Grant Overstake's Blog: Grain Valley Publishing Blogs

An intimate evening of story, sound, and Wichita history — seating is limited

Watermark Books & Café will host Wichita author Grant Overstake for a Launch and Listen celebration of The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6 p.m.

For the first time, Wichita will experience the acclaimed full-cast audio drama that swept the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook, the IPPY Gold Medal, and the AudioFile Earphones Award. Combined with the launch of the new print edition on Jan. 20, the event invites guests into an immersive evening of story, sound, and conversation.

Overstake will be joined by his daughter, Jillian Overstake Forsberg—public historian, novelist, and Wichita State alumna—for a guided conversation about the story’s Wichita roots, its redlining and civil rights context, and the power of reading and listening together. The evening includes a short live read-along followed by audience reflection.

This one-hour experience invites readers, historians, educators, and listeners to engage with a story that feels both historic and present—a rare opportunity to hear Wichita’s own history come alive through art.

The new edition contains the actual performance script, inviting readers to read along and follow every line as they experience the audio drama.

Produced by John Marshall Media in New York City and directed by May Wuthrich, the fifteen-member ensemble portrays twenty-four characters, creating what critics have called “a movie for the ears.” The Script-Book Edition brings that award-winning performance to the page, inviting readers to follow every line as they listen—a groundbreaking experience that blends the immediacy of cinema with the intimacy of literature.

The production also showcases Wichita voices. Veteran broadcaster John Wright appears as a 1968 radio announcer, and Sheila Brown Kinnard—whose mother, Josephine Pace Brown, was a pioneering local civil-rights leader—portrays a character inspired by her family’s legacy.

The city’s own ARISE Ensemble performs the spirituals that underscore the story’s emotional core. AudioFile Magazine praised the Ensemble’s contribution, writing that its “rich harmonies give the story its soul,” an observation echoed by audiences who describe the soundscape as “Wichita’s heart, set to music.”

This dual-format launch marks a milestone for Kansas arts and storytelling. The Real Education of TJ Crowley was developed with support from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The result is both a work of literature and a cultural artifact, preserving an artistic record of Wichita’s redlined neighborhoods and the generations shaped by them.

In this clip from the prelude Wichita’s own John Wright performs as a 1968 radio announcer along with ARISE.

Set in Wichita during the turbulent years of 1968–69, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows a white seventh-grader raised in prejudice as he learns to see through new eyes when a Black family moves in next door. It’s a story of conscience, courage, and belonging—rooted in the author’s own upbringing on the city’s north side and shaped by the lived experiences of those who witnessed its history firsthand.

Its portrayal of Wichita’s racial history has drawn praise from local scholars who see in it a vital reflection of the city’s past.

“In local history, it’s not uncommon for the most insightful works to be fiction,” said Dr. Jay M. Price, chair of the Department of History and head of the Local and Community History Program at Wichita State University. “Fiction can give you a sense of tone, connection, identity, and place—and this novel meets all of those criteria.

“This is one of those works that will resonate with Wichita,” Dr. Price added. “It builds on the shoulders of so much scholarship. It should be an entry into a discussion—a starting point to a discussion.”

The Real Education of TJ Crowley was honored at the Audie Awards—often called the “Oscars of Audiobooks”—an event hosted by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) that celebrates the industry’s finest achievements in spoken-word storytelling. Captured on the red carpet, celebrating this incredible win: Claire Overstake, Dion Graham, Grant Overstake, Dani Martineck, Kevin R. Free, May Wuthrich, Graham Halstead, Thérèse Plummer, Tavia Gilbert, Brittany Pressley, and Michael Crouch. Cast members not pictured, Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Peter Berkrot, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard.

About Grant Overstake
Grant Overstake is an award-winning author and journalist whose novels explore personal growth, social justice, and emotional resilience. The Real Education of TJ Crowley was named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club before its audio adaptation swept the 2025 Audie, IPPY Gold, and AudioFile Earphones Awards. A Wichita native and former Miami Herald journalist, Overstake draws on his own 1968 childhood to tell a story rooted in place and purpose.

About Jillian Overstake Forsberg
Jillian Overstake Forsberg is a public historian and novelist whose debut, The Rhino Keeper, was named a 2025 Kansas Notable Book. Her new companion novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, continues her exploration of empathy and moral imagination in historical fiction. She holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University.

Event Details
When: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Where: Watermark Books & Café, 4701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, Kan.
Admission: Free • Duration ≈ 1 hour
Advisory: Contains violent content and racist language. Best suited for mature YA readers and adults.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW

Author Grant Overstake speaks at the Friends of the Winfield Public Library Appreciation Tea on Sunday, October 19th. (Courtesy photo)

WINFIELD, Kan. — The Friends of the Winfield Public Library Appreciation Tea became the site of a memorable first reveal for The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Red Line, the forthcoming print companion to the award-winning audio drama from Grain Valley Publishing.

Volunteers gathered to celebrate the library’s remarkable growth, from expanded programs and improved facilities to steady increases in attendance, underscoring its role as the heartbeat of the community.

The afternoon also offered guests an exclusive opportunity to hear scenes from the Audie Award-winning audio drama and experience its new “read-and-listen” format.

“Winfield is the kind of Kansas town where the library is the busiest place in town and stories still matter. It was the perfect setting for today’s event,” said co-author and producer Grant Overstake, guest speaker at the annual event, who was accompanied by his wife, Claire.

Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central Kansas, Winfield has long been known for its civic pride, artistic spirit, and devotion to lifelong learning.

The experience sparked lively discussions about empathy, justice, and the lessons of 1968 that still resonate today. Many attendees requested digital Advance Reader Copies, eager to bring TJ Crowley into classrooms, book clubs, and community conversations.

Set in Wichita in 1968, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows a 13-year-old boy’s moral awakening amid the turbulence of the Civil Rights era. Told through one young man’s eyes, the story bridges generations, inviting reflection on race, community, and conscience.

Produced and co-written by May Wuthrich, the full-cast audio drama features 15 actors performing 24 roles, bringing the story vividly to life. The production earned top industry honors, including the Audie Award, AudioFile Earphones Award, and the IPPY Outstanding Audiobook Medal, recognizing its powerful storytelling and direction.

Looking ahead

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Red Line will be published Jan. 20, 2026, with a launch event and author talk at Watermark Books in Wichita on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Request Your Advance Reader Copy!

Reviewers, educators, book club leaders, and avid readers may request a free digital ARC and audio download code at
👉 grainvalleypublishing.com/contact

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, known as the “IPPYs,” honor the best independently published titles each year. The Outstanding Book of the Year categories highlight works that transcend genre, sparking conversation and change.

