Welcome to her backyard!
Julia Shaughnessy hosts Kris Deelane and Adam East on Sept. 20 for the second JWF Small Circle Series show.
Peter Damman and Steve Kerin of The Four Corners at the first Small Circle Series event
By Claire Levine
Julia Shaughnessy’s biography reads like that of the classic Renaissance woman – engineer, project manager, small-business owner, music lover, photographer, traveler, gardener, community advocate and dedicated volunteer.
The Jeremy Wilson Foundation is delighted that Julia has brought all those skills and interests to the JWF Board – and that she has offered to host the JWF Small Circle Series house concerts at her home.
For each event, Julia opens her yard – and her gracious hospitality – to 20 concert goers. For the $100 admission – all of which goes to the JWF – they enjoy fantastic music plus excellent food and beverages.
The next event is Sept. 20. It features Portland and JWF favorites Kris Deelane and Adam East. Tickets are available now.
Jennifer Smeija and Steve Kerin kick off the Small Circle Series on August 20th
Along with her busy professional career – most recently in a management position with the Bonneville Power Administration until her 2019 retirement – Julia has long been active with Portland’s music community. Her late husband, Tim Shaughnessy, was at the heart of the region’s Cajun and Zydeco music scene as a bass player with the Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band. He also played bass in other local bands, including the Rose City Kings blues band.
Through Tim, Julia developed an extended musical family – many of whom perform for JWF programs like The Next Waltz. The Four Corners, which played a sold-out show at the first Small Circle event earlier in August, are Lefty Head, Peter Dammann, Steve Kerin and Jennifer Smieja. All were Tim’s bandmates and friends. Julia’s home has always been filled with musicians – gathering, visiting and playing for friends and each other.
And, organizer that she is, Julia has been behind the production of music shows, large and small. In 2011, she helped organize Portland’s first Mardi Gras Krewe, the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, and she remains an active member today. Thirteen years ago, she was integral to the first Stumptown Soul Holiday Spectacular, which she continues to co-produce each (non-COVID) year since.
Jennifer Smeija, Steve Kerin, and Lefty Head of The Four Corners
The Small Circle Series
This year, Julia hosts some of the musicians she has known the longest, for the entertainment of friends, family and JWF supporters. She is happy to raise funds for an organization that she sees as so important. The Small Circle Series is a great opportunity to hear excellent music, to introduce musicians who some audience members might not know, and to tell people about the valuable work done by The JWF.
For Julia, The JWF’s Musician Health & Services Program is essential. Her long involvement with music in Portland has shown her how support of any kind is beneficial to musicians and their families, including the area of health care coverage.
Beyond JWF’s financial support available to musicians who need it, Julia values the way staff helps musicians “navigate our crazy, difficult healthcare system. I think it's really great that they can step in and help.” She has seen the effect of The JFW’s Artist Relief Programs that raise funds for community members with long-term needs.
Julia said, “The number of people they have helped over the years is phenomenal.”
The crowd in the intimate setting of the Small Circle Series
Listening to music in a setting like the Small Circle Series is a remarkable experience. Seats are close to the stage and everyone listens. It’s like having a private conversation through music. And during breaks, audience members have the chance to speak with the artists – either to meet them for the first time or to reconnect with old friends.
Julia said she received terrific feedback from those who attended the first Small Circle event. “The word magical was used often!” she said.
And the event raised more than $3,500 that will go toward providing members of the music community the help they need, both in financial assistance and valuable services.
Next up
Kris and Adam, who will perform on Sept. 20, have been musical partners for decades, even before they both arrived in Portland. JWF fans will recognize Kris as the tireless leader of the house band in the annual Next Waltz show, band leader of Kris Deelane and the Hurt, and vocalist in every Stumptown Soul Holiday Spectacular production to date. Adam East, Talent Buyer for the Alberta Rose Theatre, sings and plays both bass and guitar in various bands, and is a favorite at the annual Next Waltz with his appearance as the much-maligned Neil Diamond.
Together, they create the joyful sounds that can only be produced by close friends who share affection for the same music – and for each other.
Tickets are limited, so you will want to purchase yours right away if you plan to attend. And watch for future shows in the Small Circle Series.
Coming in October (date TBD) to The Small Circle Series are Ben Landsverk and Jim Brunberg of Wonderly.
In the meantime, enjoy this song from one of Kris and Adam’s duet albums!
