Brandon is the Musical Director and one of the creative minds behind Hogwash. He's a tour de force in many ways.
His musical genius lulls babies to sleep and sends images of rainbows and lollipops into the minds of children everywhere. His smile and personality is infectious and he makes even the most reluctant singer feel comfortable. He's admired far and wide for his true musical virtuoso and also as a fantastic improvisor. Let's hear what he has to say.
What was your favorite moment from the show so far?
We were performing a Friday Matinee show for the University Cooperative School and Kapka School here in Seattle. There were close to 75 kids in the audience. It was such a different energy than the Saturday shows which are usually a pretty even adult to child crowd. The amount of energy these kids have a ten in the morning is incredible. At one point during the show, the 'bad guys', Scotty B and Jon, were creeping around behind Lauren's character on stage and the kids started sreaming and pointing them out to her. She tried to 'not see them' but it quickly became clear that there was no way the kids were going to let them off the hook! At the moment Lauren turned around and caught them, the deafening screams ceased, and the story continued. This was a perfect example of how the kids really get to take the reigns at Hogwash. They know what they want to see, and we'd better show it to them, or else...!!
What do you enjoy most about Hogwash?
The true power of art and expression is something that is in danger of slipping away from the world we live in. With video games and the internet and instant-everything, skills in social interaction and creative self-expression, along with patience, focus, and the ability to experience just being, have become all but forgotten elements of life as it may have once been. By integrating art, music, drama, and storytelling into one experience, Hogwash reaches out to a wide audience of children and adults. Hogwash, to me, is a chance to layout a blanket of possibilities, to show people that it's okay to have an imagination of your own, to trust yourself and your ideas. It is a space in which everyone, the performers and the audience, can create without fear of judgement. I feel privileged to be a part of something that I truly belive has the power to make a difference in the world we live in.
When did you start performing?
I began playing violin in 4th grade. During my first year in the school orchestra I performed the duo piece with another violinist. I don't even remember what it was, but it was great! Then next year we were scheduled to do it again, and two days before the concert, my partner quit. My teacher told me it was already in the program and I would have to perform the piece solo. I was terrified! The day of the concert I convinced my mom I was sick and she called me out of school. I sat at home all day playing the piece I was supposed to be playing at the concert over and over again. I can honestly say, I think that was the last time I missed a performance. I played violin for another year or so before switching to guitar to be a rock star, close to 15 years ago!
Who do you admire?
I've been very lucky to have had some amazing teachers over the course of my artistic journey. They always seem to come at just the right moments. There is also my grandma, who is the most loving and compassionate person I've ever known. She's gone through so much in her life time but no matter what happens, she never has any ill will toward anyone. She is the incarnation of love and acceptence in it's purist form. I've always admired that and hope someday to reach that state of being, in this life or the next.
What is one of your most memorable moments performing?
Performing is for me, a very spiritual and personal experience. Art, be it in the form of music, dance, acting, painting, whatever...takes skill. Skill is something we can see and touch and practice. It also takes someting else. Something unnamable and undefinable. You know it once you've felt it and then it is all you're reaching for from that moment on. I can remember the first time I had the experience, and every time since, but for me, it is all one moment that I am striving to exist within.
Sarah has been with Hogwash since the early days. She is always bright, cheery and willing to do any role in Hogwash. In a scene with Sarah, you give her something and it's always 'yes and'. She's the jack of all trades in Hogwash. She's able to be the lead or a wacky side-kick, she has taught a class for our Girl Scout show, and even was the artist making props and painting faces. She's a spirited young lass with wonderful energy. We love Sarah!
