Jen Ayers is bringing her groundbreaking musical SHe Said to Vashon Center for the Arts on October 23. Sally and Jen talk about the process of creating a musical inspired by Jen’s experience when her husband came out as transgender—and about the love that has sustained their relationship through profound change.

SHe Said debuted at Seattle’s Intiman Theatre in January 2026, where it drew rave reviews and strong audience response. Part rock opera, part love story, the show explores gender identity, transition, acceptance, and the ways a relationship can evolve while love endures.

A pianist, songwriter, playwright, recording artist, and powerhouse vocalist, Jen has spent decades performing and creating original music. SHe Said grew from a concept album into a full theatrical production, blending piano-driven soul, pop, and rock with influences from classic rock operas and gender-bending musicals.

Jen and the SHe Said band also recently performed a KEXP Live Session with DJ Cheryl Waters, who praised the show as a powerful story of “love, identity and acceptance.”

Think of SHe Said as a glam-rock ode to true love—funny, vulnerable, powerful, and touching.

Buy tickets for SHe Said at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Jen’s website: https://jenayersmusic.com

More about SHe Said:
https://jenayersmusic.com/she-said

Jen Ayers Photo by Ailisa Newhall

Jen Ayers Photo by Ailisa Newhall