WICHITA, Kan. — The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, a powerful full-cast audio adaptation of Grant Overstake’s historical novel, has been named the Outstanding Audiobook of the Year by the 2025 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs)—the top honor for independently produced books and audiobooks.

Released in June 2024 and distributed globally by Blackstone Publishing, the audio drama had already earned critical acclaim—winning the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook as the only independent finalist, and receiving the AudioFile Earphones Award for outstanding production quality.

“It took us a minute to realize—this isn’t just an award, it’s the award for the audiobook of the year in independent publishing,” said Overstake, owner of Grain Valley Publishing. “For a small indie press, it’s a remarkable honor—but not surprising when you consider the incredible talent that brought TJ Crowley’s story to life.”

Set in Wichita in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows a white teenager’s moral awakening as his family’s neighborhood undergoes profound change amid school integration, housing discrimination, and civic unrest. The story explores themes of racial inequality, moral responsibility, and the possibility of personal growth. Critics have likened it to To Kill a Mockingbird and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry for its historical depth and emotional resonance.

Independently produced by Grain Valley Publishing and distributed by Blackstone Publishing, it was directed by May Wuthrich, who also produced with John Marshall Media, and worked with Overstake on the script adaptation. Its immersive format has struck a chord with young listeners, educators, and parents—sparking meaningful classroom conversations about empathy, civic courage, and turning points in American history.

The audiobook had already garnered critical acclaim earlier this year, winning the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook—where it stood out as the only independent finalist—and receiving the AudioFile Earphones Award for its exceptional production quality.

“This story matters because it speaks to the heart of who we are and who we can become,” said Wuthrich. “It’s about finding your voice in the face of injustice—and that message feels more urgent now than ever.”

Where to Download

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Audible

Blackstone Publishing

Downpour

Spotify

Ask your Local Library

TJ Crowley is available in more places than ever, and you have choices on how to listen. You can download your own copy today or check it out from your local library. If your library doesn’t have TJ Crowley yet, librarians are amazing about adding award-winning audiobooks when you request them!

And if you prefer to support independent bookstores, you can find TJ Crowley on Libro.fm, the audiobook service that shares profits with local, independent bookstores instead of big corporations.

Founded by Grant and Claire Overstake in 2014, Grain Valley Publishing is an independent press based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to stories that foster empathy, community, and moral growth. Its award-winning titles are widely used in classrooms nationwide. Learn more at www.grainvalleypublishing.com.

Gifted students at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet pose with author Grant Overstake, teacher Amanda Harcus, and the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook, earned by the audio adaptation of The Real Education of TJ Crowley. From left: Paula Vega-Cabrales, Ella Jimi-Ajayi, Diego Rodriguez-Contreras, Blair Baeza, Ziva Zdrojewski, Grant Overstake, Liam Meyer, Juliette Moran, and Amanda Harcus.

Something remarkable happened last week at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet in Wichita. In a gifted middle school classroom, students didn’t just study history, they stepped into it.

Through The Real Education of TJ Crowley and its award-winning audio drama, they asked hard questions about the present, and discovered what it means to become citizens who care, listen, and lead.

Blair Baeza proudly holds the Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook, celebrating the acclaimed audio adaptation of The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline.

What the Students Did

During the Horace Mann Experience, students:
• Read The Real Education of TJ Crowley and analyzed key scenes
• Listened to the 2025 Audie Award–winning full-cast audio drama
• Researched redlining, segregation, and Wichita’s civil rights history
• Responded through writing and classroom discussion
• Participated in a live listening session with author Grant Overstake

How It Began: A Discovery at Watermark Books
The journey started last summer, when gifted facilitator Amanda Harcus picked up The Real Education of TJ Crowley at Watermark Books & Cafe. Set in 1968 Wichita, the young adult historical novel caught her attention and held it.

“I couldn’t stop talking about it,” she later wrote. “I knew I wanted my students to read TJ Crowley, but I never expected what we would experience together.”

What followed wasn’t just a reading unit. It became a model for teaching hard history with depth, empathy, and courage. The novel had already earned recognition as Book of the Year from the Kansas Authors Club. In March, the audio adaptation won the national 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook. Confident her students were ready, Harcus brought the story into her gifted English Language Arts classroom and watched it come to life.

At the school that bears his name, students carried forward Horace Mann’s legacy by engaging in courageous, student-led conversations about race, justice, and democracy.

Students Confront History and Themselves

In their reflections, students connected TJ Crowley’s story to their own experiences with remarkable sincerity. They engaged not only with the facts of redlining, segregation, and Wichita’s Civil Rights legacy—but with the human impact behind them. The story’s characters, questions, and conflicts prompted deep personal insight and thoughtful discussion.

“TJ Crowley reminded me of people I know. The way he started seeing things differently made me ask how I act around people who are different from me.”

“This audio drama made me feel uncomfortable in a way that was good. It made me want to learn more.”

“The spirituals were my favorite part. They made it feel like you were hearing the soul of the people who had to fight just to live.”

About Horace Mann, the Namesake Who Inspired the Moment

At the school that bears his name, students brought Horace Mann’s vision to life. A champion of public education and civic equality, Mann believed schools should build both intellect and character. As students at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet wrestled with injustice through The Real Education of TJ Crowley, they weren’t just learning history—they were living it, becoming the kind of informed, compassionate citizens Mann hoped education would inspire.

A Gifted Educator Leads with Courage

Author Grant Overstake joins gifted students at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet for a reflective listening session that deepened their exploration of The Real Education of TJ Crowley. This powerful classroom moment helped spark what is now known as the Horace Mann Experience—a student-led model for connecting history, identity, and civic responsibility.

Throughout the unit, Amanda Harcus connected the novel to real-world history. Her students studied Senator Cory Booker’s speech on housing discrimination, wrote him letters, and assembled a Wichita-themed care package. They also learned about Chester I. Lewis, a key figure in Wichita’s Civil Rights movement, drawing direct connections between past and present.

“Fellow educators, trust your students with challenging material. They want to learn. Don’t worry if you don’t have a fully formed lesson plan. Start with a good, thought-provoking book. Let them ask questions. The rest will fall into place. Education is activism. — Amanda Harcus

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline earned the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook. Co-created by author Grant Overstake and acclaimed director May Wuthrich, and performed by a full cast, the audio drama has become a nationally recognized classroom resource—bringing 1968 Wichita to life and helping students connect past injustice with present-day questions of race, identity, and empathy.

