JASON HAS MOVED! Websites that is

Hey everybody! I just wanted to make sure you have the latest updates on what is happening in my creative realms. I may still create posts here, but I generally have moved things over to my own website and blog at JasonJenn.com and hope you'll join me for all the adventures there!

Troubadour Trixter: The Tale of the Red or Blue Hat

Dear friends, it has been an emotionally challenging week (oh, let’s face it month, year, decade, life) and it is going to be a very rocky ride ahead as well. So seek your supports and find nourishment to continue.

Now more than ever we must balance between being diligently informed and socially consciousness (a job in itself sorting through all the misinformation) while providing ample opportunities to care for self, environment, and others. Personally the sharing of my voice, art, heart, and soul seems like one duty among countless others I cannot neglect.

So for a start I posted a simple little video on youtube that I hope you’ll watch:




I’m starting a new channel under the name Troubadour Trickster, a rebegin for my artistic branding. I’ve been toying with doing it since 2011, but finally moving toward that calling.

To be honest, making these types of videos and requests makes me quite uncomfortable. Surprising I know, but even while being a performance artist, there is something unsettling to me about eternal everywhere video over the forgiving charms of the ephemeral stage and my inner critic is never quite pleased with the result. But nevertheless this is an era where we have to get over our various discomforts and stay engaged. The time is now or else! And my passion is to share meaningful stories, songs, poems, and commentary that endeavors to be as illuminating and entertaining as possible to nourish us on the long, twisted journey ahead.

I’d love to hear what you think. And forgive me if I make multiple postings - one just has no clue what actually reaches people these days. Please check out the Troubadour Trixter channel on youtube. The first video there is my retelling of an old African folktale that is, unfortunately, quite relevant today.
I am grateful to be capable of channeling my emotions into the shameless expression my inner-child. Oh, and after the past week, in spite of yearnings to move out of the country, I love California more than ever.

Special thanks to Paul Manchester for illustrating the Troubadour Trixter logo for me. You’ll see variations of the it in the future, as the creative evolution progresses. But the logo will usually contain a type of hat, because I wear many of them, and it represents the mind as well as something constructed by humans. It will have a feather for it represents the animal world, movement, and aiming for the heights. It will have some type of flower, representing the plant kingdom, growth, blossoming creativity, pollinating ideas and the Flower of Life.

Thank you for gifting me your attention. Blissings!

Harold Norse Centennial Preparation @ Planet Queer's Rainbow Revolution

Performing Harold Norse @ Planet Queer - photo by Geronimo Quitoriano

Monday night Planet Queer released a Rainbow Revolution of love into the universe to counteract the hate, honor the dead, and dance with the fragile fleeting magic of life. I was honored to once again be a part of the monthly performance art evening co-hosted by Ian MacKinnon & Travis Wood, presenting a couple of poems by Harold Norse in preparation for the various upcoming centennial celebrations happening in San Francisco and Venice Beach/Los Angeles.

Video documentation of the preview performance below created by Robert Patrick Playwright. Special thanks to Zak Pence for his wonderful job with my make-up.






I'm enjoying the process of diving into Harold's work and finding ways in which to share his words fused with my queer spirit. There is such relevance to the events of our modern world and I hope that more people are turned on to Harold's poetry as a result of Todd Swindell's hard work in keeping his legacy going.

If you haven't heard of Harold Norse before, you're not alone. While unknown to the general public, he was respected by his peers in the Beat generation poets, like Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Charles Bukowski, and James Broughton (whom I did a series of performances about in celebration of his centennial two years ago). Norse didn't promote his own work, so unfortunately got overlooked, but hopefull that is going to change with the upcoming celebrations on July 6 & 9 in SF and July 23 in Venice Beach. (click on poster for larger image)

I look forward to sharing more of the process in the weeks to come, but for now, enjoy the video and photographs of the piece in development.

photo by Steven Reigns

photo by Geronimo Quitoriano 

photo by Geronimo Quitoriano

photo by Geronimo Quitoriano

TOURing Once Again with Stuart Timmons!

It is my pleasure to announce that I will once again be producing and directing the Stuart Timmons' City of West Hollywood LGBTQ History Mobile Tour thanks to a grant from The One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival on Saturday, June 4!

You can check out more information at www.StuartTimmons.com 

I am thrilled to present this production once again for the public. It was a highlight of my 2015 and one of the most fun projects to be involved with. I learned and continue to learn so much about the history of Los Angeles & West Hollywood, gaining even greater respect for all the challenges the LGBTQ community has faced throughout the ages and still to this day.

We aim to have a fun time while sharing the history with audiences and hope you'll join us on the adventure!

Celebrating Spirit Studio and 4 Fab Years!

