Many of the Table Sessions artists have been musicians, but that’s not a strict criteria for success. The performances that work best for Table Sessions have a story, a distinct point of view, and a theme that the artist or artists are eager to explore. Previous performances have explored how to create home when you are part of a far-reaching diaspora, intergenerational language and knowledge keeping, forbidden queer love in a time of oppression, and so much more. From three cellos in a garden to a 12-piece band, Table Sessions take their unique shape from the visioning artist. They often have many sensory ways in –poetry combined with music, scents enveloping dancers, or a visual artist interpreting the musical language and lineage of a performer.

Table Sessions artists are deeply invested in how the food, subject matter, and performance speak to each other. The meals are chosen with care, amplifying the artistic themes. One artist went back to her childhood, remembering the dishes that parents and grandparents made and asking the chefs to create with these generational favorites in mind. Another artist wanted the broadness of her cultural heritage represented, and asked the chef to work with her on imagining a menu responsive to both traditional and diasporic favorites. Yet another artist paired each movement of her work with a specific dish, illuminating the evening through these close connections.

At a Journey Arts performance, the draw is the performance. But the outcome is often the interconnectivity of the audiences. Seated around a table with people you know -- and people you don’t! -- you come away with a fuller perspective. New friends have given each other rides home after the Table Sessions, spent time talking with their artistic idol, and gone deep in discussions of what makes a place home. Artists help foster this level of interaction -- leading conversation from the stage, creating discussion prompts, or starting a postcard writing campaign to rekindle friendships. Journey Arts staff work with artists to shape this element, but finding these sparks of togetherness are critical in creating these truly unique evenings.