INTERVIEW with Annick Elzière (10/12/2009)
Kimberly Syphrett: Your 'Coffee shop-Crêperie ' gave birth to a few events in New Jersey. One of them was called the "NJ Independent Music Festival" which took place in Princeton. Now that you live in Arizona, you are working on a brand new project called "Playing For Unity In Diversity," can you tell us more about it? What is your vision with this new festival of yours?
Annick Elzière: Thanks for asking, Kim. I love music and I love to bring people together, for some reasons. So, the purpose of the "Playing For Unity In Diversity" festival is to promote ONENESS through MUSIC and the ARTS. In doing so, I encourage people to come together and celebrate life as one human family. Also, it is my contribution to humanity defined by principles such as love, joy, unity and peace. It is also my way to show my support to all independent musicians, artists, writers, singers and performers of all sorts and of different backgrounds and beliefs to share their talents and embrace one another. It's not about who's a better band than another group of musicians, it's about coming together, and make a difference in the hearts of others. Competition and profit do not interest me.
Music is a true ladder to the soul. It's a wonderful way to escape from this low earth. Music makes me feel good and brings me peace. I invite everyone to support the "Playing For Unity In Diversity" festival as a friend, patron, donor, sponsor, a volunteer or just come as a participant who enjoys music and understands my vision. How many people are ready to experience a down to earth music festival, I mean aren't we tired of those commercial events? I want to create something different, special and uplifting to everyone.
Kimberly Syphrett: Yes, I agree with you. Music soothes our soul and refreshes our spirit. Annick, do you play a music instrument, and what is your vision statement for this amazing festival that you are planning?
Annick Elzière: Thanks for the question, Kim. No, I am not a musician. I tried to play some instruments many times. I bought instruments but it's too much hard-work for me and I don't have the patience for it. You know, we always say to musicians "aren't you lucky to be so talented but the truth is that everyone can do it but none of us want to spend the time making it happen while they do. We all have different passions, I suppose. I love creating and organizing but don't ask me to play an instrument because it's not for me. Maybe my job is to help people appreciate musicians who do spend the time practicing. I much prefer to help and support them in my own ways. Nevertheless, sure I would love to play a musical instrument but as I say my mind is all over the place and it's not there. I can't focus on the same thing over and over. I really enjoy organizing festivals, all sorts of events but I don't like to have someone watching over my shoulder. We are all very different people. Sorry for the long answer...
Now to answer your second question, my vision is based on: Promoting Oneness through Music; Valuing the Arts as a form of expression and development in our lives; Healing; Encouraging local and global audiences to focus on joy and gratitude; Supporting Performing Artists who believe in Peace. It's going to be a music festival for people of all ages and different backgrounds. I don't care for anything that is commercial and I wish that everything we do is pure service to all. It's true that gender, skin color, religious and political beliefs do not interest me. It's all part of a make believe world that is strictly based on money.
Kimberly Syphrett: Will it be just a 1-day festival because I've heard you talking about many days? What kind of bands will be performing at the Old Tucson?
Annick Elzière: Kim, you know me well, I have no limits on who and what... Yes, I would love to plan a non-stop 3-day music festival but I have no funds for it so for now it's going to be just a 1-day event. One year, I will produce a 7-10 day festival but who knows when. I welcome all types of music styles. Everyone's music is different and they all sound good to my ears. Although, I'm not a fan of rap. I love musicians who are down to earth and just enjoy sharing their music. Not all of them are natural because of the pressure they have in making a living out of their art. I like to welcome those who understand and appreciate my own creation. It's really up to them to follow their own vision and how they want to present themselves on stage. I have nothing to do with it. I just don't care for arrogant artists but then again it might be because they struggle making a living. I don't know, you'll have to interview them because I'm just the one that holds the vision and puts all the pieces of the puzzle together.
In other worlds, artists have to be themselves and if they are then their music is fantastic. The heart beat, the rhythm and harmonies are very important to me. Yet, no one should be judging anyone and those who do not understand where I come from and demand lots of money then maybe my festivals are not for them. I am not a professional. I do things with my heart and nothing else. I guess all types of music interest me.
Kimberly Syphrett: Annick, your project sounds amazing and very special compare to other festivals. Any specific goal? Will you create many more events in the future?