Oh this month is bringing a lot of ch...ch...ch...changes. I am still reeling from the news of one of my creative heroes David Bowie passing on. I admired his versatility and constant outpouring of new material. And this month also serves to mark a major change in my personal life. For the past 4 years I have been blessed with a wonderful venue called Spirit Studio in which to produce and create performance art, but the doors must close this month as the owner of the building want to build a sushi bar instead!

The episcopal church group Holy Spirit - LA have been wonderful hosts of Spirit Studio and allowed many local artists a low-cost venue in which to independently produce their original works. I was the first show to hit the stage in January of 2012 and I'll be helping to produce several of the last. And then, just as Spirit Studio will be moving to a new location (but uncertain of just when it will reopen), I am making a huge leap across town by moving from East Hollywood/Silver Lake to live in South Bay closer to my day job as Operations Director at Holonyne Corporation (a multimedia video post production company). A lot is happening, but I've been feeling the need for some changes for quite some time.

So, please join me to honor Spirit Studio and share in the talents of many of the artists who have graced the stage over the years.

Robert Patrick Playwright will present 3 more shows of his delightful NEW SONGS FOR OLD MOVIES.

Three encore shows:
Saturday, January 16 at 8pm
Sunday, January 17 at 6pm
Sunday, January 24 at 4pm

For less than the price of a night out at the movies, you’ll get real live entertainment! Just $10 Tickets available at the door or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2482979

Friday January 22 at 8:30pm (doors open 8pm - special slow dancing follows show)
$10 cover in advance / $15 at the door
http://spiritstudioallgoodthings.bpt.me/ - COMING SOON

Selected performances from past shows and new creations by:
April Hava Shenkman
Ian MacKinnon
Juan Martin Matamoros
Themegoman
Devan M.
Strawberry
Jane Cantillon
Odious Ari
Princess PoodlePoo
Queer David Lawrence
Jason Jenn
Robert Patrick Playwright

& a favorite feature of many events over the years - the Maverick Mystic will be on hand to read your Tarot cards for tips

After the show - join us for mingling and spend some splendid time connecting with your fellow human for some SLOW DANCING hosted byTimothy Power

Jason Jenn presents SONGS & STORIES FOR OUR DAYS on Saturday, Jan 30 at 8pm

Join the trickster troubadour Jason Jenn in a special intimate, candlelight performance to honor the closing and eventual reopening of Spirit Studio in a new space.

It's a provocative and uplifting evening of words and original a cappella music exploring both the joys and challenges of living in such a complex modern world where dog fights are nothing compared to devastating dogma wars. The aim is to alchemically stir the soul and journey from chaos towards bliss by painting sublime images in the mind's eye through the power of words and melodies over theatrical artifice and illusion.

Jason presented the piece as the first show at the then new venue in January of 2012 and will give all proceeds from this final show towards the future space of Spirit Studio.

Tickets available at the door - suggested $5-20 donation

In "HARMONY" with Robert Patrick

Quite a pair - singing with Robert Patrick Playwright

Well, I finally got my wish - to sing a duet with Robert Patrick during one of his shows. This was my third time around as producer/director for Robert and third time was definitely the charm for that wish to come true! As a special finale number to his recent "New Songs For Old Movies" we performed together in a lovely little number called "HARMONY" written as a clever homage to the road movies of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

I must admit, I was under a lot of stress juggling the various demands of my day job as post production Operations Manager at PennRose Studios (coincidentally I celebrate my one year anniversary on the job this month) and the role of producer that we had precious little time to run our number. I was struggling with hitting all the notes and rhythm correctly up until the last minute - it's hard work singing a cappella to someone else's tune!

But I'm happy to say, in the end, it all worked out splendidly! In fact, Robert confessed to me - in spite of our ordeal getting to the point - that it was one of the most fun moments on stage he's had. I certainly agree and look forward to doing the number with him again!

The piece starts out with Robert singing the first verse and melody of the song solo - as if he were Bob Hope singing to Bing (my part). It's a clever ditty about the strength of great friendships/ partnerships - a perfect tribute to Bob and Bing who starred in 7 (yes, SEVEN) "Road to..." movies. Robert and I have 4 more productions to mount before we could even dare to compare... 

After the first verse, the song gets passed along to me, and I sing pretty much the same lyrics (with slight variation), but this time the harmony of the tune.

The first lines of the verse are "I'm no good alone, but I'm great harmony..."

And then...the two of us sing together! This was the tricky part for me to handle...I always wanted to slip off my part and join Robert in the melody! But I held it - and even used some simple choreography to ensure I got it! 

So we danced around - snapping our fingers and enjoying the finale to our third production together and celebrating Robert's 78th birthday!

And I must say - "HARMONY" proved to be another fun and witty song created by the remarkable Robert Patrick Playwright. I am continued to be inspired by his history, intelligence, and creativity. 

