Step Right Up for the Wildest Show in Town: Queer Circus Presents “Reefer Madness.”
October 9, 2024
Hold onto your seats, Minneapolis! This October, Queer Circus invites you to step into a world of camp, comedy, and acrobatic spectacle with their uproarious production of *Reefer Madness*. From October 23–27, Lush Lounge & Theater will be transformed into a high-energy arena where outrageous humor and jaw-dropping performances meet head-on in a fresh take on the 1930s cult-classic musical.
For those unfamiliar, Reefer Madness parodies the hysteria of anti-marijuana propaganda with over-the-top characters and laugh-out-loud scenarios. But what makes this rendition truly stand out is Queer Circus' bold, boundary-pushing interpretation—mixing traditional theater with stunning acrobatics, electrifying music, and a glittering display of queer performance art. Expect a night packed with unforgettable tunes and a cast that delivers their all in every scene.
With musical direction by Drew Hasty and vocal direction by Christian Unser, audiences are in for a treat as these professionals elevate every number to new heights. Add in choreography by the talented Lily Truebenbach, Stella Rockstar, and drag sensation Martina Marraccino (Martinoa Mayotte), and the result is a jaw-dropping spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
Produced by Silver Slipper Productions and directed by the inimitable Martina Marraccino, this production will leave you laughing, gasping, and wanting more. And for those on a budget, Queer Circus offers special $10 tickets for students and military members (available at the door with ID), ensuring this event is accessible to all who crave something truly unique in the local theater scene.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of musical theater or just someone looking for a wild night out, *Reefer Madness* promises an unforgettable experience.
Come for the laughs, stay for the spectacle, and don’t miss the incredible talents of Queer Circus as they push the envelope and reimagine a cult classic with their signature flair.
**Tickets**: $25 (Special $10 student and military tickets available at the door with ID)
**When**: October 23–27, 2024
**Where**: Lush Lounge & Theater, Minneapolis
Raag 2.0 Elevating Indian Cuisine in the Twin Cities: An Interview with Sohil Goorha
June 19, 2024
Nestled in the vibrant area of 50th and France in Edina, MN, Raag Progressive Indian Cuisine stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, innovation, and community. I got to chat with Sohil Goorha, the visionary owner of Raag, and he shared the inspiring journey and ambitious mission behind his unique dining establishment.
Sohil Goorha’s foray into the culinary world is a narrative of bold transitions and unwavering dedication. "I took over this establishment about two and a half years ago," Goorha begins, recounting his background as a corporate executive. His corporate career afforded him the opportunity to travel the globe, allowing him to dine at some of the finest and most diverse culinary spots worldwide. His travel experiences left Goorha with a sense of wanting more out of the selection of Indian cuisine in Minneapolis. "The offering of Indian cuisine was traditional and regional, lacking the modern flair I had experienced elsewhere," he explains. This realization spurred him to take over Raag with a mission to elevate Indian dining in the Twin Cities to the heights it had reached in culinary capitals like New York and London.
Raag is not just a restaurant; it’s a community hangout place, a concept Goorha is particularly passionate about. "I'm a community gatherer, an organizer," he says, describing his vision for Raag as a speakeasy-vibe space where modern fusion Indian food meets a vibrant social scene. The restaurant hosts a variety of events, from celebrity chef pop-ups to karaoke nights and paint-and-wine evenings, all aimed at bringing people together. Inclusivity is at the heart of Raag’s operations. "I want Raag to be a welcoming place for everyone," Goorha asserts. This commitment is reflected in his hiring practices, with many staff members from the LGBTQ+ community and others who have sought second chances after overcoming personal challenges. "We provide opportunities to those who might not get them elsewhere," he adds, sharing heartfelt stories of employees like Adrien, who joined Raag while pursuing a nursing degree and is now set to graduate.
