Hi, everybody.

I had another one of those weeks last week. It was a good one, for sure. I attended Folk Alliance International. A week filled with panels, meetings, and music showcases galore. The theme this year was sustainability. I was invited to speak when they found out we are a venue on a net-zero journey. I was more than happy to tell our story and also see so many amazing artists. I made another discovery playlist if you feel like exploring. Just hit shuffle on Sounds I Saw at Folk Alliance 2023.

The Keynote Speaker was Valerie June. She said a lot worthy of sharing. Here are three things that keep rattling around in my head.

• She shared a Toni Morrison quote, “The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work.”                                                                                                                 
• She stated in this time of tech-hacking our minds and bodies we need to understand that our feelings are our superpowers.                                  
• She shared a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh. “My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand.”                                                               

All reminders to remember that thoughts lead to feelings which lead to actions. Here’s to good thoughts! Have you thought about coming to TACAW this week?

• Wednesday, Aspen Shakti is here for another ALIVE experience. Come move it with Jayne and her crew.                                         
• Friday, we welcome back our friends in Consensual Improv for a chance to lose it laughing. They are playing the game ‘Props,’ so audience members are encouraged to bring wacky stuff from home. But, please be aware of our venue policy.                                         
• Saturday brings us some multi-Grammy award-winning jazz cats. They are playing a tribute to the Grammy-nominated Colorado musician Ron Miles. The lineup includes Jason Moran who enjoyed some nice press in the New York Times this week. Surprisingly, there are still some tickets to the pre-dinner and the concert HERE.                                                                  

We will have new events for you next week. In the meantime, I think I feel like acting on the inspiration from last week.

Kendall Smith
TACAW Director of Programming