Gail @ Yale

I'm sitting in Philadelphia airport waiting for my final flight to New Haven and the beginning of what I hope will be a wonderful adventure. In February, I auditioned for the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University and was accepted on the spot. Let me explain how radically unbelievable that was for me.

I chose not to study music in college because I'm from a very traditional, practical Midwestern family and community where music is a fun hobby (not a real, reliable profession). It's just assumed that the only thing one could do with a music degree is teach. So, even though I had lived to sing whenever, where-ever possible for as long as I could remember, I studied public relations and communications at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, with a renowned program in pr, but a horrible music program (at the time, anyway).

Long story short, I didn't sing for four years and felt ...different. I moved to Indianapolis in 1994 and quickly joined Second Presbyterian Church because of its tremendous music program. I was in heaven. Fellow members encouraged me to audition for the Indianapolis Opera Chorus and I went on to be one of the church's founding members of its paid small ensemble, the Beecher Singers.

By 2007, I was tired of singing in choirs. Solos were precious commodities judiciously distributed among a throng of other great singers. My lyric soprano tone and style was a dime a dozen and I couldn't figure out if it was best suited for classical or pop or what. One day, I literally had a panic attack when I realized: "I'm almost 40 and I have lost my voice! I have NO IDEA what MY true voice sounds like!"

After spending all my life trying to blend in with a group, I decided that it was time to find help and find my voice. This has not been an easy journey. I will spare you the drama, setbacks and disappointments along the way, for there is a happy ending. In fact, I wouldn't appreciate where I am nearly as much if it had come more easily.

The morals of this story are:

• never, ever give up on your dreams, no matter how old or whatever excuse your ego might come up with 
• be true to yourself and be relentless about it, no matter what others may think or believe 
• stop caring what other people think. Period. Not that you can't or shouldn't take constructive criticism; we are not perfect, but quit letting it prevent you from (fill in the blank) 
• give yourself permission to make room for yourself and your goals and ask friends and family for support. You will be amazed at the tidal wave of love that is waiting for you. 

This is what I have learned in my journey so far. I hope it's far from over. One of the most surprising and best rewards from it have been when several people have said to me: "You have inspired me to think about my dreams and to go for it!"

Marianne Williamson says that when you let your light shine, you automatically gives others the permission to do the same. I arrived at Yale without a hitch and had a fantastic first day. I look forward to sharing more insights and stories with you as I take this next step in my journey. Already, I'm so impressed by all the interesting diverse people with such unique talents bringing so many interesting stories to song. (21 people from 8 states and 4 countries!) Everyone is concerned about being critiqued, but I think we all know that this is the perfect, testing ground to learn. If we thought we were perfect, we wouldn't be here. The great thing about cabaret is that you just have to be yourself; you don't have to play a character, just let your light shine.

Michael Feinstein Foundation's 2nd annual competition hits high note

I've had the very good fortune of managing the Michael Feinstein Foundation's Great American Songbook High School Academy and Competition from its inception in 2009 and its consecutive year in 2010. High school students from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin were eligible to apply. Ten were invited to Indianapolis June 2-6 to compete for $500 scholarships and the chance of a lifetime: to perform in Michael's famous cabaret club, Feinstein's at Loews Regency in New York City.

PHOTO: The enormously talented 10 finalists of the 2010 Michael Feinstein Foundation's Great American Songbook High School Academy & Competition with Michael at the piano.

The Feinstein Foundation's goal:
Create a competition for high school students that will teach them about the music of the Great American Songbook and encourage them to continue appreciating it.

The Goods' approach:
-- Assembled a team of local and national experts to advise on the competition.

-- Developed a plan and budget for a 4-5 day Academy and Competition in Indianapolis and negotiated contract to secure partnership with University of Indianapolis.

-- Developed and executed a fundraising plan to attract as much funding as possible to cover expenses. This included sponsorship packages and fulfillment, mailings, strategic donor solicitations, and special events including a cocktail reception and fundraising dinner.

