I missed May entirely. It’s audition season, and between learning complex cuts of Sondheim, Schwartz, and various other composers, I’m walking my artistic path prepping for a concert on Father’s Day, meeting with collaborators and dreaming up ideas that “light me up.” Because, you know what? I’m sixty-two years old, and if I knew thirty years ago what I know now? Light yourself up honey, any and every day you are able. Lean into that “soft animal warmth” that your body knows, and travel somewhere with your daughter and take in a night of Beyoncé. Highly recommended.
You’ve got a friend
Beside my personal artistic journey into making stuff, I’m walking beside Portland Center Stage on their journey to stay alive. That song from Hamilton immediately comes to mind, “stay alive…” Do you know it? I’m on the PCS board. At this moment, we are writing our legislators to consider and pass HB 3189. It would provide funding to six arts organizations across the state, including PCS. You can donate here. You can buy tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest here. You can also go to the Armory and sit in the beautiful lobby and use the free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the beauty that is PCS.
Hell No
My friend Darrell Grant wrote a beautiful letter, you can read it here, that has over 200 artists’ signatures. Grant posits that the state’s support of the arts in this moment could be seen as a “Hell No” in the face of the federal cuts. Grant says, “The report from lawmakers fighting for this legislation is that this is the critical time for the budgeting and decision-making process for the next biennium’s budget. If the arts are not to go on the chopping block, now is the time for us to make our voices heard. I will hand-deliver copies of this open letter with 200+ signatures from artists and culture workers to the offices of Kate Lieber, Rob Wagner, Tawna Sanchez, Julie Fahey and other decision-makers. It’s not hauling a piano over logging roads into the Elliott Forest like I did in 2017, but it feels like the same uphill climb, and maybe it will change some minds and hearts at this crucial time for the arts in our state.”
I am full of gratitude for Darrell’s step into leadership on these issues and will do my part in calling and writing. Might you have the time and inclination to contact any of these members of our legislature in support?
Rob Wagner, Senate President: Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov
Kayse Jama, Senate Majority Leader: Sen.KayseJama@oregonlegislature.gov
Daniel Bonham, Senate Minority Leader: Sen.DanielBonham@oregonlegislature.gov
Kate Lieber, Ways & Means Co-Chair: Sen.KateLieber@oregonlegislature.gov
Fred Girod, Ways & Means Co-Vice Chair: Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov
James Manning, Ways & Means Member: Sen.JamesManning@oregonlegislature.gov
David Brock-Smith, Ways & Means Member: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Anthony Broadman, Ways & Means Member: Sen.anthonybroadman@oregonlegislature.gov
Mike McLane, Ways & Means Member: Sen.mikemclane@oregonlegislature.gov
Janeen Sollman, Ways & Means Member: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Lew Frederick, Ways & Means Member: Sen.LewFrederick@oregonlegislature.gov
Fred Girod, Ways & Means Member: Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov
Dick Anderson, Ways & Means Member: Sen.DickAnderson@oregonlegislature.gov
WInsvey Campos, Ways & Mean Member: Sen.WlnsveyCampos@oregonlegislature.gov
David Brock Smith, Ways &Means Member: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
And now, back to practicing my ukulele for a concert with Merideth Kaye Clark and Dan Buchanan at Clackamas Rep on Father’s Day; As Time Goes By. On that program some terrific music, including Dream a Little Dream of Me, I Am Woman, tunes from “Carousel”, “Cabaret,” and a whole host of surprises. Join us and take care friends. June is bustin’ out All over; happy PRIDE and Rose Festival, enjoy all you can.