“I know that Orlando’s creative talent is exceptional. And I want people to know and experience them.” That’s really all I was thinking in 2012 when I called friends and asked them to come downtown and perform.
It wasn’t part of a decade-long plan. It wasn’t backed by an organization. We didn’t have any money. We didn’t have any social media or an email list. No relationships with media, government or even many established arts orgs.
The strong foundation was amazingly talented artists… and a few incredibly talented and dedicated logistical people.
The last 12 years have been a wild ride. Successes, failures, growth. Days of wanting to not be in charge. Nights of 3 am sweats. Moments of beauty and ecstasy. The thrill of welcoming an audience and cultivating environments for people to connect around meaningful creative expression.
And relationship with incredibly talented artists is still the thing that makes all of it work. And the belief in those artists is still the thing that keeps me coming back for more.
Last night, Wavelength was a clear reminder to me that I am surrounded by some of the best talent in the world. These musicians performing the work of Chris Keough, Julian Bond and Greg Perkins was pure magic.
More than 100 people had a role in bringing last night to life. I still believe that there are very few cities in the world where what happened last night is even possible. I’m grateful that our community is one of those places. And I’m grateful to get to call it home.
Thank you to every artist, performer, technician, creative support person, logistical genius, supporter and audience member who made it possible!
You are the reason it’s all worth continuing on. ❤️