Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories

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

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• Email: [email protected]
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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

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

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• Email: [email protected]
• Website
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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

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!

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!

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

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Tuesday, January 30
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 57: Diana Leary

Connect with the other co-founder of Wellness & Fitness app, OneFireLight, Diana Leary. A few episodes ago you heard from her mother, Kathryn Leary, and it was a joy to hear Diana's journey to becoming co-founder alongside her mother.

Diana is driven in her endless search for world class instructors to bring unique and one-of-a-kind offerings in yoga, strength and cardio workouts, dance, sound healing and meditation practices designed to calm the mind, strengthen the body and uplift the spirit. She draws on her Broadway experiences in theater arts having worked on such productions as The Book of Mormon to present exceptional fitness and wellness performances. The icing on the cake is working together with her mother Kathryn on producing OneFirelight – truly a labor of love.

‌Diana Leary is a graduate of Northeastern University and joins her mother, Kathryn, in building OneFirelight as Director of Content Development and Manager of eCommerce. She is driven in her endless search for world class instructors to bring unique and one-of-a-kind offerings in yoga, strength and cardio workouts, dance, sound healing and meditation practices designed to calm the mind, strengthen the body and uplift the spirit. She draws on her Broadway experiences in theater arts having worked on such productions as The Book of Mormon to present exceptional fitness and wellness performances. The icing on the cake is working together with her mother on producing OneFirelight – truly a labor of love.

Connect with Diana:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Tuesday, January 23
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Episode 56: Dessy Di Lauro

Dessy Di Lauro joins Take Notice for a rich conversation on songwriting, performing, moving from Montreal where she was raised to touring the world and landing in LA with her husband, Ric'key Pageot. Dessy is in the process of releasing new material, including a single she released back in October of 2023 entitled ‘The Light’ and the upcoming single, ‘Be Still’.

Born in Montreal, Dessy Di Lauro discovered her love for music at a young age. Venturing to Los Angeles, she met producer and now life partner Rick'ey Pageot, forming the groundbreaking duo Parlor Social, which garnered acclaim with their unique fusion of ragtime, swing, and hip-hop-infused R&B. Now, Di Lauro is embarking on a solo career, blending Brazilian, Cuban, Italian, and African influences. Her forthcoming album promises a dynamic exploration of diverse musical roots, marking a compelling new chapter for this musical trailblazer.

Instagram (@dessydilauro)
DDs Naturals

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Tuesday, November 20
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
REPLAY: Gahrey Ovalle

This conversation turned out to be one of the most inspirational we have had in terms of being active in the community and growing personally. Gahrey Ovalle shares about growing up traveling to visit family rooted all over the world, being a part of community activism as a family from a young age, and what he is doing now to inspire others into action. Gahrey encourages everyone to “Grow forward and give back”, finding purpose in service of others.

A successful entrepreneur and social activist, Gahrey Ovalle has strived to heal and strengthen Black and Brown communities for almost 25 years. With Unjustified, his bestselling book, he provides insights so that many more are able to find their own success for themselves, their families, and their communities. He encourages people to “say less and do more” because conversation is good, but action is gold!

Gahrey Ovalle Website
Instagram: @gahreyovalle
Unjustified by Gahrey Ovalle

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

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Tuesday, November 14
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Season 4, Episode 9: Matt McAlman

Seattle-based drummer, Matt McAlman, discusses his pursuits in music since a young age and pursuits beyond music now. With a focus on music business, logistics, and creating opportunities for the music community we hear Matt's experience bringing music to CHOP, getting involved in the music community through MoJam Mondays, and playing drums in space!

The origins of Marshall Law Band trace back to the fortuitous meeting of rapper Marshall Hugh and saxophonist Marty Thordarson, who became roommates during their college years. In 2017, they decided to form MLB and quickly enlisted the talents of Evan Robertson on bass, Matt McAlman on drums, Josh Richins on guitar, and Zack Olson on keys, all hailing from Snohomish County, Washington. Driven by their shared passion for effecting positive change and addressing social justice issues, the band wholeheartedly joined the local Seattle protests following the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020. Following a week of powerful performances at the protests, they channeled their experiences into heartfelt songs, which eventually became their debut album, 12th and Pine. The album was expertly produced by Jack Endino, renowned for his work with legendary acts such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. Since then, the Marshall Law Band has embarked on two successful European tours and garnered attention from prominent media outlets, including BBC News, CNN, the Seattle Times, and other major national and regional press.

Marshall Law Band Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

Connect with Take Notice:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website
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Music by Version Big-Fi featuring Darius Heggins
Produced, Hosted & Edited by Allison Preisinger-Heggins

Thank you for Taking Notice!

Tuesday, November 7
Take Notice: Amplifying Black Stories
Season 4, Episode 8: Marshall Hugh

Seattle-based bandleader, Marshall Hugh, discusses how he got into music and began as the leader of the Marshall Law Band. As a group they have been through a lot, performing at the CHOP protest in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle following the murder of George Floyd, building the SS Jellybean to continue performing for the community during COVID, and planning events like Fremont Fridays and a Gala supporting a local nonprofit. We discuss the importance of taking care of yourself as a creative and building up community.

The origins of Marshall Law Band trace back to the fortuitous meeting of rapper Marshall Hugh and saxophonist Marty Thordarson, who became roommates during their college years. In 2017, they decided to form MLB and quickly enlisted the talents of Evan Robertson on bass, Matt McAlman on drums, Josh Richins on guitar, and Zack Olson on keys, all hailing from Snohomish County, Washington. Driven by their shared passion for effecting positive change and addressing social justice issues, the band wholeheartedly joined the local Seattle protests following the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020. Following a week of powerful performances at the protests, they channeled their experiences into heartfelt songs, which eventually became their debut album, 12th and Pine. The album was expertly produced by Jack Endino, renowned for his work with legendary acts such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. Since then, the Marshall Law Band has embarked on two successful European tours and garnered attention from prominent media outlets, including BBC News, CNN, the Seattle Times, and other major national and regional press.

Marshall Law Band Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

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!