Hello dear ones,
Here in Oakland, amidst the rains and nearby floods, today there is sunshine, new green and blooms, the glimpses of spring.
February has felt full! I’ve been busy writing grants, applying for artist residencies, and delighting in research for various upcoming projects. I’m currently reading Willa Cather’s letters and Judy Grahn’s memoir as I think about “pioneers”, ownership, place and identity. I’m working with Audio Producer Elena Boykin-Levy to gather Oakland LGBTQ oral histories for this year’s dance project. Maybe you or someone you know can add to this important archive. Please let me know if you’d be up for sharing your stories with us!
Many of us are feeling this urge to research, collect and celebrate personal and community histories. Earlier this month other former club dancers Richelle Donigan, Alex Morrison, Fredrika Keefer and I created a performance in honor of Club Q and Deneuve/Curve magazine. I came out at 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah and this publication showed me the existence of lesbian arts and culture before I made the move to the Bay Area and joined in. Director Jen Rainin, Producer Rivkah Beth Medow, and stellar team are making a documentary film that tells the story of Franco Stevens, the magazine, and the times and culture of which it was a part. I am honored to have SBDP support this project — see a trailer and learn more about the Ahead of the Curve movie.
SBDP at Ahead of the Curve fundraiser
It was a joy to attend The Bay Area Lesbian Archives’ dynamic evening remembering the black lesbian journal and organization Aché (1989 – 1993). The event included an opening procession/ritual, slideshows, story sharing, spoken word, live music, and performances by Bay Area notables all of whom were connected to, or supported Aché. Visit Bay Area Lesbian Archives to learn how to archive the things you have and support BALA in their work to preserve the lesbian history of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and make it accessible to the public.
I’ve also been loving the opportunity to be back in the studio with Krissy Keefer and Dance Brigade. I’ll be performing in “The Butterfly Effect” at the D.I.R.T. Festival, March 16 & 17 at Dance Mission Theater. We will also be drumming at the feminist pop-up installation event, That Lady Thing, on Friday March 8th at SF’s Phoenix Hotel.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. Keep sharing your stories, making your art, doing all the good work you do in the world. See you out there!
In community,
Sarah Bush, Artistic Director
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