The Splash

Culturalyst + Creative Waco: A New Chapter for Waco’s Creative Community - Creative Waco

Joshua Rizzo — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome. Let’s Grow Waco’s Culture Together

Creative Waco has always worked to strengthen and support the creative spirit of our city. Art in all its forms tells Waco’s story and shapes our future. Culturalyst is the next step in that effort. It gives artists, arts organizations, and anyone invested in culture a free and accessible digital home to share work, list events, find opportunities, and stay connected.

What Culturalyst Is and Why It Matters

When integrated with the City of Waco’s broader cultural vision, Culturalyst becomes more than a directory. It becomes part of a long-term cultural infrastructure strategy that supports economic growth, tourism, and artistic development across the region. This aligns directly with key goals in A Cultural Plan for Waco, which outlines how strengthening artist networks and improving access to cultural resources helps Waco build a more vibrant and sustainable creative ecosystem.

The Vision

Culturalyst believes people create culture. The platform centers the individuals and organizations who bring creativity to life through art, performance, storytelling, and connection. Instead of every city or group trying to build its own tools, Culturalyst offers shared digital infrastructure, working with local arts agencies to design systems that reduce capacity drain and prevent obsolescence. This collaborative approach makes arts ecosystems more efficient, equitable, and sustainable.

What the Platform Offers

When you join Culturalyst Waco, you get:

A public profile or portfolio page designed to be easy to find and search‑engine friendly.
A directory of artists and organizations across cities, making it easier to discover collaborators and connect with others.
An opportunity engine where grants, open calls, residencies, exhibitions, and other creative opportunities are posted.
An event calendar for sharing shows, openings, workshops, and performances, which also complements public-facing arts efforts by the City of Waco’s Arts & Culture division. for sharing shows, openings, workshops, and performances.
Curated notifications for opportunities based on discipline or interest.
Full control over your own data.

Why This Is Important for Waco

Culturalyst supports Waco’s long-term cultural development. By creating a centralized, accessible directory of artists, events, and creative resources, the platform directly supports several pillars of A Cultural Plan for Waco, including artist support, cultural equity, and increasing public participation in the arts.

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Benefit for Waco Creatives and the CommunityWhy It MattersArtists gain visibilityMany talented people struggle with self‑promotion. Culturalyst gives them a place to be discovered.Opportunities become easier to findGrants, exhibitions, and calls for art are collected in one central place, saving time and broadening access.Stronger connection between people and organizationsCollaboration becomes simpler and more natural when everyone is on one platform.A clearer cultural identity for the cityA visible and active arts scene strengthens Waco’s sense of belonging and pride.More equity and accessBecause it is free and open, more artists can participate regardless of background or resources.

Why Creative Waco Is Committed to This Work

Creative Waco is the nonprofit arts agency for Waco and McLennan County. We champion local artists, produce cultural events, and grow the creative economy to make arts and culture a driving force for Waco’s future. Culturalyst feels like exactly the kind of resource that would have made many artists’ journeys feel less intimidating and more supported. It gives space for creatives who may feel shy about self‑promotion and helps them share their work.

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We are committed to helping artists and cultural organizations navigate this platform. We want to offer not just a tool, but guidance, connection, and community. We have already begun onboarding local creatives and groups; every new participant makes the platform stronger because the network effect grows.

Behind the scenes, our team continues to advocate for artists with city leadership, partners, and stakeholders, including collaborations like the Waco Utility Box Art program.

How You Can Support Waco’s Creative Future

If you care about Waco, the arts, or the future of our cultural landscape, here are a few ways to get involved:

Create a Culturalyst profile on waco.culturalyst.com.
Help spread the word to others who should be on the platform.
Attend local arts events listed in Creative Waco’s event calendars.
Share opportunities or events that others may benefit from by posting them on Culturalyst.
Support Creative Waco by volunteering or donating.
Give feedback so we can continue shaping this resource to meet local needs.

