Creative SEA had a pretty full year in 2024. The organization consolidated funding and programming, and this has given us momentum for 2025. As the founder of Creative SEA, my community-oriented music projects were an important starting point for the organization’s programming, but I want to see these programs evolve and deepen through the creative input and inspiration of our community partners. One of our priorities for 2025 is to incorporate visual arts into some of our programs, definitely not an area of my expertise. We’re actively seeking visual artists, art teachers, and other folks on that wavelength to work with us.
The monthly Community Jazz Jam finished out strong. For two years now, Barrel O’ Fun in Mueller Alamo Drafthouse has been hosting us, and it’s a good relationship. But starting January, we’ve had to adapt to scheduling changes. Sunday evenings are no longer available, so this month we are going to try the jam as a jazz brunch. Please share your thoughts on this. If it works for folks we may keep that time slot; if not then we will have to look for a new location.
Our Festivus show at Captain Quackenbush went so well that we are in discussions with them about doing more shows at their venue. One possibility is to hold the next Community Song Workshop there. It’s pretty far south on Menchaca near Stassney. As Austin has grown and traffic has become more problematic, driving across town is no small choice. We are faced with the possibility that events too far North or South can make it difficult for some of our community to attend. On the other hand, we want to offer programs to all of Austin, so utilizing venues in various parts of town expands our constituency. We welcome feedback on what kinds of venues, and which locations, would work best.
Finally, it’s just January but I’m starting to plan for our spring Earth Day Cabaret, to be held in April. This year we want to do a lot of community outreach, particularly to environmental groups, theater and art groups, urban farms, and other folks who can dig our brand of music, humor and cultural awareness. If you have any suggestions, resources, or relevant kooky ideas, please share. Let’s get the party started!