A Message from the Author: “This One Belongs to You”

After the visit, author Grant Overstake wrote to the class and their teacher:

“What I witnessed is something I’ll carry with me forever. Your courage, curiosity, and honesty reminded me why this work matters.”

“Mrs. Harcus, the space you’ve created, where students are trusted with complexity and guided with care, is rare and powerful.”

“To the students: You made history. The Horace Mann Experience wasn’t just a visit, it was real education. We hope to share it with other schools, but this moment belongs to you.”

About The Real Education Project: The Real Education Project empowers educators to engage students in truth-centered storytelling that bridges past and present. Through award-winning resources like The Real Education of TJ Crowley, the project supports teachers in leading courageous conversations about race, justice, and empathy—transforming classrooms into spaces where young people are trusted to think critically, listen deeply, and lead with compassion.

Expanding the Model: Tools for Classrooms

The Real Education Project is working to bring The Horace Mann Experience to more schools across Kansas and beyond. With the support of educators, administrators, and community partners, the project provides:

Access to the Audie Award–winning full-cast audio drama

Curriculum tools aligned to ELA, social studies, and SEL standards

Facilitation support for courageous conversations about history, justice, and identity

Student-centered activities that foster inquiry, voice, and civic engagement

Coming Soon: The Script Book Edition

Adapted by author Grant Overstake and acclaimed audiobook director May Wuthrich, this definitive classroom companion includes the full script of the audio drama, production notes, and ready-to-use teaching resources. Designed to reflect the emotional arc and dialogue of the Audie Award–winning performance, the Scriptbook Edition is ideal for ELA classrooms, drama programs, book clubs, and audio-based learning environments.

Content & Parental Advisory

This story and audio drama contain historically accurate depictions of violence and language from 1968 America. Recommended for readers age 13+, with guided discussion in educational settings.

A Final Word: Trust Students with the Truth

The Horace Mann Experience proved what’s possible when young people are trusted with hard history and transformative storytelling. Through courageous questions and deep listening, students didn’t just study the past, they stepped into it. And in doing so, they emerged as bridge builders of their own.

Bring the Horace Mann Experience to Your School

To learn how your students can experience this award-winning resource, contact Grant Overstake and The Real Education Project today.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline earned the 2025 Audie Award for Young Adult Audiobook. This powerful audio drama, produced by Grain Valley Publishing and performed by a full cast, brings Grant Overstake’s acclaimed novel to life with a gripping, historically grounded narrative and standout performances.

By Grain Valley Publishing

WICHITA, Kan. (GVP) — The summer of 1968 marked a turbulent chapter in American history. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that April ignited waves of grief and unrest, while the Vietnam War continued to claim the lives of young Americans. In the midst of this national upheaval, a 13-year-old white boy in Wichita, Kansas, faces a profound personal shift when a Black family moves in next door—crossing a long-standing, unofficial boundary that had shaped neighborhood lines across much of the country.

Dani Martineck records in New York’s John Marshall Media studio under the direction of co-author and producer-director May Wuthrich. Dani’s portrayal of TJ Crowley earned wide praise, with AudioFile Magazine noting, “Their nuanced performance captures every shade of TJ’s journey—from confusion to courage—as the boy comes of age on the redline.”

This is the premise of The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, an immersive audio drama adapted from Grant Overstake’s award-winning novel. Released in June 2024, the production has earned both the prestigious Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook and AudioFile’s Earphones Award. With cinematic sound design and emotionally rich performances, the series shows how audio storytelling can go beyond narration to create a deeply moving, visual-free experience for listeners of all ages.

A Soundscape of Segregated America

What sets TJ Crowley apart from traditional audiobooks is its ambitious and immersive production. Rather than relying on a single narrator, producer-director May Wuthrich assembled a talented ensemble of 15 voice actors to craft a fully dramatized adaptation—more reminiscent of classic radio theater than standard audiobook fare. The result is a nine-hour experience that draws listeners into the emotional and social landscape of 1960s Middle America, shaped by racial divisions and civic unrest.

Dani Martineck leads the cast with a standout performance as TJ, capturing the character’s internal conflict with sensitivity and depth. Through subtle, emotionally resonant voice work, Martineck traces TJ’s evolution from a boy shaped by inherited biases to a young person beginning to question the world he’s been taught to accept. Their portrayal resists oversimplification, inviting listeners to engage with TJ’s growth in a way that feels both honest and reflective.

Dion Graham and Tavia Gilbert deliver unforgettable performances in The Real Education of TJ Crowley. Graham, voicing both Dr. Washington and Leon, brings “grace and gravitas” to his roles, while Gilbert’s portrayal of Kate Crowley is “chilling in its quiet bigotry,” capturing the complex emotional terrain of a mother shaped by her time and challenged by her son’s awakening.

Equally compelling is Dion Graham as Dr. Washington, the principled new neighbor whose family becomes the target of rising community tension. Graham brings a quiet strength and moral clarity to the role, making it fully believable when Dr. Washington becomes an unexpected guide for TJ. In a dual performance, Graham also voices Leon, a vocal and frustrated Black student at TJ’s newly integrated school. His ability to inhabit both characters—each navigating racial injustice from different vantage points—demonstrates remarkable vocal range and emotional insight.

Perhaps the most unsettling performance comes from Tavia Gilbert as Kate, TJ’s alcoholic mother, whose views reflect deep-seated racial prejudice. Gilbert avoids caricature, instead portraying a layered and troubled woman shaped by fear, isolation, and personal pain. Her scenes with Ray (voiced with chilling detachment by Johnny Heller), a figure from her past enlisted to “handle” the new neighbors, are tense and foreboding—underscoring the emotional stakes of the story without resorting to sensationalism.

More Than Words

TJ Crowley was produced and directed by May Wuthrich at John Marshall Media in New York, one of the industry’s premier audiobook studios. Known for its award-winning productions, JMM provided the creative foundation for The Real Education of TJ Crowley, ensuring excellence in performance, direction, and sound design.

What truly elevates this production is its rich and thoughtful sound design. Crafted by the team at John Marshall Media, the audio landscape transports listeners to 1968 with striking detail and historical resonance. The whirring of helicopter blades echoes the Vietnam War, where TJ’s brother is stationed. The play-by-play calls of a high school basketball game capture the energy of one of the few shared spaces in TJ’s segregated world. Most moving is the integration of gospel music, performed by the ARISE Ensemble—which includes author Grant Overstake—offering a soulful, resonant backdrop that underscores the cultural shift at the heart of TJ’s journey.