Final Word

Culturalyst is an invitation. It is an open door for Waco’s artists, cultural organizations, and creative community to come together, grow together, and inspire together. Creative Waco is proud to champion this tool in partnership with the people who make Waco creative.

If you believe in art, in community, and in Waco’s future, we invite you to step in and help build something meaningful.

Curtain Up on Community - How Silent House Theatre Builds Connections in Waco - Creative Waco

kennedy@creativewaco.org — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Have you ever been swept away by a powerful performance that left you speechless? Or perhaps you've laughed until your sides hurt at a hilarious comedy. Theatre has the unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, transport us to different worlds, and leave a lasting impact on both individuals and communities. In Waco, Silent House Theatre Company is more than a vessel for entertainment; it’s where stories come alive and communities converge. Dedicated to igniting minds and captivating hearts, the company presents live theatre that is both thought-provoking and undeniably captivating.

Listen to the Episode

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Silent House about their recent productions, The Boys in the Band and their upcoming show, What's a Knucka?, which opens August 1-4. These two plays exemplify the company's commitment to its mission: to provide thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining live theatre for the audiences of Waco, Texas. But their impact extends far beyond the stage.

"What's a Knucka?" by Rob Bell opening August 1-4 at MCC Ball Performing Arts Center

Silent House is dedicated to creating a nurturing space where artists from all walks of life can hone their craft and discover their full potential. By making the arts accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and showcasing their incredible talent, Silent House is fostering a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape. Ultimately, the company aims to inspire meaningful dialogue, strengthen bonds within the arts community, and enrich the lives of all who experience their work.

Theatre is a powerful platform for exploring diverse perspectives and challenging our own assumptions. The Boys in the Band, a groundbreaking play that has been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ representation, is a testament to this power. By bringing this historic piece to the stage, Silent House is not only entertaining audiences but also shedding light on important historical and social issues. Similarly, What's a Knucka? showcases the company's dedication to showcasing new and original works. As the world premiere of this play, co-produced with author and playwright Rob Bell, Waco has the unique opportunity to experience a fresh and innovative theatrical narrative.

COMING SOON - August 1-4, 2024

What's a Knucka? by Rob Bell

Four climbers from four different nations arrive from four different directions at the top of The Banashak at the

EXACT. SAME. TIME.

What’s a Knucka? is a surreal, absurdist tale of climbing to the top, only to find yourself on a very different kind of mountain.”

Tickets are on sale now!

Beyond inclusion and artistic excellence, theatre plays a vital role in building community. Shared experiences around live performances can create a powerful sense of connection. When we gather to watch a play, we are not only entertained but also engaged in a collective experience. By providing opportunities for Deaf artists to shine and ensuring that their productions are accessible to all, Silent House is creating a theatre experience that truly welcomes everyone. This shared journey can foster a sense of belonging and unity, bringing people together from different backgrounds and perspectives.

In a world that can often feel divided, theatre has the power to bring us together. It can challenge our assumptions, expand our horizons, and inspire us to create a more just and equitable society. Silent House is a shining example of how theatre can be a catalyst for positive change. By championing diversity, supporting local artists, and creating a welcoming space for all, they are building a stronger and more vibrant community.

Silent House Theatre Company is among the network of nine theatre companies that each play a vital part of the Waco arts community. So how can you get involved and support?

Attend a performance and experience the magic of your local theatre companies.
Spread the word and share upcoming performances with your network.
Invest in the future of Waco's theatre community by donating.
Encourage potential talent to engage in the arts - on stage or behind the curtain!

10 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Waco - Creative Waco

kennedy@creativewaco.org — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Latino community. Hispanic Heritage Month honors the achievements, contributions, cultures and histories of Hispanic Americans. This celebration started out as a week-long celebration by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Hispanic Heritage Month was established in 1988 by President Ronald Regan.

On this episode of Conversations with Creative Waco on KWBU we were joined by Eric Linares who serves as project manager for Día de los Muertos Waco to share about the vibrant holiday and the October 28 parade and festival. Local artist Wendy Michelle Davis also stops by to give a little insight into the Austin Avenue Art Fair happening October 19-21st.

