Behind the Scenes: Convergence: Health Equity in a Changing Climate
With Parker Nelson, Director of Public Programs and Music
During the interview for my position at Brushwood Center, I remember sharing my interest in building music programs that highlight Brushwood’s work in the environmental and community action spaces. Little did I know that within my first three years on the team, I would have the opportunity to build such a program. Not only that, but within the short time of being a part of the Brushwood family, I’ve met an abundance of artist networks that are working together to build a musical program that is unlike any other!
Convergence: Health Equity in a Changing Climate is the first performance program designed by Brushwood Center in collaboration with Chicago chamber music ensemble, Black Moon Trio. In addition to the performers, Convergence has a robust roster of collaborators that include world-premiere compositions by Marc Mellits and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate; original illustrations and visual art by Natashna Anderson, Kelley Clink, Laura Horan, Lokosh, and Naimah Thomas; as well as the support of countless friends of Brushwood Center.
Convergence tells the story of Brushwood’s recently released Health, Equity, and Nature: A Changing Climate in Lake County. This report links localized health equity data to broader, national trends. Throughout this 90-minute performance, audiences will watch and listen to the interconnections between systemic inequities, environmental racism, and health through original music, illustration, and storytelling.
The opening of the program features an Indigenous perspective on land stewardship scored by the music of Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. We then explore how communities can simultaneously face tremendous injustices and thrive by using Lake County as a model; highlighting both its natural beauties and systemic barriers. This presentation of quantitative data helps audiences to understand the “what”, “where”, and “why” of these issues, all accompanied by the world premiere of Black Moon by Marc Mellits.
The second half of the program is entirely dedicated to the rich qualitative, or story-telling, assets gathered while collecting health equity data. Each of the project’s visual artists have created synthesized graphic novels from real stories shared by residents of Lake County, Illinois. They explore transformative experiences in nature, recommendations for action, and more.
Convergence is remarkably unique. You’re not likely to find a program of a similar caliber at even the most prestigious of performing arts venues. It is truly a statement of Brushwood Center’s growing reach and the power of collaboration to evoke change. We give special thanks to Healing Illinois and the Illinois Arts Council Agency for supporting this work.
Don’t miss your chance to see Convergence: Health Equity in a Changing Climate! The world-premiere performance takes place on June 28, 2024 at 7pm at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest, Illinois, with additional performance locations to follow. Tickets available at brushwoodcenter.org/convergence!