Walking into Raag is an experience designed to defy expectations. "Expect the unexpected," Goorha advises. Goorha’s commitment to exceptional service is evident in the meticulous training of his staff, who bring fine dining practices to every table. "We take service very seriously," he states, and he aims to provide an exceptional dining experience. The menu at Raag is a culinary adventure, blending global inspirations with Indian flavors. "We don’t do spicy food; we do flavors," Goorha explains, highlighting dishes like salmon, scallops, lobster tail, and arancini, all infused with Indian spices. One of the standout offerings is the butter chicken martini, a unique craft cocktail that distills the essence of butter chicken sauce into a smoky, tangy martini.
As Raag moves forward, Goorha’s focus remains on community engagement and innovative events. "Our biggest opportunity is to bring people in," he says, emphasizing the importance of events in attracting new patrons. Goorha’s vision for Raag is to create a space that transcends traditional notions of Indian cuisine and fosters a sense of community. "I want Raag to be known as a place where everyone is welcome, where different doesn’t mean bad,” says Goorha. As Goorha continues to challenge culinary norms and champion inclusivity, Raag stands as a beacon of innovation and community spirit in the Twin Cities. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to Indian cuisine, Raag promises a dining experience that’s both unexpected and unforgettable.
The Dazzling World of Kylieee with 3 E’s: Meet Twin Cities' 13-Year-Old Drag Performer
June 19, 2024
At just 13 years old, Kylieee with three E's (and she wants you to know that is her official stage name) is already a rising star in the Twin Cities' vibrant drag scene. With a natural talent for makeup and passion for dance, she is poised to become a significant force in the drag world. We sat down with Kylieee to learn more about her journey, inspirations, and what makes her shine so brightly.
Kylieee's fascination with drag began with RuPaul’s Drag Race. "I started watching RuPaul's Drag Race when I was in fourth grade," she recalls. "By fifth grade, I was experimenting with makeup and collecting wigs from Party City. I would just get into drag and have fun with it." Her early start and dedication to the craft set her apart. Now a freshman in high school, Kylieee continues to push boundaries and explore new aspects of her drag persona. It's clear that Kylieee's inspirations are deeply rooted in the TV show. "I loved the lip-syncing challenges, the sewing challenges, and, of course, RuPaul herself," she says. "I always wanted to do a lip-sync battle and perform like the queens on the show." Her drag persona is heavily influenced by one of her idols, Kylie Sonique Love. "She’s an amazing performer, and I've always looked up to her," says Kylieee. "I took inspiration from her for my performances, but when it comes to my look, I just start putting on makeup and see what happens. My creativity just flows."
For Kylieee, the preparation for a performance is as thrilling as the performance itself. She shares. "My favorite part is putting on the wig and costume because I know I’m about to perform and live in the moment. It’s such an exhilarating feeling." For a seasoned queen like myself, this was a reminder about how fun the transformation into drag can be if you live in the moment.
Kylieee says she is the only one of her peers that she knows, that does drag. However, Kylieee has found immense support from her family and friends. "My mom loves me doing drag, and my friends are very supportive too," she says. "My friends even got me to go to school in full drag on the last day of sixth grade. It’s a really great community." But being a young drag queen isn’t without its challenges. "It used to be hard to get costumes and makeup," she explains. "But I’ve managed to find ways to make it work." Kylieee’s presence in the drag scene is already making an impact. She hopes to inspire other young people to explore drag and express themselves creatively. "If you want to try drag, just do it," she advises. "You might really love it and make a big career out of it. And as you get older, you can become a leader and inspire others."
Looking ahead, Kylieee has big dreams. "I want to make it on RuPaul’s Drag Race and win," she says confidently. "I also want to host my own drag competition or show someday." Her first performance with POWER Drag Revue at Can Can Wonderland remains a memorable milestone. "It was nerve-wracking but a really good experience," she reflects. She notes that she had never been to a live drag show, and her first time was as a performer. With her talent, passion, and supportive community, Kylieee is well on her way to achieving her dreams. As she continues to grow and inspire others, there's no doubt that she will leave an indelible mark on the drag world. Keep your eyes on Kylieee – she's a star in the making, and her journey is just beginning.
Embracing Authenticity and Community: Tea Time at The Aliveness Project
June 19, 2024
Tea Time at The Aliveness Project is more than just a discussion group; it's a vibrant community where transgender women and trans-femme presenting individuals can share their experiences, access resources, and forge meaningful connections. I spoke with Sainte Reign and Amber Muhm, the co-leaders of Tea Time, to gain insight into the group's mission, evolution, and impact.
