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On this special episode of The Arts Page we explore our area's rich tapestry of murals. We meet two muralists, Reynaldo Hernandez and Emma Daisy, who have created some of Wisconsin's most recognizable murals. We also take a look at 2 area programs, West Allis Living Streets and Paint on Port, created to beautify and enrich their communities. 

We couldn't cover all the great murals and muralists our community has to offer. A half an hour is not nearly enough time to feature all the amazing public art we have and the diverse artists that call Wisconsin home. That's something to be immensely proud of and we are glad to champion those artists and their wonderful works of art here on The Arts Page.

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From the pulpit to the global stage! 🌍

Join Black Nouveau for an exclusive interview with civil rights icon, politician, and diplomat Andrew Young.

A close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. and former Executive Director of the SCLC, Young helped lead the Civil Rights Movement before making history as the first African American elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to the UN and as Mayor of Atlanta.

Don't miss this powerful conversation covering a lifetime of activism, policy, and global change.

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Inspired by the legendary outlaw from Holes—both the book and the film—this haunting folk ballad breathes new life into the iconic character of Kissin' Kate Barlow. With lyrics that echo the poetic weight of Proverbs and vocals that cut like a whip, Lainey Lou reimagines Kate not as a villain, but as a complex, empowered woman shaped by pain and myth.

📖 "Her lips drip honey... but she'll lead you straight to the grave."
Drawing from a moment of reflection on a biblical passage about the "adulterous woman," Lainey Lou challenges narrow interpretations and flips the narrative. What some see as a warning, she sees as power—and that tension fuels this song.

💄 Red lipstick. Cold revenge. A devil in disguise.
This is The Ballad of Kissin’ Kate Barlow.

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Lainey Lou, the stage name of Alaina Bechard, is a Wisconsin-born singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in the storytelling tradition of folk and Americana. Hailing from the small town of Nekoosa, she brings the grounded warmth of small-town life into every note and lyric she writes. The name “Laney Lou” is a heartfelt nod to her father, who lovingly called her “Lainey Lou” growing up — a reminder of home, family, and the early spark of creativity that’s stayed with her ever since.

Lainey’s musical journey began with dancing in the kitchen and singing at school like so many of us, but it deepened at the age of five with her first piano lesson. Since then, music has been a constant — evolving alongside her as she studied voice, piano, and guitar, earning a degree in music from UW-Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts.

Her sound defies strict labels. It lives somewhere between folk, Americana, and acoustic storytelling, shaped by a deep appreciation for everything from classical to jazz. As she puts it, “my style changes as I change,” and that fluidity is reflected in songs that are personal, sincere, and refreshingly unpretentious.

But Lainey Lou isn’t here to force profound revelations. Her goal is simpler and arguably more powerful: to help people feel seen, to offer them a space to unwind, listen, laugh, and maybe remember they’re not alone. Whether she's swapping stories on stage or connecting with fellow musicians in Milwaukee’s tight-knit, collaborative music scene, Lainey’s passion lies in the everyday — the kind of moments that feel small but hold the most meaning.

Lainey Lou doesn’t just write songs — she offers you a seat at the table, a story to share, and a reminder that there's beauty in the ordinary.

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Welcome to the 27th season of Adelante! Thank you, our beloved audience, for your preference and support in the production of our series, which seeks to serve the needs of our community and celebrate our heritage! Today, as always, we address crucial issues for the community.
First, psychologist Paula Ortega-Jenna will guide us through the emotional impact of immigration detention on children, offering advice for parents.

Then, Fernanda Jiménez of Committee Without Borders tells us how an entire community is fighting for the release of Catalina Xochitl, a DACV recipient, in a story of resilience and unity. And State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez joins us to talk about a historic project: the official recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in Wisconsin. Don't miss these important conversations on ¡Adelante!

