In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse interviews Nick and Diane Marson, a Houston couple who met on 9/11 and whose real-life story inspired central characters in the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away.

Then, Catherine Lu chats with Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Houston Poet Laureate Emeritus and World Champion Slam Poet, about writing the libretto for Houston Grand Opera’s Marian’s Song, a World Premiere based on the life of legendary singer Marian Anderson. Deborah talks about fusing spoken word with opera, Marian's legacy and how creating this work affected her as an artist, woman and mother.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Catherine Lu heads to Lawndale Art Center to interview Houston artist Virginia Lee Montgomery about her solo exhibition Sky Loop. Incorporating video, sound, sculpture and Houston-centric symbols, the immersive installation is inspired by the artist’s personal experience and memories of Hurricane Harvey, on view through March 29.

Then, Ernie Manouse talks with former American Idol finalist-turned Broadway star Tamyra Gray, who is performing in the North American-touring production of Once On This Island. Theatre Under The Stars presents the Tony Award-winning musical February 18 – March 1 at The Hobby Center.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

In this episode of the podcast “Unwrap Your Candies Now,” Ernie Manouse chats with singer-actor Paul Hope about legendary songwriter Harold Arlen – in particular about the music he wrote in the decade after his famous “Over the Rainbow.” The Paul Hope Cabaret presents That Old Black Magic – Harold Arlen in the 40s on February 17, February 24 and March 2 at Ovations Night Club.

Then, Catherine Lu talks with percussionist Craig Hauschild and harpist Caitlin Mehrtens of Loop38 about the life and music of Julius Eastman, an African-American composer from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. After an eviction – upon which his landlord threw many of his scores onto the street – and early death at age 49, his music was largely lost and forgotten. Loop38 presents the first-ever Houston performance of Eastman’s music, featuring his work Femenine, on February 21 at First Congregational Church of Houston.

Share your comments, questions and ideas at UYCN@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Music credits: Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer; Gay Guerilla, The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc and Stay on It from Julius Eastman: Unjust Malaise; Fememine by Julius Eastman, original recording and recording by Arcana New Music Ensemble