Joffrey Ballet Featured in New Signature Radio Program for Rivet News Radio App

CHICAGO – Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director, Ashley Wheater, kicks off the first installment of Rivet News Radio’s signature program Open Mic, a series focused on the Chicago arts community, hosted by veteran Chicago journalist and Rivet Radio news team member James VanOsdol.

Host VanOsdol, whose radio career was in part defined by his commitment to the Chicago music scene through shows like “Local 101” (WKQX) and “Local Zone” (WZZN), invites members of Chicago’s arts community – from music to theater, to literature and dance — to take the stage and open up about their work and careers on the new radio program, Open Mic.

“With the holiday season in full swing, there’s nothing more Chicago–and timely–to talk about than theNutcracker Ballet,” VanOsdol said.  “Wheater talks about this year’s Nutcracker, how the Joffrey Ballet company and school have changed since he took over, and the current state and future of ballet.”

Open Mic is one of four Rivet Radio signature programs featuring original content with new episodes scheduled weekly. VanOsdol is a 20-year veteran of Chicago media, including WKQX-FM, WZZN-FM and WXRT-FM. He’s also an author, podcaster, digital evangelist and music lover.

“Each of the new signature programs will contribute excellent, exclusive content and interviews, hosted by experts with deep knowledge of their topics – shows and insights listeners can hear only on Rivet,” said Charlie Meyerson, Rivet Radio’s head of news.

To hear the Open Mic signature program, download the free app on your iPhone: tinyurl.com/GetRiveted and search “Open Mic.”

ABOUT JOFFREY BALLET

The Joffrey Ballet is Chicago’s premier ballet company and dance organization committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertory encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting edge works of today. The Joffrey is committed to providing arts education and accessible dance training through its Joffrey Academy of Dance and Community Engagement programs. For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit Joffrey.org.

ABOUT HEARHERE RADIO

HearHere Radio is an angel-stage venture providing Internet radio services. It’s funded by its founder, friends and strategic investors and led by a team experienced in pioneering “what’s next.” HearHere Radio’s core product is “Rivet News Radio,” an Internet radio news application and platform delivering personalized local, national and world news. The Rivet News Radio app is currently available for the iPhone. Download the app here:tinyurl.com/GetRiveted. For more information visit RivetNewsRadio.com.