How’d you get into presenting events? I have been presenting events in this big, whole-hearted way since I started at Luther. However, looking back, I should have seen the possibility long ago as I was often in leadership roles for special events at my high school and college. When I had very few funds in Chicago, I saw everything I could that was free and then all the theatre I could by volunteering anywhere that would take me! Do you have a most “exciting” live moment? A few years back, the dance company Diavolo was at Luther. They had this big ship-like set element and there was a moment a dancer intentionally flew off it and the entire audience gasped. It was pretty wonderful to experience that as a presenter – helping to create such a dramatic moment that everyone was connected. If you could present one show with anyone in the world – past or present – who would it be, and why? Oh, this question! I care first and foremost about the experience and gifts from each artist to our series. But if I had to choose, it would probably be some kind special gathering of great artists like Dolly Parton, Joshua Bell, Aretha Franklin, Martha Graham, and some young inspiring folks with them like Abigail Washburn and/or Time for Three (who have been here)! And, then once we’ve all had our hearts filled to the brim with great art and our faces lit up with joy, they would come out and greet the great people in our audience!
What are you excited about in the near future? I am in love with the new series and the energy of it! I am very excited to have San Jose Taiko here and offer not only the evening performance, but also a show for our local schools and multiple workshops in town and on campus. I love that they are the longestrunning taiko group in the US, and that the artistic director is a woman. And, though it is next spring – I am unbelievably excited about our premiere of All Recipes Are Home… grown from the stories of the land, food, and farming in Iowa with the setting being at a Decorah family farm.
Come on in! We’ll fix you something to eat!
HISTORIC
Join Chef Tom & his culinary team as they bring you locally-sourced, made-from-scratch dishes – three squares a day.
Winneshiek Make a reservation online at hotelwinn.com • 104 E. Water St. Decorah, Iowa • 1.800.998.4164