David Romtvedt –program 9

Poet, musician, professor, a true Renaissance man.  David Romtvedt is all of these things, with a generous spirit and zest for life that shines through, even on the radio. 

Listen:

Download: David Romtvedt

Gary Thieltges –program 8

After decades behind a movie camera, Gary Thieltges founded Doggicam.  He creates innovative camera mounting and moving systems, enabling cinematographers to create on film the shots they imagine. In 2005 he was awarded a Technical Achievement Oscar for invention of the Sparrowcam. Gary visited his hometown Chester, Montana and spoke with Phil at the Sweetgrass Music studio “The Bin”.

www.doggicam.com

Listen:

Download: Gary Thieltges

Margaret Saunders Ott –program 7

I’ve always wished that everyone could have a lesson with my teacher, Margaret Saunders Ott. Her students left her home with a powerful sense that somehow, in that 45 minutes, the world had become a better place. Margie May, as all her friends call her…Mrs. Ott as all her students call her…has been very active in the Music Teachers National Association, or MTNA…the largest music teachers’ organization in the country.

David Duncan — programs 5 & 6

 David James Duncan is a father, a fly fisher, a practitioner of what he calls “direct, small-scale compassion/activism,” and the author of the novels The River Why and The Brothers K, the story collection River Teeth, and the nonfiction collection My Story as Told by Water.

Adrian Arleo – program 4

 For nearly two decades figurative artist Adrian Arleo has created haunting ceramic sculptures combining human and animal imagery suggesting mythologies of transformation. 

Mark Gordon — program 3

Rancher Mark Gordon takes stewardship of the land very seriously. Integrating time honored ranching practices and modern innovative techniques, he is ensuring a legacy that will last generations.

Paul Zarzyski –programs 1 & 2

We’re proud to introduce the very first Of The West episodes, featuring poet and ex-bareback bronc rider Paul Zarzyski.

About the show

Of the West is a monthly radio program hosted by composer/pianist Philip Aaberg, focusing on regionalism and creativity.

How do one’s surroundings affect the creative process and output? Certainly the high plains of Montana resonate through Philip’s compositions and musical approach. Do other artists realize place as an integral part of their work? How does the place of their childhood inform their work? The influence on art is not only geographic – events of the time are equally powerful.   Listen in – perhaps you’ll hear a piece of music, read a poem, view a building or take in our beautiful landscape in a different way.

About Philip Aaberg

Composer Philip Aaberg writes music that connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West. By translating Montana’s farms, ranches, and native cultures into musical concepts, he’s forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state.

Although classically trained, Philip celebrates many traditions with his compositions. He weaves strains of blues and bluegrass as well as rock and new music throughout his melodic tapestries.

Besides playing piano with the Boston Pops and participating in the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, Philip has appeared with Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop, and the Doobie Brothers. He has cut eight solo albums, one of which, Live From Montana, received a 2002 Grammy nomination. As a guest artist, Philip has performed on over 200 albums and on PBS’s All-American Jazz, which earned him an Emmy nomination.

“He is a true composer, as well as a great interpreter,” says fellow pianist George Winston. “His music so deeply captures the essence of Montana and yet it is so universal.”

Thanks to our sponsors

Of the West is made possible through the generous support of:

The Ucross Foundation – providing time and space for creative work to artists, writers and composers at the historic Ucross Ranch on Wyoming’s High Plains

Pacific Steel & Recycling – A Northwest tradition built on trust

Humanities Montana - an independent nonprofit dedicated to enriching the intellectual, cultural and civic life of Montana since 1972

The Greater Montana Foundation – encouraging communication on issues, trends and values of importance to present and future generations of Montanans