For almost all of Pam Ortiz’s career, she has had a bit of a split professional personality. During the work day, the Chestertown resident commutes to the Western Shore in her legal advocacy role as director of the State of Maryland’s Access to Justice program, providing thousands with the tools and training they need to effectively use the state’s sometimes complex court system.
But in the evenings and on weekends, she turns into Pam Ortiz, the music composer, singer and band leader with the same dedication as her daytime vocation.
Many artists and musicians in Kent County experience this kind of duality, but rarely does it reach the level of excellence that Ortiz has brought to these two different worlds.
A case in point is Pam’s recent collaboration with Chestertown playwright and poet Robert Earl Price in creating a musical based on the work of author Jean Toomer.
What started as fun challenge for the songwriter and playwright has now turned into a phenomenal success with Pam and a dozen other gifted Kent County musicians and singers heading to New York City’s prestigious New York International Fringe Festival this August.
In her Spy interview, Pam talks about the art of creation, her goals in working with Price on adopting Tooner’s dark short story, Blood Burning Moon, and the thrills and challenges of moving the grassroots community project to a stage theater in downtown Manhattan.
This video is approximately six minutes in length. Spy readers are encouraged to support the New York City premiere of Red Devil Moon by making a donation here through the Kent County Arts Council
Carol Brown says
It’s going to be a great show…….they will WOW them in New York!!!!!! Lots of great talent!!!!!!! I am so proud to be Pamela’s Mother!!!!!!!!!