Tea Time was created in March 2022 by Luna Maldonado, who recognized a gap in post-quarantine community resources for trans feminine folks in the Twin Cities. Luna, now a Medical Case Manager at The Aliveness Project, saw the need for a dedicated space where trans feminine individuals could meet, access resources, and find support, especially around HIV testing and PrEP care. Amber Muhm, who joined the group in May 2022, reflects on its profound impact: "I had never been around more than one trans feminine person at a time, let alone a few dozen, in a private space just for us."
Sainte Reign, a trans-identifying drag artist and co-leader, joined Tea Time five months ago and has been instrumental in shaping its current direction. "Tea Time was always meant to create space for trans femmes and trans women because many groups for trans people are predominantly utilized by non-binary and transmasculine individuals. We wanted to be very intentional about having space for transfeminine individuals," Sainte explains.
Tea Time tackles the unique challenges faced by trans women and femme-presenting individuals through a range of life skills workshops and supportive activities. Sainte highlights some of their initiatives: "We've held bra fitting events, rented out stores at the Mall of America for safe shopping experiences, and organized self-defense classes. We are run by two trans women, so we know the experiences firsthand." Amber adds that Tea Time also provides vital resources for building self-confidence and advocacy. "We offer HIV prevention clinics, self-defense training, sexual health workshops, and connections to events like TWIST (Trans Women Involved in Strategies for Transformation). These efforts help trans femmes navigate various relationships, from friendships to romantic connections."
Both leaders have witnessed the transformative impact of Tea Time on its members. Amber shares her personal success story: "I went from not knowing any other trans femmes during my entire first year of transition to knowing so many people in the local community and helping run the program within two years. This group has changed my life for the better, and I've heard similar sentiments from many participants." Sainte echoes this, noting that participants often express how Tea Time has helped them build genuine friendships in a community that can sometimes feel competitive. "We've had participants say it's nice to feel like they have real friends in the community," she says.
Tea Time places a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being. The group maintains an extensive list of trans-friendly mental health providers and helps facilitate care access. Amber explains, "Our THRIVE clinic provider can prescribe psychiatric medication, and we offer emotional and sometimes direct support through our Discord server. We all have each other's backs and come together when one of our siblings needs help."
Looking ahead, both Sainte and Amber have ambitious goals for Tea Time. "I want to see it grow and have more BIPOC individuals attending," says Sainte. "We aim to do bigger events and create more resources and safe spaces for trans people." Amber hopes for the group's longevity and continued impact: "We want Tea Time to be a support network known and loved in the community so future generations of trans folks can get the support and love we've received. We're also working on creating similar groups for people across the gender spectrum."
Tea Time welcomes any trans feminine individuals interested in joining. In-person meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at The Aliveness Project, with online meetings on their Discord server in between. Upcoming events are shared on their Instagram (teatimeataliveness) account, and those interested can reach out to Amber or Sainte directly. For those outside the trans community looking to support Tea Time, donations of money, clothing, gift cards, and other gender-affirming items are greatly appreciated. "It costs a lot to transition, and people often overlook the small things like wardrobe and haircuts," says Sainte. "Every little bit helps."
Tea Time's biggest annual event, TRANS PROM 2024, is set for July 20th at The Neu Neu in Minneapolis. Open to all trans individuals and their allies, the event promises a night of dancing, food, and community. An official afterparty will follow at Eagle|MPLS, featuring a lineup of DJs. As Tea Time continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of support and solidarity for the trans feminine community in the Twin Cities, fostering connections, building confidence, and creating lasting change.