¡Bienvenidos a la temporada numero 27 de Adelante! Agradeciendo a ustedes nuestra querida audiencia por su preferencia y apoyo en la produccion de nuestra serie que busca servir a las necesidas de nuestra comunidad y celebrar nuestra herencia! Hoy como siempre abordamos temas cruciales para la comunidad. Primero, la psicóloga Paula Ortega-Jenna nos guiará a través del impacto emocional de las detenciones de inmigrantes en los niños, ofreciendo consejos para los padres. Luego, Fernanda Jiménez del Comité sin Fronteras nos cuenta cómo una comunidad entera lucha por la liberación de Catalina Xochitl, una beneficiaria de DACV en una historia de resistencia y unidad.

Y la representante estatal Sylvia Ortiz-Velez nos acompaña para hablar de un proyecto histórico: el reconocimiento oficial del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Wisconsin. No se pierdan estas importantes conversaciones en ¡Adelante!

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"All I Can Do" is a reflective, emotionally rich love song born out of solitude and creative spontaneity. Written during a moment of isolation on a remote farm in Illinois, the song imagines a heartfelt conversation between two lifelong partners in their later years, reminiscing on the winding paths that led them to each other.

The lyrics trace the raw moments of youth—reckless behavior, emotional disarray, and self-searching—and contrast them with the grounding love that eventually provided purpose and direction. Vivid imagery like “breakfast of two cigarettes and no thought of tomorrow” captures a past marked by chaos, while lines such as “my love, you found me out and gave me a purpose through” speak to the redemptive power of connection.

Musically, the song carries a soulful, introspective tone—part folk, part jam session—enhancing its sense of memory and lived experience. It feels less like a linear narrative and more like a series of memories or confessions shared between two people who have weathered life together.

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Orlando Peña is a Milwaukee-based singer and songwriter for the award-winning, Americana/soul folk band, The Midnight Purchase. 

He makes use of his commanding vocal ability to recount tales from his years in the High Sierra mountains of Nevada, to the low, vast plains of rural Illinois and countless places in between.  

He creates honest, approachable music about foolishness, loss, love, introspection and the constant search for a purpose. Orlando is featured in our newest season of RHYTHM CAFÉ MKE this year.

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Gary, IN has long been one of the most impoverished cities in America. The economic decline started in the 1960's after the collapse of it's once booming steel industry. The city, which once had a population of around 200,000 now sits at about 60,000. Because of this steep loss of residents, many of Gary's public and private buildings sit empty and have been empty for years.

Many see these abandoned and decaying buildings as a blight but Milwaukee photographer Kim Cunningham doesn't. Kim has traveled to Gary a handful of times to explore and photograph these buildings. She is fascinated by what they once were and what they have become. They are modern day ruins and have an underlying beauty in them just like the ruins of the ancient world. Kim see's that and she hopes other's will see the same through her photographs.

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Alan Chavoya is part of the Communist Organization Camino a la Libertad and a professor of Philosophy at MATC. He will explain the importance of undocumented immigrant families staying informed about the legal and human rights that protect them.

Alan Chavoya es parte de la Organización Comunista Camino a la
Libertad y profesor de Filosofía en MATC. Él nos explicará la
importancia de que las familias inmigrantes que no tienen documentos
se mantengan informadas sobre los derechos legales y humanos que los
protegen.

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From her studio in Madison, Wisconsin, Mexican artist Angélica
Contreras transforms the canvas into a space for cultural dialogue and personal truth. Fusing traditional Mexican aesthetics with a bold, contemporary voice, her work explores themes of identity, belonging, and collective memory.

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As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, organizations like Welcoming America play a crucial role in building bridges and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Rachel Peric is with us today to explain how communities can be strengthened through welcoming policies and programs that promote social cohesion and economic development for all residents, regardless of their background.

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The MKE Fellows recently celebrated 25 years of impact, raising nearly $5 million to support more than 140 youth organizations. What began as a charity golf tournament has grown into a nationally recognized movement focused on community empowerment and youth development.

The program’s signature initiative, the MKE Fellows, provides mentorship, scholarships, and career pathways for young African American men. Today, the program supports over 200 students across 30 colleges and universities — with alumni returning to Milwaukee as leaders in law, business, and public service.

Director William “Billy” Young reflects on the Fellowship Open’s history, its powerful network of supporters, and its mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to shape Milwaukee’s future.

