A Conversation with Annick Elziere
Interview by Kim for Treasures of Wonderment • Tucson, AZ • 2011
 

Kim Syphrett:  Your sweet Coffee Shop Crêperie seems to have given birth to many events in New Jersey. One of them was the "NJ Independent Music Festival" (NJIMF) that took place in Lawrence Township near Princeton, NJ. Today, you live in Arizona and are working on your new project called "Playing for Unity in Diversity",  can you tell us more about the festival?  That seems like a lot of work to do on your own, especially without financial support to make it happen. 

Annick Elziere: Thanks for asking, Kim. I'm a very practical person, and that's how my mind works. Yes, it's a lot of work alone but I don't mind it because that's my passion. I would love to find some great people to help me but honestly everyone is focused on their own things and that's okay because I am used to work on my own. It's actually a lot easier, between us.  The name of "Playing For Unity In Diversity" speaks for itself. I like it a lot.  I don't produce events to create jobs for musicians, but to celebrate people, and arts.  Of course I enjoy giving musicians the opportunity to be heard and known, but in my opinion, people matter just for who they are. It celebrates unity and diversity, which inspired the festival's name. I don't favor one group of people over another because all is one energy. Everyone needs to learn how to work as one. 

Kim Syphrett:  Yes, it does. I  relate to your vision and mission. There is so much division around us and the arts will change that. We all need to find our own way to be part of the change in this world. Are you a musician?  What instrument do you play?

 Annick Elziere:  It's all about creating purpose. No,  I'm not a musician but wish I could enjoy myself on someone's stage even though I much prefer to stay behind the curtain. Doing the same thing over and over bores me because that's simply not where my talents are.  I've heard people say that music is a ladder to our souls, and I completely agree. Good energy is meant to be shared. To be honest with you, I can't sing, I can't dance, and I can't paint, either. I really can't do much except planning, organizing and creating in my own way. Musicians need to be praised for sharing their joy and talent but all takes time. They weren't born with talent, they worked on it and it takes time. 

I guess, I find my own fun and joy in solving problems and building something different. We are all different and that's the beauty of this world. I'm a very practical person, which frustrates others. Whatever we do we must do it well. The more experience we have, the better the results will be, no?  Don't you love writing?  I know you do, and the more you write, the better you get at it, and the more your thoughts expand. I think it's the same for music and everything else. I believe that music is a powerful tool to bring joy and unite all generations. 

Kim Syphrett: I agree with everything you're saying. We all need to find joy when we align with our heart. Will your event be a 1-day festival, and what type of music will you bring to the Old Tucson Studios?  I really never expected Old Tucson to be willing to host a music festival because it's a movie studio. I like that. 

Annick Elziere: Yes, I am so honored and proud to produce this event at the Old Tucson. Who would have thought of that?  You never know what is next.  The old Western saloon at Old Tucson is beautiful, and it should make the festival feel so different and unique.  I am grateful to Old Tucson for working with me and recognizing the value of my festival. To me, it's exciting and I leave it at that. You're asking about the program, yes it's going to be a one-day event but fun because the location is historical creating great memories for everyone.

Kim Syphrett: It sounds very nice. I love your positive attitude about everything. Your ideas never stop coming in, and you never quit or give up, not that I know. You seem very confident in what you do. We need more music festivals and events in Southern Arizona. Will you plan more events?  And how difficult is it to find businesses to sponsor the festivals?  

Annick Elziere: Thank you for your kind words.  I love your questions because it gets me going. It really makes me reflect on what I'm trying to create which might make no sense to anyone else but that's okay. Well, I don't look for sponsors because I don't like to have my events controlled by corporations telling me how to do my work in order to fit their needs. I don't want my festivals to be commercial. That's not what they are about. If I can continue doing what I love, my goal is to pay artists well and keep our events free. 

You're asking me if I want to create more festivals?  Yes, I would love to. I enjoy it so much. I love planning and hosting events just to see people enjoy themselves in a clean, drug-and-alcohol-free environment. One day money will come my way and better festivals will come around but for now that is all I can do. It's a good start. I stay away from sponsors because I like to watch it all unfold organically. 

I love to produce 7-10 day festivals for all ages and free of charge, always. All my events are free, but sadly, people will have to pay for admission to this festival at Old Tucson, which is a shame. Though, it's going to be a very unique experience for everyone. I hope so.

Kim Syphrett:  I love your free spirit. It seems like you don't let anything stop you. Do you have a ​slogan, or a catchphrase that will draw the audience? 

Annick Elziere: Thank you. You know, when you do what you enjoy doing, nothing is a problem. 

