Amie Cota

 Vocalist Amie Cota performs Any Place But Here at the Oakland Museum of California in February, 2016. Any Place But Here is a song cycle that Cota composed for voice and string quartet based on poetry of the African American Great Migration. Scenic designer Erik Flatmo served as the design consultant for this performance. 

Holcombe Waller

This project is inspired by protest concerts and gatherings of the ‘60s and early ‘70s.

This project is inspired by protest concerts and gatherings of the ‘60s and early ‘70s.

Joni Mitchell

Joan Baez, Big Sur

Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell & Joan Baez

Laurie Anderson

Joan Baez

Lorde

The wedding of Mimi and Richard Fariña, Big Sur, California, 1968. I am very inspired by the embrace of the natural environment as a form of political and cultural revolt. While I am not proposing to produce this project outdoors, I am struck by the use of bright colors and non-axial arrangement in these photos and would like to see if aspects can be incorporated into the final Five Songs performance.

The wedding of Mimi and Richard Fariña, Big Sur, California, 1968. I am very inspired by the embrace of the natural environment as a form of political and cultural revolt. While I am not proposing to produce this project outdoors, I am struck by the use of bright colors and non-axial arrangement in these photos and would like to see if aspects can be incorporated into the final Five Songs performance.

“Pink Void.” In my classroom teaching, I have become increasingly interested in the idea of void as the opposite of place. This opposition extends back to classical philosophy, and it seems that the destruction of our planet, our “place,” can only lead to void. This is one possible direction of the set design for the performance.

The graphic elements of the projects, such as publicity and notices, should pay homage to folk concert posters of the 1960s.

A classic cabaret/nightclub environment with Mid-Century Modern flair. A setting such as this could be created easily at the Stanford Faculty Club, Bing Studio or other multi-purpose space for little cost.

The Pescadero General Store. I am also open to site-specific settings for this event. The ease and simplicity of performances such as this seems very much in keeping with the communal spirit of the project.

The Pink Door, Seattle. Even though this cabaret stage is not in my aesthetic go-to style, I appreciate its clarity as a signifier. I have come to learn that a space such as this works well in supporting live performance through its familiarity to the audience. Elements of this could be incorporated into the Five Songs performance. Photo by Erik Flatmo.

Manny’s, The Mission, San Francisco. Another site-specific location that would fit the project well.

For the costume design, I have two points of inspiration: Mimi Fariña’s wedding and Emmylou Harris. Amie Cota will contribute to this conversation and will have approval of the costume design. My goal is for the musical ensemble and the event itself to have a coherent look.

For the costume design, I have two points of inspiration: Mimi Fariña’s wedding and Emmylou Harris. Amie Cota will contribute to this conversation and will have approval of the costume design. My goal is for the musical ensemble and the event itself to have a coherent look.