Sharon Stevens
During my artist residency project called ARTIFACT or FICTION, I invited Wakefield Brewster to be the first of eight public events and essentially my first arts event of 2024 - and our first event together.
Titled “One Love” an expression of love for our Mother Earth and our beloved, beleaguered planet through performance, poetry, magic words, imagery and the sharing of globes. An expression of eco-grief by hugging and giving away a collection of globes.
Wakefield is a talented, genuine and consummate performer who understands the benefit of showmanship, of showing up prepared. Arriving with performance shoes, colour coordinated reading notes, and a look that exudes gentle confidence and a soothing style, we are entertained as well as cultured.
His performance is powerful. He invites the audience - an intimate gathering - to close their eyes to paint pictures with his words.
The timbre of his voice is deep, compelling, almost demanding but tender.
His wide range of poems cover emotions, experiences, thoughts and summations. We are captivated. We experience one love. Forty minutes of his performance still resonates in my mind's eye, days later.
Wakefield takes his health and wellness seriously and that includes managing expectations, being prepared and communicating clearly. This is show business!
As a cultural leader that I admire, Wakefield is one of a kind and represents our Calgary arts and culture scene with vigour.
I've heard him perform in large audiences, at formal events and intimate settings - his range and ability shines in every setting - and we shine along with him.
Sharon Stevens
Outreach Coordinator Jim Coutts Centre
Curator ProducerEquinox Vigil
