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MAC's 'Healing the Heart of Democracy' to be on public TV
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Monroe Arts Centers production of Healing the Heart of Democracy will be aired on Wisconsin Public Television at 4 and 9 p.m. July 4 on Wisconsin channel 21.2. This production subtitled A Gathering of Spirits for the Common Good features author Parker Palmer, singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer and pianist Gary Walters. (Photo supplied)
MONROE - The premiere broadcast of the Monroe Arts Center's production of "Healing the Heart of Democracy" will be aired at 4 and 9 p.m. July 4 on Wisconsin Public Television channel 21.2. This production is subtitled "A Gathering of Spirits for the Common Good" with author Parker Palmer, singer/ songwriter Carrie Newcomer and pianist Gary Walters.

The live concert, which took place at Monroe Arts Center on June 6, was one of songs and spoken words. It was created to encourage a new kind of political conversation: One that bridges our divides and helps restore civic community. In a time when it is easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or cynical, Parker Palmer and Carrie Newcomer offer a journey of mind and spirit characterized by thoughtfulness, good humor and hope.

Parker Palmer is a writer, teacher, and activist whose work speaks deeply to people in many walks of life. His books include "A Hidden Wholeness," "Let Your Life Speak," "The Courage to Teach," "The Active Life," "To Know as We Are Known" and "The Company of Strangers" among others, and most recently, "Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit." He is founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage and Renewal.

Carrie Newcomer is a songwriter, recording artist, performer and educator. She has 14 national recording releases on Concord/Rounder Records. In 2014, Available Light Records released "A Permeable Life." She has toured with Alison Krauss in Europe and the U.S. Nickel Creek recorded Newcomer's song "I Should've Known Better" on their Grammy-winning album "This Side." Recent appearances include PBS's "Religion and Ethics" and the National Award Winning Krista Tippett's "On Being."

Gary Walters is a pianist maintaining an active performing career, working in a variety of musical genres. He has performed with national recording artists including Alan Vizutti, The Capitol Quartet, Byron Stripling, Victor Krauss, Leslie Uggams, Anne Peckham and many others. His Broadway touring company credits include "Will Rogers Follies," "Grease," "West Side Story," "The Crystals," "The Coasters" and others.

Monroe Arts Center's production was recorded by Empire Media, Monroe, and Patrick Bodell, production director, with assistance from Tina Hauser, executive producer, University Place, Wisconsin Public Television. The production was supported by Colony Brands Inc., Monroe Publishing LLC, Big Radio and the Monroe Arts Center board of directors.