Public Historian. Sociologist. Musician. Writer.
BIO AND CV
One personal motto of mine is that every person can, and deserves to be, creative and talented. I believe in the power of community and storytelling, and that engagement with the arts, is the perfect conduit for both.
I have performed in 48 states and 9 countries as a drummer and percussionist. Being able to express and share my talents has given me access to the world, and broadened my understanding of myself and the diversity of the human condition. My experience as a professional musician has shown me the value of connecting with people, and how important creativity is in supporting our humanity.
I am published academic and critic, having written in everything from encyclopedias to newsweeklies. My training as a sociologist helps me use my imagination and skills as a researcher to understand the deeper connections between the individual (personal issues), and the broader workings of society (public issues).
I most often do history in communities, helping people understand and shape the stories they experience, and want to tell about themselves. My training as a public historian enables me to put those personal and societal issues into context, as a way to leverage an understanding of the past, that informs better engagement for the future.
Some of my other interests include the culinary arts, ceramics, film, hiking, dancing, cycling, and puzzles.
If you want more information about my career experience, past projects, or current work, please contact me.
Education
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
MA Public History
Jan 2019 - May 2021
BELMONT UNIVERSITY
BA Sociology
Minor Communications
Aug 2003 - May 2008
Experience
2023 - current
BELCOURT THEATRE / PUBLIC HISTORIAN
Researching, analyzing and interpreting the past of Nashville's oldest neighborhood theater.
2019 - 2021
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, THE CENTER FOR POPULAR MUSIC / GRADUATE ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST
Report to the Director and head Archivist, exercising responsibility for the arrangement and description of archival material. Demonstrate and develop relevant skills and knowledge, as well as work successfully in a collaborative, academic environment.
2017 - current
BELCOURT THEATRE / FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Providing leadership, supervision, and direction of strategic initiatives involving the operation of the front of house and back of house areas.
2003 - current
MUSICIAN / SELF-EMPLOYED
Freelance performance, composition, arrangement, production and private instruction (see Recordings and Press section for more information).
2008 - current
WRITER / SELF-EMPLOYED
Culture, history and music critic and essayist (see Publications section for more information).
2010 - 2011
PARK CENTER / CLINICAL CASE MANAGEMENT
Assessing treatment, medication management, co-occurring recovery services and supportive counseling; facilitating psychiatric and nursing services; skill building and advocacy.
2005 - 2020
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS & HUMANITIES / ARTS EDUCATOR AND PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR
Began as a volunteer educator in 2005, received a series of promotions to work in multiple teaching positions beginning in 2006. Served as Programming Director from 2010 - 11, developing and implementing multi-format arts education programs for youth ages 10 - 17. Currently volunteer yearly Lead Instructor positions as needed.
Professional Affiliations
ORAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1966, The Oral History Association is a professional association for oral historians and others interested in oral history. It is based in the United States but has international membership.
2019 - current
INTER-MUSEUM COUNCIL OF NASHVILLE (ICON)
A professional organization committed to encouraging the development and education of Nashville-area museums and cultural institutions.
2019 - current
Honors and Awards
ROCKY STRICKLAND SCHOLAR
The Roscoe L. Strickland Jr. Endowment funds educational opportunities for students enrolled in the Department of History's Graduate Studies Program
2019 - 2020
THE HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI
2020
Active since 1987, Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engages the community of scholars in service to others. Membership is earned, and admission is by invitation only by a university chapter. Graduate students must have completed at least 18 graduate hours or the equivalent at their institution and rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
"BEST FILM SERIES" IN THE NASHVILLE SCENE WRITER'S CHOICE AWARDS
For programming the Belcourt Theatre's Queer Qlassics Film series, featuring seminal works of 20th century queer cinema. Queer Qlassics was awarded for its outstanding community engagement and programming.
2019
JURY MEMBER, 51ST NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
2020
Jury members are hand selected by Festival's Programming Manager and include various film, culture, and art personalities, who determine the prizes for the feature films in the competition.
2020 jury selection for "Best Documentary Short" - The Heart Still Hums (Dir. Taylor Russell, Savanah Leaf)
My official jury statement: "2020 has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. It's been difficult for many of us to find hope in any measure. The message of this film is intimate and universal; a message I think we all need right now, which is the reminder that our stories are connected to systemic problems and solutions. The women protagonists of this film demonstrate that even when our choices are limited, hope can take many forms. Sometimes it is holding on. Sometimes it is letting go. Either way, everything is everything."
PERSON OF THE YEAR
The Nashville Scene’s annual People of the Year issue recognizes and celebrates Nashvillians who “give Music City its character.”
2009
Community Service
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Queer Dance Party (QDP) (Nashville, TN)
2012 - current
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
She’s A Rebel, A Girl Group Tribute Show (Nashville, TN)
2015 - 2021
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER
Jessi Zazu, Inc. (Nashville, TN)
2018 - 2019
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
LadyFest Music City (Nashville, TN)
2006
ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT
Students for the Advancement of Gender Equality (SAGE), Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
2006
COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
Student Global AIDS Campaign’s Student March Against Aids (Washington, DC)
2003 - 2005