Win Tickets ($50): Freedom of Speech @ Alberta Abbey | 7,000 Interviews Across America, Featuring South Park Voice Actor Eliza Jane Schneider

We are giving away a pair of tickets to Freedom of Speech @ Alberta Abbey on January 6. To win, comment below on this post why you’d like to attend. Winner will be drawn and emailed January 5.

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From our sponsors:
Freedom of Speech
January 6, 2024
7:30PM | $25 | All Ages
More info: eventbrite.com

Alberta Abbey
126 Northeast Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211

Eliza Jane Schneider, renowned voice artist and dialectologist, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of her “Freedom of Speech” podcast, accompanied by a dynamic live performance and community discussion on January 6th, 2024, at the progressive Alberta Abbey in Portland. This event, deeply rooted in current cultural and social issues, is poised to amplify a rich archive of diverse American voices and experiences.

Originally an award-winning one-woman play, “Freedom of Speech” has been transformed into an epic podcast format. It is based on Schneider’s 30 years of dialect research around the world, capturing over 7,000 interviews that reflect a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, offering a candid look into the complexity of contemporary society. Eliza Jane Schneider is establishing her voice as a welcome female answer to Studs Terkel and Alan Lomax, interweaving comedy, music, and pathos to entertain while tackling the issues most shy away from.

The event on January 6th, deliberately coinciding with the anniversary of the insurrection, marks a pivotal moment in advocating for inclusive and comprehensive dialogue. Schneider’s work in “Freedom of Speech” serves as a vital platform for all voices, fostering conversations around representation, identity, and unity through the power of storytelling.

The live performance at Alberta Abbey, coupled with a panel discussion, will feature distinguished guests:

Performers/Panelists

• Sean Cruz, Executive Director of the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council, and Co-Author with Winona LaDuke of The Militarization of Indian Country, who will kick off the event with performers including:
• Gary Ogan, the board Chairman and Musical Director of the Jim Pepper Native Arts Council and Oregon Music Hall of Fame Inductee, (performing two of his original songs)
• Rosa Linda, Indigenous/Chicana Singer/Song-Writer from Portland Oregon.

Panelists/tabling

• Joe Bazeghi, Director of Engagement of Recovery Works NW, treating substance use recovery and wellness.
• Jefferson Smith, host of the “Democracy Nerd” podcast and former Oregon state lawmaker
• Stephen Robinson, theplaytyperguy Independent Journalist and Podcaster: link to recent episode: Speaking Freely With Eliza Jane Schneider
• Andy Miller, Executive Director of Our Just Future, contributing their expertise in democracy, community development, and poverty alleviation.
• Norman Turrill, President, Governance Coordinator of League of Women’s Voters LWV of Oregon.

For those unable to attend in person, the event and play will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook, ensuring accessibility to a global audience.

Schneider, celebrated for her roles on Comedy Central’s “South Park” and her extensive Dialect Database, combines her passion for dialects, storytelling, and activism in this latest endeavor. Her dedication to cultural diversity and inclusivity shines through her commitment to preserving dialects and amplifying the voices of underserved communities.