-- Developed and executed a communications plan to encourage student applications. This included a combination of media relations, mailings, online communications, and advertising targeting mainly teachers in seven states.

-- Created and managed the adjudication process including processing all applications, recruiting adjudicators, creating a system for scoring fairly and applicant notification.

-- Created, managed and produced the 4-5 day Academy and Final Competition including coordinating all meals, overnight accommodations, conference rooms, audio/visuals, and hired accompanists and other necessary staff or volunteers.

-- Promoted the events surrounding the Academy and Final Competition and managed RSVPs and tickets for all events, which included mailings, advertising, media relations, and online communications.

In its second year, the Academy and Competition really blossomed:
-- applications increased 400% and received from all seven eligible states

-- some of the best performers, teachers and music professionals participated as judges and coaches: including Michael Feinstein (of course), Sylvia McNair, Catherine Russell, Susan Powell, Richard Walters and many others from our own Indianapolis backyard: Dr. Kathleen Hacker, Steven Stolen, Shannon Forsell, Mark Gilgallon, Gary Walters and David Duncan.

-- the University of Indianapolis and its spectacular Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center provided the perfect venue for daily classroom rehearsals, master classes and the final performance. (And its staff were consummate hosts.)

-- Even though two states were added in this second year, the budget only grew 37% from the first year; cash sponsorships were five time higher and in-kind sponsors increase by four times over the first year.

The bottom line:
It's not quantifiable, but it's the magic that transforms these already incredibly talented young performers into stars who form a stronger bond of camaraderie than competition in just a few days. The time they spend learning everything about vocal performance and, most importantly, the uniqueness of this music, its stories of our nation's history and how it should be personally interpreted -- is completely priceless.

Don't just take my word for it. Read Indianapolis Business Journal arts commentator Lou Harry's summary of this year's Competition: "On a high note; Feinstein and company more than fine at the Great American Songbook Competition last week."

Watch a video of the 2009 finalists and winner produced by The Goods, Kyle Travers and WFYI Productions.

"Chew On This" creates city-wide community and meaningful conversation

On Tuesday, May 4, The Goods planned the first "Chew On This" city-wide dinner conversations for the Indiana Humanities Council (IHC). Nearly 150 people at 9 locations around the city were talking and Tweeting about food and how Indiana can best leverage its strengths around food.

PHOTO: One of several Chew On This tables at Recess.

The Indiana Humanities Council's theme for 2010-2011 is "Food for Thought" and its goal is to get people reading, thinking and talking about food topics as "a celebration of food and its role in our lives."

With restaurant or potluck options in various locations around Marion County and prices ranging from free/bring-your-own pitch-ins to $50 prix fixe menus, the public was invited to participate in this experiment in bringing friends as well as strangers face to face to share a meal and discuss: "How can we use Indiana's strengths in agriculture and artisanal food to position Indiana globally?" This was also tied to the book "Caught in the Middle" by Richard Longworth and a recent topic of the Indy Talks Series.

IHC goal:
Make this accessible and affordable for anyone to participate. Locations should be as evenly distributed around Marion County and offer a variety of cost options. Keep groups to 20 or less to foster the best small group dialogue.

The Goods' approach:
We researched potential venues, presented recommendations and negotiated venue agreements that clearly articulated what IHC needed from the venue (e.g. prix fixe menu, space for group of 10-20, payment arrangements) as well as what IHC would provide (e.g. promotion in Chew on This marketing city-wide, coordination of RSVPs, assigned volunteers to greet guests and manage on site issues on behalf of IHC). We ended up with six restaurants and three pitch-in locations. Some of the locations further from the downtown area attracted too few participants and were merged into other locations.

IHC goal:
Engage volunteers to lead the conversations and take notes or Tweet about the conversations.