Annick Elzière: Thanks, Kim. I love your questions because they help me think. The goal I have for the festival is to bring lots of joy and peace in people's lives so why not do it through music? Again, when money is not in your hands you are very limited. I don't have any. I wish I did but I don't. Playing For Unity in Diversity is not a celebration of celebrities and glamour and arrogance. I just want my time and efforts to be used for a good cause, that's all. I hold no expectations. Let's just be happy and at peace.
Do I want to make many more festivals? I would love it because this is my passion but my lack of funds always has been a barrier to me. Time will tell.
Kimberly Syphrett: Is there any slogan, or a catchphrase that will draw the audience? Do you have one?
Annick Elzière: Actually, I did. I was thinking of using “Real People for a Real World” or maybe "A Festival created by People for People." I really don't like either one, honestly so nope, I won't use one. Plus, slogans sounds very commercial like to me. I don't work for Pepsi Cola... Real and simple is my way. What do you think? Would you have an idea for me?
Kimberly Syphrett: What about “One Woman, One World, One Vision: Playing For Unity In Diversity”?
Annick Elzière: That's interesting. I like that. That's an idea.
Kimberly Syphrett: I love seeing you following your own mind. Tell us, what really got you started in creating public events like music festivals?|
Annick Elzière: Thanks, Kim. My mind always wants to create but I never know what is next. I love to be surprised. One idea brings another one on the table and that's how the carpet unrolls. That's how it works for me. I created the New Jersey Independent Music Festival in Mercer County, NJ near Princeton University when I had my coffee shop and I was in the moment meaning I had no clue of what would be next. I had no idea that I would own a coffee shop one day and produce events. That's why I enjoy my life, I really do. I get inspired and I move on. Yes, I am hoping to continue to create more festivals like this one, in the future. You know, it's very hard to do anything when you have no support at all from anyone. I don't know anyone who shares my vision.
Kimberly Syphrett: How did you come up with the name of Playing For Unity In Diversity?
Annick Elzière: I love music and I love diversity, meaning everything, almost. I trust it's time for humankind to unite and stop the division. It just came to my mind and I liked it.
Kimberly Syphrett: I am looking forward to being part of this festival, if I am around. It sounds wonderful and I am sure that people will appreciate all you're doing to unite our communities and support the Arts. I agree with you that it's time to unite.
Annick Elzière: Yes. Let's be the change. If people were more focused on being themselves instead of judging others then our lives would be happier. Let's do what we can while we can. Kim, thank you so much for your interest in my project and accept my gratitude and appreciation for your time. Make sure to come to the Old Tucson because it's going to be awesome. The Saloon is really neat.
♡
SHARING A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Looking for Work!
For Fun! When I came back from Costa Rica, I was looking for a decent job and meanwhile I took a temporary job. They let me go on day eight and somehow on that same day I felt very much impelled in expressing my own feelings to myself through a poem. I am no poet which is why it's even more fun to read it as it really expresses how down I was on that day.
Saturday, July 17, 2010 9:08 PM
Day Eight by Annick
Tucson 'Ross For Dress' official grand opening was the focus.
Came to work at eleven O'clock. All seemed very quiet.
As usual, I was asked to do some checking and sizing.
Not my type of fun but a buck is a buck. Nothing prestigious.
I Wanted to be at the cash register for a change but was not.
Walked around. Checked tags, girls tops and picked up a lot.
Suddenly, I was asked to go home to my biggest surprise.
He seemed suspicious and was told that business was no prize.
Not many people were scheduled for the big opening day.
Sorry they were to have to let me go on their first day.
Before you go, please take a sandwich in the break room.
It felt like an electric shock then let go of the broom.
The corporate world hires numbers. Keep your head up.
Punched my card looking at my schedule for next week.
Looked at the sandwiches on the table and saw no cup.
How should I feel? I asked myself: Sad, blessed or weak?
Other employees seemed to all have plenty of work hours.
My last work schedule was planned for Saturday five forty five.
I double checked again to make sure but for me no more.
They had not been honest with all of us. Dive or stay alive.
I asked my manager why. He was sad and very sorry he was.
Please be patient, be patient, be patient. The time will come.
Business is not what we had expected. It’s just a bad phase.
Strange way of doing business. I smiled back and went home.
Is the world ending? It’s spooky all around me. Just let me scream 'boo'.
It seems like the business world is losing it. No one cares and so little to do.
People answered the call and were pushed to quickly set up the store.
That was their biggest secret. It was all done for nothing but just the decor.
Maybe it was a true blessing in the sky. Next will be whatever it is.