Distributed by Blackstone Publishing, one of the nation’s leading independent audiobook publishers, the audio drama is now widely accessible to schools, libraries, and listeners across major platforms.

These production choices aren't merely decorative—they're essential to the storytelling. When unfamiliar music floats over the fence Ray forces TJ to build between the houses, the sound design makes listeners experience this cultural exchange just as TJ does. The audio format allows us to hear what changes him before he can articulate it himself.

A Personal History

Author and Executive Producer Grant Overstake draws on his Kansas roots and journalism background to tell stories that challenge, educate, and inspire. His novel, The Real Education of TJ Crowley, reflects decades of lived experience and deep research into Wichita’s racial history.

What gives TJ Crowley its lasting resonance is that it’s not just historical fiction—it’s rooted in lived experience. Author Grant Overstake grew up in Wichita during this pivotal era and witnessed the racial tensions that shaped his community. The audio drama’s subtitle, Coming of Age on the Redline, refers to the discriminatory housing policies that segregated American neighborhoods well into the late 20th century—policies whose legacies are still visible in many cities today.

The story unfolds in the wake of the newly passed Fair Housing Act, which aimed to make such redlining practices illegal. Yet as Dr. Washington’s family moves into TJ’s all-white neighborhood, their legal right to do so clashes with long-held social boundaries. The drama confronts the difficult truths of the time, including scenes that portray racial slurs and acts of intimidation—material that may be challenging but is essential for understanding the stakes of this historical moment.

Beyond Black and White

What sets TJ Crowley apart from more conventional coming-of-age stories is its layered portrayal of how racism functions both personally and systemically. TJ is not depicted as inherently malicious for holding the biases passed down through his environment—but neither is he excused when those views cause harm. Instead, the drama carefully charts his uneasy, often uncomfortable journey toward greater awareness, as he begins to recognize the real-world consequences of the ideas he’s inherited.

Celebrated as the "Oscars of Audiobooks," this event, hosted by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), honored the industry’s finest in spoken-word storytelling. Captured on the red carpet, celebrating this incredible win: Claire Overstake, Dion Graham, Grant Overstake, Dani Martineck, Kevin R. Free, May Wuthrich, Graham Halstead, Thérèse Plummer, Tavia Gilbert, Brittany Pressley, and Michael Crouch. Cast members not pictured, Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Peter Berkrot, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard.

The story powerfully illustrates how sports—first basketball, then track and field—serve as rare spaces where TJ begins to move beyond racial boundaries. When academic struggles and behavioral issues bar him from the basketball team, Dr. Washington steps in to coach him in shot put, initiating a mentoring relationship that quietly challenges TJ’s assumptions. These moments steer clear of a “white savior” narrative by emphasizing Dr. Washington’s agency—he chooses to help TJ despite having little incentive to do so—and by showing that TJ’s growth stems from his own effort to confront what he’s been taught.

The drama also examines how racial prejudice exists alongside other forms of violence. TJ’s home life is shadowed by his mother’s alcoholism and emotional volatility. His older brother faces the trauma of war in Vietnam. At school, discipline is maintained through corporal punishment. Within this atmosphere, TJ’s own anger and violent impulses become part of the story’s emotional terrain—something he must recognize and learn to manage, making his transformation not just about unlearning racism, but about building a deeper kind of emotional resilience.

A Story for Our Times

Though set more than fifty years in the past, The Real Education of TJ Crowley speaks powerfully to the present. As communities across the country continue to grapple with the legacy of racial injustice and the enduring impact of systemic inequality, this coming-of-age story reminds us that meaningful change begins with personal reflection and grows through collective courage. It’s a narrative that invites listeners—especially young people—to consider how history lives on in the choices we make today.

In an era when audiobooks are the fastest-growing format in publishing, the Audie Awards—presented by the Audio Publishers Association (APA)—represent the highest honor in the industry. The Real Education of TJ Crowley earned the 2025 Audie for Best Young Adult Audiobook, cementing its place among the year’s most impactful audio narratives.

The production offers no easy answers or tidy conclusions. When TJ finally makes a life-altering decision, the story makes clear that this is only the beginning of a much longer path. Like the country he inhabits, TJ has taken crucial first steps toward confronting injustice—but the journey toward a more equitable society remains unfinished.

In a time when audiobooks are among the fastest-growing segments of publishing, The Real Education of TJ Crowley stands out as a powerful example of the medium’s capacity to tell nuanced stories with emotional and historical depth. Through outstanding performances, thoughtful sound design, and a narrative rooted in lived experience, this audio drama creates an immersive world that stays with listeners long after the final scene.

For anyone seeking to better understand America’s ongoing reckoning with race—or anyone who values bold, human-centered storytelling—The Real Education of TJ Crowley offers 9 hours and 12 minutes of compelling, unforgettable listening.

This article was produced by Grain Valley Publishing as part of our mission to advance empathy, racial literacy, and historical awareness through the power of story.

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"The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline" is available on Audible, Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and other audiobook platforms.

Grain Valley Publishing is committed to sharing powerful stories that illuminate our shared humanity. Based in Wichita, Kansas, we produce literature and audio works that explore American history and culture with depth, authenticity, and care.

If you haven’t experienced The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, you’re in for a powerful ride. This award-winning audio drama drops you straight into 1968—a year charged with change, music, and a fight for justice that still echoes today.

🏆 Winner of the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook!

🎧 Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award for Outstanding Production

Still young at heart, Grant Overstake—co-author and executive producer of The Real Education of TJ Crowley—channeled his teenage love of 1960s music into an Audie Award-winning audio drama. He flashes a V for Victory alongside narrator Graham Halstead (Mr. Johnson and Coach Gordon) as they celebrated the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook.

Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award for Outstanding Production, The Real Education of TJ Crowley transports listeners to 1968 with a powerful blend of story, performance, and music.

🎶 The Sounds of Hope and Change

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline is more than an audiobook—it’s a full-sound experience.

Winner of the 2025 Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook and an AudioFile Earphones Award for Outstanding Production, this audio drama drops listeners straight into 1968, a year of civil rights marches, Vietnam War protests, and a generation demanding change.

Co-authors Grant Overstake and May Wuthrich brought the story to life as a dynamic, full-cast production. Wuthrich, who also directed and produced, worked with an ensemble of 15 award-winning actors to create an authentic and emotionally powerful listening experience.

Together, they captured the hopes, fears, and courage of a country—and a young man—coming of age on the edge of historic change.

