Fair Family Radio

Part Two of an engaging conversation between Jorah LaFleur and Kemy Joseph during the summer of 2020. As co-founder of F.E.A.R.S. Advantage™, Kemy trains people to Transcend Prejudice by flipping the script on their privilege to unite and serve others, regardless of their skin color, gender, upbringing or socioeconomic status. As a healthy, educated black man who respects women, celebrates diversity, and supports the equal rights of all people, his journey represents the healing that’s possible when we use negative emotions for positive change and learn the skills we need to treat others better. See more on our website: www.fairfamilyradio.com and donate to our nonprofit!

Listen to an engaging conversation between Jorah LaFleur and Kemy Joseph during the summer of 2020. As co-founder of F.E.A.R.S. Advantage™, Kemy trains people to Transcend Prejudice by flipping the script on their privilege to unite and serve others, regardless of their skin color, gender, upbringing or socioeconomic status. Most people see Kemy’s bright smile, but wouldn’t imagine the hardships behind it. Being raised in Miami, FL as a first generation Haitian American, he lived in a single-parent household with nine siblings where poverty, violence and racial inequity traumatized him at an early age. Growing up, he was socialized as a sexist, racist, homophobe, bigot, bully and criminal. As an adult he’s had the amazing privilege to re-socialize himself into a human being -- a healthy, educated black man who respects women, celebrates diversity, and supports the equal rights of all people. His journey represents the healing that’s possible when we use negative emotions for positive change and learn the skills we need to treat others better. See more on our website: www.fairfamilyradio.com and donate to our nonprofit!

Listen to an engaging conversation between Aminta Skye, a 17 year old African-American singer songwriter and arts activist, and Ricardo Llamas, a bilingual elementary school teacher and musician in Eugene. Aminta shares her ideas and concerns about eliminating art in schools, the nature of authenticity and the Black Lives Movement. She performs two original songs and shares her perspective on this moment in history. See photos on our website at www.fairfamilyradio.com.

Allyson gives us a tour of her gorgeous faerie art booth at Oregon Country Fair. She created a tableau of faeries playing tarot in a beautiful room, that dispenses little paper fortunes. Delightful! Hear how art nouveau inspired her designs and her wish for children everywhere.

Dan tells us all about his handmade leather works at his booth at the Oregon Country Fair. Beautiful purses and wallets with a "washed up on a medieval shore" feeling. Check out the pictures on our website at www.fairfamilyradio.com. 

SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE: Jessica LaMotte, brand new to OCF, spends a day with us exploring the Fair and having a blast. Hear her surprise and joy at the wonders of the Oregon Country Fair on it's 50th Anniversary Year!

Explore the women's Moon Lodge area in Community Village at the Oregon Country Fair. This is the oasis amidst the chaos, for peace and quiet for women anytime they need it. Inside is artwork and information for women about menstruation, and supplies and soft spaces to sit and relax. They have a library in the back and an altar...truly a wonderful place for all women identified people at the fair.

Ricardo Llamas interviews participants at the Juneteeth event on June 20, 2020 at Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon. Hear Devine Hawley talk about discovering this event for the first time as a black woman, and Jill Torres, community activist, talk about the whitewashing of history and a "rage practice". Thank you Rich, for jumping in to do these interviews with minimal training and short notice, and for your excellent pictures of the event!

Michael Moloi, an artist from Africa, shares with us about his art, his deep connection to nature in his home country, and some of the hardships going on in Africa. Michael performed gumboot dance onstage at the Juneteenth event in Alton Baker Park in Eugene Oregon on June 20th, 2020. Jorah LaFleur and Ricardo Llamas interview him at the event that was attended by hundreds of supporters.

Mija Andrade talks about art as revolution, speaking powerfully through art, and community-building at the Juneteenth event on June 20th, 2020. She organized the art booth, all works by artists of color, at the event. She is interviewed by Jorah LaFleur and Ricardo Llamas of Fair Family Radio.

Listen to a chat with Ruby, from the info booth, at the 50th Anniversary of Oregon Country Fair, 2019. She shares with us about her favorite memory of Fair, back in the 80's, and we chat about the stewardship of the land and creatures who live there. A little slice of life on Strawberry Lane!

