The Path that Led to OneFireLight with Diana Leary

Clowning, Theatre, and Artist Entrepreneurship with Michelle Matlock

Tuesday, March 5
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 62: Michelle Matlock

In this episode we welcome performing artist, Michelle Nicole Matlock for a wonderful conversation on the arts, performing, clowning, and educating artists about entrepreneurship.

Michelle Nicole Matlock is a performing artist, creative coach, teacher, director, producer and founder of Circle Up Productions (CUP), a live entertainment and performing arts education company based in Tacoma, WA.

Michelle has been a part of the entertainment industry for over 25 years and had the honor of being the first African American Person to create a main character for Cirque du Soleil. They toured with Cirque's big top show OVO__for close to 10 years.

Currently Michelle is an Adjunct faculty member at Dell’Arte International School for Physical Theater and a member of the Puget Sound Revels creative team. Recently Michelle was Clown Director/Consultant for Circus Bella and Emmy nominated actress' Carolyn Ratteray’s solo show Both And…A Play About Laughing While Black.

Michelle has continuous teaching engagements and collaborations with organizations across the nation including, Clown Gym, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, The Clown School, Laughter League, Circus Amok and Tacoma Light Trail

Michelle grew up in Tacoma, WA., studied theater for 3 years at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. and is a Graduate of the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City.

Connect with Michelle:
Website

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Mental Health & Creativity with JR Rhodes

Tuesday, February 27
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 61: JR Rhodes

Take Notice welcomes back JR Rhodes for another wonderful conversation. You can listen to our previous conversation on Episodes 22 and 23. Hear about JR's most recent creative project, an album entitled 'Ma'am', dedicated to her mother. JR shares about her creative process and how she takes care of her mental health.

This conversation delves into mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health we encourage you to reach out for help. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Singer-songwriter J.R. Rhodes believes in the transformative power of music.
From her first open-mic performances at the O.K. Hotel, Seattle, to her latest album I Am, these beliefs in the transformative power of music are distilled into songs of quiet intensity that traverse spirituals, folk, blues, jazz, and rock.

Rhodes muses, “It’s easy to be cynical. It takes a lot to be intentional. It takes a lot to dream. It takes a lot to love.” Her recent release, I Am, takes the listener into love and then heartache, through rebirth, and finally, up into freedom.

J.R. is currently working on two new albums. One recording is a cinematic folk album including music inspired by the works of African-American artists Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Elizabeth Cotten, Langston Hughes and more. The other recording is a collection of songs of African-American heritage including spirituals, slave songs and lullabies.

Mentioned in this Episode:
Ma'am Live Performance

Connect with JR:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Rate & Review on Apple Podcast

Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Speaking Out Through Art with Elnah Jordan - Part 2

Tuesday, February 19
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 60: Elnah Jordan - Part 2

Elnah Jordan Experience - Royal Room - Seattle, WA
Tuesday March 19
Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 doors

Elnah welcomed me into her home, where we hung out with her 4 lb dog Baby. We discussed music, her upcoming show at the Royal Room in Seattle in March, and the struggles she has had over the past year, including with a particular Seattle landlord.

“Born and raised in Ohio, Elnah Jordan’s musical journey began as a child in her church choir, where her passion for singing was discovered. This early experience laid the foundation for a life dedicated to jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B, taking her from the streets of San Francisco to clubs, Broadway theatre, and even award nominations such as the Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1986.

Elnah’s remarkable portrayal of Bessie Smith in Jon Hendricks’s ‘The Evolution of the Blues’ and performances in productions like ‘Street Dreams’ earned her accolades including the prestigious Cabaret Gold Award. She has opened for renowned artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Bobby Blue Bland, further solidifying her reputation in the industry.

Having settled in Seattle, Elnah has become a beloved figure in the local music scene. She has graced stages throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable venues like Egan’s Ballard Jam House, The Royal Room, and the New Orleans, among others. Her collaboration with pianists like Eric Verlinde showcases a captivating blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues, all delivered with a large measure of soul.

Elnah’s ability to connect with her audience, interpreting the vibe and energy of the room, sets her apart as a performer. Her music serves as a communal celebration, offering a tonic for modern times. Whether belting out Bessie Smith or summoning the spirit of Nina Simone, Elnah Jordan remains true to her roots, embodying the essence of American ethnomusicology. Her ongoing growth and appreciation for music reflect her dedication to her craft, making her a must-see performer for music lovers everywhere”.

Mentioned in this Episode:
Channel 7 Interview

Connect with Elnah:
Website
Facebook

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Rate & Review on Apple Podcast

Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Speaking Out Through Art with Elnah Jordan - Part 1

Tuesday, February 13
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 59: Elnah Jordan - Part 1

Elnah Jordan Experience - Royal Room - Seattle, WA
Tuesday March 19
Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 doors

Elnah welcomed me into her home, where we hung out with her 4 lb dog Baby. We discussed music, her upcoming show at the Royal Room in Seattle in March, and the struggles she has had over the past year, including with a particular Seattle landlord.

“Born and raised in Ohio, Elnah Jordan’s musical journey began as a child in her church choir, where her passion for singing was discovered. This early experience laid the foundation for a life dedicated to jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B, taking her from the streets of San Francisco to clubs, Broadway theatre, and even award nominations such as the Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1986.

Elnah’s remarkable portrayal of Bessie Smith in Jon Hendricks’s ‘The Evolution of the Blues’ and performances in productions like ‘Street Dreams’ earned her accolades including the prestigious Cabaret Gold Award. She has opened for renowned artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Bobby Blue Bland, further solidifying her reputation in the industry.

Having settled in Seattle, Elnah has become a beloved figure in the local music scene. She has graced stages throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable venues like Egan’s Ballard Jam House, The Royal Room, and the New Orleans, among others. Her collaboration with pianists like Eric Verlinde showcases a captivating blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues, all delivered with a large measure of soul.

Elnah’s ability to connect with her audience, interpreting the vibe and energy of the room, sets her apart as a performer. Her music serves as a communal celebration, offering a tonic for modern times. Whether belting out Bessie Smith or summoning the spirit of Nina Simone, Elnah Jordan remains true to her roots, embodying the essence of American ethnomusicology. Her ongoing growth and appreciation for music reflect her dedication to her craft, making her a must-see performer for music lovers everywhere”.

Mentioned in this Episode:
Channel 7 Interview

Connect with Elnah:
Website
Facebook

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Rate & Review on Apple Podcast

Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Sharing Your Truth with Tigest Beyene

Tuesday, February 6
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 58: Tigest Beyene

Talented author, ghostwriter, and entrepreneur, Tigest Beyene talks about her book Love, Sex and Sorrow, her passion for writing, her upcoming documentary, and the message of being a writer who is always open and honest no matter what.

Excerpt from 'Love, Sex, and Sorrow':

"Waking up with the sounds of whispers and white coats around me. I’m trying to figure out what happened. My legs feel numb, and my arm is stiff from the IV's. I look around and see different machines and doctors in white coats talking with each other. They don’t even notice that I am awake."

Tigest Beyene is a full-time employee, assisting women with their wellness needs. She is a mother of two beautiful girls and enjoys being present while spending quality time with her family. Ms. Beyene resides in Washington state.

Connect with Tigest:
Instagram - @lovetigest25
Love, Sex, and Sorrow

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Rate & Review on Apple Podcast

Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!