Music is at the heart of TJ Crowley. Overstake and Wuthrich layered the drama with iconic rock, soul, and protest songs that defined 1968. Mentioning Eve of Destruction, Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud, and Born to Be Wild ground the story in its time and bring TJ’s world vividly to life.

The traditional negro spirituals performed by the ARISE Ensemble are equally powerful. Praised by AudioFile Magazine for their emotional impact, these songs add spiritual depth to the story.

🎧 How Music Brought TJ Crowley to Life

While writing The Real Education of TJ Crowley, Overstake researched the music that defined his generation.

“I listened to these songs as I wrote my first drafts,” he says. “Digging through old Billboard charts brought back a flood of memories. Music didn’t just shape a generation—it told our story.”

AudioFile Magazine praised the powerful music of the ARISE Ensemble featured in the story. Grant Overstake, a longtime member of the acclaimed choir that helped inspire The Real Education of TJ Crowley, has sung with ARISE for over a dozen years. Listen to the Audie Award-winning audio drama to experience how their music brings the story to life.

📀 A Playlist That Tells a Story

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement—and the perfect soundtrack for Ivy Washington’s courageous journey. As she navigates the challenges of integrating an all-white school and moving into a segregated neighborhood, Ivy’s strength, dignity, and determination echo the demands for recognition and equality at the heart of this iconic 1960s song.

*Hold On (Just a Little While Longer) – ARISE Ensemble
The story opens with this traditional spiritual, performed by the ARISE Ensemble. It sets the tone for the Washington family’s resilience as they cross into a white neighborhood, embodying their faith in better days ahead.

Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful
The sticky heat of Wichita in 1968 simmers with tension in this 1966 hit. The city pulses with unrest, just like TJ’s world on the verge of change.

Eve of Destruction – Barry McGuire
In the garage, Ronnie rewires his car speakers, blasting this 1965 protest anthem. Its dire lyrics mirror his disillusionment and TJ’s growing fear as his brother prepares to ship off to Vietnam.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys
This harmony-laden classic reflects TJ’s innocent crush on Ivy Washington, the beautiful Black girl next door. It captures his longing for a simpler world where they could be together without barriers.

Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – James Brown Released in 1968, this anthem of Black pride and empowerment resonates deeply with Leon Bowman, TJ’s rival classmate and future friend. As a young Black teen asserting his identity in a newly integrated school, Leon stands tall in his truth—both on and off the track. It’s a declaration of dignity that pulses through the story.

You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes
This Motown hit underscores TJ’s hopeful but cautious feelings for Ivy. It’s a song about patience—and the slow progress of acceptance in a divided world.

Respect – Aretha Franklin
Ivy’s theme song. As the first Black student in a newly integrated school, Ivy faces hostility and prejudice. Aretha’s demand for dignity and equality echoes Ivy’s quiet strength and determination.

Stand By Your Man – Tammy Wynette
As TJ paints the Red Line fence, he hears this 1968 country hit drifting from his mother’s kitchen. It’s playing while she chooses loyalty to her old flame, Uncle Ray, over her estranged husband—and over what’s right. The song’s message clashes painfully with TJ’s own awakening sense of justice.

96 Tears – ? and the Mysterians
The raw, garage-rock vibe of this 1966 track matches TJ’s bitterness as he paints the line that divides his world. The hypnotic organ riff pulses with his inner conflict.

*Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land – ARISE Ensemble
This spiritual, sung at ARISE gatherings, is a foundation of hope for the Washington family. It represents the faith that sustains them and, eventually, TJ.

Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
At a funeral, TJ and Eric exchange silent hand signs—V for Victory and Peace. CCR’s anti-war anthem plays in their minds as they confront the divide between those who serve and those who escape the cost of war.

*Trouble in the Air – ARISE Ensemble
A haunting spiritual that signals the storm ahead. It captures the unease surrounding TJ and his community as they brace for change.

Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Before their reckless New Year’s Eve ride, Eric blasts this biker anthem. It’s the soundtrack to TJ’s desperate grab for freedom—and his brush with danger.

*Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah – ARISE Ensemble
As Dr. Washington mentors TJ, this hymn plays like a prayer. It marks TJ’s turn toward a path guided by conscience, not fear.

*Lord, I Know I’ve Been Changed – ARISE Ensemble
This spiritual affirms TJ’s transformation. He’s no longer the boy painting fences—he’s crossed the line and chosen a different future.

Think – Aretha Franklin
Ivy’s fiery speech in class lights a fire in TJ’s conscience. Aretha’s anthem of empowerment gives voice to their shared call for change.

Little Bit O’ Soul – The Music Explosion
A lighthearted 1967 pop hit that plays as TJ bonds with Leon and Ivy on the track team. For once, the world feels simple and hopeful.

*Trying to Get Ready – ARISE Ensemble
As TJ trains with Dr. Washington, this song plays on the record player. It’s about preparation—for judgement day and for the challenges he’s about to face.

Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Though released in 1970, Overstake says this track fits perfectly as TJ looks toward a hopeful future. There’s something better just ahead—if he stays true.

*Jesus Is a Rock (Reprise) – ARISE Ensemble
As TJ finds his footing, this reprise reminds us that he’s standing on a new foundation of faith and courage.

*I Hear Music in the Air – ARISE Ensemble
As Dr. Washington saves Kate Crowley’s life, this spiritual swells. Healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation fill the air.

*Crown of Life – ARISE Ensemble
Played over the credits, this song celebrates TJ’s journey. He’s earned his place among those who stood strong and crossed the line.

* Performed by the ARISE Ensemble and featured exclusively in The Real Education of TJ Crowley audio drama. These powerful spirituals are not available for individual purchase but can be heard as part of the award-winning recording.

🎧 Listen to TJ Crowley’s Playlist
For a legal and ethical way to enjoy these songs and support the artists, explore music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. 

Spotify: https://www.spotify.com

Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com

By using these services, you gain access to a wide range of music, create playlists, and discover new artists, all while respecting copyright and contributing to the music ecosystem. Choose a streaming service to legally listen and support the creators of the music you love.

Voices That Rocked the Audies: Meet the Cast

On the red carpet, the cast and creators of The Real Education of TJ Crowley celebrate their win for Best Young Adult Audiobook. With voices that brought heart, harmony, and the spirit of 1968 to life, this talented team delivered a performance worthy of the Audie gold. Pictured: Claire Overstake, Dion Graham, Grant Overstake, Dani Martineck, Kevin R. Free, May Wuthrich, Graham Halstead, Thérèse Plummer, Tavia Gilbert, Brittany Pressley, and Michael Crouch. Cast members not pictured: Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Peter Berkrot, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard.

