In Episode 10 of the Fiber Optics Center's Jazz Podcast Series, host Dave Reese sits down with South Coast saxophonist Marcus Monteiro and his father, Manny Monteiro, for a conversation about family, musical influences, and the rich history of jazz in the South Coast.

Marcus reflects on growing up surrounded by music, discovering his passion for the saxophone, and developing his improvisational style through local jam sessions and the guidance of experienced musicians. He shares stories about the New Bedford jazz community, the importance of learning from older generations, and the artists who shaped his musical journey, including Cannonball Adderley and Maceo Parker.

Together, Marcus, Manny, and Dave revisit the South Coast's vibrant jazz history, sharing memories of legendary performers, local venues, late-night jam sessions, and the musicians who helped build a lasting musical community. Manny also offers a father's perspective on watching Marcus grow as a musician, from his early lessons and first performances to establishing himself as a respected professional artist.

This episode celebrates the connections between generations of musicians and the lasting influence of the South Coast's jazz community. Through personal stories, shared memories, and plenty of musical history, it's a heartfelt look at how a love of jazz is passed down and continues to inspire new generations.

In this episode, we sit down with local singer-songwriter and performer Kiah Allaire to talk about her growing musical journey, creative inspirations, and passion for the performing arts. From regular appearances at local open mics to performing at the Roots and Branches Festival, Kiah shares how she's found her voice as a songwriter and the importance of putting yourself out there creatively.

Kiah discusses the stories and inspiration behind three original songs, "Coconuts in California," "Great Escape," and "Sunshine Fevers," offering insight into her songwriting process and how spontaneous ideas can turn into meaningful music. She also talks about her involvement with Stellar Studios and an upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical.

Throughout the conversation, Kiah shares an encouraging message about creativity, self-expression, and why the arts should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're an experienced performer or someone who's never stepped up to a microphone, her message is simple: you don't have to be perfect to create something meaningful. Sometimes, you just have to give it a try.

Sarah Donner is an alt-pop singer-songwriter known for blending playful, nerdy humor with heartfelt ballads, bright melodies, and energetic instrumentals. Embracing her inner cat lady, Sarah has carved out a unique space in the music world with songs that celebrate geek culture, animals, and her distinctive sense of humor.

Her music has been featured by Conan O'Brien's blog, NPR, BuzzFeed, i09, Showtime, and CBS. Sarah gained widespread online recognition with viral favorites like Sarah Donner and the Sleepy Kitten and The Motherf**cking Pterodactyl Song, co-written with The Oatmeal, earning more than four million YouTube views.

A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Sarah began her musical journey in musical theatre before developing her signature sound as a singer-songwriter. Her work combines musical versatility, offbeat storytelling, and infectious personality, making her a memorable voice in the independent music scene.

Sarah's Website: https://www.sarahdonner.com/

Eric Beau: A Lifelong Musician Bringing the Energy of a Full Band to the Southcoast

Raised in Southcoast Massachusetts, Eric Beau has been making music for more than 30 years. His musical journey began with a memorable high school talent show performance of "Piano Man," which helped spark a passion that would follow him throughout his life. While attending Norwich University, Eric co-founded the band Old City Sound, performing at pubs and ski lodges throughout Vermont and opening for national acts including Dropkick Murphys, Our Lady Peace, and Lee Greenwood.

After graduation, Eric dedicated much of his career to military service and currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard. Despite his demanding career, music has remained a constant passion. Today, performing as BEAU, he brings a dynamic solo rock show to breweries, vineyards, restaurants, and festivals throughout the Southcoast. Through professionally crafted looping arrangements, he recreates the energy and sound of a full band in a solo performance.

For Eric, every performance is about more than just playing music. His goal is to create an engaging, memorable experience that keeps audiences entertained and brings them back for more. With decades of musical experience and a unique approach to live performance, BEAU continues to bring rock energy to venues and audiences across the region.

Dave Sterenchock is a songwriter and storyteller who turns personal experiences into honest, relatable music. His songs explore love, heartbreak, relationships, and the complicated emotions that come with trying to make sense of them.

With a candid and often humorous approach to songwriting, Dave isn't afraid to tackle the realities of love and loss. His song "She Doesn't Know Where My Heart Is" captures the frustration and disillusionment of a relationship that has lost its connection, blending vulnerability with a sharp sense of wit—including the memorable line, "but my cardiologist does."

Dave's music reflects the ups and downs of relationships through straightforward lyrics and genuine emotion. Whether he's writing about love, separation, or the feeling of being misunderstood, his songs offer an authentic look at life, relationships, and everything in between.

What happens when movement becomes a form of art, education, and community connection?

In this episode, we sit down with a movement educator, coach, and small business owner, Juliet Loranger, who has been teaching in downtown New Bedford since 2009. Through yoga, somatics, and sports, they explore the science, social impact, and creative possibilities of movement with both teens and adults.

Juliet Loranger is a movement educator, coach, and small business owner who has been teaching and cultivating movement practices in downtown New Bedford since 2009. Her work explores the science, social impact, and creative possibilities of yoga, somatics, and sports, while educating both local youth and adults. She also serves as the head field hockey coach at Fairhaven High School.

Juliet's passion for movement has recently expanded into Move Back Home, a collaborative performance art and somatic movement project created alongside local youth from the nonprofit she founded and elders in the community. Blending interpretive dance, movement education, and performance, the project explores the connections between movement, creativity, community, and different generations.

For Juliet, movement is about more than the final performance. It is about the process of learning, creating, connecting, and discovering what the body can communicate.

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JJ Richards is a photographer whose creative journey has been shaped by a lifetime of travel, service, and a desire to share positivity through images.

Originally from New Zealand, JJ took an unconventional path after completing school. Rather than immediately attending university, he joined the army, where he spent 12 years in service. Following his military career, JJ joined the United Nations as a telecommunications technician and went on to spend 30 years working in peacekeeping operations around the world before retiring in 2020.

His career gave him the opportunity to travel to more than 65 countries, experiencing different cultures, communities, and landscapes along the way. Those experiences have helped shape the way he sees the world—and, ultimately, the way he approaches photography.

JJ was first introduced to photography by an uncle who taught him film photography in the 1970s. Although he stepped away from photography for many years, he eventually returned to it and rediscovered the joy of being behind the camera.

Today, photography is less about business for JJ and more about connection, relaxation, and exploration. He enjoys getting outside for photo walks, combining creativity with the simple pleasure of discovering something worth capturing.

In a world where negativity can often dominate the online conversation, JJ uses photography as a way to spread something different: positivity. Through his work, he hopes to share moments, perspectives, and images that encourage people to pause, look around, and find something good in the world.

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Vault Sessions, the live music series from the Southcoast Artists Index, recorded at The Vault Center for the Performing Arts during Open Mic Night in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts.

In this episode, we sit down with local musician Indy Blake to talk about music, creativity, influences, songwriting, and what it means to be part of the South Coast's growing creative community. Following the conversation, Indy takes the stage to perform a selection of original songs live at The Vault.

The Vault Sessions is about more than just the music. It's about creating a record of the artists, voices, and stories that make up the South Coast's creative scene—and giving local musicians a platform to share their work with a wider audience.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen to the audio version wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to the Southcoast Artists Index for more artist interviews, live performances, and stories from the people shaping the region's creative culture.