved with the store since its earliest days.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Pandemic redefined how Providence Community Libraries serve the public
Libraries play a crucial role in providing books, educational opportunities, and essential resources to the public. But when the pandemic hit, libraries had to redefine how they serve their communities. Morning host Luis Hernandez recently spoke about the evolving role of libraries with Cheryl Space, Library Director at Community Libraries of Providence.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
The myths and history of the first Thanksgivings
New Englanders will gather today for another Thanksgiving, but many may be unaware of the origins and history of the annual American tradition. Paul Robinson and John Brown III recently gave a presentation at the Rochambeau community library in Providence called “The Myths of Thanksgiving.” John Brown is the Narragansett Indian Tribe’s Medicine Man and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. Paul Robinson is the former state archeologist for Rhode Island and retired part-time professor at Rhode Island College. Artscape producer James Baumgartner and morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Paul in our studio and John joined us by phone.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
The Dirt Palace turns historic Wedding Cake House into a home for artists and visitors alike
For more than 30 years, the Wedding Cake House stood empty and abandoned on Broadway in Providence. In 2017, an arts organization took control of the building. After three years of renovations, it’s a work of art on its own. Now the house hosts residencies for artists, along with a bed and breakfast business that supports the organization.