Whit Print in Eugene is a thriving non profit printmaking studio where members have access 24/7 to the equipment and supplies. The creative community members talk to us about what they are working on, what they love about the studio, and we listen in to a class with an artist new to the wonders of printmaking. Heather Halpern, the Executive Director, takes us on a tour of the facilities, including their rare large presses and rooms next door they will be expanding into. It's a glimpse inside an inspiring art scene! Check out their website: https://www.whitprint.com/.

Listen to the enchanting sounds of the Agogo Bells at the Dragon Maker Booth on Strawberry Lane at Oregon Country Fair. These custom Brazilian Samba instruments are great fun! It's easy to sound fancy even if you aren't a musician. Find out about the long family history of this booth and the handmade bells. Enjoy the parade going by as well!

Ritz Arts member Ken Hardenbrook talks with us about the beautiful artwork being installed outside the Ritz in the patio area. Learn about the time capsules they are putting into the wall which will capture bits of Fair magic for the future. Check out the great photos that go with this episode on our website at FairFamilyRadio.com.

What is the reefer truck? Find out about how the food booths at Oregon Country Fair keep their food cold and about the crews behind this critical service. Hear about the history of chillville and how Larry feels about the volunteers and the community of trust. "The volunteers are doing it with love." And he recounts stories about his favorite memories at Fair and the magical glow of evening. Also he relates about the land and our impact on it from a multi-year perspective. "We are guests on this land."

Listen to the DeSolution reggae band performing at Monkey Palace at the Oregon Country Fair! We interview band members Ratie, who is from Zimbabwe, and hear about the inspiration for some of her original songs. Christopher, also from Zimbabwe, talks about how they got started and what it's all about. Feel the vibration!

Hear about the leatherwork artistry of Astral Chrysalis Design. Inspiration often comes from the customers as they try on items in different ways than expected. Hats, skirts, belts, jewelry, all of the items are hand made and one of a kind. With the piecework, embedded gems stones and filligree lacework, the styles are unique and layered.

What is the Magical WISH Wagon? Join us on a virtual tour of this beautiful, creative and fantastical wagon that Penelope Pendragon has created at Oregon Country Fair. Her purpose is peace and compassion, and helping you fulfill your innermost desires and wishes. Listen to her spoken word poetry as she connects delighted fair-goers with the Faeries and teaches us how to make our wishes come true!

Peachi the Dragon at the Oregon Country Fair makes a wave of smiles as she snakes through the crowd, several times throughout the day. The dragon parade has been an important part of the fair for over 30 years! Hear the band Samba Ja as the excited fairgoers get inside the dragon and begin to take the magic around the fair site.

Clem tells us about his photography and redwood furniture booth at the Oregon Country Fair, about the giant cookie-loving bear that sits on his bench, and the changes he's seen over the many years at the Fair.

Derek Jones is an amazing glass artist who creates beautiful pendants, giant marble-like orbs, and more. Hear him talk about his personal ethos behind flexible pricing and how he collaborates with others for some of his settings. Spreading art and joy since 1995 at the Fair!

Matt Butler talks about Everyone Orchestra and the history of this synergistic, improvisational music. Bringing together diverse musicians to create in-the-moment jams is his passion. Learn how he got started with this style and about some favorite moments.

Listen in as the TRUE band and friends perform on the stage at Philly Cheesesteak booth on the path at Oregon Country Fair. These young performers are led by their instructor John, who started this ukelele band at Ridgeline Montessori School in Eugene. Hear from band member Raven Muir, age 15, about how she got started and what Rock Camp, a part of Grrlz Rock, is about. Recorded in 2017.

Eve at Talismana Designs talks to us about her design inspiration including symbolism and motifs of the natural world. Bees, bones, beetles, porcupine quills are just some of the materials she works with. She has lived the festival lifestyle for many years and now sells online as well. Leather pocket belts and festival wear clothing are included in her beautiful offerings, which are always popular for their unique style.

How do you make fire from traditional natural tools? Learn all the details as Jeff talks to us in Archaeology Park at Oregon Country Fair and starts a fire with a bow drill. He explains about the tools, types of tinder, methods of firestarting and answers questions from the crowd. The kids are super cute as they ask about his leather clothes and what he's doing.

Get to know Kavita "Kat" McMillan and her Open Heart Kirtan at the Spoken Word stage at Oregon Country Fair. She practices Bakhti Yoga and leads call and response "kirtans"- spiritual songs for upliftment. Beautiful and peaceful music!

