Makers of the USA Kristan Vermeulen

Kristan Vermeulen speaks with Martin Pasi, an organ builder who shares his journey and love for this unique craft. Martin discovered his interest in organ building at a young age when he was a part of a boys choir. The music director recognized his fascination and allowed him to look inside an organ, which left a lasting impression on him. From that moment on, Martin knew that organ building was what he wanted to pursue. Tune in to learn more about the craft of organ building, Martin Pasi's journey in the craft and what he plans to do in the future.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, Washington series, host Kristan Vermeulen visits Whidbey Island to meet Robert Adamson, a renowned glass maker with over 55 years of experience. Robert's studio is nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by wetlands, pastures, and forests, with his glass art seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. Kristan delves into Robert's journey as a glassmaker, from his early days at Pilchuck Glass School to establishing his own successful studio, Island Art Glass. Join Kristan as she explores the lives and crafts of makers across the country on Makers of the USA.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen interviews David Syre, a unique artist based in Bellingham. Formerly in business development, Syre has always had an artistic side, creating acrylic paintings, drawings, and watercolors inspired by the subconscious, nature, and travel. Having traveled the world to study different forms of religion, spiritual practices, and indigenous cultures, Syre's work has been showcased at galleries worldwide and even at Burning Man. Join Kristan as she takes a tour of Syre's creative paradise.

In this episode of "Makers of the USA," host Kristan Vermeulen takes us on a journey to Bellingham, Washington, a city known for its breathtaking nature and thriving community of artisans. She highlights the Hotel Bellwether, a luxury boutique hotel that not only offers stunning views and delicious cuisine but also showcases local artwork and supports local makers. One of the artisans Kristan visited in Bellingham is Bob Kramer, a renowned chef knife maker. The host discovered him through Anthony Bourdain's Raw Craft YouTube series and was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview him. Bob Kramer shares his journey from being a clown to becoming a master bladesmith. He explains that his passion for making knives stemmed from the need to make a living and support himself financially. Join Kristan as she immerses herself in the world of American craftsmanship and creativity in Washington state.

As a young musician, Kristan had always dreamed of recording in a professional studio. So when Kristan heard about the legendary London Bridge Studio in Seattle, she knew she had to check it out. Upon arrival, she was immediately struck by the history and atmosphere of the place. The walls were adorned with platinum records and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in rock and roll. It was clear that this was a place where magic had been made. As Kristan set up her gear and prepared to interview, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. This was a studio that had produced some of the most iconic albums of all time, and she was about to tell the story of its legacy.

Eric Liliavois, co-owner of the studio, tells me about the intense and exhilarating recording process produced at his studio. There is a reason why Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, and other grunge-inspired musicians have recorded here. The engineers at London Bridge are true professionals, and their expertise and attention to detail helped them achieve the sound they had been striving for. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics made every note sound crisp and clear, and those musicians knew that their music was in good hands. Tune in to the episode to learn more about the London Bridge Studio experience and how it shaped musicians who have recorded out of their space and helped them realize the true power of music to connect, inspire, and transform.

Model Airplane is a collection of musicians that come together every year to perform an ultimate show right around Thanksgiving. They jibe with one another. It's their thing. They got the funk. They got the soul. Started by singer Lyle Divinsky, Dan Boyer, and Pete Genova and features an all-star lineup of Maine-based musicians. They bring together a community that knows and loves this tradition. Not only does the band see the curation of amazingly talented artists' family, but they consider the audience family too. Kristan has seen them three years in a row and she truly feels this connection, the connection is unreal and Kristan wants you to listen to what that connection entails.