Some of Vashon’s most well-known performers will come together at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Blue Heron to stage what organizers are calling “an improv night about living and surviving with outrageous levity and depth.”

The show is a benefit for Geoff Johns, a well-known percussionist, teacher and world-music scholar. For many years, he’s been a fixture in the Island’s  music community, contributing his talents to several bands. He was recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer; he has no health insurance.

Reached by phone, Carol Lutra-Johns, who is married to Geoff, said she and her husband were being buoyed by the many well-wishes and positive prayers offered up by their friends and neighbors.

“That means a lot to us,” she said. “We’re looking at this as a healing opportunity.”

The evening will also benefit Marynell Matt, known on the Island as a talented gardener, arts lover and devoted mother of a young son. Matt is extremely ill from a rare form of colon cancer, has depleted the benefits of her health insurance and has not worked for the past several months.

Performers at the benefit on Oct. 21 will include Martha Enson, Mik Kulman, Steffon Moody, Esther Edelman, Janet McAlpin, Ela Lamblin, Leah Mann, Linda Severt, Jason Everett and Chuck Van Norman.

A donation of $20 or more is suggested as admission, and cash is strongly preferred. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Those who cannot attend the event are encouraged to stop by the Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union, where donations can be made directly into Johns’ account or an account set up for Matt.

 

Editor's note: Marynell Matt died on Thursday. Donations are still welcome, and will go to her estate.

 

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Arts Editor Elizabeth Shepherd at arts@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

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