Nanaimo-based singer-songwriter Allison Crowe is coming back to Victoria for two concerts at 8 tonight and Friday at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Wood Hall.

Proceeds from the concerts will benefit the financially imperiled Girls’ Alternative Program (GAP), a 32-year-old institution that helps teenage girls suffering from poverty, drug addiction, sexual exploitation and mental illness.

A message posted on GAP’s funding plight by onetime student Carlye Burton inspired Crowe to add her voice to the cause. Burton will open each night’s show with a song.

Crowe has been drawing raves for years for her powerful vocals and eclectic repertoire. Drawing from classical, jazz, pop and gospel sources, the young singer has created singular, inspiring music both in the studio and in the concert hall.

“I’m working on two different sets for each night’s show, including a whole new batch of songs that haven’t been recorded yet,” explained Crowe, 23. “I’ll sing a large portion of my repertoire over the two nights including a couple of Broadway songs each night. I’m going to sing Bill from Showboat and I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables and some newer songs that I haven’t covered yet. I’m really excited to do this Counting Crows song (A Murder of One).”

Crowe has recently completed a DVD of her seasonal CD, Tidings. She also has a live CD in the works and a CD of unreleased material due for release too.

Tickets for the shows are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Ivy’s Book Shop, Lyle’s Place, Munro’s Books, The Patch and Tanner’s Books. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Call 250-537-1286 for more information.

Info on the Girls' Alternative Program/Options (GAP)

And more concert details here