🎧 Listen to the Audie Award-winning audiobook that’s making history, download now:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Audible

Blackstone Publishing

Downpour

Spotify

[image error] Ask your Local Library

TJ Crowley is available in more places than ever, and you have choices on how to listen. You can download your own copy today or check it out from your local library. If your library doesn’t have TJ Crowley yet, librarians are amazing about adding award-winning audiobooks when you request them!

And if you prefer to support independent bookstores, you can find TJ Crowley on Libro.fm, the audiobook service that shares profits with local, independent bookstores instead of big corporations. Whichever way you choose, we hope you’ll start listening today and experience this Audie Award finalist for yourself!

Celebrated as the "Oscars of Audiobooks," this event, hosted by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), honored the industry’s finest in spoken-word storytelling. Captured on the red carpet, celebrating this incredible win: Claire Overstake, Dion Graham, Grant Overstake, Dani Martineck, Kevin R. Free, May Wuthrich, Graham Halstead, Thérèse Plummer, Tavia Gilbert, Brittany Pressley, and Michael Crouch. Cast members not pictured, Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Peter Berkrot, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard.

Best Young Adult Audiobook – 2025 Audie Awards

We are beyond thrilled to announce that The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline has won the Audie Award for Best Young Adult Audiobook! Recognized as the highest honor in the audiobook industry, the Audies celebrate excellence in spoken-word storytelling—placing Grant Overstake and May Wuthrich’s full-cast adaptation among the finest productions of the year.

About the 30th Annual Audie Awards Ceremony

This immersive audio dramatization earned an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine before capturing the much-deserved Audie. Inspired by the author’s own experiences, this speaks to America’s challenging race relations in the late 1960s after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A cast of 15 actors plus a music ensemble lend their immense talents to this fast-paced, suspenseful, important, and revelatory coming-of-age story. — BARNES & NOBLE

The 30th Annual Audie Awards, hosted by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), took place on March 4, 2025, in New York City, celebrating the best in spoken-word entertainment. Often called the "Oscars of Audiobooks," the Audies are the most prestigious awards in the industry, recognizing outstanding performances, production quality, and storytelling in audiobooks across multiple categories.

Where to Listen

Don’t miss the Audie Award-winning audiobook that’s making history:

Audible: Start your free trial and listen today.

Amazon: Purchase the audiobook directly.

Apple Books: Download and enjoy on your Apple devices.

This year's star-studded gala brought together some of the most influential voices in publishing, entertainment, and narration, with major industry figures and celebrities in attendance, including Whoopi Goldberg, Barbra Streisand, and Kate McKinnon. The event highlighted the growing cultural and artistic significance of audiobooks, showcasing how the medium continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.

“AND THE WINNER IS in the Young Adult category… [1 min]

Winning an Audie Award is a rare and career-defining honor, cementing The Real Education of TJ Crowley as one of the top audiobooks of the year and further establishing its impact in both literary and educational spaces.

The recognition from the APA underscores the exceptional storytelling, production, and performances that make this full-cast adaptation a groundbreaking achievement in the Young Adult category, which is awarded for excellence in narration, production, and content of a teen audiobook, ages 13-18.

Where to Listen

Don’t miss the Audie Award-winning audiobook that’s making history:

Audible: Start your free trial and listen today.

Amazon: Purchase the audiobook directly.

Apple Books: Download and enjoy on your Apple devices.

A Story That Resonates Today

Set in 1968 Wichita, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows 13-year-old TJ as he comes face-to-face with racism, injustice, and self-discovery during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Meet the Audie Award-Winning Cast

Dani Martineck as TJ Crowley

Dion Graham as Dr. Washington, Leon Bowman

Tavia Gilbert as Kate Crowley

Johnny Heller as Raymond Hatcher (Uncle Ray)

Kevin R. Free as Andy (Birmingham) Campfield

Shayna Small as Ivy Washington

Ari Fliakos as Detective Harris

Michael Crouch as Ronnie Crowley

Kirby Heyborne as Eric Armstrong

Graham Halstead as Mr. Johnson, Coach Gordon

Thérèse Plummer as Mrs. Armstrong, Widow Bender

Brittany Pressley as Mrs. Peters

Peter Berkrot as Vice Principal Scott

John Wright as Radio Announcer

Sheila Brown Kinnard as Mrs. Lorraine Washington

Production Team:

Grant Overstake – Co-Author and Executive Producer

May Wuthrich – Co-Author, Director, and Producer

Cameron Potts – Producer at John Marshall Media

John Marshall Media – Production Company

Music:

ARISE Ensemble – Featured Music

Distribution:

Blackstone Publishing

[image error] Where to Listen

Don’t miss the Audie Award-winning audiobook that’s making history download now:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Audible

Blackstone Publishing

Downpour

Spotify

We’re beyond excited that The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline is a finalist for the 2025 Audie Award in the Young Adult category!

For those who can’t be in New York, you can still be part of this special night by watching the livestream on YouTube this Tuesday, March 4, at 5 p.m. Eastern | 4 p.m. Central.

The Audie Awards, presented by the Audio Publishers Association, celebrate the best in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Past winners include some of the most celebrated works in literature and performance, and we’re honored to be recognized among them. TJ Crowley has already won AudioFile Magazine’s Earphones Award for excellence in narration, and this nomination is another incredible milestone.

Claire, our daughter Jillian Forsberg, and I will be in New York City for the event, joining co-author and producer director May Wuthrich and several of the cast members who brought our characters to life, including Dani Martineck, Dion Graham, Tavia Gilbert, and Johnny Heller and others who’ve RSVP’d.

Join us in celebrating this incredible journey—watch live, cheer us on, and be part of the excitement!

📺 Watch live here: 2025 Audies Live Stream (If you miss it, don’t worry—it’ll be recorded and available at the same link!)

By Grant Overstake, Author & Executive Producer

Pinch me – I must be dreaming! This morning I learned that AudioFile Magazine has named The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline as their favorite to win the 2025 Audie Award in the Young Adult category, and I am absolutely over the moon.

In their announcement, AudioFile praised our audio drama’s gripping realism and emotional impact. They highlighted its “moments of remarkable verisimilitude” – from a nail-biting basketball game broadcast to the whir of a helicopter in Vietnam – and noted that this powerful slice of history “stays with the listener”.

The production, a collaborative effort by Overstake and acclaimed producer/director May Wuthrich, features a stellar ensemble cast of multi-award-winning actors.