Listen to the Episode

Here are 10 ways you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Waco:

1/ South Waco Library Exhibit

OPEN NOW! South Waco Library is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a new installation highlighting influential Hispanic individuals who have impacted the community. In addition to this, the library has a digital information board and a rotating digital sign that highlights 15 other Wacoans. This exhibit gives the Waco community another outlet to explore the rich culture and history of Waco’s Hispanic community.

2/ Mayborn Museum Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibits and Programs

The Mayborn is celebrating Hispanic Heritage with a variety of events and activities for all ages to enjoy. This year, the Mayborn offers Oct. 1 as a free admission into the museum. Local creative entrepreneur Eric Linares and Beaumont-based artist Ines Alvidres collaborated to curate the Vida a Color exhibit and Community Ofrenda that is on display now throughout October. Check out the :

Vida a Color Exhibit

The Vida a Color is a collaboration between artists Ines Alvidres and Eric Linares. Through this colorful and participatory exhibit, both artists hope to bring their culture and traditions to life for all to enjoy.

Community Ofrenda

All are invited to bring an image or memento of a loved one to place on this community Ofrenda.

Bilingual Story Time

Sept. 25, 2023, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Eric Linares reads “Dia de lod Mueras” and more at bilingual Mini Monday Story Time on Sept. 25. Open to all ages

Hispanic Leaders Network Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Sept. 30, 2023 at 1 p.m.

Visit the Mayborn for a night celebrating vibrant Hispanic culture. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture, traditions, and contributions that have shaped our world. This special event promises to be a captivating journey that showcases the diversity, history, and artistry of the Hispanic community.

Be prepared to enjoy cultural performances, culinary delights and community engagement at this completely free event! Register on Eventbrite to secure your place at this enriching event.

Meet the Artists

Oct. 1, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m.

Meet the two artists behind our Hispanic Heritage Month exhibits, Eric Linares and Ines Alvidres. There will be an opportunity to meet Linares and Alvidres on Oct. 1st, and to learn about their art and cultural traditions.

Meet the Scientist

Oct. 1, 2023

Interact with scientists from the Baylor Sleep Neuroscience & Cognition Laboratory to learn all about sleep and the sleeping brain. This event is part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and work done by Latinx collaborators at the Mayborn.

3/ Baylor University Truett Theological Seminary Hispanic Month Exhibition

Truett Theological Seminary is hosting a month long exhibition featuring a collection of artworks from local and Texas-based artists Ines Alvidres, Julie Cervantes, Ema Sweetz, Rocio Ramirez Landoll, and Jesús Rivera

4/ Calle 7 Plaza - Latin Night

Celebrate Waco's Hispanic and Latin American community every First Friday at the Pedestrian Plaza at 7th Street and Austin Ave. Join in the festivities at the next one on October 6 from 6-9pm.

5/ Under the Same Moon Banquet for Baylor’s Hispanic Student Association

Baylor’s Hispanic Student Association will hold its annual banquet on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. It will be located in Cashion 506 and the dress code is semi-formal. Presiding Judge Bobby Garcia of Waco Municipal Court will be the guest speaker you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are on sale on Baylor HSA’s Instagram and the ticket office within the Baylor Student Union Building. Student tickets will be $10 while faculty, staff and general public tickets will be $25.

6/ Hispanic Leaders Network’s Evening Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Baylor Club

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Baylor Club from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 12. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions, contributions, and accomplishments of the Hispanic community. This event is open to all who wish to join us in commemorating the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Hispanic culture while interacting with members of the Hispanic community.

Enjoy an arrangement of heavy hors d’oeuvres, a selection of beverages and music a this event. Attendees must register on Eventbrite in order to participate.

7/ Floating Mercado

Join the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their monthly market showcasing local businesses October 22. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more info!

