A PHAMEtastic Interview with Hosts Jessica & Jason
We are thrilled to be welcoming back our beloved PHAMEtastic hosts Jessica and Jason to this year’s gala! These two glorious people go way back with PHAME, and we’re so luck to have them as part of our community. With the gala coming up on March 10 (get your tickets!) we’re getting in the PHAMEtastic spirit with a Ruby Jubilee-inspired interview!
PHAME: This year’s Gala theme is Ruby Jubilee because PHAME is 40 years old and rubies are the recommended gift for a 40th anniversary. Can you tell us how many years each of you have been involved with PHAME, how each of you became connected with us, and if you had to choose, whether you would prefer a pile of rubies or a truckload of diamonds?
JASON: My journey began 8 years ago, first as a guest artist, then as an actor for the play In a Single Breath, and then as a teaching artist. Some of my dearest friends are found at PHAME.
JESSICA: I've been involved with PHAME for nearly 15 years. Within 3 weeks of moving to Portland in 2009, I interviewed for and accepted the job as PHAME's Artistic Director and then met a whole bunch of amazing people who are still part of my life.
JASON: I honestly wouldn't know what to do with rubies or diamonds. Now if you offered me TOPAZ….then we’d have business.
PHAME: What do you like about red and why is it the best color?
JASON: I look AMAZING in Red. Ask anyone.
JESSICA: Jason looks great in red. That’s my favorite thing about it.
JASON: See, I told you.
PHAME: What is your favorite red food?
JASON: Spaghetti, Cherry Jell-O, Fairbury Tomboy Hot Dogs.
JESSICA: A grilled cheese sandwich that’s been dipped in tomato soup.
PHAME: For this year’s Costume Contest, guests can wear red or dress for the red carpet. What red / red carpet look will you be rocking at this year’s gala?
JASON: It’s a surprise.
JESSICA: Comfortable, retro, sparkle vibes.
PHAME: What makes you blush?
JASON: Jessica.
JESSICA: Any kind of attention.
PHAME: It’s February, and grocery stores are full of Valentine’s Day cards and candy. It’s the season of love! Tell us why you love PHAME, and why everyone should support the PHAMEtastic Gala this year.
JASON/JESSICA: We love PHAME for many reasons. One is what it’s given to us. It’s given us a place to collaborate with a variety of artists on one-of-a-kind works. We love doing it and the people we’re doing it with. Supporting PHAME means supporting artists that otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity or venue for their art. Opportunity is everything.
PHAME: You’ve been married to each other for a few years now. Any plans for your 40th anniversary?
JASON: I’d like to be alive, and if that is the case - probably get a pizza and take a walk.
JESSICA: Yeah, that sounds about right. We’ll still have pizza and walking in 2059, right?
PHAME: Red pandas are some of the cutest animals on earth. We think your dog is also one of the world’s most adorable creatures. Please prove us right by sharing a photo of your dog. Bonus points if it shows you, too.
JASON/JESSICA:
About PHAMEtastic
Join us Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the Melody Event Center for a PHAMEtastic Gala like no other, celebrating 40 years of making a difference for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With a concert that will knock your socks off, and PHAMEtastic favorites like our phabulous costume contest and online auction, we can't wait to get together with you and the whole PHAME family.
Join us for the full trifecta: dinner, cocktail hour, and the concert—or just come for cocktail hour and the concert—and support our life-changing work.