So now I have another wish! As the final lyrics of his song profess:

"So please give in, and say that we'll live in....wonderful glorious, beautiful marvelous, glowing and growing harmony!!!!"

Robert Patrick Playwright's "New Songs For Old Movies"

Since puberty, Robert Patrick has created songs for the movies and movie stars he most admired. Now at last he presents them in a concert evening in which he pays vocal tribute - with an occasional edge of satire - to Betty Grable, Bing Crosby, Eartha Kitt, Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Harvey Fierstein, Carmen Miranda, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Johnny Cash, and Audrey Hepburn among others.

Join the acclaimed author of “Kennedy’s Children” and “Blue is For Boys”, forefather of modern gay theatre, and beloved Silver Lake Underground All-Star *Robert Patrick Playwright* as he shares the results of his witty imagination.

One night only special engagement, for less than the price of a night out at the movies, you’ll get real live entertainment! Just $10

SATURDAY SEPT 26 - 8pm
SPIRIT STUDIO SILVER LAKE
3711 Evans Street, Silver Lake, CA 90027

Photos from "Recognition=Life"

Here are a few of the photographs from the event "West Hollywood This is Your Life" presented as part of One City One Pride's LGBTQ Arts Festival "WeHo@30"at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park on June 27. It was part of the celebration for the 30 year history of West Hollywood as an incorporated city. I presented works by one of its greatest figures, the AIDS activist and award-winning writer, Paul Monette. I chose to read excerpts from one of his political essays "The Politics of Silence" - as relevant in its observations and activism today as it was in the early 90's. It was followed by two of his stirring, heartfelt poems about the loss of his lover Roger to AIDS, "The House on Kings Road" and "Here".

I was accompanied by a fine cast of dancers, Atasiea, Harpal Sodhi & Qlint Steinhauser, along with live music by Ahmond. Many thanks to the folks of One City One Pride for their support of the arts. All photos by Tony Coehlo. Click on the images to see the full size.

RECOGNITION = LIFE on JUNE 27 @ 4pm

“I’ve learned in my adult life that the will to silence the truth is always and everywhere as strong as the truth itself. So it is a necessary fight we will always be in: those of us who struggle to understand our common truths, and those who try to erase them.” - Paul Monette

The words of Paul Monette are hitting me hard right in the heart right now with both an emotionally powerful urgency and resounding universality, as relevant as today as when he wrote them over 20 years ago. On June 27 at 4:30pm I will present  “Recognition = Life”, a 45-minute tribute to Paul and the creative spirit of West Hollywood residents who are no longer with us as part of The City of West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGTBQ Arts Festival “WeHo@30”.  It’s part of a day of theatre and the show “West Hollywood This Is Your Life”.  It all begins at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park at 4pm (3:30pm door) and includes a variety of extraordinary performances until 9pm, co-hosted by Ian MacKinnon and Odious Ari produced by APT3F & Planet Queer. Check out the facebook invite at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/870889636291351/

I will be combining spoken word along with a cast (Atasiea, Harpal Sodhi, and Qlint Steinhauser) using dance movement, live music (musician Ahmond on guitar) and video art to honor his powerful voice in both his essays and poetry. There’s a particularly enthralling mix of strength and sensitivity in his writing, from his bold essays on gay rights and AIDS activism to the heartfelt emotion of the loss of his lover Roger Horwitz. They speak clearly and compellingly to us in contemporary times and engage on both page and stage. 

"Recognition = Life"
Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd 

(Free parking for full day in both north and south parking lots - north lot off Fountain Blvd, south lot off Santa Monica - Fiesta Hall is in the middle and west side of park just off North Vista St.)

"West Hollywood This Is Your Life" begins at 4pm, doors 3:30pm

suggested $5 donation covers full day of performances
SCHEDULE
4:00 pm - Hank Henderson’s HomoCentric brings together diverse voices in LGBTQ writing.

4:30pm "Recognition = Life" created by Jason Jenn with Atasiea, Harpal Sodhi, Qlint Steinhauser and Ahmond on guitar. With special guest performance by Yozmit
5:30 pm - Ian MacKinnon’s Get More Gay Performance Workshop's “Flirty Thirty: The WeHo Queer History Project” explores West Hollywood LGBT history in a series of performance pieces by: David Parke Epstein, Edwin Alexis Gomez, AJ Goodrich, Andrea Lambert, Ricky Luna, Ian MacKinnon, Martin Matamoros, Corey Saucier, Jean Spinosa, & Travis Wood
6:50 pm - APT 3F and PLANET QUEER host a variety show with artists celebrating Pride and WeHo's b-day! Performances by: Bitsy la Bourbon, Heather Damage, Queerella deVille, Keith Hunter, Leon Mancilla, Leopold Nunan, & Raymond Kym Suttle
7:45 pm - REACH LA presents "Face Over 30: The Road To Ovahness," an original theatrical production about a young man's journey to redemption, through the lens of queer ballroom culture.