Yes, have a slogan, if you call it like that. I was thinking of using “Real People for a Real World” or maybe "A Music Festival by People For People" but it's going to be  "Playing for Unity In Diversity" which I think is a catchphrase, no?   In reality,  I'm not into slogans. Maybe one day someone will understand and support my vision but for now I am learning and I call it all training for what  comes next. I like to keep things simple. Just do it and have fun. 

Kim Syphrett: I'm not into music and arts but I enjoy hearing you talk about your passion. What about using a name like “One Woman, One World, One Vision: Playing For Unity In Diversity”?

Annick Elziere:  That's a great idea. Isn't it a little too long?  It is an excellent catchphrase but I can't use it because what I do is not about me, it's about producing for others which brings me true joy. I like to stay in the shadow of whatever I create. I am keeping the name of "Playing for Unity in Diversity."  It resonates with me a lot. For me, it's about bringing people together through the arts

Kim Syphrett: Organizing self-funded events requires a lot of courage. How do you do you make things happen and how did you get into it. To me, playing music seems to be more fun than planning and organizing events with all sorts of challenges to face.  People love to listen to some music or perform but nobody wants to brainstorm and put the puzzle together. It is wonderful that you are so courageous and dedicated to your ideas

Annick Elziere: I appreciate your kind words of encouragement, Kim but let me say that it's not like running a business, it's purely doing what I enjoy doing. Commercial festivals are not for me and will never be. I just need to find a way to pay the musicians and I know that will come with time. Making money using the arts doesn't interest me but they should be paid well.  Plus, I'm no business person, I'm a free spirit and peace of mind is my carrot. Love, unity and the arts mean a lot to me. That's who I am and I can't help it so no, I am not a  courageous person, I'm just being me. 

How did I get into doing what I love doing? It all started when I was laid-off from a pharmaceutical company in Princeton, NJ. I decided to  step outside the box and created Café Annick. That is when local musicians came to play on the weekends that I got inspired to produce festivals for everyone. One night, one of the musicians approached me and said "thank you for having us perform tonight. We need more people like you because we need more places like your cafe to invite us to come and play. You are as important as we are, it's teamwork." What this musician said to me touched me deeply. That's when I understood that my role was as important as his. I may not be able to sing or put two notes together but I can be the one responsible to make a difference in my own way. 

The first festival I put together was at  Café Annick. It was so much fun.Seeing people having such a good time inspired me to continue. A year later I planned another festival called " NJ Independent Music Festival". I sent an email to the mayor asking for location ideas, and she offered her farm, which is very popular for all sorts of produce. It was a beautiful outdoor festival and everyone who came had a fabulous time. I can't believe how everything gets into place so well when it's meant to happen. The venue was free and the festival was free to all attendees. Organizing festivals is no different that putting a puzzle together and that's what makes me happy. 

Kim Syphrett: Thanks for sharing your journey, Annick. Then you move back to France, and here you are in Arizona. Why did you move to Costa Rica, last year? Creating projects appears to be a natural part of who you are so why moving there? Your home is everywhere and I love that. I am pretty sure that I will be around  and will be able to come to Old Tucson for the festival. It's going to be great. I wish you lots of success with Playing for Unity in Diversity.

Annick Elziere:  Well, it's my second nature, but what's incredible is that when you put your mind and heart into something then all the doors open for you. I hope I did not share too much. Kim, I really appreciate your time and questions. I can't wait for this festival to happen and see people enjoy themselves. Some great local musicians will perform on stage in the saloon. What an interesting set up. I can't think of a better place than doing it at the Old Tucson. Gathering people through the Arts is a wonderful way to form communities. Memories are made in the moment. 

When we follow our heart we do great things for everyone including ourselves. I think that writing about "Conflict Resolution" is not just impressive but powerful, and you're the best one to do this. I wish you the best of luck with your studies and your book. I  know that everyone's life will change for the better, it's just a matter of time. Thank you for your gracious support, Kim.

Kim Syphrett:  Conflict Resolution is a serious matter and that subject is dear to my heart. It needs serious attention. 

Annick, I enjoyed doing this interview with you. I'm sure lots of people will enjoy the "Playing For Unity in Diversity" music festival at the Old Tucson, a real Wild musical adventure. Thanks, Annick 

~

Editor's Note: This interview was originally published in Treasures of Wonderment in 2011. Minor grammatical and formatting edits have been made for readability while preserving the original conversation. Treasures of Wonderment was an online magazine dedicated to sharing inspiring stories of individuals making a positive difference in the lives of others. Founded in 1999, the magazine remained online until 2012.