The Goods' approach:
We recruited several of our friends and colleagues who are both passionate and knowledgeable about food issues to serve as facilitators and note-takers. The Goods created a facilitators guide with general information about the topic and the book and led orientation meetings to provide further guidance and gather feedback on the evening's agenda. Facilitators and note-takers were given a basic outline agenda to follow with suggested questions should the conversations need fueling. Note-takers were asked to summarize the discussion into a few categories and collect surveys from participants. Most locations had multiple people Tweet about the conversations, which were then shared among all groups, creating a real-time virtual conversation across the city.

The results:
Nearly 150 people at 9 locations around the city were talking and Tweeting about food and how Indiana can best leverage its strengths around food. Many participants asked for more... more information, more dinners, more ways to get involved. Given such a diverse group of participants, I was impressed with the level and intensity of the conversations. Regardless this diversity of people and venues, much of the conversations came back to similar issues such as quality vs. quantity of food, access and social justice issues, or education and outreach.

The bottom line:
We all live in silos and rarely have an opportunity to engage with friends and family in meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface. I loved how this multi-venue experience provided ways for anyone to engage face-to-face, sharing a meal and a meaningful topic together. Rather than having the experience via Twitter or Facebook, it was a tool to enhance the experience. (Although it's a nice bonus that others could follow online who could not be there in person.) Maybe you met someone knew. Maybe you found out something new about an old friend. Maybe you learned something that will inform your daily life. That's inspiring and worthwhile and an authentic living experience.

A Must See Movie: Who Killed the Electric Car?

If you haven't seen this movie, you need to.

I saw it for the first time in 2008 and was blown away by how close General Motors came to creating a truly viable electric car. The EV1 was produced and leased via Saturn dealers in California from 1996 to 1999. Drivers LOVED it. "Fanatical" might be a good way to describe their enthusiasm for this car and its solution to our air quality woes -- particularly in California. By 2002, every car was confiscated and destroyed. The movie is an amazing documentary about this story, leaving the audience to determine whether consumer confidence or conspiracy was to blame. I've since learned about Indiana manufacturers' role in creating the EV1, which made me all the more interested in sharing this story with others - YOU - who might want to learn more about how Indiana is involved today and in the future of the auto evolution.

I'm really not trying to be biased, here. The movie is a great wake up call for all of us to learn about public policy and how we should be learning about and engaged in what Indiana can do to help lead the next electric car generation.

Thankfully, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is showing the movie THIS THURSDAY followed by a talk with the filmmaker, Chris Paine.

THE ASCENT OF THE ELECTRIC CAR WITH CHRIS PAINE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 » 5:30 PM FILM, 7:30 PM TALK

$7 Public » $4 IMA members » Free Students with ID

Ticket price includes both film and talk.

To purchase tickets: http://www.imamuseum.org/calendar/chrispaine

In the four years since filmmaker Chris Paine released the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, electric vehicles have been revived. See Who Killed the Electric Car?, followed by Paine’s talk on the latest progress on electric vehicles, the relationship between good design and sustainability, and new ways of thinking about mobility. After the program, see an electric car up close and learn about companies making electric vehicles in Indiana. Presented as part of IUPUI’s Common Theme Project with promotional support from the Hoosier Environmental Council and The Goods.

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after seeing the movie!

For more information:

http://www.ev1.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658544_1658535,00.html

Applications Due Feb. 28 for 2nd Annual Great American Songbook Academy & Competition

I'm so proud to once again manage the 2nd annual Michael Feinstein Foundation's Great American Songbook High School Academy & Competition. This year, the Academy and Competition will be held at the University of Indianapolis in its exquisite Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.

High school students from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa are invited to apply BY FEBRUARY 28, 2010.

Ten finalists will be invited to Indianapolis for a five-day music academy on the history, music and performance techniques of music from the Broadway, Hollywood musical theatre and Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-20th century, known as the “Great American Songbook.”

