For Leslie

It’s not for the faint of heart.

Perhaps there were various levels of catharsis while penning a life story of such intensity. But it was also no picnic. Still, Leslie Sisson painstakingly described the details in her 2019 feature for the Austin Chronicle, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Its refreshingly honest and direct tone made it all the more compelling. How else would one share this incredible journey?

Full disclosure: Your AMM host and producer has known Sisson for several years now. Even so, reading the article knocked the wind out of my lungs. It also redirected me to a another article I had intentionally put out of my mind because of its terrifying and heartbreaking subject matter: “Believe”, written by Sisson for the Chronicle in 2015, documenting the horrific experiences that transformed her art…and her very existence.

Through glorious highs and devastating lows, the songwriter and vocalist of Moving Panoramas refused to give up. It was difficult, but her mind was made up. Onward and upward.

The summer of 2024 dared to usher in another tumultuous life challenge. Sisson was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news seemed almost unbearable, but friends and family immediately rallied to support in any way possible.

Here’s where Moving Panoramas fans come in. Bring your buddies with you to a celebratory, fun-filled benefit show for Sisson tomorrow at Hotel Vegas, with Matthew Logan Vasquez and BOOHER making a stellar line-up that also includes Moving Panoramas. It’s an early show with doors at 5 p.m., featuring cool raffles and special t-shirts made for the occasion available for purchase. Proceeds will assist Sisson with her medical bills.

Sisson herself says that, as her mother once told her, some incredible and wonderful things can emerge from the most catastrophic situations. “Besides, my mama didn’t raise no quitter.”