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At American Family Field, the Milwaukee Brewers hosted their annual Negro League Tribute Night, celebrating the players whose talents and sacrifices shaped the game of baseball. Among the honorees was Dennis Biddle, a former Negro League pitcher, author, and tireless advocate who has spent 30 years ensuring that his fellow players receive long-overdue recognition.

From pushing for financial support and historical acknowledgment to educating younger generations, Biddle’s work has helped secure pensions for surviving players and cemented Negro League statistics in the official Major League Baseball record books. With music, Black-owned vendors, and tributes throughout the night, the celebration was both a reminder of injustice and a powerful testament to resilience, talent, and community.

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In June, Willow New made history as the first Black woman crowned Miss Wisconsin. A lifelong performer and advocate for the arts, the 22-year-old Carthage College graduate shares how her passion for creativity gave her confidence on stage and inspired her community service initiative, The Art of Belonging.

In this candid conversation on Black Nouveau, Willow reflects on facing racism in pageantry, embracing her natural hair, advocating for mental health, and encouraging the next generation to bring their authentic selves to the stage. As she prepares to compete in the upcoming Miss America pageant, Willow embodies resilience, representation, and the power of self-expression.

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Last month, Brown Deer Park came alive as hundreds gathered for Milwaukee’s annual African Cultural Festival, hosted by Africans in Milwaukee, Inc. Now in its 16th year, the festival brings together communities across the African diaspora, reminding all who attend that “if you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”

More than 25 countries were represented through music, dance, and food — from rice and beef to fried turkey and Caribbean favorites. Beyond the celebration, the festival serves as a way for Africans and African Americans to reconnect with heritage, foster unity, and pass down traditions to the next generation.

A day filled with joy, culture, and community, the festival shows that while languages and customs may differ, bonds of love, heritage, and shared history continue to unite.

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In this episode of Adelante!, we're joined by Dr. Rachel Bluff, a professor of history at UW-M and immigrant activist. She will give us insights on how to apply lessons learned from the history of U.S. immigration policies to today's world. Also with us is Alan Chavoya of the Communist Organization Road to Freedom.From her studio in Madison, Wisconsin, Mexican artist Angélica
Contreras transforms the canvas into a space for cultural dialogue and personal truth.

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The debate over cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agencies continues to generate controversy in Wisconsin.
State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Vélez, who participated in the introduction of AB 57, explains why she believes this collaboration can generate distrust in immigrant communities and affect public safety.

For his part, State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, along with a group of Republican state representatives, introduced AB 24, which seeks to strengthen this cooperation. We extended an invitation to Representative Vos but received no response.

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Eduardo Arabu of the National Hispanic Corporate Council will address the critical need for Hispanic representation in corporate leadership. He will describe how his organization actively promotes the inclusion of Hispanic professionals on boards of directors and key positions, highlighting the positive impact of this diversity on the growth and success of the business sector.

Eduardo Arabu del National Hispanic Corporate Council abordará la crítica necesidad de representación hispana en el liderazgo corporativo. Describirá cómo su organización impulsa activamente la inclusión de profesionales hispanos en juntas directivas y puestos clave, resaltando el impacto positivo de esta diversidad en el crecimiento y éxito del sector empresarial.

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The City of Milwaukee has awarded $100,000 to Forward Latino as part of an effort to support families at risk of being separated due to immigration policies.
We spoke with Darryl Morin about how these funds will be used to provide assistance to those most in need.

La ciudad de Milwaukee ha otorgado $100,000 dólares a Forward Latino como
parte de un esfuerzo por apoyar a familias en riezgo de ser separadas por politicas inmigratorias. Conversamos con Darryl Morin sobre cómo estos fondos serán utilizados para brindar asistencia a quienes más lo necesitan.

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As the federal administration continues to fulfill its promise to deport undocumented immigrants, intellectual sectors and millions of immigrant advocates are uniting in massive protests. Dr. Rachel Ida Bluff is with us to discuss the lessons that families at risk of deportation can learn to overcome the hostile conditions they are facing.

