New works come to Blue Heron

The New Works series, presented by Vashon Allied Arts, continues at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Blue Heron with two musical groups in one evening.

The New Works series, presented by Vashon Allied Arts, continues at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Blue Heron with two musical groups in one evening.

Resonance, an all-original, all-instrumental world music ensemble that includes Jason Everett, Bill Moyer, Ken Jacobsen, Chip Lamason and Carolyn Candy, will play, as will singer/songwriter duo Pat Reardon and Kim Cronin, who will launch the evening with their original material.

The couple, originally from the Boston area, met at Pike Place Market in the early ’90s.

“Pat was busking with his guitar at the market, and I asked to sing with him,” said Cronin, who is both a classically trained soprano and well-studied jazz singer. “We’ve been playing together ever since,” she added with a mischievous grin. The duo moved to Vashon Island several years ago to raise their daughter Brynn, now a third-grader.

Reardon raves about Cronin’s singing talent, and she praises his prolific songwriting skills.

“Kim brings her amazing harmonies to my music. She writes songs too, but is shy about sharing them,” Reardon said.

He is a self-taught musician, who describes their music as “not folk, because it’s more rock, country and jazz. It’s not rap, and it’s definitely not speed metal. It’s doesn’t fit into any one genre, but I’m inspired by Steely Dan, James Taylor, Eric Clapton — as long as it’s interesting musically and has good stand-alone lyrics.”

Both musicians have busy day jobs; he teaches fourth grade in Shoreline, and she is a social worker. They recorded their last CD, “Way Down in a Song,” in 2000.

“I have a lot of new work and would like to record, but the day job and family commitments are all-consuming right now,” said Reardon. “I need to play music; it feeds me. And it’s nice when people really appreciate it.”

Tickets are $14 general admission, and $12 for VAA members, seniors and students. To reserve tickets, call 463-5131.