Mr. and Miss Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant
February 14, 2024
Last weekend marked the highly anticipated 2nd annual Mr and Miss Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant, held at the illustrious LUSH Lounge and Theater in Minneapolis. A vibrant gathering of community members convened to revel in an evening dedicated to celebrating Black Excellence within the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing the reigning court from 2023, TruGent and Geneva Richards, the event crowned the dynamic duo of Andre 1000 and ChaChi Monique Cassadine as the winners for 2024. The atmosphere was electric with stellar group performances, awe-inspiring fashion statements, and soul-stirring music—a true testament to the multifaceted beauty of being both Black and queer. Each contestant poured their heart and soul into their presentations, shining brightly across various categories such as African Presentation, Evening Attire, Question & Answer, and Talent.
Behind the scenes, the driving forces propelling this magnificent event into fruition are none other than Ashley Brown and Deja Love, beloved figures within the Twin Cities drag scene. Love reflects on the origins of the pageant, recounting, "About 20 years ago, as a member of Twin Cities Black Pride, I wanted to create a platform to showcase urban talent, so I created the Twin Cities Black Pride pageant. Over time, it evolved into a prelim for Mr and Miss Black Universe. And then in 2021, Ashley Brown and I decided to resurrect it as Mr and Miss Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant."
The significance of this event transcends mere entertainment—it symbolizes a beacon of hope and inclusivity within a community often marginalized and overlooked. Despite the challenges faced by Black queer events in the Twin Cities, the overwhelming success of the Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant, with a sold-out audience eagerly engaged, speaks volumes. Love emphasizes, "This event provides a space for African American LGBTQ+ entertainers to showcase their talents in an inclusive environment. A space to showcase African American culture without feeling restricted or misunderstood."
Throughout the evening, Andre 1000 captivated audiences with his impeccable style, adorned in a meticulously tailored and bedazzled formal ensemble, followed by a poignant African Sahara-themed talent performance. With years of experience within the Twin Cities drag scene, Andre's seasoned expertise and unwavering professionalism radiated across the stage, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance. Reflecting on the significance of his victory, Andre shares, "I’m often the only one of something in the room, whether it be the only Black person, the only king, or the only Trans person. I check a lot of boxes when it comes to what producers are looking to book. I’d like to feel like I am being booked for what I actually bring to the table, not just to check a box." He continues, expressing his hopes for the future, "I am hoping this title will get me into rooms that I haven’t been invited to before. I am hoping this title will help more people want to hear my voice. I’m hoping for a seat at the table, but I am more than content taking this year as my time to build my own table." In Andre's aspirations lies a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of equity within the LGBTQ+ entertainment industry in the Twin Cities.
The night held profound significance for ChaChi Monique Cassadine, whose journey into the world of drag started in 2014. Her victory at the Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant is her very first title in the drag community. Reflecting on her win, Cassadine expresses, "I really wanted to have this be my first crown. The title alone carries so much pride, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the family.” Cassadine's heartfelt sentiment is best reflected in her talent performance, where she mesmerized the audience with her original choreography alongside a live performance by UNL (Unlimited & Next Level Drill and Dance). Yet, beyond the spotlight, it was the camaraderie and solidarity experienced backstage that truly resonated with her. "When the contestants were getting ready we had music playing," Cassadine recalls fondly. " We sang together, we laughed together, we danced…we were there for each other giving encouraging words." For Cassadine, the pageant was more than a competition—it epitomized a shared journey of empowerment and celebration within a community bonded by resilience and camaraderie.
As Andre 1000 and ChaChi Monique Cassadine step into the spotlight as the newly crowned Mr. and Miss Twin Cities Black Pride 2024, their victories symbolize not just their individual triumphs but also collective milestones in the ongoing journey toward unity and empowerment for the Black queer community in the Twin Cities. Love is excited for future years of the pageant, saying "Now that we are in the second revival year we’ll be looking to do more outreach within the LGBTQ+ community as a whole to show more diversity." Cassadine has some advice for future competitors, and that is " Stay true to who you are! Never allow anyone to tell you what your drag should be. It’s your drag, and you can make it whatever you want it to be!" It is without a doubt the legacy of the Twin Cities Black Pride Pageant will continue to shine brightly, celebrating the vibrancy of the Twin Cities Black queer community. Make sure to follow Andre and ChaChi on social media to follow their journeys as Mr. and Miss Twin Cities Black Pride.
