Auld Lang Syne
Originally published on The JOLT News on January 1, 2026
The new year feels bittersweet for unexpected reasons. Looking at my calendar, I am so excited for all the performances that are ahead in 2026, but 2025 felt so magical and encouraging in the arts, and it feels like a leap of faith to say goodbye to all that goodwill (even if I know it will extend into the New Year). I love Guy Lombardo’s rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” and have found myself repeating it in my head and pondering it the last few days.
Should old acquaintance be forgot? No. Never brought to mind? That’s ridiculous, of course we should carry these memories with us. When we sing “for auld lang syne,” it is our musical way of raising a glass to the year we just completed. We drink the cup of kindness that we gain from good memories and hope for the future as we toast the old and enter the new.
Old acquaintances
I think about the many friends I have made in our arts scene this year, many who have allowed me to interview them for the column. Each took a chance on getting to know me and let me share their story. Many artistic companies invited me to be part of their audience, not knowing yet what I would think of their shows and or how I would describe them to JOLT readers.
Now that we are friends and familiar with one another, that trust comes easier, but they too took a leap of faith in me. Without these extraordinary people, artists, and artistic companies, this column would not be the same (or perhaps exist).
Going deeper into my gratitude for all the artists and companies I got to know in 2025, I have to praise them all for continuing to take leaps of faith in their own craft, taking risks not knowing how the audience would respond. Their conviction and passion are outstanding, and their bravery beyond what many of us understand. I applaud you all for thinking outside the box, taking risks and never giving up.
I entered feeling hopeless in every way. JOLT publisher Danny Stusser and editor Wyatt Haupt Jr saw my potential and dreams, and gave me a space to fulfill them. This column has healed me in so many ways and I will never forget the many cups of kindness that have been poured out for me.
Words from our artists
I reached out to our local artists, and some of them had something they wanted to say to you regarding the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026. I’ll let them speak for themselves:
“I continue to be filled with hope and empowered every single time I see any audience come together to share a live performance! This is in itself such a tangible act of hope and defiance against forces that could divide us, since the communal act of sharing human stories unites us around things we all share: the laughter, tears, adventures, varied emotions and journeys that make us human.” Teri Lee Thomas
“This fall, I took on directing (numerous) community ensembles filled with a diversity of ages, abilities, and training. I am continually amazed by the incredible things these groups can do. Each one of these ensembles approached their repertoire boldly and brought beauty to the wider community. I am energized and excited for the future! And very tired. Thank you to everyone involved in any of these ensembles!” Nickolas Carlson of Olympia Chamber Orchestra, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, Saint Martin’s University, and South Puget Sound Community College.
“Thank you readers and audiences for letting music, theatre & visual art inspire you, ask you questions, soothe you, delight you and bring what only art can bring to your heart and soul.” Debe Eden, Heartsparkle Players
“Looking back at 2025, one of the most fulfilling and empowering experiences for our artistic company, bringing the classic, timeless, and technically demanding ballet "Giselle" to The Washington Center stage. Presenting a work of this caliber and performing it at such a high level with student dancers, served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. As we step into the new year, we invite you to continue making space for the arts—both for yourself and with those you love.” Stephanie Ennett and Studio West Dance Academy
“In an era of ever consolidating media empires, supporting local arts and publications is extremely cool of you, so thank you.” Xander Layden
So, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Happy New Year JOLT Readers, I’ll see you in the audience!
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/auld-lang-syne,27600?