A couple of weeks ago I moderated a panel discussion between artists about how art can create social change. The disciplines represented included musicians, vocalist, and dancers.
The producer complimented me and said it was the best panel that he had ever attended.
I replied, “In order to be interesting; you have to be interested.”
You see, I am FASCINATED by people, creative people especially, and talking to smart talented folks is literally my favorite thing to do.
That’s why the panel was so good. I wasn’t trying to promote myself. I wasn’t trying to be provocative. I wasn’t trying to create theater for the audience. I was genuinely interested in what these artists had to say and contribute to the conversation about liberatory arts practice.
About a week later, I performed with most of the panelists. We collaborated on a show melding dance, my poetry, and the poetry and jazz of Oliver Lake.
We performed the show four times over the course of the weekend. Iwas magnificent! Two shows received standing ovations.
I am certain that the panel and the care with which I led that conversation helped to build the kind of trust that produced such an incredible collaboration.
We will be performing in Memphis as the NO TEARS ENSEMBLE on Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 pm at the Cossitt Library in Memphis, Tennessee.
You can reserve your seat FREE here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-concert-no-tears-project-memphis-tickets-609568554957
To sum up, as creative people entering into collaboration we must move with a genuineness that can’t be faked. The result is magnificent!
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PS. You can support the artist retreat I co-host — Fannie Lou Hamer House — by making a small donation to https://www.patreon.com/FannieLouHamerHouse
PPS. The 1917 East St. Louis Race Massacre Tours are open for bookings! [See Above]
PPPS. My non profit — THE COMMUNITY ARCHIVE — is up and running and we are working on a podcast project that will feature the descendants of 1917 East St. Louis Race Massacre survivors. Stay tuned!