Patricia Nicholson Parker: A Disciplined Disregard for Traditional Boundaries

AAJ: And that I know is a hard thing to do. I have just a couple more things, if I may. You may not want to answer this one, but I'll ask it anyway. So I've been fortunate to attend many of the Vision Fests since 2001. I have seen many great performances, but some are particularly memorable and stand out as being exceptional. I can name James Brandon Lewis's Unruly Manifesto. That was just mind blowing. There was a performance by Kris Davis, Ambrose Akinmusire and Tyshawn Sorey, which was just also a stunning performance. The tribute to Reggie Workman just last year was rather mind-blowing.

AAJ: There was a music/dance performance including yourself, Joëlle Léandre, Tomeka Reid and...

PNP: And Melanie Dyer.

AAJ: And Melanie Dyer and it was just gorgeous. It was very powerful and moving. You may be reluctant to do this, but could you single out some that were particularly memorable to you or moving in some way?

PNP: I can only do that if you understand... The thing is... What is memorable is what speaks to your heart. So it has to do with what you need at a certain time or what you know, it's just that it's complicated. And what moves us is complicated. And I also have to say, as a presenter, I might not be as relaxed watching as you are going to be. But every time I presented Kidd Jordan, every time he played, that was super important to me. It just made me joyful. And I'll never forget when we honored Marshall Allen. Way back when he was only 80. Wow. They brought a big birthday cake with all the with 80 candles on it. It was great. And the band (Sun Ra Arkestra) was still doing cartwheels and all that.

AAJ: Right.

PNP: Roy Campbell's group that we have a record out. What was it?

AAJ: Akhenaten.

PNP: Yeah. That was like. I felt really proud that, you know, I was able to help make that happen. I was super proud. But it feels ridiculously unfair to pick one over another, What about the Sam Rivers LTA. And what about and all of William's performances and the 50 Strings for Leroy and on and on.

AAJ: Yes, I know, that I am putting you on the spot.

PNP: Yeah, what I really want to say is that it's like music—it's about having your heart open to new experiences. Whether it's someone talking to you, playing some music, or showing some art, it's all about opening you up and leaving a deep, lasting impression. As long as I can create those kinds of possibilities, I'm happy and proud. And honestly, I love music just as much as anyone else. But you know, life can be tough. The other night, I was feeling really down and just wanted to hide under my covers. But I had to go to this concert I was presenting, I was bringing the checks to pay everyone. In the end, being there made me feel better. I left feeling okay. It may not have been the very best concert I've ever heard, but it fed my soul. What more can you ask for, you know?

AAJ: Very well stated. I mean, live music just has that wonderful ability to bring joy to your life and especially when it's most needed.

PNP: Yeah, so that's exactly why I implemented a 'pay what you can' policy. I mean, it bothers me that people often think they should only have to pay for drinks and get their music for free. That's just wrong. On the other hand, I want everyone to have the chance to come and enjoy the music and pay whatever they can afford. At the same time, I try to make it clear that if you don't support what feeds your soul, it won't be around for long.

AAJ: On a personal note. I love to photograph dance, and I don't often get the opportunity. I wouldn't say I'm particularly expert at it, but I love that the Vision Fest gives me that opportunity.

PNP: I appreciate your photos. I appreciate that you're part of the community.

AAJ: Thank you!

PNP: We all depend on each other to some extent. Everything changes when each person brings their own thing. No one can replace anyone else. I always tell young musicians that the only truly unique thing they have is themselves. That's it. So, we each bring our uniqueness. And for those young musicians who want to stand out? The answer is simple: be yourself. Find what makes you unique, what's the most 'you' about you.

AAJ: Jeff Schlanger (live music painter) has done extraordinary work. Can you talk about what he has meant to Arts for Art and the Vision Fest over the years.

PNP: He didn't invent it, but he almost did. You know, I mean, he made it his life work and or part of his life work. He's a clay sculptor. He also happens to be a relative. You knew that?

AAJ: No, I didn't know.

PNP: I didn't know it either. I met him after I was married to William. He is my father's cousin. I was so excited when my dad mentioned, oh by the way, that Jeff goes to the concerts and hears the music that you're part of. I wasn't presenting back then, though. That was probably sometime in the late '70s, but I don't remember exactly. Jeff was part of the Improvisers Collective, which I put together in '94. He wasn't in Sound Unity, but he was a big part of the Improvisors Collective. In fact, every flyer we made was based off his drawings. I'd get a Xerox of one of his drawings, cut it out, and then lay it on the paper with the text to put it all together. Those were the flyers for the Improvisers Collective. He calls himself "MusicWitness.'" Because he pays witness. He came to all of the performances up until a few years ago It just got to be too hard physically because he's now. 87, I think.

AAJ: I think he did one date last year though, right?

PNP: Yeah, he was there, I think two days last year. I was there definitely on Joelle Leandré's LTA and I think maybe one other night. And I know he'll be there at least once, maybe even twice this year. Oh, by the way, have you ever been to his home?

AAJ: No, I know he lives a distance from.

PNP: Yeah, he lives in New Rochelle, in this old railroad station turned into a house. The whole place is an art installation, and they've got a garden too. He lives in the station house itself. As long as there's no flooding or any other storm-related issues—because he's the one taking care of it and, at 87, that's not getting any easier—he should be there at least once, if not twice. As long as everything's okay at home with his and his wife's health, he'll make it. He's really an integral part of the community.

AAJ: Yes

PNP: He's been there from the start, always showing up and supporting the music. And then, as soon as I began organizing, he was involved in all of that too.

AAJ: I thank you for participating and being so generous with your time. This was a great conversation. I learned a lot and I'm very grateful for your thoughts.

PNP: Well, thank you, Dave. I'm thankful that you took time to ask me so because it,' getting the word out and including other people in.

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