Five judges, including Michael Feinstein and others to be announced soon, University of Indianapolis faculty and other music professionals will conduct classes and help prepare finalists for the final competition performance on Saturday, June 5, at University of Indianapolis’ Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.

After finalists each sing two songs, judges will announce first, second and third place winners immediately following the June 5th performance. Second and third place winners receive $500 each towards continuing music education. The first place winner will be invited to sing with Michael Feinstein in New York City.

As a singer myself and someone who has grown up loving this music, it's an opportunity of a lifetime that I cannot begin to imagine if I were in their shoes! Yet, it's been a dream come true for me to help create such an experience that instills a love for this music in a new generation of talented musicians.

For more information or to download the application, visit www.MichaelFeinsteinFoundation.org.

Photo: Michael Feinstein announces the 2009 winner, Julia Bonnett from Carmel, Indiana.

A Wonderful Night of Food & Community

Thank you to everyone who responded to or attended the Spirit and Place Festival event Sunday, Nov. 15: "Local Food Trends: Growing Community, Economy and Mutual Delight." The response was truly overwhelming. I received nearly 100 reservations - enough to double the event; a loud and clear indication that there is lots of interest in local food topics. A total of 64 people crowded into CitYoga and brought fabulous food for the potluck dinner, even on a night when the Colts played New England! Click here to see photos from the event.

Here's a brief summary of our topics and conversations and contact information for presenters if you would like to follow up for more information. I welcome additional insight from those who attended or have more information.

David Wu, Policy Director for the City of Indianapolis opened the evening offering his perspective on how the City should be positioning itself nationally through food and agriculture. "Some cities boast that they are on the ocean or the water; other cities have mountains. Some people refer to Indianapolis as being 'out in the middle of a cornfield.' Rather than making that a negative statement, we should be using it to our advantage. We should be saying: 'We're located in the heartland, in the middle of the best farmland and agriculture heritage in the country.'"

PANEL DISCUSSION ON FOOD & PLACE:

- Neal Brown, owner Neal Brown Hospitality Group and Mapleton Fall Creek resident

- Laura Henderson, manager Indy Winter Farmers' Market and co-partner in Growing Places, an urban farming initiative

- Janine Betsey, president King Park Neighborhood Development Corp.

- Ann Schmelzer, Indiana State Dept. of Agriculture

- Matthew Jose, owner Big City Farms CSA and co-partner in Growing Places

Moderator: Marc McAleavey, director of Public Allies, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center and Mapleton Fall Creek resident

Janine Betsey spoke of how many different types of food offerings there are in just the King Park area. "We mesh different food traditions with Tease Me, Country Kitchen, and Goose the Market. Each one is a valuable food destination in the neighborhood, serving different people." She added that King Park and Mapleton Fall Creek are working together to embrace what is going on in either adjacent neighborhood and help residents be better connected through food-related businesses and projects.

Neal Brown spoke about spending time away from the city this summer and coming back to realize we aren't doing as bad (on local food issues) as we might think. "We still have a long way to go but it is definitely better [in the food business] than it ever has been."

Laura Henderson reported that more than 1,500 attended the opening of the Indy Winter Farmers' Market on Sat., Nov. 14, showing a growing support for local products. "Farmers' markets are not an elitist thing. They need to be inviting to everyone. Everyone wants and deserves good food."

Matthew Jose added that he thinks that despite the renewed interest in local food, he believes that our "agricultural intelligence" has been lost. "We may know what we like to eat and what's good for our bodies, but so few seem to really understand how our food is grown; how it is produced." Janine added that we also need to teach awareness around growing safely by testing land and being aware of possible pollutants.

Janine and Ann agreed that we need to capitalize on what we have and tell our story. "We have to look at what's here and be proud of it," said Ann.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Participants could choose from the following six topics to have dinner and conversation:

1. Community Kitchens - Local entrepreneur Linda Gilkerson led a conversation about her new venture, Indy's Kitchen, a fully equipped, commercially licensed kitchen available for rent by the hour. Shared-use kitchens are in operation in several other cities, and the owners of Indy’s Kitchen believe that Indianapolis will benefit from this idea. Indy’s Kitchen will be available for small business entrepreneurs to test, start, or expand their food-based enterprises as well as for cooking classes and cooking parties. For more information: indyskitchen@gmail.com, 317.631.1923.

