James B. & Bill T. #doubleswoon

To say that I'm pumped that I just bought thevery last ticket at New York Live Theater for "Live Ideas: James Baldwin, This Time!" would be an understatement. If you knew me in college, you already know that James Baldwin is hands down my favorite writer, favorite thinker, favorite badass artist. I still listen to old media archives of his interviews when I clean the house. So here's the kick, the opening conversation is moderated by ...wait for it...Bill T. Jones (squeeeeel, I LOVE ME SOME HIMMMMMMM!!!!!!) with visual artist and MacArthur Fellow, Carrie Mae Weems (one of the bombist photographers on the planet) and celebrated novelist and essayist, Jamaica Kincaid...soooo. Yep. Pumped. I should get out more.

[Update]

It happened. I met Bill T. Jones ...and I have to say - over the years - his art and social commentary fundamentally changed me.

I asked him how a person maintains the intensity of James Baldwin without drowning?

His advice, "Relentlessness and Relaxation."

I said, "But you'll lose that angst and urgency that drives and inspires social change.

"No. Only then, will will hear and connect with a deeper Pulse. Your response will be clearer. But that takes discipline, unshakeable, determination."

I receive that.