Wander along Shady Lane at Oregon Country Fair, and drop in on live music inside the giant wicker dragon, and listen in to the band Humble George as they play some good old rag time and "sarcastic jazz", and heckle your host, Karen Rainsong.

Explore the Organic Matters booth in Energy Park at the Oregon Country Fair. We'll learn about what transitional organic means, how farmers can make a difference, and the socio-economics of organic farming.

Learn about the Oregon Energy Industries Association and the Solar Showers at the Oregon Country Fair! Amy Berg-Pickett talks to us about supporting solar energy statewide in a dynamic environment. Also hear from the Solar Showers crew- how to get clean on a dusty day!

Listen to the story of Barbara Lifschuts, a treasured member of the Fair Family, who passed away. Her grandson Andy shares memories and Barbara's fiber arts in the booth, as well as selling his own jewelry. Andy remembers her fondly and her contributions to the fair for over 30 years. Julie from Bo Peep Hats shares the booth as well with her colorful creations. 

Cindy explains all about the finer aspects of fantasy horns and talks about some of the hilarious characters that have bought them over the years. We won't spoil it for you, but it makes for some fun listening.

What is Lost Valley Educational Center? We'll talk to Collin at his Oregon Country Fair booth and find out the many definitions of permaculture and how it relates to the land, people, and activities at this educational center in Dexter, Oregon.

Take a peek inside the Alkahest Leather booth at the Oregon Country Fair and find out how duct tape and inspiration contributes to these beautiful and unique Sylvan style products. We'll talk to Dustin and Tiera, the co-creators of these fancy shoes, boots, and jewelry and find out how their work ethos informs the business of leather artistry.

Learn about BRING Recycling at their Oregon Country Fair booth, including the inspiration for some of their recycled sculptures and how people can get involved with their programs. Clifford relates how BRING serves the community and a little bit about it's past, present and the future of recycling.

What's it like being a parent at Oregon Country Fair? Michelle explains her way of looking at it and why she keeps bringing the kids along each year. It's just part of a beautiful life....

Eugene, Oregon is home to a unique art form: Jello. This long-standing tradition is a single day of wiggly, bright, and funny art that takes place each year at the Maude Kerns Art Center. Hear from the Slug Queen of Eugene, the artists, and the crowd as they discuss the humorous, witty, and edible aspects of the show.

Bridget talks to us about all the many styles of unique hats she creates and sells in her booth at Oregon Country Fair. Find out the quirky way that she and her partner got started as mad hatters!

The Hope in Action conference is an opportunity for 4th graders in Eugene, Oregon to learn about sustainability with hands-on workshops, speakers, dialogue and inspirational speakers. It is offered by Partners for Sustainable Schools, a 501 c (3) non profit organization in Eugene, Oregon. Hear from the Executive Director, Mel Bankoff and numerous presenters about the reasons behind this movement, what is taught and learned, and how it takes a village to empower children to be creative, responsible leaders.

Join the rally with Our Children's Trust youth at the Eugene Federal Building on July 18th, 2018. The crowd cheers the plaintiffs and lawyers as they appear for a hearing in the landmark court case Juliana vs. United States. Youth plaintiffs are suing the federal government for a the right to a livable planet and claiming the atmosphere is a public trust. Members of the crowd, and Avery McRae, one of the youth plaintiffs, are interviewed by Karen Rainsong about their thoughts and concerns about this case.

Listen in at Oregon Country Fair in July 2018, at the Community Village Stage. Our Children's Trust and the youth plaintiffs who are suing the federal government for the fundamental right to a livable planet speak about the upcoming rally at the courthouse. Hear comments by the plaintiffs, by the community engagement manager of Our Children's Trust, and an interview with Kelsey Juliana, the lead plaintiff in the case.

Cullen Vance, storyteller and musician extraordinaire performs at the Oregon Country Fair and talks with us about what inspires him, his mentor Mark Lewis, and his family. Hear the audience participation as he tells stories by Shel Silverstein and Lewis Carroll. Storytelling as an art and a life path!

Journey with us on the rainbow of sound that is the Oregon Country Fair, with interviews and audio from around the Fair and around the world. We’ll publish a new podcast every two weeks so you can stay connected to Fair magic, year-round!