In May of 2010, I turned 27. Being a huge fan of Jim Morrison, I choked at the thought that I am now as old as he was when he died. He always seemed so much older to me, and even though I knew somewhere deep down that he died at 27, it didn’t really hit me until I turned the same age. This brought about a surge of thoughts and feelings as I realized there were many talented and idolized musicians that died at the age of 27. Why 27? Is this some cursed age?
This eventually lead to a merging of creative minds to birth a year long project - “27”.
I will take you back to how all of this all came into my life - the 27 project, my blog, my journal, and my relationship with Gathering Wild Dance. It began, truly, with a divine meeting of souls. It happened one day in downtown Decatur (GA), when a “stranger” and I tangled leashes, literally. I was walking my dog, Frankie, just as she was walking her dog, Frankie (that looked like it could be my dog’s twin), on the same path, on the same sunny day. Leashes were tangled, introductions were made, and my life was forever changed. It was like running into someone who I had known all my life but hadn’t yet met. And from that moment, Jerylann and I became friends and artistic partners.
She is a choreographer and owns her own dance company, Gathering Wild. Through a casual conversation we had one day in the dog park, 27 was decided on as the theme for her new dance project. She would focus on the music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, who all left this world at 27 years of age. As an afterthought, we realized I was about to turn 27. It seemed to just all come together at once, fitting together perfectly.
So, I began my research on 27. Why is this such a pivotal age? I began by questioning myself, and starting a journal. I asked others who were 27 how their lives had changed since turning that age. I delved into research on the “27” club. And I got many answers, but still many more questions. These four musicians all had a lot in common but were also all so very different. How did my life compare to theirs at 27? These are all things that I have explored.
This blog is a documentation of my journey. It is my hope that I can share with others the 27th year of my life - the ups and the downs - and my thoughts as to why it seems to be a pivotal and life changing year of age for many people. I also aim to take a peek into the lives of these four very influential musicians - their personalities, relationships, music, their rise to fame, and ultimately their fall.
The best way for me to do this was through visual art and written word in my journal.
Jerylann’s form of expression is through choreography, movement, and dance. She and her dancers have been such a huge inspiration for me - each one relates to “27” in their own unique way. It definitely shows in their movements and emotions when they dance. Each musicians presence can be felt through the performance.
So I welcome you to take a look around, and if you would like, share your own story and thoughts. I will say though, that my blog it is only a small part of the big picture. To fully experience the 27 project, I encourage you and your friends to come to the tribute performance on April 21st at the Variety Playhouse. This is the night when dance, theatre, and visual art come together to reveal the “big picture” of 27. It will be a night to revel in the artful music that charged generations and claimed the world stage.
For more info and tickets, visit www.variety-playhouse.com/event/33809/
Learn more about the event, the people involved, and Gathering Wild Dance at:
www.gatheringwild.org
Twitter: @GatheringWild
Facebook: Gathering Wild
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