This moment is big. As a company, with you all, here tonight, we honor the legacy of Jazz Dance and Music and carry it forward together. That is a huge undertaking. However, my hope is that in its simplest, most honest, and heartfelt form, our show succeeds in building a deeper awareness and appreciation for the vast possibilities and beauty of this incredible legacy. We cannot possibly do it all in one night or one show. But we can start this journey together, a journey that I believe will, if we choose it to, ripple into a thousand other meaningful moments for years and generations to come. 

 

I owe so much gratitude to the incredible COLE team - Julia and Curtis, thank you for your fierce care and for your willingness to nurture this vision and carry this important work forward. To Angel and Ramita, who have welcomed us all into their worlds and brought such knowledge, authenticity and grounding integrity to the work. I am in awe of and continuously inspired by you both. Thank you for challenging us to always lead with mindfulness, understanding and respect.

 

To our brilliant Cast and Band, who have poured their souls into this work because they believe in the meaning and power of what we are building. You have made this experience so delicious, and I cherish each and every one of you. 

 

To my phenomenal associate, partner in crime, and muse Evy, who gives me just as much, if not more, than what I can possibly give to her. You teach me every day, and I will forever admire and celebrate the depth of your truth, wisdom, and immense talent. Being in the space with you is my favorite place to be. Thank you for standing by me in even the hardest hours, and for your unyeilding integrity, powerful advice, and beautiful heart. It goes to show, I couldn’t have done this without you my friend.

 

Thank you to Jazz, and to the heritage and people who paved the way for this work. Thank you for the joy you spawned, even from the darkest and most tragic times. We do not take that lightly, and we are here in respect and in honor of your resilience. 

 

Thank you, of course, to Jack Cole, who was in so many ways, a formidable vessel for this art form. You were ahead of your time. Thank you for your ingenuity, for your desire to always lead with authenticity, and for unknowingly creating a legacy and style that paved the way for so many, including me. All just because you wanted to do something meaningful for dance. I hope you would be proud of this moment.

 

I owe my biggest thanks and gratitude to the late Chet Walker, who was my mentor, friend, family, and inspiration. We are here today because of him, and the ceaseless amount of passion and heart he gave to researching and sharing Cole’s legacy. If not for Chet believing in the importance of this work, than it may be forgotten today. We owe it all to his faith in this art form and his  belief that we must always pass it on because it is bigger than all of us. 

 

As is Cole’s, Chet’s spirit is equally ingrained in our show. His heart, voice, and imagination lives in the movement. His passion and joy is alive in how we share the space, how we feel the music, how we experience the work together. He lives in this project, because everything he taught me has given me the power, inspiration, and reason to create this work. He is the genesis of this new chapter of honoring and evolving this magnificent art form. 

 

Thank you Chetty. This moment feels like coming home. In the barns and farmhouses of Jacob's Pillow you built the arc. And now we choose to embark, taking what you gave us and passing it on. 

 

We are doing the thing!

 

Much love, 

Cam