Meet Ivy Clift, the Lab’s Chief Development Officer. Her office works collaboratively with prospective funders and Berkeley Lab leadership to ensure that philanthropic funds are brought into the Lab and managed in accordance with all relevant guidelines and rules.
While most of her work days are devoted to cultivating philanthropic endeavors, on occasion she steps out of that role to participate in the Lab’s popular Open Mic sessions. But you might not recognize her…she takes on a whole new persona when performing. Or is it the other way around?
Have you done live performances before?
I’ve been singing in front of audiences since I was little, and I started playing in bands when I was 20. My first bands were part of the Gilman Street scene in the mid 80’s to early 90’s. One of them, Sweet Baby, toured the U.S. I slowed down after I had my daughter in 1995 and only perform when it’s a fun opportunity, like this show with my former band Kamala and the Karnivores.
What motivated you to participate in Open Mic?
I signed up to do our first Open Mic because it looked like fun, and it was! It’s such a great way to connect with the people I miss seeing every day. My husband Kent Randoph, who plays guitar, thought it would be fun to include Mike Witherell in our second appearance. When I invited Mike, I told him it would be good for the esprit de corps. He said yes right way, didn’t even need to twist his arm.
Can you tell us more about the edgy alter ego you take on during Open Mic, with the dark sunglasses, black leather jacket, and snarling vocals?
It’s funny that you describe my look as an alter ego because the same could more convincingly be said of me about the “corporate” clothes I wear as part of my job. I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to resemble Lou Reed as much as possible.
Do you have a special talent you’d like to share with the Lab community? Consider participating in the Lab’s fifth Open Mic on August 14. Go here to sign up. Or if performing isn’t your thing, just tune in to cheer on your colleagues. Add it to your calendar here.
Go here to watch previous Open Mic events.