ARTSTRINGS: The Shaman
The Artstrings series seeks to warm your heart and shine light on all the ways that creative and artistic experiences can transform people, communities, and the world. We hope these stories inspire you to become part of a much bigger story - a story that means so much to so many.
The Shaman
She made her presence known, strutting on to the stage with her signature tall black top hat and staff in hand. She was a monumental figure. A magnetic force of nature.
And that voice!
It was a voice that could simultaneously blow through the rooftop, bring the house down, and lift anyone's spirits. On one beautiful night in November, that is exactly what Alexis P. Suter did here at the MAC.
For two hours, our intimate listening room was transformed into a pantheon of love. Alexis and her band gave an electrically charged performance that ultimately had every single person in the room on their feet, furiously clapping, arms waving, screaming for more. Their booming sound somehow managed to swirl through the air and touch each person like a gentle feather. The final song - a stirring rendition of the Beatle's Let It Be, sung mostly acapella - seemed to be inspired by heaven.
It was clear that Alexis was in some way anointed. More than a musical artist, she was a mystical emblem of connection. If she was trying to gift the audience with an out of body experience, she succeeded. Her powerful message of love and light transformed everyone in the house.
Although Alexis had much to do with the magic of the night, the special warmth and intimacy of the MAC tends to amplify every experience like only the MAC can. It's a space that envelops and embraces. A space that provides meaning. A space that offers a sense of energy, vitality, and wonder for audience and artist alike.
This night, the MAC's space beckoned for community... to join together and be in the moment. With Alexis speaking (singing) words of wisdom, there WAS an answer! A renewed perspective for all: Be present. Be One. Be a light and shine!