Blog

A few Tuesday's ago I was thrilled to be a part of an event that Louis Vuitton was putting on at their store on 5th Avenue in New York City. It was a dinner and evening to honor the work and artistry of Mikhail Baryshnikov. I had been invited to the event to play songs with my group after their dinner. In the few minutes before playing, I had to stop and reflect on the situation. How did I end up in a beautiful Louis Vuitton dress and heels? Was I really about to perform jazz music for one of dance's most revolutionary artists? I knew in my mind that I owed that evening to YoungArts.

To better explain I have to take you back to January when I was asked to perform with a handful of YoungArts alumni to create a show for the 2010 Arts Week in Miami. We put together an interdisciplinary show that utilized everyone's diverse artistic ability, along with a willingness to collaborate, creating a fresh and purely artistic show. Because of Mr. Baryshnikov's involvement in the organization, he was present at the show and Gala immediately after. Much to my surprise he sought me out, giving me very flattering and genuine feedback. A short time later he contacted me to arrange a performance this fall at an arts festival in Sarasota. I was blown away to receive so much support from someone with such notoriety. Even my Mom knows who he is! A few weeks ago I was even more surprised to receive a request to perform at the Louis Vuitton event in NYC. Initially I was heartbroken, because I knew that I was being invited primarily because I attend school in Manhattan. Since it is summer, I was at my family’s home in Portland, Oregon. I was sure that my email reply back would get a simple, "Oh, that's too bad you're not in town. Maybe next time!” His team thought we should still try to make it work, so the next day I made the arrangements to get a plane ticket, and prepare a small set list for the party's after dinner entertainment.

My short trip east was nothing but thrilling. The store on 5th Avenue was beautiful and spacious, and we were treated like stars. I was adorned in one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen, I tried a frog leg, and even got to pre-game in a luxurious VIP room on the top floor. Our performance was well received, and Mr. Baryshnikov was fantastically enthusiastic and sweet.

YoungArts has been nothing short of incredible to me. Each opportunity they provide gives me more confidence and drive to do what I do. Then, through them, more opportunities appear. YoungArts is essentially my second family. They look out for me, find new opportunities, and make sure to help me become the best artist that I can be.

I just got back from a great opportunity in Miami. The National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts invited me down to perform as an alumni during their youngARTS week.

I joined a handful of the organization's alumni as we were asked to put on an interdisciplinary show as a part of NFAA’s yearly gala. This involved every artist collaborating with someone who’s creative outlet was very different from their own. Though it was a challenge, the show turned out to be a really remarkable project for all of us.

It’s an honor to be a part of the NFAA family.

This is a photo taken at the Gala with dance legends, Mikhail      Baryshnikov, and Desmond Richardson.

It's the Holiday season, and NYC is a frigid, but exciting place at this time of the year. I was able to catch one of Chris Botti's Blue Note shows, and was fortunate enough to speak with him for a while after (of course discussing our Oregon roots with Ron Steen). It was a great show, and I enjoyed hearing not only Chris, but his band!