With the Audie Awards gala just around the corner (March 4th in New York City—here we come!), excitement is running high. I’ll be there with May Wuthrich and our incredible cast and crew, celebrating the best in audiobooks among so many gifted creators. Win or lose, we’ve already won where it counts. We created a story we believe in, shared it widely with Blackstone Publishing’s support, and heard from listeners—young and old—who told us that TJ’s story moved them. That, to me, is success.

Of course, when they open the envelope for the Young Adult category, my heart will be pounding—I won’t pretend otherwise! But more than anything, I’ll be thinking about how far this story has come in the past decade.

From Page to Studio: A Journey of Collaboration

Every great audiobook begins with a story—and The Real Education of TJ Crowley has been as meaningful a journey as its destination. This project started as a young adult novel inspired by true events from my own life. Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, in 1968, I witnessed the racial tensions and sweeping societal changes that define TJ’s world. I poured those experiences into the book, hoping to illuminate a pivotal moment in American history through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. I never imagined that years later, that story would transform into an immersive audio drama—and receive national recognition.

Bringing TJ Crowley from page to audio was a labor of love, and I didn’t do it alone. Enter May Wuthrich—my brilliant co-author, producer, and director. After the novel won Book of the Year in Kansas, I reached out to May with a bold idea: Let’s turn this into a full-cast audio drama. Thankfully, she said yes, and we never looked back.

From day one, May and I shared a vision for how this story should sound. For four years (yes, four!), we refined the script, workshopped scenes, and wrote new material to ensure the story would sing in audio form. With her theater and production expertise, May knew exactly how to amplify the book’s drama while keeping listeners on edge. We quickly realized that only a full-cast “audio movie” could truly do justice to TJ’s tale, with each character voiced by a different actor to bring the story’s rich diversity to life.

Looking back, I’m profoundly grateful for May’s creativity and leadership. She didn’t just help adapt the story—she became the driving force that made this complex project a reality.

An All-Star Cast Brings TJ’s World to Life

Led by Dani Martineck as TJ Crowley, the cast includes Dion Graham, Tavia Gilbert, Johnny Heller, Kevin R. Free, Shayna Small, Ari Fliakos, Michael Crouch, Kirby Heyborne, Graham Halstead, Peter Berkrot, Thérèse Plummer, Brittany Pressley, John Wright,and Sheila Brown Kinnard

To bring TJ Crowley’s world to life, we needed an all-star cast—and they delivered beyond our highest expectations. We were fortunate to assemble some of the industry’s finest voice actors, each infusing their characters with depth, authenticity, and heart.

At the center of it all is Dani Martineck as 13-year-old TJ Crowley. From the very first recording session, we knew we had found the perfect TJ. Dani captured the character’s youthful innocence, uncertainty, and growing courage with remarkable precision. AudioFile even praised Dani’s performance, noting they had “just the right tone and delivery” for TJ.

Listening to Dani, I could hear our young hero come alive. It wasn’t just acting—it felt as if TJ himself had stepped straight out of the story, his voice brimming with hope, confusion, and quiet resilience.

Opposite TJ stands Dr. Washington, the Black physician whose arrival disrupts the long-standing status quo of the neighborhood. This pivotal role is masterfully voiced by Dion Graham, an acclaimed narrator known for his resonant, commanding voice and a body of work that has earned numerous industry honors.

Graham’s performance serves as the emotional anchor of the production, bringing Dr. Washington to life with a blend of warmth, dignity, and quiet strength. AudioFile praised his portrayal, noting that he “excels as the Black doctor, the new next-door neighbor.”

Hearing Dion deliver Dr. Washington’s lines—with measured wisdom and unwavering resolve—transports me back to the real-life neighbors who inspired this character. Their courage and grace in the face of adversity shaped the heart of this story, and Dion’s voice ensures that legacy is heard and felt by every listener.

Another standout in the cast is Tavia Gilbert, who takes on the complex role of Kate Crowley—TJ’s mother, whose struggles with alcoholism and racial bias cast a long shadow over his home life. Gilbert, a celebrated narrator known for her extraordinary vocal range, delivers a performance that is raw, fearless, and emotionally layered. She fully inhabits Kate’s contradictions, portraying a character who can evoke anger and empathy in equal measure.

AudioFile recognized her performance, highlighting how convincingly she portrays TJ’s “boozy, racist mom.” It’s not an easy role to hear—nor should it be—but Gilbert grounds the character in emotional truth, never resorting to caricature. There were moments in the studio when her intensity left us silent, simply taking in the weight of the scene.

And she’s just one voice in a remarkable ensemble. In total, 15 gifted actors came together to bring The Real Education of TJ Crowley to life—each one contributing depth, nuance, and authenticity.

Together, this cast transformed a turbulent period in American history into a vivid, deeply human story. Their chemistry and commitment gave each scene emotional electricity. As the author, I wasn’t just hearing lines performed—I was witnessing the characters I’d written step off the page and speak with voices that moved me in ways I’ll never forget.

An Immersive Tapestry of Sound and Music

One of the most common things we hear from listeners is that TJ Crowley feels “like watching a movie in your mind.” That’s exactly what we set out to create—a fully immersive audio experience where you can see the dusty Wichita streets, hear the school bell ring and the roar of the basketball crowd, and feel the tension hanging in the air.

Achieving that level of realism required meticulous attention to sound design and music, and our production team delivered beyond expectations. Under May Wuthrich’s direction and with Cameron Potts leading post-production at John Marshall Media, we carefully built a soundscape that transports listeners straight to 1968 Wichita.

Close your eyes while listening, and suddenly, you’re courtside in a packed high school gym—sneakers squeak on the polished floor, a commentator’s voice booms with play-by-play excitement (a moment so lifelike that AudioFile singled it out as “remarkably authentic”). Moments later, you might be holding your breath alongside the Crowley family as a military helicopter’s blades whomp-whomp overhead, a haunting reminder of the war unfolding across the world in Vietnam.

These weren’t just background sounds; they were essential storytelling elements that deepened every moment, pulling listeners further into TJ’s world.

The Soul of the Story: The ARISE Ensemble’s Powerful Presence

Music became the emotional heartbeat of The Real Education of TJ Crowley. We were incredibly fortunate to feature the ARISE Ensemble, a multicultural choral group from Wichita dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Negro spirituals.

Throughout the drama, their soulful voices weave in and out, underscoring pivotal moments with traditional spirituals. But their music does more than set the mood—it speaks to the characters’ inner lives.

