The Dreamcast by the Otis Redding Foundation Otis Redding Foundation

Featuring Jasmine Habersham, International Operatic Soprano

In this episode, we talk with Jasmine Habersham, Macon, GA native turned International opera star. She shares parts of her journey to the stage, from her parents' love of classical music to her own moment of awakening passion. We discuss what it looks like to forge your own path by doing what you love, which can be especially challenging in an industry with such ingrained traditions and specific traditions and aesthetics that often excluded Black women. She offers advice for staying grounded and preserving to get to a place of freedom in your art.

Featuring Saxton Keitt, Musician, Pre-Med Grad Student, and Otis Music Camp Coach

In this episode, we hear from Saxton Keitt about balancing life as a musician while pursuing his Master's Degree in Health Science and preparing for the MCAT. Saxton shares his long history with the Otis Redding Foundation, from his grandparents as classmates with Otis Redding, to moving from camper to being one of the core coaches and musicians for the Otis Music Camp. Saxton shares how it is confidence and faith that make it possible to pursue all of his dreams.

Featuring Marsha N. Wilson, Creative, Film and Television Costumer, and Otis Music Camp Coach

In this episode, we hear from Marsha N. Wilson, Film and Television Costumer and all-around Creative. We get her perspective on the role that fashion and style play on how the musician's music is received and how to best incorporate your style as an essential part of your brand. We even hear her take on Otis Redding's style and how he presents himself as "someone living in their own skin".

Her IG is @gneres_of_art / @mellowneptunewaters

This episode features the empowering story of The Mentor's Project of Bibb County and the impact it is having on Middle Georgia. We hear from the Director of The Mentor's Project, June O'Neal, about the driving force behind her work with the organization, and the effect that quality mentors can have on young people who are starting to build their lives. We then had the pleasure of talking to Jaylon Williams, an alumna of The Mentor's Project whose college success, future trajectory, and activated desire to give back to her community all serve as a shining endorsement for the program. And did we mention that Otis Redding III is one of their volunteer mentors?

This week we are joined by Alicia Yaffe, Senior Vice President of Catalog Development and Marketing at Warner Music Group Catalog. Alicia shares the winding road that took her from concert booking and event planning in high school and college to handling the marketing for iconic legacy artists and leading the marketing campaign to celebrate Otis Redding's 80th birthday all year long. We get to learn about upcoming collaborative album releases, curated playlists, and discover why Cigarettes and Coffee is Alicia's favorite Otis Redding song.

In this episode, we spoke with the multifaceted Jared Wright,a Macon-based curator, archivist, and historian who specializes in 20th century popular culture and music. He has led award-winning exhibition projects, including Mercer Music at Capricorn, which interprets the story of an independent, Southern record label. He holds M.A. degrees in history, public history, and museum studies from Mercer University and the University of West Georgia.

Wright is also a sometimes-musician, and he uses that experience to inform research and development work into the growth of music scenes and the impact of musical education on a community. He is currently partnering with the Otis Redding Foundation in an effort to expand the organization’s musical outreach.