8/ Dia de los Muertos Waco Parade & Festival

Celebrate life at Waco’s largest Dia de los Muertos celebration in Indian Spring Park on Oct. 28, 2023. The parade floats and participants will showcase the colors and vibrancy of the Hispanic culture and Day of the Dead traditions. After the parade, the festival will be open from 5-10 p.m. in Indian Spring Park. There will be a variety of activities such as viewing local art, food trucks, traditional Folkorico dancers, musical performances, and an artisan vendor market.

Registration is open throughout Sept. 30 for early bird registration for vendors, parade participants and sponsors. Last year’s event brought 5,000 people to Indian Spring Park and featured over 40 parade participants from across the community and 20+ local businesses in the vendor market.

The entire Central Texas community is invited to join in the celebrations and honor loved ones in their families that have passed.

Día de los Muertos Waco Parade & Festival

October 28, 2023

Indian Spring Park

4-10pm

Open to all and free to attend

9/ Latino History Tour

Curated by the Waco History Team, visit the locations on this tour to view some of the places, people, and events of Latino history that have made Waco what it is today!

Locations include:

Arvizu v. Waco Independent School District
St. Francis on the Brazos
Tito’s Downtown Barbershop
Sandtown Neighborhood
Calle Dos
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Abraxas Club
Ramsey Muñiz
Mutualista Hall (La Mutualista Sociedad de Jornaleros)
Jacob de Cordova

10/ Support Local Hispanic & Latinx Businesses, Artists, Creatives and Makers!

Poetry, wood sculptures and concerts: Waco Cultural Arts Fest is a Must - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

By Bradi Zapata
Marketing & PR Intern

This post is an extension of the Conversations with Creative Waco radio program on 103.3 KWBU fm, where we take you behind the scenes of art and culture in Waco. Catch us on the air every fourth and fifth Friday of the month at 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Photo property of Waco Cultural Arts

Photo property of Waco Tribune-Herald

Hear the episode

Celebrate diverse talents of the local community at Waco Cultural Arts Fest on Oct. 5-7 at Indian Spring Park (101 N University Parks Dr.). The annual festival is Waco’s largest celebration of arts and culture in Waco and is comprised of ArtsFest, WordFest, FilmFest, ScienceFest, DanceFest and MusicFest.

Check out this month’s episode of Conversations with Creative waco on 103.3 KWBU fm to hear from festival founder Doreen Ravenscroft. In the meantime, read on to see what events to expect from each portion of Waco Cultural Arts Fest.

ArtsFest:

ArtsFest features fun children’s activities, such as face painting and crafting, alongside an arts market featuring wood sculptures, paintings, and an array of locally-made goods. It’s no wonder why Artsfest is the main attraction of Waco Cultural Arts Fest — it inspires creativity at every age. All events occur:

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Oct. 6

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 7

All activities will take place in Indian Spring Park (101 N University Parks Dr.)

WordFest:

Celebrate the beauty of words with local poets, musicians and writers at Wordfest. All events are free and open to the public. Events include:

7 – 9 p.m. Oct. 5: Open mic

11:30 a.m. Oct. 6: Boom/Wow: Flash Essays and the “Bigger Picture” workshop

1 – 2 p.m. Oct. 6: “SCAMPER – Creatively Rewriting Our Poems” workshop

2 – 3 p.m. Oct. 6: Feature Poet Reading – Nathan Brown

3 – 4 p.m. Oct. 6: “Writing Life’s Stories from the Five Senses” workshop

7 – 9 p.m. Oct. 6: Anthology Reading

12 – 1 p.m. Oct. 7: “Open Mic Empowerment” workshop

2 – 3 p.m. Oct. 7: Writers Panel: Nathan Brown, Anne McCrady, and Michael Guinn

3 – 5 p.m. Oct. 7: Open Mic

All events take place at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave.) in Texas South Rooms 116-117

DanceFest

Get off your feet and move to the beat of Dancefest. Dancefest showcases professional modern dance and local talented dancers. Events include:

10 a.m. Oct. 5: Kids Dance Program

5 p.m. Oct. 6: Concert

7 p.m. Oct. 6: Concert (mature audience performance)

12 p.m. Oct. 7: Class

2 p.m. Oct. 7: Family Concert

All events take place at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave.) in the McLennan Room on the second floor.

