Vashon’s own comedy and musical variety show, The Church of Great Rain, will begin its fourth year with a season premiere at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Open Space for Arts and Community.

Special guest artists will be high-profile singer Vince Mira and Seattle actor and comedian Matt Smith.

Mira is a country/Americana singer, known for his remarkable covers of Johnny Cash and Elvis tunes, who was discovered while busking in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. His first EP and album was produced by John Carter Cash (Johnny and June Carter Cash’s son) and recorded at the Cash Cabin, built by Johnny Cash, in Nashville.

The young baritone with the deep voice was seen on “Good Morning America,” “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and “Inside Edition.” He has also played at the Austin City Limits Festival, Bumbershoot, Sasquatch Festival and SXSW.

Seattle actor Matt Smith will bring his comedy act to the stage. Smith co-founded the legendary Seattle Improv and Stark/Raving Theatre.

He recently performed “All My Children” at the Blue Heron. He is also an actor and writer for “Cookus Interruptus,” a web-based cooking show/soap opera.

The show will also feature the Church House Band, the Holy Roller Radio Players and an inspiring yet wacky sermon by the Church of Great Rain preacher, performed impromptu by artistic director David Godsey.

In the spirit of community collaboration, four dozen creative Islanders provide writing, video, sound, photography, lighting, marketing, web media and guest services for the show.

“The whole point of the show is to celebrate Vashon as a place we love and to shine a light on things that are universal,” Godsey said. Church of Great Rain is an ever-evolving experience, both for us and the audience.”

Tickets this season are $10, up from $8 last year. For more information, visit www.churchofgreatrain.com.

 

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