Hey, Snacks! Juneteenth is around the corner and I am honored to be a part of Tre Da Marc’s Juneteenth Jubilee: A Black Burlesque Show at the historic Capri Theater on June 16th!
June 07, 2022
The evening will feature some of the industry's most prolific artists from across the United States and the entire Twin Cities is welcome to witness this event flaunting the facets of Black Performance Artists! I got to chat with Tre about putting together this amazing event.
Congratulations on the second year of Juneteenth Jubilee: A Black Burlesque Show! What was last year’s show like?
It was a fantastic experience. I never thought that I was going to put on such a big production and it has been received so well. As a show producer, it was difficult for me to put all my eggs in one basket and hope for the dream to bear fruit. It was magical that everything went perfectly well!
When you decided to produce Juneteenth Jubilee what was going through your mind?
I wanted to have a great response with the community. When I refer to the community, I don't necessarily mean the Burlesque community, I actually mean the community of North Minneapolis, specifically the black community in that area. This show is my love letter to the black community in North Minneapolis and also to the black community in Burlesque. I want to normalize having black people see themselves in this art form because a lot of black people don't know about Burlesque or what it is. The biggest thing that people know about it is that it requires removing your clothes and for a lot of black culture that is considered taboo. People think things like “those people must have issues or problems,” but that's absolutely not the case. We're trying to make beautiful art and get paid at the same time!
As a black Burlesque entertainer, what has your experience been in the burlesque community?
In my ten years of performing, I've experienced a lot of different things. At the time I started, there weren't a lot of black artists there, and definitely not a lot of male-identifying artists in general. My Burlesque mom Foxy Tann helped navigate me through the world of burlesque. I didn't realize that there were other black people across the world performing until then and discovering that opened a whole new world for me.
As an artist, I want to be booked because I am talented, not because I’m a queer person of color and I check a box or fill a diversity quota. And had some of those feelings when I first started. The Burlesque community is supportive and there has been lots of reassurance that my level of talent is where it should be and I am now a respected member of the community. It is now my goal to get other BIPOC artists paid for the art they make as well.
I know in the drag community, artists of color are often underrepresented. Do you feel that is the case in the Burlesque community?
Every community could do better about representation, and we are no exception to that. The Burlesque community does make an effort to progress and move forward. If we make any mistakes, we make sure they aren’t repeated. Because of that, there is a lot more vocalization for BIPOC voices, and those voices are being supported by their white peers. But there is more work to be done. It's important we find ways to get BIPOC entertainers the tools to be successful, even if they don’t know what those tools are. For a lot of entertainers of color, many are trying to be successful and don’t know how. It's important we offer help and assistance to those trying to make it, in any performing industry. I know for me, I often offer to help or offer recommendations to make things better.
When you put together Juneteenth Jubilee this year, is there anything you wanted to do differently from the previous year?
I wanted to represent more types of blackness. I have a lot more performers who are not local to Minnesota this year. I wanted to showcase that not all “blackness” looks the same. There are all different types of black. I wanted to showcase a variety of entertainers while celebrating our freedom. I put together a wonderfully entertaining cast.
What would you like audiences to take away from this show?
I want the audience members to see themselves in the performers. I want them to take from the confidence that performers have on stage and bring it into their own lives so that it helps relieve the pressures of society and they don’t end up just drowning in them. There is a lot that goes into this art. We are creating this art to entertain, but we are also sharing our energy, our spirits, and our bodies all on stage at one time. I hope that after seeing that, people leave feeling better about themselves. I hope they see there is a way to thrive with that type of energy.
Also, I want people to know there are black people performing in this art form. Many people know Dita Von Teese, but not many know the amazing black performers that are also out there in the world who are on that level of talent and recognition. For example Foxy Tann, Pearl Noire Jeez Loueez and Ray Gunn. These are some amazing and prolific performers that I have seen who also are BIPOC. So I want this show to say, YES, there are all different types of people out here doing this art form!
Don’t miss Juneteenth Jubilee: A Black Burlesque Show at The Capri Theater on Friday, June 16th at 7:00 PM.