Mientras la administración federal continúa cumpliendo su promesa de
deportar a inmigrantes indocumentados, sectores intelectuales y millones
de defensores de los inmigrantes se unen en protestas masivas. La Dra.
Rachel Ida Bluff está con nosotros para hablarnos de las lecciones que
las familias en riesgo de deportación pueden aprender para superar las
condiciones hostiles que están enfrentando.

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Did you know central Wisconsin is one of the leading suppliers of ginseng in the world? We didn't either until we read Craig Thompson's new graphic novel, Ginseng Roots. Thompson grew up in Marathon, Wisconsin just west of Wausau. There, he and his family would serve as farm hands to the local ginseng growers. Ginseng is commonly associated with Asian countries such as China and South Korea and is often touted for it's medicinal benefits. People claim it can help with almost any ailment you might have.

The farming of ginseng in Wisconsin is not new. In fact, it's been commercially farmed in Wisconsin for hundreds of years. Believe or not, Wisconsin has a perfect climate for it. Thompson was just ten years old when he started working on a ginseng farm. It was back breaking work and took up much of his summer vacations. Albeit hard work and time consuming, Thompson was more than happy to do it because that meant he had money to buy comic books. 

He didn't know it at the time but those comic books he was able to buy forged a life long passion in him. Now, Thompson lives in Portland, Oregon and is an accomplished graphic novelist. He has written and illustrated several colossal books over a 25 year career. Those books range in length from 300 to 600 pages long. Ginseng Roots is a testament to never taking anything for granted. What was just an ordinary job in a rural town turned into a career in the arts and a magnificent story of culture, family and ancient history.

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On the corner of 73rd and Orchard in West Allis stands a building that used to be a place of mourning and loss. For many decades it was called Skubal and Slattery Funeral Home. For the last decade however that building has been a hub for creativity and joy. That's all thanks to Erico Ortiz, the owner of what is now called Inspiration Studios.

Ortiz purchased the building in late 2014. He was looking for a place to store his many paintings and host his displaced theater group. Inspiration Studios has undergone an incredible transformation during that time and is now a one stop shop for the arts. Inspiration Studios host classes, exhibitions, theater productions big and small, and offers affordable studio space for emerging artists.

Ortiz has been a life long lover of the arts and education. He is a retired MPS teacher and has been a part of many different art groups and organizations. Ortiz took a sabbatical from teaching in the middle of his career to study art education. During that time he learned how to better educate kids through the use of art. He believes the arts connects us all and has dedicated his life to inspiring others.

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Parks are just built different these days. Gone are the days of a plain jungle gym with a couple slides and swings and adjacent soccer and baseball field. Nowadays parks serve to educate, entertain and enrich though all sorts of avenues and one of those avenues is art.

At Wauwatosa's new park Firefly Grove, located at 116th and Gilbert, they have built a wonderful place for everyone of all ages to learn and have fun at the same time. There's delightfully whimsical benches made by local artists, there's a bicycle pump track for thrill seekers plus lot's of interactive structures that help you gain a better understanding of nature and the beauty it produces.

The crown jewel of this new park though is Mama Rosa, a 25ft tall troll made of recycled and discarded material from the surrounding area. Danish artist, Thomas Dambo created her. Thomas has made a career building giant trolls all over the world. He strives to bring awareness to the importance of recycling and the value that discarded objects can have.

Thomas' life is full of wonder and whimsy and he wants to share it with others while spreading an important message of conservation and togetherness.   

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Throughout the 1980s, Wisconsin-based photographer Bill Lemke took hundreds of portraits of Grateful Dead concertgoers in parking lots before shows. Now, nearly four decades later, Lemke, with the help of his wife Carmen, tracked down dozens of those same subjects to once again take their photograph against the same tie-dyed backdrop. 

The stunning side-by-side results will be part of a new book, "Aging Gratefully." Music journalist David Gans, one of the foremost experts of the Grateful Dead, joined the project to provide narratives about the lives of the people who appear in these images, offering a unique reflection on getting older as the band that inspired it all still plays on 60 years later.

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