The Rockstar Readings, founded by Jennie Dorris, were a weekly concert series that brought together themed essays with solo marimba music. They happened each and every Saturday night for the summer and fall of 2005 at the Boulder International Youth Hostel.
Each night's concert had a theme for the essays – a given night could range from "Write a letter to someone who you've never met" to "Write about the last time you talked to God." The audience – which consisted mainly of travelers and locals in their twenties, could often contribute to the readings, which were read live in between the works of solo marimba.
The Rockstar Readings were on a limited contract and are now seeking a new venue. The series, which already showcased the collaboration of writers, will in its second season showcase more chamber music with local classical musicians. If you're a venue that would be interested in hosting a monthly concert series that combines new compositions, chamber music and fresh, funny essays, email Jennie for more information.
Members of the audience had the following reactions to the Rockstar Readings:
"The audience was comfortable and yet completely engaged, not only with the wide variety of marimba music, but also with the varied and hysterically funny readings… And what a great idea to alternate music with informal readings of essays. It was something I had never experienced before. Rarely do I have the opportunity to hear such creative writing read out loud and it worked so well to break up the music program with spoken word. Unlike traditional classical recitals, Jennie would talk to the audience about the music itself and about how she came up with the essay topics. It immediately made for a more personal experience." – Linda Shea, clarinetist and bass clarinetist, Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Assistant Director of Bands, Cherry Creek High School.
"During these concerts, a unique twist was added through the sharing of writings by Ms. Dorris herself and audience members. Each week a new theme was invented by Ms. Dorris, all of which were imaginative and inspiring… It is my hope that Ms. Dorris will be able to expand her concerts to larger venues so that more people may be witness to her talent. She is a great musical success and emotionally touches all who see her in performance." – Heather Plattenberger, Boulder-area music educator.
Sample essays from the Rockstar Readings
A letter to Emily, who I'll never see again - Jennie Dorris - Discussed: King Crimson, hatred of graduate school, thrift store clothing.
A letter to Star Jones, when she was fat - Jennie Dorris - Discussed: Sweaty jowls, artistic boredom, weight-to-ignorance ratios
A letter to my father - Jennie Dorris - Discussed: Working for oil companies, fishing, graduation photos
A tribute to freebies - Jennie Dorris - Discussed: Key lime martinis, failed rock critics, stealing grapes from grocery stores
The last prayer I said - Paul Salamone - Discussed: Laws of physics, airline magazines, Instant Messaging with God
The Rent-O-Matic 6000 Owner's Manual - Paul Salamone - Discussed: Color-coded classifieds, Caterpillar Tracks, automated house-warming parties
Uhhhhhhh - Aaron Souders - Discussed: Sweat lodges, flesh offerings, 14 nearly-naked men
