How a jazz trio transformed the energy of TEDMonterey

Jenny Scheinman, Nels Cline and Todd Sickafoose: "A Ride With Polly Jean" / "Ali Farka Touche" | TED · 8:32 · Video: TED · Watch at the source

In short: At the TEDMonterey event titled "The Case for Optimism," music served as more than just background noise. A jazz-infused performance by Jenny Scheinman, Nels Cline, and Todd Sickafoose offered a transportive experience, inviting the audience to think differently and wonder ceaselessly during a pivotal session.

On August 2, 2021, the TEDMonterey conference hosted a session focused on optimism. While many sessions focused on economic and social theories, the musical contribution provided a distinct, transportive atmosphere. The performance featured violinist Jenny Scheinman alongside Nels Cline and Todd Sickafoose, creating a jazz-infused set that complemented the event's overarching theme of transformation. This musical interlude occurred during the opening day of the summit. It functioned as an invitation to wonder ceaselessly and transform human interaction with the world.

During this specific session, the trio performed two notable pieces: "A Ride With Polly Jean" and "Ali Farka Touche." This performance took place during the first full day of the conference, specifically within Session 2. The event was hosted by TED’s Helen Walters and featured a diverse lineup of thinkers, including economist Stephanie Kelton, who discussed Modern Monetary Theory, and activist Trebor Scholz, who explored the potential of platform cooperatives. The session was moderated by Helen Walters. Other notable contributors included Saad Bhamla, Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas, and Bozoma Saint John.

By integrating high-level intellectual discourse with sophisticated musical performance, the event aimed to encourage attendees to transform how they interact with the world, both in large and small ways. The presence of Scheinman, Cline, and Sickafoose underscored the multidisciplinary nature of the TED conference, where the arts meet science, business, and global issues to spark new ways of thinking. This multidisciplinary approach encourages participants to rethink their perspectives on a global scale.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-jenny-scheinman-nels-cline-and-todd-sickafoose-a-ride-with-p.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…