Valerie Day Sings

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What is it? Why do we spend so much of our lives trying to find it? Keep it? Or get over it….?

“Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell…” - Joan Crawford

THE PRODUCTION: Passion x Science = Entertainment²

BRAIN CHEMISTRY FOR LOVERS is the brain-child of singer Valerie Day. Inspired by a National Geographic article about love and the chemicals in the brain, she conceived a multi-media performance piece that takes on this universal theme, with a twist — the performance incorporates the discoveries of today’s neuro-scientists, who are finally crossing into the territory of the poet, the philosopher, the songwriter, (and the comedian!), to explain the feelings associated with Romantic Love.

Brain Chemistry for Lovers considers the stages of a relationship (Lust, Attraction, Rejection, and Attachment), connects them to the brain chemicals occurring in each stage (Dopamine, Seratonin, and Oxytocyn, among others) — and then expresses each through familiar selections of American popular song.

“Who needs physics when we’ve got Chemistry?” from “Peggy Sue Got Married”

The story behind the strongest human emotion was created in collaboration with pianist Darrell Grant, filmmaker Jim Blashfield, composer/arranger John Smith, and OHSU neuroscientist Dr. Larry Sherman Ph.D. In addition to music, narrative, and quotations from writers and philosophers throughout the ages, the chemical story of love is told through the relationship of an imaginary couple called Alice and Bob.

Dr. Sherman also makes an appearance on screen to help when the science of love gets a little rough and needs further explanation.

Romantic Love has been the inspiration behind mankind’s greatest artistic achievements from the Taj Mahal to Tin Pan Alley. Brain Chemistry For Lovers combines the artistic perspective with the scientific, engaging, entertaining, and captivating audiences with a fresh new look at humanity’s oldest conundrum.

LOVE, n. A temporary insanity curable by marriage or by removal of the patient from the influences under which he incurred the disorder… It is sometimes fatal, but more frequently to the physician than to the patient.

• Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary, 1911

“If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?” - Lily Tomlin

Tickets are now available for two special performances of “Brain Chemistry For Lovers” with the Portland Chamber Orchestra. One will take place on February 14th at the Liberty Theater in Astoria, and the other on February 16, 2009 at the Newmark Theater in Portland. For more information or to purchase tickets for these or other Brain Chemistry For Lovers performances , please click on the link below:

FOR BRAIN CHEMISTRY FOR LOVERS PERFORMANCES CLICK HERE

The February 16th performance is a special co-presentation of the Portland Chamber Orchestra and OHSU’s Brain Awareness Series. A special Patron Event ticket can also be purchased through the Portland Chamber Orchestra website. The patron event will include an artists reception and special Valentine gift. For more information, call the PCO at: 503-771-3250.

This performance is the highlight of the Oregon Brain Awareness 10th Anniversary Celebration. These lectures frequently sell out, so make sure and get your tickets early!

(thanks to JENA Technologies for recording Darrell and Valerie for the audio demo on this page, and for Sherman & Clay for providing the piano and the space for the recording to take place.)