Liz Chaney to Lauren Sanderson / Politics to Music
Navigating my two worlds!
These past two weeks have been packed full of wonderful events. Each one deserves their own write-up, but unfortunately I don’t think I have the time or mental capacity to do that. It seems I should just document them as they come, one at a time, and just post more often. For now, I will do a quick breakdown of my event rich life:
9/29 – MIYA FOLICK – 7th Street Entry – Her vocals soar to greater heights then I have really ever heard live before. Please don’t miss your opportunity to see Miya when you get it. Also check out her latest record, particularly this song, “Get Out of My House”. It will get stuck in your head, but you won’t mind.
9/30 – PUMPKIN FEST! – Eleva, WI – I got to spend the afternoon at my sister’s farmhouse out in the beautiful, hilly countryside of Trempealeaou County, Wisconsin. The day was a perfect start to Fall. My Fiance, Maddi, made this sweet video that captures the feel nicely.
9/30 – OKTOBERFEST – La Crosse, WI – After Pumpkin Fest wrapped up and we said our goodbyes to my family, we headed to La Crosse, WI to visit Maddi’s family. We found them having a blast listening to old friends of theirs play a killer set on the mainstage. There were even pyrotechnics and fireworks! It was an amazing way to end an already incredible day.
10/3 – LUNCH w/ AMBASSADOR LILIANA AYALDE – UMN Minneapolis – A group of us students got to have lunch with the greatly esteemed and highly rewarded diplomat, Amb. Liliana Ayalde, who told us about her journey working for the U.S. Foreign Services in Latin America. She reminded me that years ago when I was living in Colorado and working at the best coffee shop, NOVO Coffee, one of my regulars came up to me and said, “Jerrika, when I hear how you talk to customers, I think you would make a good diplomat.” At the time I didn’t even know what that was, but now I can see why he would say that. I talk to everyone equally the same, as I give them my complete attention and am kind.
While listening to Amb. Ayalde speak was fascinating. I hung on every word, often forgetting about my lunch in front of me. The question I asked her was is it safe for queer, non-binary folks like me to work for the Foreign Services. I was thinking about all the places in this world where my existence is illegal. But she and the faculty member who was also once a diplomat herself assured me that my identity shouldn’t get in the way. To be honest, I am still not convinced that this is fully true, as I doubt I would be safe if placed in the Middle East, or many of the African countries. But I am glad I participated in this lunch because it allowed me to see an avenue I could trek down after I graduate.
10/4 – LIZ CHANEY – Northrup Theater, Minneapolis – The very next day I got to volunteer for the Distinguished Carlson Lecture: An Evening with Liz Cheney, that my school Humphrey School of Public Affairs put on. This was such a fun experience. I did not get to meet Liz, but we did make eye contact a smiled at each other. My volunteer duties were to show the Carlson Family to their seats. They were a lovely crew of people. The lecture that Liz gave was great; full of behind-the-scenes insight, offered great advice, and she is actually very funny with great comedic timing.
My takeaways: we need to stop electing unqualified people to office, we need to be more active citizens and demand more from them, if you are even just thinking about running for office you should especially if you are a women, we must protect democracy at all costs, and vote for who you trust regardless of party lines.
I want to add that when Liz first walked on the stage after being introduced nearly the entire audience in attendance stood up and gave her a standing ovation before she even started talking. I stood as well and did so because I have the greatest amount of respect for a person who goes against what is expected of her, in the face of great adversity, to do what she felt was the right thing to do. I’m talking about her work as a Republican going against her MAGA abducted party to help impeach Trump. She lost her job because she cared more about the constitution and democracy. When she was asked if she has ruled out running for President she said she has not, adding that she will do whatever it takes to make sure Trump is not president again. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Liz ran on a bipartisan ticket? Where maybe she pick folks to be a part of her team who are also democrat, and the green party. Is it possible to bridge this divide? If so, maybe Liz is the one to do it…
Go ahead and watch the entire lecture yourselves, The Distinguished Carlson Lecture: An Evening w/ Liz Chaney, and see what your takeaways are! I’m sure you will have a couple!
10/6 – PASSAGE (Play) –Pillsbury House + Theater, Minneapolis – I attended an incredibly thought-provoking play called Passage with some of my Master of Human Rights Cohort that was followed by a short discussion. The contents of this play are still circling through me as it was a deep analysis of what might happen when one country starts moving into another country, and how that disrupts the indigenous community that has already lived there forever. There was so much thoughtful dialogue and intelligent debates on the impact of colonization. I highly recommend you attend if you can. The play will run through October 22. Go here for more details.
10/7 – SWEATER WEATHER (gig) – Rochester, MN – On Saturday my fiancé and I headed to Rochester so I could play a sold out show with Sleeping Jesus, and Clay Fulton and the Lost 40. It was such a sweet and fulfilling event. Both of these bands are exceptional and I feel so blessed that I get to play shows like this. Also, Rochester has created an inspirational live event coalition of folks who work together to ensure a professional, fun, and successful event; from the organizers, to the sound person, to the venue, to the photographers. Thanks to Rosei Skipper and Corrie Strommen for photographing, and giving me proof that this night happened! Here are a couple shots from them. Also, check out this vid Maddi caught of me singing one of my favorite songs from the new record Be Brave. This song is called Evergreen.
I plan to write again this week to talk about the Israel-Palestine conflict as it has impacted me greatly and I desire to learn more about it. Last night I went to a Free Pakistan Protest in front of Amy Klobucha’s office, and I am about to head to a Forum Discussion where we will have an open conversation about it all. I feel it is important to speak to this. Honestly, though, I am not sure if I will find the words. I guess we will see. Stay tuned to find out.
Oh man, I almost forgot…
10/8 - INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN DAY & LAUREN SANDERSON - St. Paul, MN - Maddi and I went to see the lesbian pop star Lauren Sanderson at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall. Maddi and I are rarely around other queer people, especially a crowd of them, so that was an incredible way to celebrate International Lesbian Day. We didn’t even know it was our day! It was just a great coincidence and a perfect way to celebrate. I don’t know how straight folks could ever understand how important it is for us queer people to see each other loving on each other. To see other women holding and loving each other was something I didn’t know I needed till it was there in front of my eyes. So, that said, if you know of any queer events happening, please let me know. I need to be around my community more!