AudioFile highlighted this in their review, noting how “the spirituals of the ARISE Ensemble enhance the listening experience.” And they do—powerfully. When those harmonies swell, you don’t just hear the music; you feel the pain, hope, and resilience carried in every note. It’s as if the ancestors themselves are speaking through song, reminding us (and TJ) that strength comes from community, history, and faith.

Honored and Grateful – Looking Ahead to the Audies

As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. Seeing The Real Education of TJ Crowley recognized as an Audie Award finalist—and now celebrated as AudioFile’s favorite in our category—is one of the most fulfilling moments of my career. But beyond the awards, what means the most is knowing that this story resonates with listeners.

If you haven’t yet experienced The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, I invite you to take the journey. The audiobook is available on all major platforms, including Audible (free with a new trial). Grab your headphones and step back into 1968 Wichita, where a young boy navigates the meaning of courage, friendship, and change.

If you’ve already listened and found the story meaningful, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. Every conversation sparked by TJ’s journey helps keep its message alive.

Thank you for celebrating this moment with me. Your support means everything. Here’s to the Audie Awards, the power of storytelling, and to The Real Education of TJ Crowley—a journey that has been real, transformative, and unforgettable.

– Grant Overstake, Author & Executive Producer

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Each of the talented individuals in our 16 member group brings their unique voice, passion, and story to the ARISE Ensemble’s historic performances in Paris at the invitiation of the US Embassy. Celebrating Black history through storytelling and songs that resonate on a global stage, Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2025.

The ARISE Ensemble is embarking on an extraordinary journey, bringing their powerful renditions of African-American spirituals to Paris from January 31 to February 4, 2025. At the special invitation of the U.S. Embassy, this Wichita-based ensemble will perform at some of the most distinguished venues in the city, including The Cathedral in Paris, The American Church, Concord Theatre, and Villes des Musiques du Monde.

Through their soul-stirring harmonies and historic spirituals, ARISE will share a profound message of resilience, faith, and unity, honoring the legacy of African-American music on an international stage.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Riding a wave of national acclaim, the ARISE Ensemble’s contributions to The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline have earned the production a Finalist spot for the 30th Annual Audie Awards—the highest honor in the audiobook industry.

Out of hundreds of entries, TJ Crowley was chosen as one of just six finalists in the Young Adult category, an incredible achievement that underscores the profound impact of ARISE's music in this award-winning audio drama.

ARISE Ensemble Paris Performance Schedule

This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the ARISE Ensemble in action. Their schedule includes:

🗓️ Friday, January 31

7:00 PM: Dinner, Clinic, and Mini Concert at Le Point Fort D’Aubervilliers Center

🗓️ Saturday, February 1

5:30–6:30 PM: Performance at The Cathedral in Paris

7:00 PM: Special guest performance at The Josephine Baker Cabaret

🗓️ Sunday, February 2

9:00 AM: Performance at St. Andrews Catholic Church

11:00 AM: Performance during the service at The American Church

🗓️ Monday, February 3

10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Panel Discussion and Masterclass at Paris University of Political Sciences

🗓️ Tuesday, February 4

7:30 PM: Grande Salle – Joséphine Baker Théâtre de la Concorde

A Musical Message of Hope, Unity, and Enduring FaithThe ARISE Ensemble’s Paris performances will showcase a powerful collection of African-American spirituals and gospel classics that embody resilience, hope, and unity. Rooted in faith and the enduring struggle for freedom, these timeless songs tell profound stories of perseverance and triumph.With their rich harmonies and heartfelt performances, the ARISE Ensemble will breathe life into this cherished music, transforming each moment on stage into a deeply moving celebration of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of African-American culture. Learn more at the “ARISE in Paris 2025” web page: https://bitl.to/3ntSThe ARISE Ensemble & The Real Education of TJ Crowley

The ARISE Ensemble's gospel music enhances the emotional depth of The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, as noted by AudioFile Magazine. Co-written by ARISE member Grant Overstake, this critically acclaimed audio drama explores themes of racial awakening and reconciliation in 1960s Wichita, inspired by the lives of ARISE founder Josephine "Mama Jo" Brown and her husband Dr. Val Brown Sr.

While the ensemble’s Paris tour is a major milestone, their contributions to The Real Education of TJ Crowley continue to make history.

In addition to contributing her beautiful solo to the production, Sheila Brown Kinnard portrays Mrs. Lorraine Washington, a role inspired by her mother, ARISE founder Josephine Pace Brown. At John Marshall Media studios in New York City.

🎙️ What is The Real Education of TJ Crowley?
It’s a full-cast audio drama that tells a powerful coming-of-age story set in 1960s Wichita, featuring a diverse ensemble of 15 award-winning actors, including ARISE’s own Sheila Brown Kinnard as Mrs. Lorraine Washington—a role inspired by her mother, civil rights activist Jo Brown.

The ARISE Ensemble’s music serves as the heart and soul of the production, infusing the story with an emotional depth that resonates long after the final note.

Co-written by ARISE member Grant Overstake alongside Producer and Director May Wuthrich, the audio drama is inspired by the life and work of ARISE founder Josephine "Mama Jo" Brown and her pioneering husband, the late Dr. Val Brown Sr.

At its core, The Real Education of TJ Crowley is a story of racial awakening and reconciliation, exploring themes of hope, transformation, and social change—all elevated by the ARISE Ensemble’s music.

✨ Audie Award Finalist for 2025
This groundbreaking audio drama is now an Audie Award Finalist, recognized among the top six Young Adult audiobooks of the year.

Grant Overstake, bass singer with ARISE and spouse of fellow member Claire Overstake, is the author and executive producer of the acclaimed audio drama, The Real Education of T.J. Crowley: Coming of Age, a finalist for the 2025 Audie Awards. The production features the ARISE Ensemble and is inspired by Overstake’s life story and the powerful legacy of African-American spirituals.

🎙️ What are the Audie Awards?
Think of them as the Oscars for audiobooks. Hosted by the Audio Publishers Association, the Audies honor the best in audio storytelling, narration, and production. The winners will be announced on March 4, 2025, in New York City.

📣 AudioFile Magazine Raves About ARISE
"The gospel music of the ARISE Ensemble enhances the listening experience, creating a deeply moving and transformative production." — AudioFile Magazine

Grant Overstake shared his excitement about the nomination:

"This is going to be an awesome experience for everyone, and I'm proud that TJ Crowley is arriving as an Earphones Award Winner and Finalist for an Audie Award because of what ARISE Ensemble has added to the production."

Download TJ Crowley Featuring the ARISE Ensemble! 🎧

Want to experience ARISE’s stunning performances in The Real Education of TJ Crowley?

📥 Available now on Audible: Download Here

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