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

Hi Bradford, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
This may not seem like a habit, but I think a regularly nurtured curiosity has been key to my work. In high school I found a book called “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron which is focused on unleashing creative potential, specifically for those facing writer’s block. Reading that book then cemented for me that curiosity has to be encouraged and we have to set ourselves up to be creative by allowing spontaneity and actively exploring areas and ideas which do not fit traditional conventions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My focus in art making is to connect people who may otherwise never be connected. We do this through stories, ideas, and themes. One of my personal heroes is Bryan Stevenson, founder of Equal Justice Initiative, who often talks about the power of proximity in understanding those who are different from us. I believe the arts create an outlet for this proximity. Some of the ways I’ve been most engaged with this have been through my work with the vocal artist’s collective VOICES 21C. The work of this ensemble has been developing for five years now and our challenge has been to remain authentic and responsive to the environments where we are working while trying to maintain a decolonial approach to art-making, whether that is on the U.S.-Mexico border, in Israel and Palestine, in centers of incarceration and recovery centers, or with the World Muslim Choral Ensemble in Sri Lanka. Each of this spaces has provided opportunity for personal and collective growth and proximity, but we must always be challenging our assumptions and preconceptions whenever we enter a new space so that we do not unintentionally cause harm. This is not the traditional work of classical music organizations and we are constantly questioning our intent and impact to make sure that our work is always in support of community and connection which is centered on a radical openness and curiosity with each other. This is challenging, but incredibly rewarding and can create a deeper and more human level of music making.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok, well if you want the full list, my partner and I have a running guidebook that we share with our friends who come to town since our couch is a revolving door of guests staying with us!

The great thing about Boston besides some of the great city sites is the proximity to so many spots beyond the city, like Worcester, the Berkshires, Newburyport, and Portsmouth, NH near where I grew up.

Highlight arts organizations to consider are groups like Castle of our Skins, Urbanity Dance, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, or the incredible offerings of the Celebrity Series of Boston or the American Repertory Theater where we have seen some life changing art made.

The number one restaurant for us is the incredible Turkish tapas spot Sarma located in Somerville. It’s incomparable to anything else, so we won’t even try. Along with that we love a good breakfast at Sofra out in Watertown or hanging at the wonderful new Charles River Speedway near our house in Brighton, which has a ton of awesome offerings including Boston’s first Sake bar.

And for the best view of Boston in summer, grab one of the awesome kayak rentals on the Charles! This is a great way to see the city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I need to shoutout the incredible mentors in my life who have sparked constant curiosity– starting with my parents who wholeheartedly supported childhood artistic endeavors and then progressing through a series of music teachers and colleagues who always pushed conventional boundaries and practices like Joanne Houston, Dan Perkins, André de Quadros, Krystal Morin, VOICES 21C, and many others. I would not be where I am if I had not had a series of mentors and friends who were and ARE constantly focusing on the impact of the arts and how music has the ability to be a vehicle for change when used with intention. Each of these people has supported that mission and helps me grow continuously.

Website: https://www.bradforddumont.com

Instagram: @btdumont

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-dumont-5b803494/

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