Let’s meet Kathleen Poe, a Professor, a pianist, an actress, an athlete, a wife and a mom and much much more. Here we go:
I am a Professor of Music at Sacramento City College, where I am department chair, where I also teach Music History, and Appreciation. I am a lifelong professional pianist, having played for Music Circus, the Sacramento Ballet, and in several symphonies and musical theater productions too numerous to list. I am also an avid runner (currently injured, but hopeful!), and elliptical cyclist – I’m the one you see out there on the bike without a seat! I love to act in local productions, and have appeared in both West Sacramento’s now-defunct Shakespeare in the Park productions, and also numerous times in the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. I am also a member of the Wildflower Women’s Ensemble, an all-female acting troupe performing the complete works of Shakespeare. From 2004-2006, I played Tight End for the National Champion Sacramento Sirens in the Independent Women’s Football League.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married for 20 years to Mike Poe, who manages the Black Box Theater in the West Sacramento Community Center. My daughter, Shannon, is 19 and attends Sacramento City College as a Theater major. She is a dancer, and currently interns with River City Dance Academy in West Sacramento. She also is an intern for LA dance instructor GiGi Torres. She plans to transfer to CSUS in the fall. I also have two amazing adult step kids, Alex & Elsbeth.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have taught music at Sacramento City College for 27 years. I’ve always wanted to teach college, so it is my dream career. Music is a language, and I love introducing that language to others, thus making their world more colorful. I don’t play music professionally much anymore
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Raku Sushi, Peace Cuisine, Burgers and Brew, La Crosta
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived here since 2005. We watched our house being built!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My husband and I had our 20th Anniversary trip to Ireland canceled due to the pandemic, so that’s where I’d go. Our trip was also to include Stratford-on-Avon and Scotland. Hopefully, we will get to plan for it soon!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Too numerous to mention, but I will try! My all-time favorite movie is The Sound of Music, but I love Hot Fuzz and Hamilton. As for TV shows – current favorites (or, stuff I’ve watched recently on Netflix) are “Call My Agent” (it’s French), Mindhunter, and Broadchurch. Zooey’s Extraordinary Playlist is my current favorite network show! I also binge-watched the first four seasons of Doctor Who!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Keep an open mind, be grateful and kind, and never stop learning.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Seeing the Aurora borealis.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I usually let Spotify do it for me, but I would have to say Mumford and Sons.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Well, I would love to have lunch with Lin-Manuel Miranda, because he is so creative, but seems really down-to-earth, and I love the way his brain works.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the fact that it is both suburban and rural! A half-mile from my doorstep, and I am in the country! A half-mile the other way, and I am at Target!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still here. 🙂
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a javelin champion in college!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Paris at night, or the countryside in Bavaria
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October – it finally feels like fall, my favorite season! I love Christmas, because who doesn’t? I can’t think of a best single day, because they are all as good as we make them!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Heringer wines!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students, and all the extraordinary, talented people in my life for whom complacency is not an option.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee, vanilla, lavender
Q: What is one business you would like to have in West Sacramento? (which we don’t have one already)
A clothing store like Old Navy
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
comfort, community, content