Hey, Snacks! LUSH Lounge & Theater is back with its second live musical production, Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
May 10, 2022
The production is an immersive, 90-minute rock concert where Hedwig reflects on their journey from East Berlin to the stages of Northeast Minneapolis, attempting to reconcile the lost pieces of themselves along the way. I got to chat with Director Maxwell Freudenthal about what it was like to direct Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Congratulations on your second production! La Cage aux Folles was a hit! What did you learn from doing that production that you are going to use as a director for Hedwig and the Angry Inch?
La Cage was a ton of fun but it had a LOT of moving parts that we had to coordinate in a very small amount of time. I knew going into it that we had to simplify as much as possible and focus on only the elements that were absolutely necessary to tell the story, but even so it still pushed the cast and crew well beyond the limits of what had been attempted in the space previously. This time around, we wanted to scale way back, allocate a larger part of the budget to costumes, and work out some of the technical challenges we encountered to deliver an even higher-quality show.
Did you decide Hedwig would be your next show? How did you make this decision? What part of the story most resonates with you as a person?
I saw the movie for the first time while I was in college, when Netflix was still a mail-only service, and it literally changed my life. As a transplant from a small, conservative town in Wisconsin, I didn't know you could make a musical movie about queer characters like that. I for sure didn't fully understand the narrative or internal struggles the characters were facing during that first watch, but it still felt eerily familiar somehow. After watching Short Bus, John Cameron Mitchell immediately became a huge inspiration and I quickly changed my major to film so that I could follow a similar path and tell similar stories. I just found it incredibly affirming and I've been dying for a chance to bring the stage version to life.
What is your favorite moment in this show?
As a filmmaker and animator in college, the movie version of “Origin of Love” was hands down my favorite. Now that I'm what the kids call an 'elder gay', “Wicked Little Town Reprise” is the piece that resonates with me the most. We're staging it closer to how it was done in the movie, where Tommy apologizes to Hedwig, but conceptually it's still the moment when Hedwig finally allows themself to let go of the pain they carried throughout their life and acknowledge the beauty they were able to create despite it. It's an incredibly powerful moment and also one that I personally feel gets somewhat lost in the initial viewing of both the movie and live productions.
I am sure casting this show was very fun. What was casting like?
I didn't have confirmation on doing a second show until March, and when we decided to move forward I knew that there was absolutely no time to go through the normal audition and casting process, so instead I immediately started reaching out to respected local performers and invited them to be part of the cast. Initially, I wanted 9 Hedwigs with 3 different casts during a 6-week run so that you'd see a different show every 2 weeks. It quickly became obvious that coordinating availability with that many performers, especially working drag queens, was impossible, so we eventually settled on 3 Hedwigs who would split the part over a 4-week run. So definitely stressful at first, but once we locked down such a talented cast it was incredibly exciting.
When this musical came out in 1998, it really was a game-changer at the time in terms of celebrating queerness and individuality. How does this production, and how you directed it, honor this iconic musical and all that it stands for?
I refuse to cast, stage, and direct a show for the sake of doing that show 'the way it's always been done.' The world has changed since 1998, and as artists it is our responsibility to be critical of the stories we're telling and make sure their messages are growing and evolving as well. The core message of Hedwig is about learning to love and embrace our queer identities will always be relevant, but I wanted to make sure we told it in a way that was unique to our cast and community at this moment in history. The biggest artistic change is that we're taking what is essentially written as a two-person show and splitting it between 5 diverse performers, in terms of race, age, gender, and body type. As a filmmaker, Todd Solondz (specifically Palindromes) was a big influence on me, so I definitely had that in the back of my mind when we started working on splitting up the part. I also sat down with the costume designer and Project Runway alum, Samantha Rei, and discussed how we would stay true to the material while putting our own twist on the iconic movie looks that productions normally try to emulate. Needless to say, she absolutely nailed the punk rock vibe and gave the show a unique visual language that carries the narrative across the different stages of Hedwig's life.
What are you hoping anyone in the audience takes away from seeing this production?
