Meet Lynn Hutchinson | Artistic Director & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynn Hutchinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The world is full of amazing music stories. Learning more about how music is made and by whom builds attachment to the music we hear. Both out of a love of building an audience drawn to our unique type of programming – and a desire to equip listeners to be more connected to other music they experience – Canvas was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is storyteaching. Remember that speaker who got you excited about something unexpected? Remember that teacher who spent time determining what information would actually be helpful for you to know? I love gifting adult audiences musical insight. I love sharing music stories that are unfamiliar, and perhaps challenging. And I love creating music experiences that are as memorable for the performers as they are for the audience. I am proud of how much trust I have placed in curiosity. We never do something the same way twice. We never feature the same music twice. And because of that, we are open to music stories of all kinds. Canvas is a manifestation of various things I experienced throughout my musical life. Having worked in classical, pop, religious, and educational music fields, I learned about different musical ecosystems. Enlightened by it all, I wanted to share the various opportunities and challenges presented in each to an audience. Costs being what they are, it would be impossible for a larger theater to build an audience around a shifting target like we have. Adapting our home into a performance space was the only way we could allow curiosity to lead our programming. Offering concerts from our home does not diminish the quality of what our audience experiences. In addition to our world-class artist roster, a Canvas experience begins the moment you arrive. You are greeted personally, are provided with educational material designed for the program, and have the opportunity after the show to speak with artists. We are passionate about audiences leaving Canvas with new information and enthusiasm for music. One of our programs is undergoing development to become a show available for large stages. We’re so excited to bottle up the hidden gem of what we do into an experience for bigger audiences. Stay tuned!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A perfect day, according to me: Get a Sugar and Spice vegan doughnut at Blue Star on Abbot Kinney (tell Sol I say hello!) Walk through the Venice Canals while eating said doughnut Grab a coffee and a snack at Alan’s Market on Washington (there’s a beautiful deli in there and an awesome wine selection) Walk to Venice Pier Enjoy the beach After getting nice and crispy, go home and clean up. Time to enjoy an inspiring performance at the Broad Stage. Wrap it all up with ice from from Treats on Ocean Front Walk.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of singers, instrumentalists, composers, artists, historians, scientists, and craftspeople to create our programs. They have embraced what we try to do and applied the additional effort required to present music in a unique way. And in a unique setting. Without their willing collaboration, Canvas couldn’t provide the life affirming “AHA!” moments that we’re known for. I have to acknowledge our fans – both new and legendary. Your enthusiasm for what we do – and commitment to growth as music listeners – are the reasons we keep going. We are here for you on your musical journey! I would also like to give a shout out to The Broad Stage. Their programming offers audiences something unexpected but accessible, and reflects the changing interests of modern audiences.

Website: www.canvaspresents.org

Facebook: Facebook.com/canvaspresents

Image Credits
Liesl Estipona