Creativity in the Capital

by Casey Rafter and Nick Brunner, Solving Sacramento

For "Creativity in the Capital," we illuminate the artists who feed the creative soul of Sacramento. In some episodes, we find two local artists and pair them together to discuss their successes, struggles and how they fit into our creative community. In other episodes, our hosts — Casey Rafter and Nick Brunner — engage in one-on-one talks with artists to get at the heart of what makes them tick, and why the rest of us shoul ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • LIVE - Josh Fernandez & Terra Lopez

    LIVE - Josh Fernandez & Terra Lopez

    S02 E04
    35:23

    This episode was recorded live at Sacramento's CLARA Auditorium. Josh Fernandez and Terra Lopez talk about their lives, approach to their work and butting heads with authority before a Q&A with the audience. Josh Fernandez's memoir "The Hands that Crafted the Bomb" is out now, published by PM Press. Find Terra Lopez's music on Bandcamp and other streaming platforms. Her podcast is called "This is What It Feels Like."

  • The stand-up mind of comedian Becky Lynn

    The stand-up mind of comedian Becky Lynn

    S02 E03
    30:13

    Becky Lynn is a locally rooted standup comedian, performing in Sacramento, Chico and the Bay Area (and way beyond). In 2021, Becky and co-host Ta'Vi (fellow Sacramento comedian) began hosting "It's Crazy You're in My Business," a podcast about comedy, business and life.

  • Lo Fidelity

    Lo Fidelity

    S02 E02
    31:01

    Paul Bates makes videos of bands performing in his living room and posts them on the internet. A simple idea, a simple visual approach and a ton of depth beneath the VHS veneer. Find out what keeps this creator connected to Sacramento's music community as the podcast stretches its own creative legs with a few new additions. lo-fire on YouTube and Instagram. www.SolvingSacramento.org

  • Aaron Carnes and Mendes on underground music scenes and DIY movements to self-discovery

    Aaron Carnes and Mendes on underground music scenes and DIY movements to self-discovery

    S02 E01
    36:14

    Writer Aaron Carnes fights for the music he believes in. It’s a very niche genre and a necessary fight. His tactics come in the form of his book and podcast called “In Defense of Ska.” The book explores the history of ska as it travels from its roots in Jamaica to the United Kingdom, to the States and explores where it has gone and will go next. Mendes Entertainment celebrates 916 loud and proud. Its owner, Anthony Mendes, who’s known colloquially by his titular surname, is a promoter and booster of local talent with immense passion for these artists and musicians. He makes it his job to spread the word of the great talent he touches in the capital city.

  • Season 1

  • Andru Defeye and Tavarus Blackmon

    Andru Defeye and Tavarus Blackmon

    S01 E07
    35:27

    Tavarus Blackmon is a Sacramento talent whose work includes music, fashion, collages and curations. His art has been seen at Crocker Art Museum and Axis Gallery. Blackmon teaches artistic methods at Sacramento State and has taught at UC Davis. Andru Defeye is a celebrated local hip hop artist and a self-named guerilla poet who energetically supports the artistic community in all its forms. In 2020, Defeye was granted the title of Sacramento’s Poet Laureate. KSSU opened its doors for Blackmon and Defeye to meet face-to-face in the quiet studio.