Like I said, I'm a huge fan of the show, but I always felt that the arthouse style which made the film iconic also got in the way of helping the audience empathize with Hedwig's internal journey. Also, despite being a professional video producer, I didn't want to use projection in the show because I didn't want the audience to take their eyes off the actors. Just like Hedwig, we broke down the story into pieces and picked them up to create something beautiful and new. My hope is that audience members who are both unfamiliar or die-hard fans find a new appreciation for the show and that queer audience members feel seen and affirmed in their own journeys of self-acceptance.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch will be playing at LUSH Lounge & Theater on select dates May 11th- June 4th. Tickets are available here.
Photos by Lou R R Zurn
Minnesota-based queer musician Paul David
October 26, 2022
Minnesota-based queer musician Paul David works as a multi-instrumental performer and songwriter. He describes his style as “rock-pop-new age-classical style”, a title that reflects David’s wide variety of talent and interests when it comes to music. In addition to playing percussion with several local theater companies, Paul David has written for and performed with many local orchestras and churches. His latest single “Artist’s Prayer” reflects on the energy many creatives feel when they are aligned with their source energy. I got to chat with David about his life and music.
For those who may not know who you are yet, introduce yourself!
I’m Paul David. I sing, I write, I play drums, I play piano, and I play a tiny bit of guitar. Most of my work in my career has been in the religious industry. I worked at all God's Children Metropolitan Community Church for 10 years as a Minister of Music. I currently serve at a Methodist Church in Golden Valley as an instrument music coordinator.
So your music is religion-based?
Yes and no.Spirituality is very very important to who I am but my music is not necessarily what you think when you think of religious music. My current single artist prayer is in fact a prayer, but it's not a specific christian prayer. It's a prayer to source energy to give me inspiration. This is what every artist feels when starting a composition, or a dance, or a painting, or whatever the art may be. The song is a prayer to source energy to inspire those of us who are in the creative arts to bring forth our gifts and hopefully change the world because the world needs a little bit of changing right now.
How long have you been an artist?
I released my first solo CD in 97 but that didn't really go anywhere. My solo work has really taken off since the pandemic. I got furloughed from my day job and suddenly had all this free time. That really launched me into a creative phase as it was a chance to open up creatively.
Whats the most interesting instrument you play?
I play an instrument called a RAV Vast, which is a steel drum where they have tuned tongues that make different sounds. And it's a hugely popular instrument in Europe, but not in the United States. I'm the only person in Minnesota that owns this instrument.
How did you stumble upon a RAV Vast?
I was surfing the web and I found someone playing a hand pan, which is the parent drum of the RAV Vast. It's originally out of the Netherlands. It's a very cool sound and I fell in love with this instrument. So I ordered one but they're a super expensive and be they take a year to make because each drum is made by hand. But it was worth the wait, as the melodic tone is so relaxing.
What was the creative process like for writing Artist’s Prayer?
One of the things I do as an artist is keep a notebook of great words, great lines, song ideas, you know, snippets of things and I just save it because you never know when you're gonna need something. I originally wrote the lyrics in the 90’s and just had them in a folder. And I was working on another piece and I stumbled across this set of lyrics and I read through them and realized they are actually quite good! But I didn't have any of the music realized so I began playing with it. Part of my process in creation is I'll sit at my piano and I'll play a chord and I'll play a couple other chords and I kind of see where the music leads me. I really wanted something hypnotic and meditative. It has these super lush jazz chords in the song which I love. Its very very fun to sing and really fun to listen to. It's a really nice vibe and really chill and I hope everyone really enjoys it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
If people were to gain something by listening to your music, in your own words, what would that be?
Hope. I want people to have hope. I made a conscious decision to write positive music to try to elevate the world and change the vibration. We've got enough negativity going on around us that we need a little positivity. That's the kind of the gist of where my music goes. You create your reality by the energy you put out. I choose to focus on the positive
Where and how to do you want people to follow you?
You can find me under Paul David with every streaming service. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, etc.. Be aware there are two artists named Paul David. There's a guy in Canada who is a DJ and that's not me! I'm the other one! The best place to connect with me is my website, PaulDavidMusic.net That will have all my social media on there.
David’s latest single, Artist's Prayer, is now available for purchase and streaming on all platforms.
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