2. East 10th St. - Jane Henegar, Spirit and Place board chair, co-chair of 10 East District Team for the Superbowl Legacy Project and long-time east-side resident, and Becky Hostetter, a local chef, member of 10 East District team and also a long-time east-side resident, led a discussion about creating a thriving local food scene on the near eastside, including street vending food carts, food co-op, and locally-owned restaurants serving diverse and locally-grown food. "We discussed realism versus optimism," Jane summarized. "We want to encourage entrepreneurs and eliminate barriers; sell to neighbors while also attracting people to the neighborhood; and seize momentum on Super Bowl legacy project in 2012 while being realistic about development and pace." For more information contact Jane: henegut@earthlink.net.

3. Food for Thought - Indiana Humanities Council President and Spirit & Place advisory committee member Keira Amstutz led a conversation about next year's theme in both organizations: "Food for Thought." Her table suggested the following topics: roof-top gardens, community gardens, films and speakers such as Judy Schad or Bill McKibben, food celebrities like Wolfgang Puck, field trips, Indy's ethnic culture and history, a large one night potluck, and community cookbooks. For more information contact Keira: kamstutz@indianahumanities.org.

4. Urban Farming - Matthew Jose and Tyler Henderson, partners in Growing Places, an urban farming initiative, discussed what it means to be an urban farmer and how to encourage more local growing. Specific topics discussed included clarifying the difference between community gardening and urban farming. Urban farming is a for-profit company, no different than a normal farmer. It's just located in an urban environment instead of rural area. Growing Places' new garden at White River State Park will be a demonstration and training garden where anyone can come learn how to grow food and seed other community gardens. They also hope to encourage urban land owners to consider converting empty lots into useable farm land. For more information about Big City Farms' CSA contact Matthew: growyerown@gmail.com.

5. Dig In - A Taste of Indiana - This will be a new event featuring locally grown foods and restaurants. Neal Brown and Ann Schmelzer led a discussion about this new celebration of Indiana agriculture. The group discussed how this can be education through entertainment; redefine our external perception of ourselves and our strengths; and bring people together in a food community. For more information, contact Ann: aschmelzer@isda.in.gov.

6. Farmers' Markets - Laura Henderson led a discussion about how to strengthen all the local farmers' markets. Safety is a top priority and all vendors should be consulted about rules and regulations on labeling, production, etc. Not all markets accept food stamps, which limits lower-income shoppers from accessing quality food. A farmers' market association, network or at least regular meetings among all markets could help share information, help eliminate duplicative efforts and maximize resources. Starting more markets also requires more vendors. How can we do both without spreading existing farmers too thin and adding new ones to the mix. For more information, contact Laura: urbanearthindy@gmail.com or visit IndyWinterFarmersMarket.Blogspot.com.

Donations were accepted to benefit the Indy Winter Farmers' Market. After the dinner, Laura announced that these donations would be used to purchase goods at the market to benefit a food community friend, Gabe Jordan, who was the recent victim of a shooting on the southeast side of Indianapolis. Nearly $300 was given to support the Jordan family.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated. Thanks again to CitYoga for allowing us to use its space. It was a great evening and proof that next year's Spirit & Place topic, "Food for Thought," will be red hot!

Spirit & Place: Local Food Trends - SOLD OUT

The Spirit & Place event this Sunday, Nov. 15, "Local Food Trends: Building Community, Economy and Mutual Delight" is completely booked. Please e-mail me if you would like to be placed on the waiting list: Gail@TheGoodsLife.com.

I will post a summary of the event later next week.

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm about local food trends!