Bloodlines Interwoven 2024 Wrapup
Talullah Calderwood Pratt
I can say unequivocally that it was the most profound, humbling, joyous, and gratifying experience of my 25 years as a professional musician. If it's any indication of how heavy it was for me, it was the first time I've ever sobbed uncontrollably both during a rehearsal and in front of an audience! Brother Nasheet embracing me tightly and saying over and over, "We're doing the work, this is the work" is a moment I will never forget.
It was not only super heavy but also incredibly joyful and cathartic. The highs and lows were intense, with laughter and tears coming back to back throughout the six-month process.
For now, the most important thing before setting my sights on next year's festival is that I give my thanks to the many people who made this one possible:
The expert team at Baryshnikov Arts: Ashley, Natasha, Lydia, Tyler, Alex, Jesse, Chani, Pedja, Raphael, Dylan, all the tireless interns, and especially Sonja, who initiated the whole project and guided it to fruition.
The beautiful souls at Mellon Foundation, champions of creating social justice through art
The Kaatsbaan staff, led by Tricia and Ash, and all the volunteers who provided the space and created a welcoming atmosphere
Brother Marc, Mike, and the Firehouse Production crew, whose expertise brought the sights and sounds from the stage to the audience with clarity and soul.
Dan, Lisa, Jennifer, Deborah, and Quinn- all ingenious artists and masterful storytellers whose keen sensibilities perfectly matched the project.
My Bloodlines artist family: Martha, Mino, Maeve, Matt, Adam (O'Farrill), Amir, Alicia, Layale, Jen, Susie, Rajna, Nasheet, Du Yun, Jeff and Bloodlines extended artist family of Adam (Rudolph), Stephen, Hassan, Alex, Arun, Trina, Damon, Sameer, Imani, Samora, Amanda, Chris, Abdurrahim, Chikako and Aya.
Yurie, in addition to cooking over ten meals for between 10 and 20 people each meal over six days, was, as always, an artistic advisor and an emotional rock throughout the process.
Misha offered constant support, invaluable wisdom, and gentle guidance while never imposing his ideas. He had enough faith in the work to allow his name to be stamped on the top of the poster.
Onward and upward. Look out for word on Bloodlines Interwoven 2025!