FilmFest

Immerse yourself in African culture at “Celebrate Africa” with FilmFest. The film portion of the festival brings outstanding, thought-provoking films to Waco. Events include:

6:30 p.m. Oct. 5: Opening reception

7 p.m. Oct. 5: “Queen of Katwe” film to be shown

Oct. 6 details to come. Visit wacoartsfest.org for more information.

ScienceFest

Promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math exhibitions and demonstrations through Sciencefest. This festival gives all ages the chance to think outside of the box and learn in a creative and imaginative way. Enlighten and exercise your mind with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, science-themed performances, demonstrations and much more. Events include:

Oct. 6 – 7 at the Waco Convention Center (100 Washington Ave.) in the Texas Room 113 – 115

MusicFest

Sit back, relax and listen to some good tunes with the Musicfest. This festival is great for the whole family because it features various musicians and music styles.

Performances to take place Oct. 5 – 7 at various times throughout the day. Find information regarding performers and showtimes at wacoartsfest.org.

All performances will take place at the Indian Spring Park Amphitheater between the Waco Suspension Bridge and Franklin Ave.

Conversations with Deep in the Heart Film Festival - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

By Kennedy Sam
Director of Marketing and Communications

This post is an extension of the Conversations with Creative Waco radio program on 103.3 KWBU fm, where we take you behind the scenes of art and culture in Waco. Catch us live on the fourth and fifth Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Listen to the episode here

For this month’s Conversations With Creative Waco, we learned how to find out about the awesome things going on in Waco and McLennan County, and spoke to Samuel Thomas, Co-Director of Deep in the Heart Film Festival about how to hit the highlights like a VIP.

Waco’s third Deep in The Heart Film Festival is taking over the city March 28 – 31. This event brings film makers from all over the World to Waco. During the four-day festival, you can catch film screenings, parties and panels taking place at the Hippodrome and other venues throughout downtown’s cultural district.

The festival is an opportunity to see independent movies (short movies and feature length films) that you can’t see at a regular movie theater or online. And you can meet (and even walk the red carpet with) the film makers, writers, actors, directors and producers.

Whether you’re an avid movie watcher or looking to attend a new to do in town, this is the event will not disappoint! With genres ranging from comedy, animation and everything in between – the 111 film lineup caters to all. If you’re hesitant, don’t worry about “not getting it”, the team at Deep in the Heart purposefully selected relatable, story-driven films that are meant to connect with all audiences!

You can buy tickets to “blocks” of films with connected themes, or treat yourself and get a VIP pass to all the movies, events and parties. Rub shoulders with the next Tarantino, or dip chips with the next Emma Stone.

Grab your tickets today and immerse yourself in the world of film for a weekend!

Learn more about what to expect from this year’s film fest by tuning in to Conversations with Creative Waco where Rae Jefferson sits down with festival co-founder, Samuel Thomas.

Until then, if you’re looking for ways to get involved in Waco’s creative community, check out these resources!

Creative Waco’s calendar page – It’s the one-stop-shop for all the event calendars for the city (Waco CVB, Act Locally Waco, Waco Trib, and more!)
Waco App – Perfect way to find out events, dinning, and shopping close to you or across town. Available on Apple and Android phones.
Local App – Created by Facebook, it’s an easy way to keep up with what’s happening locally and discover what events your friends are interested in.

Here's to Year Two and Two Walls — A Conversation with ARTPrenticeship - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Kennedy Sam
Director of Marketing and Communications

Listen to the episode here

The ARTprenticeship program is back for year two. In the summer of 2018, Creative Waco piloted this program working with Waco ISD and Prosper Waco summer interns. Ten ARTprentices experienced paid, real-world, concept-to-completion mentored work experience and created the “1000 Hopes for Waco” mural, located downtown on 2nd and Jackson St.

