Lisa Brimmer: I’d rapture Erykah Badu, Yasiin Bey, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Quincy Phillips, Terrance Hayes, James Tate, Carl Hancock Rux, Taylor Mac, Daniel Alexander Jones, Jeannette Winterson, Common, Alice Walker, Thomas Sayers Ellis, The Roots, Phonte, Dave Grohl, Kehinde Wiley, Robert Glasper, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Frank Ocean ...locally, I am inspired by people like SUPERgroup, Toki Wright, Tacoumba Aiken, Laurie Carlos, Paige Collette, J.T. Bates, Michael Lewis, Mally, K. Raydio, Todd Clouser, Sha Cage, Samantha Johns.

. . Overall I dig on folks that have a sense of perspective, style and grace in portraying their own story. To me being an artist isn’t just about technique in your medium. Artistry should be something you do with your whole mind, whole body and in every aspect of your life.

How did you get involved with SU?

Heidi Jedlicka and I were meeting for a reunion drink after her return from South Korea.  As we were catching up, she mentioned that SU was still looking for a few men for THE RAVAGERS, and wanted to know if I was interested. I was, and Blake called me the very next day. A few days later rehearsals began, and I was all about it. The stars totally aligned and I couldn't have been happier!

What excites you about SU?

Many many things. Here are a few:

SU does new work. I love new work. LOVE. IT. Further, these new works are allowed to grow so much throughout the process of creating them that, by the end, everyone involved feels ownership over what is presented.  It is such a satisfying and welcoming process for artists.

SU loves the audience. Loves them enough not only to challenge them and deliver thought-provoking work, but to also have a conversation with the audience about that work. Sometimes, the audience even gets to truly help shape the work, as in RAPTURE. Love it.

SU is made up of some really wonderful and inspiring artists. They aren't afraid to take risks or to challenge one another, and they have welcomed me in to the fold. Squeee!!!

See this cutie in action during the FINAL RAPTURE READING, eek! (for awhile, anyway) November 2 and 3 at 7:30p at Interact.