Apr 20 2007

 

On Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m., internationally-acclaimed vocalist/pianist Allison Crowe will perform at the Quadra Community Centre in a special concert to help the Quadra Recreation Society raise funds for the Playground in Blenkin Park.

Seeds of this concert fundraiser were planted this past Christmas season, when the musician was in Campbell River, brought here by local resident Ron Nicolaye to perform a concert in aid of the CR Food Bank. In the midst of our early snow storms, Quadra Islanders Carrie Bridges and Shelley Sjoholm walked all the way from the ferry terminal to attend Crowe’s concert. They loved the show so much, they invited Crowe to Quadra.

Then, Bridges and Sjoholm received a ride back to the ferry from retired Mayor Lynn Nash, the Food Bank’s representative. Crowe is keen to return to Campbell River, for Christmas ‘07. Thanks to Quadra Islanders, however, music-lovers can enjoy her sooner than that - with a concert time that makes it possible to catch a ferry home.

Vancouver Island-born Crowe is a concert attraction across North America and Europe.

Her repertoire is an uniquely original blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel and soul. It’s a joyous sound that one music critic describes as “Elton John meets Edith Piaf.” The upcoming concert will feature the sounds of This Little Bird, a newly-released collection of Crowe’s passionate originals alongside covers of songs by Joni Mitchell, The Loving Spoonful and Aretha Franklin.

Bob Muller, of JoniMitchell.com, says: “Allison really comes into her own on this CD - her wonderful songs, supported by her emotive vocals, strong and confident, navigates them with feeling and strength. I mean, it takes a lot of self-confidence to tackle Aretha’s version of ‘I Never Loved a Man...’ but Allison does and nails it just as good as the Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is equally exquisite. Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today.”

Music blogger Muruch declares: “I can honestly and without hesitation say that This Little Bird is my favourite album of 2006.”

Advance tickets are $15 general and $10 students/seniors at: Music Plant (Campbell River), and, on Quadra: Hummingbird Office & Art Supply, Quadra Crafts. (Door: $18/$12). For more information call 285-3243 or e-mail quadrarec@connected.bc.ca

To enjoy Allison Crowe’s music online, visit www.allisoncrowe.com/music