By the end of this summer, East Waco will be home to two new murals located at the Family Health Clinic on Martin Luther King Avenue and Brotherwell Brewery on Bridge Street. Twelve Waco ISD high school students will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of professional artist mentors, learn professional development skills, and interact with the community. Applications for apprentice positions are now closed, however, applications for teaching artists are open until May 1.

On this month’s episode of Conversations with Creative Waco, we sat down with ARTPrenticeship’s program manager, Stephanie Wheat-Johnson to learn more about what’s in store for this year’s program. If you would like more information on the program click here!

Ways to Support ARTPrenticeship 2019

ARTPrenticeship wouldn’t be possible without support from the community, sponsors, and donors. If you’re interested in supporting this year’s program check out the various opportunities below.

Sponsor an ARTPrentice

Invest in an apprentice by funding their individual salary. Sponsorships not only provide a financial reward for program completion, but also ensure accountability for their productivity throughout the program. If you'd like to make a donation toward an apprentice's wage, please click here or email us at artprenticeship@creativewaco.org.

Sponsor a teaching artist

Support employment of professional local artists to expertly guide our apprentices.

Sponsor the celebrity artist

Elevate the experience by helping to secure an internationally renowned artist to work with the apprentices.

Share your skills

Lead a masterclass in anything from business etiquette to budget creation during the apprentices’ studio sessions. The commitment requires around two hours of your time.

Provide in-kind technical support

Supply practical site needs such as safety gear, training, scaffolding, storage, paint, snacks, etc.

Want to be involved? Email artprenticeship@creativewaco.org.

Artprenticeship

Sponsor & Support

A Conversation with Jazz Musician, Chuck Jennings - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

By Kennedy Sam

Director of Marketing and Communications

Listen to the Chuck Jennings episode here

This post is an extension of the Conversations with Creative Waco radio program on 103.3 KWBU fm, where we take you behind the scenes of art and culture in Waco. Catch us live on the fourth and fifth Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

(From left to right) Rae Jefferson, Chuck Jennings, Kennedy Sam and Fiona Bond in the KWBU Studios on Jan. 15, 2019.
(KATELEIGH MILLS/KWBU RADIO)

In January’s edition of Conversations with Creative Waco we had the chance to sit down with local musician and jazz leader, Chuck Jennings to hear about all things music, jam sessions and Waco’s jazz scene.

Jennings was initially a self-taught guitarist before winning a place at prestigious Berklee College. Throughout his 38-year career as a full-time musician, Jennings has lived in many major music hubs from Los Angeles to New York City.

As a current Waco resident, Jennings’ partnership with the Central Texas Jazz Society has been instrumental in pulling together a community of top notch jazz musicians that are passionate about performing improvisational jazz in downtown Waco.

You can find Jennings and other local jazz artists at Cultivate 7twelve on the last Wednesday of each month for an improv jazz jam session. When he’s not performing at Cultivate 7twelve, catch Jennings performing around Waco at various venues like Waco Winery, Klassy Glass, and the High Top at the Hippodrome.

Chuck’s Jazz 101:

Want to educate yourself about jazz? Here is Chuck’s list of top jazz influencers

Miles Davis

Born in 1929 in East St. Louis, an area known for its “blues-drenched” music scene, Miles Davis began playing the trumpet at age 13. As both bandleader and trumpeter, Davis was a major pioneer in the jazz world earning himself eight Grammy Awards and 32 nominations. Check out a mix of Miles Davis’ best hits here.

John Coltrane

John Coltrane was a renowned saxophonist, bandleader and composer credited with shaping the jazz scene in the 40s and 50s. Coltrane worked alongside other greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. Check out a mix of John Coltrane’s best hits here.

Joe Henderson

Joe Henderson, tenor saxophonists and composer, emerged as one of the most influential jazz artists in the 1960s. Henderson could be described as a renaissance man – creating a distinct sound independent of the style typically performed by saxophonists of that era. Check out a mix of Joe Henderson’s best hits here.

