Jo Beth Henderson Celebration
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A Celebration of
the Life of
Jo Beth Henderson
October 6, 1973 - March 14, 2026
Sunday, November 15, 2026 12-3pm
[Austin, TX] While our belovéd Jo crossed over/passed away many months ago on March 14, her VORTEX family just learned the news recently on her birthday, October 6. As our grief of the loss of a dynamic star and musically brilliant performer has rolled through our communities, we have also remembered her shining spirit, her ability to make us laugh and cry, and her enduring friendship. Jo Beth was a composer, musician, singer, actor, dancer, choreographer, musical arranger, trickster, lover, and friend. Her voice will sing for this celebration in recordings, photos, and videos as we remember her and share stories of our many amazing times.
Jo Beth Henderson first appeared at The VORTEX in ethos’s world premiere cyberopera, Triskelion, in 1998 and went on to star in ethos’ epic The X&Y Trilogy (The Black Blood, Panoptikon, and Triskelion) directed by Bonnie Cullum at The Paramount Theatre in 1999. She also appeared in ethos’ Elytra (2002), Pythia Dust (2004, 2015), and hOle (2005), which she received a B. Iden Payne Award for outstanding Featured Actress in 2005. She performed in the world premiere musical, The Secret LIves of the InBetweeners by Aaron Brown(2009). She has a cameo as one of the 8 sexes in the ethos film, Octia of the Pink Ocean (2014). Jo Beth helped arrange many of the vocals in Chad Salvata’s operas and recorded the album Xephyra with him. Xephyra (2010) was also performed live at The VORTEX. She devised and performed in four versions of Dark Goddess as Lilith (2000-01), Spider Woman (2002), and Sheela na gig (2004) She also devised and performed Holy Well and Sacred Flame (Brigid ritual theatre) with Bonnie Cullum and Content Love Knowles in 2003.
Jo Beth Henderson performed hundreds of gigs as a singer/songwriter, and her debut solo album, Inudare, received critical acclaim. Released in 2006 on Glowing Records, it blends art rock with influences from jazz, folk rock, classical, and avant‑garde, and is noted for its ambitious lyrical themes and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic experimentation.
Jo Beth Henderson’s impact on The VORTEX at the turn of the century cannot be underestimated. She brought extraordinary talent, music, and magic to The VORTEX and will always be remembered.
Celebration: Sunday, November 15, 2026 12-3pm
Potluck: Bring a dish and a story of Jo to share
Cash bar.
Photos, Video, Music by Jo Beth. Testimonies by folks who want to remember her impact.
Where: The Butterfly Bar and The Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage @The VORTEX
2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District.
Bus route. Bike Racks. Limited Free Parking.
The Butterfly Bar@The VORTEX will be open.
www.vortexrep.org or 512-478-5282
the Life of
Jo Beth Henderson
October 6, 1973 - March 14, 2026
Sunday, November 15, 2026 12-3pm
[Austin, TX] While our belovéd Jo crossed over/passed away many months ago on March 14, her VORTEX family just learned the news recently on her birthday, October 6. As our grief of the loss of a dynamic star and musically brilliant performer has rolled through our communities, we have also remembered her shining spirit, her ability to make us laugh and cry, and her enduring friendship. Jo Beth was a composer, musician, singer, actor, dancer, choreographer, musical arranger, trickster, lover, and friend. Her voice will sing for this celebration in recordings, photos, and videos as we remember her and share stories of our many amazing times.
Jo Beth Henderson first appeared at The VORTEX in ethos’s world premiere cyberopera, Triskelion, in 1998 and went on to star in ethos’ epic The X&Y Trilogy (The Black Blood, Panoptikon, and Triskelion) directed by Bonnie Cullum at The Paramount Theatre in 1999. She also appeared in ethos’ Elytra (2002), Pythia Dust (2004, 2015), and hOle (2005), which she received a B. Iden Payne Award for outstanding Featured Actress in 2005. She performed in the world premiere musical, The Secret LIves of the InBetweeners by Aaron Brown(2009). She has a cameo as one of the 8 sexes in the ethos film, Octia of the Pink Ocean (2014). Jo Beth helped arrange many of the vocals in Chad Salvata’s operas and recorded the album Xephyra with him. Xephyra (2010) was also performed live at The VORTEX. She devised and performed in four versions of Dark Goddess as Lilith (2000-01), Spider Woman (2002), and Sheela na gig (2004) She also devised and performed Holy Well and Sacred Flame (Brigid ritual theatre) with Bonnie Cullum and Content Love Knowles in 2003.
Jo Beth Henderson performed hundreds of gigs as a singer/songwriter, and her debut solo album, Inudare, received critical acclaim. Released in 2006 on Glowing Records, it blends art rock with influences from jazz, folk rock, classical, and avant‑garde, and is noted for its ambitious lyrical themes and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic experimentation.
Jo Beth Henderson’s impact on The VORTEX at the turn of the century cannot be underestimated. She brought extraordinary talent, music, and magic to The VORTEX and will always be remembered.
Celebration: Sunday, November 15, 2026 12-3pm
Potluck: Bring a dish and a story of Jo to share
Cash bar.
Photos, Video, Music by Jo Beth. Testimonies by folks who want to remember her impact.
Where: The Butterfly Bar and The Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage @The VORTEX
2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District.
Bus route. Bike Racks. Limited Free Parking.
The Butterfly Bar@The VORTEX will be open.
www.vortexrep.org or 512-478-5282
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Where is it happening?
The VORTEX, 2303 E 22nd St, Austin, TX 78722-2117, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherBonnie Cullum
