Jennifer Brookes: I heard about this non-profit called Rwanda Partners through my friend Joel. The organization bands together with folks in Rwanda who support and desire healing and restoration through poverty reduction and ethnic reconciliation. I collaborated with Joel, good friend Tojo, and Eric on this short invitation to a Rwanda Partners auction at the Woodland Park Zoo at the end of this month. It’s going to be a nice summer night of wine tasting, yummy food, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here if you’re interested.

Eric Peterson: For this piece, I tried to work in the suggested realm of “jingly, catchy, and inviting.” I also recently received a copy of “Pop Quiz” by Portland-based band The Ocean Floor, which is gorgeous and refreshingly inspiring (purchase a copy here, if you please). While a lot of the record shines its jazz influences, one portion of one song in particular caught my attention, and I tried my best to emulate and extrapolate on it while maintaining some semblance of originality.