Chuck Jennings (far left) plays alongside other local artist at Cultivate 7twelve’s monthly jam sessions.
(photo by Cultivate 7twelve)

Keith Jarrett

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Keith Jarrett like many young jazz artists of the 60s moved to New York City to further craft their skills. Jarrett gained major recognition in the late 1960s, after performing with jazz greats Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and Charles Lloyd. Due to his wild and melodic improvisational jazz style many considered Jerrett one of the most original musicians of the late 20th century. Check out a mix of Keith Jerrett’s best hits here.

Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter is a noted jazz composer and musician who plays both the soprano and tenor saxophone. Shorter played alongside other notable jazz figures like John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, and co-founded Weather Report, a jazz fusion group. Recognized as a jazz fusion pioneer, Shorter has received nine Grammy Awards. Check out a mix of Wayne Shorter’s best hits here.

Find Chuck and Central Texas Jazz Society at Cultivate 7twelve on the last Wednesday of each month for jazz jam sessions.

Light in the Darkness, a conversation with Dr. Lori Baker and Carlos Colon - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

By Fiona Bond

Executive Director

We often hear people describing how the arts bring joy, beauty, quality of life, economic flourishing, make us happier, and make our environment more appealing. This is true and important, and we are daily inspired by these celebratory qualities at Creative Waco.

There is another “superpower” that the arts have, which is harder to define, but perhaps even more vital. It might seem like a strange discussion topic for the holiday season, but at a time of the year when we celebrate light in the darkness and redemption for a broken world, perhaps it is a good conversation to have.

The creative arts – music, dance, theatre, film, literature, visual art – give us language of hope in the hardest of situations. Uncoupled from the clumsiness of political posturing or the inadequacies of rational argument, the arts breathe defiant creation in the face of destruction, order against chaos, and light in the darkness.

We discover it across the arc of human history: In exquisite art buried to honor the deceased; in heartrending music composed and sung in Nazi concentration camps; or in vivid cathedral windows crafted from bombed shards of stained glass.

In December’s “Conversations With Creative Waco” on KWBU, I had a chance to talk to two of my “local heroes” who embody this reality through their work.

Carlos Colón is Assistant Director of Chapel at Baylor University. He is a musician, composer, liturgist, and cultural promoter. He was born in El Salvador, and at the age of 14, was forced to flee his home. He took refuge in Guatemala City before coming to the USA in 1986 to study music. he holds a B.M. from Belmont University and a M.M. from Baylor University.

Colón’s international heritage, personal experience of civil war, and Christian faith infuse his music, which evokes themes of justice, peace, beauty, human connection, and time. In October 2018, his newest composition, “Te Deum Latinoamericano” was presented as part of the celebrations for the canonization of slain Archbishop Oscar Romero at the main Cathedrals and cities of El Salvador, to more than 75,000 attendees.

Dr. Lori Baker is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Vice Provost of Strategic Initiatives, Collaboration and Leadership Development at Baylor University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in anthropology and specializes in the molecular and forensic analysis of skeletal remains. She is founding executive director of Reuniting Families, a program that aids in the recovery, identification and repatriation of undocumented immigrants who perish during migration into the United States. Her work gives Lori a powerful but difficult platform as a spokesperson representing painful truths to governments and advisory bodies across the World.

A Couple of Years ago, Lori and Carlos collaborated with film-maker Pilar Timpane to create a film about Lori’s work “Lamento con Alas” (“Lament with Wings”). Carlos composed a hauntingly beautiful score which infuses what might otherwise be a bleak story with a dimension of hope.

As they discuss this collaboration, I am struck by the capacity of the interwoven techniques of storytelling (cinematography and music) to de-politicize what is often a hot-button issue and instead, present a story of painful but shared courage, humanity, and light in the darkness.

We wish you and those you love a New Year full of light, hope, and creativity.

Arts in Education: Waco Symphony Orchestra - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The Nutcracker ballet is presented every two years, including in 2016! Local children dance with professional dancers and a live symphony orchestra, and performances are fun for the whole family.

