Earlier this year Karen Sunderman notified me that The Playlist would be coming to an end, but that something else was in the wind. Sunderman had been introduced to Northland television viewers via documentaries she produced for the WDSE show Venture North. In 2010 her arts-focused show The Playlist took off for a seven year run. For 2018 she will be at the helm of a new show placing a spotlight on the creativity that is swirling through the Northland. The show is called Making It.
EN: Where did the idea for your new show come from and what's it going to be about?
Karen Sunderman: Many, many conversations. WDSE serves a broad and creative audience. The idea was to expand on our success in featuring the arts & music scene and bring in the talents of artisans and entrepreneurs. Along with that, we recognized that creative problem-solving works across disciplines, interests and industries. Many artists are small businesses. The time was right to explore new ways of organizing stories to inspire more understanding and support for the creative economy.
EN: How long was The Playlist on the air and how is Making It different?
KS: The PlayList started in 2010 with Trampled by Turtles, our first on-location shoot. Over
7 years and 179 episodes we met and featured more than 1,900 artists and musicians creating all across the Arrowhead. That material is an amazing online archive and has been broadcast statewide. Making It expands on that base, adding artisans and entrepreneurs to the mix—chefs, coffee roasters, brewers, etc. Each episode is built around a theme with a key interview woven throughout. It’s a different approach for us with some familiar elements. I’m sure it will evolve as we go along. Community feedback, input and ideas are critical to this effort and very much welcome. Please offer your suggestions by email (info@makingitupnorth), through the form on our website or the suggestion box at the launch party.
EN: Who's invited to your Launch Party at Blacklist Beer and what will we find there?
KS: EVERYONE is invited to the launch party! Its an invitation for creative folks to come together, mix it up and be appreciated for sharing their stories with us and the WDSE community. The Making It and The PlayList audiences have a lot in common. It’ll be fun to see conversations sparked and relationships renewed at the event. We’ll have live music from Christopher David Hanson (Babbit), Jerree Small & Coyote (Duluth) and Jillian Rae (MSP, originally from Eveleth). There’s a coffee experience at Duluth Coffee Company, and treats by Martha’s Daughter catering/restaurant. Blacklist & Fannie Rose Candy are working out a popcorn and beer pairing for us. We’ll also pause to watch the first broadcast at 5:30! The party runs 3-7 p.m. January 7 at Blacklist, 120 E. Superior St. (More Launch Party details here.)
EN: What time or times will your new show air?
KS: Making It premieres Sunday, January 7th at 5:30 on WDSE and rebroadcasts on Thursday nights at 8 PM. The initial run of six goes through mid-February. There will be another six in April/May.
EN: What gets you most jazzed about the local art scene?
KS: The creative community in our region inspired openness, collaboration, and a willingness to try new things. The tide of creative problem-solving within the region is really inspiring. “We all do better when we all do better” feels real here. If you are going to take a risk, there are people who will offer to help and support you.
* * * *
You can learn more about Karen Sunderman -- her international travels and what makes her tick -- here in our 2014 interview.
Will we see you at the Launch Party?
EN: Where did the idea for your new show come from and what's it going to be about?
EN: How long was The Playlist on the air and how is Making It different?
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| Karen when she was at The Playlist. |
EN: Who's invited to your Launch Party at Blacklist Beer and what will we find there?
 |
| On the rocks, filming an episode in 2014. |
EN: What time or times will your new show air?
KS: Making It premieres Sunday, January 7th at 5:30 on WDSE and rebroadcasts on Thursday nights at 8 PM. The initial run of six goes through mid-February. There will be another six in April/May.
EN: What gets you most jazzed about the local art scene?
KS: The creative community in our region inspired openness, collaboration, and a willingness to try new things. The tide of creative problem-solving within the region is really inspiring. “We all do better when we all do better” feels real here. If you are going to take a risk, there are people who will offer to help and support you.
* * * *
You can learn more about Karen Sunderman -- her international travels and what makes her tick -- here in our 2014 interview.
Will we see you at the Launch Party?
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