On December 7 and 8, ACG’s very own Matt Hinsley will share an incredibly special evening of music and storytelling with us at The Rosette in an ACG Originals production titled, Journey.
Joining Matt on stage are two exceptionally talented musicians and dear friends from his journey: Justin Jay Hines, an A-list percussionist and Matt’s former college roommate, and Joe Williams, ACG’s Artistic Director, bassist, and longtime collaborator. Together, they will bring this story to life.
Find tickets here.
Inspired by our season theme of GIVE and Joseph Campbell’s exploration of the hero’s journey, ACG’s Executive Director, Matt Hinsley, has put together a gorgeous program that shares stories of pivotal moments from his remarkable 28 years with ACG.
This week, we had the opportunity to take a deeper dive into this project with Matt!
“I love stories. I love to read them, and I love to write them,” Matt Hinsley shares with an unmistakable enthusiasm,
“Something that has long fascinated me is the Hero’s Journey paradigm shared with the world by Joseph Campbell. I’ve been taking a class this year about synchronicity and we spent a bit of time studying the Hero’s Journey right when Joe Williams started talking with me about doing this concert. To me it felt like…synchronicity! The whole concert, which is ten connected pieces – like a concept album – came to me in the span of about six weeks.”
Why the Hero’s Journey? Matt explains,
“The Hero’s Journey is the framework that many stories are based on. It includes being called by something, something big, something you don’t fully understand but is irresistible and you’re compelled to follow it. Then there are a series of trials. And ultimately a return. The hero always returns different then when they set out, and often, while the journey is external, the thing they’ve been searching for was inside them the whole time. Think Frodo and Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, or Luke in Star Wars.”
But for Matt, the Hero’s Journey isn’t just a literary device; it’s a lens through which he sees life.
“It’s in huge things, like our entire lifetimes, or our careers, or our marriages. It’s in small things, like going to get a cup of coffee! It’s in our journey to become good at something, like playing the guitar. It’s in our collaborative relationships.”
Our 2024-25 Season theme is GIVE, which Matt also drew a lot of inspiration from. When planning the season, Matt spoke deeply about this concept with ACG’s artistic director and bassist for this project, Joe Williams. He shared what GIVE meant for him,
“For me, the idea of give is about recognition and awareness and intention. It’s about recognizing the gifts that everyone gives: their presence, their effort, their kindness, their talent. It’s about awareness of those gifts in the moment they are happening, not only in retrospect. And it is about having the intention to give in every way possible.”
This philosophy culminates in the final piece of Journey, a song Matt wrote:
“Been thinking lately about life’s gold and rust. The thought came to me, just. I asked how stars choose the people they dust. The answer that came was just. I begged for release from toil, boom, and bust. The gift I received, just. I wondered at beauty, and kindness, and trust. The wisdom I gained, was just give. Just give.”
He continues on to share,
“What I mean by those words is: we struggle in our lives. We struggle with ups and downs, with wondering why them and not us, or why us and not them, we struggle with labor, and we wonder at beauty. And while we may not ever have the satisfying answers to those questions, we can process all of it, and live our best lives as our divine selves by just giving.”
As we prepare to experience Journey, we’re reminded of the immense impact Matt Hinsley has had on ACG over the past 28 years. His vision, leadership, and unwavering passion have transformed this organization into a global beacon of creativity, education, and community connection. Through his dedication, Matt has touched countless lives, inspiring students, audiences, and collaborators with his artistry and generosity. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, which continues to guide and shape ACG’s mission in profound and meaningful ways. This concert is not only a reflection of his journey but also a celebration of the extraordinary gifts he has shared with all of us.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
