Each Friday, Ali & Callie will charm your socks off with tales of art and culture in the Pacific Northwest, and sometimes beyond. Keeping art alive and culture relevant, Ali & Callie will introduce you to those creative people who are making it all happen! Tune in weekly for interviews, chats, history, upcoming events and more.
The Latest!
Ruth Pratt and Max Mendez
Max joins the exclusive Ali & Callie 5-timers club and receives his jacket!
Ep 209: Summer Concerts at Riverstone - Music is the Answer
Welcome to another music-filled episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast as we catch up with two familiar faces in North Idaho’s arts scene—Max Mendez and Ruth Pratt.
Our conversation begins with a preview of the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, the beloved free summer music tradition presented by the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance. Beginning July 9, the series returns to Riverstone Park with six evenings of live music, community connection, and summer fun in one of Coeur d’Alene’s favorite outdoor gathering places.
But this episode is about much more than a concert series.
Max shares details about his exciting new venture, Mendez Vocal Works, where he is helping singers of all ages develop confidence, technique, and artistic expression through personalized vocal instruction. He also celebrates a special milestone as he officially joins the Ali & Callie Artcast "5-Timers Club," making his fifth appearance on the podcast and proving once again that he’s always got a new creative adventure up his sleeve. @mendezvocalworks.com
Ruth talks about her latest musical journey as a member of the Tom Tucker Band, bringing her signature talent, energy, and love of performance to audiences throughout the Inland Northwest.
Along the way, we explore the power of live music, the excitement of new beginnings, and why both Max and Ruth continue to find fresh ways to connect with their communities through performance, education, and collaboration.
To learn more about the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, view the lineup, sign up as a volunteer, or make a donation to help support this free community event, visit artsandculturecda.org
Join us for a lively conversation about music, mentorship, community, and the creative spirit that keeps North Idaho singing all summer long.
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Ep 156: Alvin Williams, Comedian
You know we all need to laugh... it is so good for our psyche... especially these days.
This episode features Alvin Williams, a “stand-up” comedian since his post grad years in Boise in 2006. We had so much fun laughing and chatting with him.
For years, he has brought his unique brand of humor to a live audience, touring the United States and Canada from cruise ships to comedy clubs. Alvin's comedic style can now be enjoyed on the Audible Channel Series Sounds Like America, and his 4th comedy special, “Don’t Let the Devil Know...” is a must-watch on YouTube. Alvin’s comedy perfectly blends current events, relationship advice, family dynamics, and pop culture, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for the audience.
Originally from Chicago, Alvin now calls Idaho home. He recently had a successful comedy show in Boise at the Egyptian Theatre and will be back by popular demand on July 12 at the Egyptian.
Don't miss the opportunity to catch Alvin host Comedy Night live at the Club at Prairie Falls. For show dates and times, follow Alvin on Instagram @Comicalvinwillams or visit his website at alvinwilliamscomedy.com. -
Ep 173: Paper Flowers: Remembering Fleetwood Mac
Paper Flowers: Remembering Fleetwood Mac is an exceptionally talented tribute band featuring Allison McCready, Cary Beare, Brian Burke, and Kosh—musicians recognized as some of the finest in the industry. Together, they bring the legendary music of Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie to life with passion and precision. Their performance is a heartfelt homage to the iconic sound and enduring influence of Fleetwood Mac.
Get to know the band members and discover what led them to this incredibly successful venture.
To find out where you can catch their next show, visit paperflowersmusic.com or contact ian@atomicmusicgroup.com.
Note: We experimented with a new setup for this complex recording and encountered some technical challenges. We've worked hard to minimize them in post-production.
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Ep 178: Captain David Kilmer, Sailor and Storyteller
Meet Captain David Kilmer, a man whose life has been transformed by the sea. An accomplished sailor and storyteller, David Kilmer's journey began when his father launched a little wooden boat for him, named Skipper-N-Dad. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for the sea, leading to his first bluewater passage at the age of 25, a transformative 2,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.
By his early 30s, David Kilmer had already embarked on a life less ordinary. He ran off to the Caribbean, driven by a desire to become a boat captain, and spent five seasons working in the Grenadines. His book A Peril To Myself and Others is a vivid portrayal of those colorful and tumultuous times, a testament to the adventurous spirit that has always defined him.
His latest book, The Way of the Sailor, is a captivating set of seagoing essays, meditations, and small adventures that explores what it truly means to be a sailor, the challenges and joys of life at sea, and ultimately, how to better navigate life itself. His books often delve into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the open ocean.
You can purchase David’s books on Amazon or Goodreads, or locally at the Well Read Moose or Mix it Up Home. Follow David on Instagam@captainkilmer or wayofthesailor.com