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Paige Barnett, Director of “A Song of Visions – DANCE, OPERA & JAZZ,” a unique dance, opera, and jazz performance to be held at the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington LA, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her foray into the world of production and fundraising for artistic endeavors.
The performance will be held on November 6, 2021, at 1 pm and again at 4 pm. It is choreographed by Nicole Curtis and will be presented within the chapel and on the grounds of St. John’s Cathedral located at 308 Church St, Washington, LA 70589.
Paige had always wanted to offer a creative production at a spiritual place and St. John’s ended up being the perfect setting; her boyfriend actually offered up the site as a safe and spiritual place for her to consider after attending a wedding there. The Washington Garden Club welcomed the opportunity to offer St. John’s as the locale for the performance, especially as the COVID times are being left behind (we hope!).
The performance focuses on ‘women’s consciousness,” issues such as “When are you getting married? When are you having babies? When are you……??” Paige wanted to present an artistic creation that addressed these Southern cultural norms in a comical, respectful way that all people in our community can relate to.
As the performance opens up, Sasha Massey, the cantor at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Lafayette, serves as the bride and songstress. Paige shared that there is a surprise for Act II as the guests get to walk outside and participate in the Second Act.
There will be some spoken word along with singing and dancing. Paige shared, “The audience will enjoy going along for the ride as the play unfolds.” The first act will take place inside the church and the second act will invite audience members to walk outside for the reception and experience a surprise experience which will make their attendance enjoyable.
Washington, Louisiana, and its mayor, Dwight Landreneau, have been working diligently to prepare visitors as they visit this delightful small town and prepare for “A Song of Visions,” as have the beloved members of the Washington Garden Club. As many antique shoppers know, there are a plethora of shopping opportunities for anyone entering the Washington LA city limits! You can travel to the Washington Old Schoolhouse Mall and shop during the morning hours prior to the event. The hope is that you and your friends have a delightful day of relaxing, shopping, and enjoying fine dining in this quaint town that takes you back to simpler days.
Many well-known dancers will also be participating in the event, including Clare Cook of Basin Arts who has mentored Paige in the ways of learning how to direct, create’ and present a successful event. Please listen to the entire interview to hear Paige credit all of the creative talents who make this show possible!
This project is funded in part by grants from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, as well as a Louisiana Project Grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.
This project is also supported in part by ArtSpark, an Individual Artist stipend supported by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
Paige also asks that you thank their patrons, Gina & Derek Aswell, and their “Wedding Party, ” Michelle & Tracy Curtis!
A Lafayette native, Paige has dedicated her professional life to the arts. While she has a degree from UL-Lafayette in Chemical Engineering, she always knew that dance was what made her heart sing. May we celebrate the creatives in our lives, such as Paige Barnett, who follow their heart and make our community sing!
We encourage you to listen to the rest of Paige Barnett’s interview and get to know this young and talented woman who could be living in NYC but has chosen Lafayette LA as her permanent home!
Visit www.vpbarnett.com/a-song-of-visions to buy tickets! Students and art creatives may request a discount.
Thank goodness that we have young and older artists in our community who want to inspire all of us to be creative and also enjoy the arts! We are grateful to have Paige Barnett in our community!