'This event is presented as part of the City of West Hollywood's One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, which this year celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Cityhood with the theme 'WeHo@30, Life@30'. Events take place from Harvey Milk Day, May 22nd, to the end of June, with a special full day of theatre in Plummer Park on June 27. For more info and to see a full roster of events please visit :www.weho.org/pride. 

THE BUZZ OF ONE CITY ONE PRIDE

The cast of Stuart Timmons' City of West Hollywood LGBTQ History Mobile Tour on June 6

Feeling such an immense wave of heartfelt gratitude for the City of West Hollywood's One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival. Not quite a third of the way through the 40 days and I have been so moved by the variety of events with the primary theme of “WeHo@30” (it was incorporated as a city on Nov 29, 1984 with the first elected majority gay city council and lesbian mayor) and additional theme of exploring how the AIDS crisis forever impacted our history and has yet to receive the attention and respect it deserves in the art world with “Art AIDS America”. 

Helping to work with gay historian Stuart Timmons and a truly amazing cast and crew on bringing his historic tour of West Hollywood to fruition yesterday has moved me in ways beyond my ability to fully describe in a singular post, but I had to at least share some of this:

The intricate tapestry of life is taking on a fascinating glow, putting me into an even deeper reverent awe.  These moments have been coming more and more and I feel blessed to have shared experiences with many wonderful people over my 17 years in the Los Angeles area , whom I love, respect, and admire. Then there are those I never met but who move me so from their bold actions in the past and by getting to read about and/or share their stories, or have multimedia experiences about, which educate me as to their life and impact. So much to share…lots of thanks and credits to give, but for now…these are the words I share. Now on to dive into more of the festival events…

Performance artist & friend Yozmit delivers a stunning walk through the West Hollywood Library at the exhibition opening of "Art AIDS America"

A few quick snapshots from Stuart Timmons' Tour...more to come

Thanks to Cake & Art for providing beautiful and delicious cakes for the reception.

STUART TIMMONS' CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD LGBTQ HISTORY MOBILE TOUR

I'm quite thrilled to be the lead coordinator of this wonderful event!

Historian Stuart Timmons is excited to share some of the great LGBTQ history of West Hollywood 

SATURDAY JUNE 6 from 11am-2pm! Fabulous & Free to the public!

Tours begin at the West Hollywood Library @  625 N. San Vicente Blvd

As part of the celebration of The City of West Hollywood’s 30^th Anniversary, Stuart Timmons presents a fabulous mobile tour of various LGBTQ historic sites. A specially designed map and accompanying information will be available to the public as a free downloadable file to do anytime on their own, or they can participate in festive 75-minute group tours happening on Saturday, June 6^th taking place between 11am-2pm*. “Tourists” will embark on a brief shuttle ride starting at the West Hollywood Library, which will then drop them off on Sunset Blvd for an exciting 60 minute walking/wheeling portion where they will encounter various fun surprises and historically costumed guides along the route delivering the history of each location.

Stuart Timmons is the acclaimed historian and author of “The Trouble With Harry Hay,” co-author of “Gay L.A.,” and former board member & executive director of the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives. In 2007, Stuart was developing three walking tours of LGBTQ historic sites in Los Angeles. He finished tours of DTLA and Silver Lake, but experienced a severe stroke before he could complete his West Hollywood tour. Now, thanks to a grant from One City One Pride and a team of helpers, Stuart’s vision is coming to a rousing fruition in time for the 30^th Anniversary of “The Creative City” and the "WeHo@30" LGBTQ Arts Festival.

*Shuttles will leave from West Hollywood Library approximately every 15 minutes carrying small groups – last shuttle will be shortly after 1pm. Free parking available in the ramp just south of the West Hollywood Library.

This is a “mobile tour” - as in mobility via feet, wheelchair, bike, skates, stroller, or car -  and as in available to download on your mobile smartphone! The live tour will require outdoor urban walking or wheelchair assistance, so comfortable shoes and appropriate sun protection is advised. Some parasols and sunumbrellas will be provided to throw some colorful shade your way.

Available online for download after June 6 at www.weho.org/pride

Live Group Tour Event
Saturday, June 6 from 11am until 2pm
Beginning & Ending from The West Hollywood Library
Last shuttle departs around 1pm

'This event is presented as part of the City of West Hollywood's One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, which this year celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Cityhood with the theme 'WeHo@30, Life@30'. Events take place from Harvey Milk Day, May 22nd, to the end of June, with a special full day of theatre in Plummer Park on June 27. For more info and to see a full roster of events please visit :
www.weho.org/pride.