Hi My Name Is Ryan is the solo project for AZ based queer, artist + entertainer Ryan Avery. The project is mostly made up of acapella sing songs + story telling. "When I watch an artist perform, I wonder what other people in the room are thinking at that moment. Somehow, I routinely come to the conclusion that an artist standing in front of other people & singing acapella, may be what incites the most unpredictable responses. …and in the case of Ryan’s performances, this is amplified by the fact that they deliver these songs in such a playful + jovial way. …and often using humor, discomfort, pain + sadness. I know that many people discredit this type of act as just being a joke or unimportant. …and for some people, it’s just possible that they do not have the capability of taking this type of “song” seriously. On the other hand, Ryan has the potential to bring people to tears. They're a goofball sometimes, sure, but it can also be the moments in which they are sharing the most fragile pieces, more dark and less obvious stories & thoughts, the instances that prompt a friend to wonder if they should ask “is Ryan ok?” where I truly see a connection happening that is rare + vital in art. Perhaps we are all just so caught up and conditioned into being so serious all of the time, that accepting the potential depth and validity in something that comes across as (and is also) so joyful and childish… might be more difficult than anyone would really assume. " - James Fella