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Giving: Roble Resident Fellow Kate Chesley on the Songwriter’s Workshop Series

Rokia Traoré at Roble.

”The Songwriters Series was the most exciting arts-related programming I’ve ever seen at Stanford … the programming was an incredible success. In fact, I have never seen anything like the warm and mutually respectful relationships created among these world-class performers and the students attending the programs.

The first program, featuring Rokia Traorá, set the high standard for the series. Rokia is a Mali singer/songwriter well known to world-music lovers. The Roble Theater was packed with students who were fans of her extraordinary voice. She talked openly to them about her influences and her passion for music. Then she invited students to come jam with her. We all held our breath: Would this work? One by one—some a bit tenuous—they came forward with guitars, drums and the like. In a short time, the joyous sound of impromptu music was filling Roble Theater to the excitement of all. At the end of the session, Rokia warmly embraced the students who had jammed with her and expressed her very genuine appreciation for their talents and willingness to play with her.

Over and over again, we saw similar scenes played out with such performers as Lila Downs, a singer/songwriter and music superstar from Latin America; Rinde Eckert, an award- winning lyricist and theater director; and cellist singer/songwriter Mike Block. The crowning event, however, was when bassist Esperanza Spalding performed, fresh from an appearance at the White House. She utterly wowed the students with her extraordinary teaching skill and her willingness to offer suggestions and advice on their work. That session lasted well into the evening. Students were entranced by her charisma, musical talents and passion. Truly, it was extraordinary.”

--Kate Chesley Associate Director, Stanford University Communications Resident Fellow, Roble Hall