Our third profile for #ArtsEdWeek is The Waco Symphony Orchestra, which presents four classical and one pops concert each year, with over 80 professional musicians. The Waco Symphony’s youth programs include:

The Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra, with over 40 area high school and middle school student musicians. The orchestra presents two concerts a year, plus an outdoor concert called ZooTunes at the Cameron Park Zoo. All youth orchestra concerts are free to attend. These programs expose youth to classical music and a live orchestra.

The Waco Symphony Council sponsors the Children’s Concert in the fall for over 6,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students for a free live orchestra concert. The students are brought in by bus from all over Central Texas from both public and private schools. These concerts expose children to a live symphony orchestra, with education about the make-up of the orchestra and the instruments. For most students, this is the only live symphony orchestra they will be exposed to in their young lives.

The Nutcracker ballet is presented every two years, with live ballet dancers and beautiful sets on stage, and a live orchestra playing in the pit below the stage. This performance exposes children and students to an event with dancers, classical music and theatrical sets. Local children are invited to audition and dance with professional dancers.

The Symphony Belle and Brass program is for 10th and 11th grade young women and men to be presented on-stage at one of the Waco Symphony Concerts, as well as participate in a program that requires them to usher at the symphony concerts and attend a seminar on Music Appreciation. Over 100 young adults participate each year.

If your family or school would like to get involved with any of these programs, contact WSO Executive Director, Susan Taylor, at exdir@wacosymphony.com or 254-754-0851.

Arts in Education: Cultural Arts Waco - Creative Waco

techwizards — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Waco Cultural Arts Fest is a three-day festival with free activities for all ages in all spectrums of the cultural arts. Cultural Arts Waco also sends performers into schools that week.

We continue our posts for National Arts in Education Week (#ArtsEdWeek) with today's profile: Cultural Arts Waco.

Cultural Arts Waco celebrates and promotes our community’s diverse artistic and cultural life; develops and enriches its cultural capacity; and champions the economic, social, and educational benefits of the arts in the Greater Waco area and beyond. For more information about the youth educational programs below, or interest in others, contact Education Outreach Director, Claire Sexton, at education@wacoartsfest.org or 214-868-6054.

Cultural Arts Waco has been presenting Waco Cultural Arts Fest for more than a decade. The three-day festival hosts free activities for all ages in all spectrums of the cultural arts. In addition to the high-quality musicians, dancers, poets and artist booths at the festival, Cultural Arts Waco also sends performers into schools that week. This year, Kupira Marimba will be doing two performances in Waco-area schools on the Friday of the festival. Since the festival’s origin, Cultural Arts Waco has raised over $50,000 to provide performances like these in the public schools.

Cultural Arts of Waco has a 10-year partnership with the Arc of McLennan County, teaching Art at the Arc classes to students ages 5-19 with autism and cerebral palsy during an 8-week summer camp. They work with students on an individual level three times each week to meet their specific abilities and needs for creating artwork, at no additional cost to the parents or students.

Top Young Artist is a scholarship competition for high school juniors and seniors from McLennan County. Teachers submit artworks from three students for the competition; then all entries are exhibited at Studio Gallery Waco, then at The Art Center of Waco, and sometimes toured to other locations. Prizes include Grand Prize for $2000, People’s Choice for $1000, and more for a total of $6000 awarded to art students in 11th & 12th grade in McLennan County. The odds of winning a scholarship are very high compared to other art competitions (like TEA’s VASE and TAPPS) and the prizes are bigger. Cultural Arts Waco pays the funds directly to the student’s school of choice – any school at all, any major at all.

For five years Cultural Arts Waco provided Art After School for enrichment days at La Vega Elementary ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education). That school district has no school-day specialized art instruction at the elementary level, so Cultural Arts Waco gave age-appropriate painting instruction to children in grades 1-3, based on the Metropolitan Museum’s “Doing Art Together” model from the book by Muriel Silberstein-Storfer with Mablen Jones.