Group plays mix of genres
Birch Pereira and the Gin Joints is a unique group that revisits the music from the Tin Pan Alley jazz era to classic country and rock ‘n’ roll. The band will play a show for the first time on-island at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Red Bike.
Upright bassist Pereira and his relaxed Chet Baker-inspired vocal style is at the center of the group, which features a revolving cast of popular Seattle musicians who draw from the repertoires of Fats Waller, Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong, Patsy Cline, Mills Brothers and Johnny Horton. What makes the band stand out is that while they play music from the 1920s to 50s, they also play a variety of genres. The intent is to bring back the feel-good vibe of old swing, rock ‘n’ roll and country, while including the occasional gospel-tinged love song.
“We think the dance floor will be busy,” said Vashon Events Co-Founder Pete Welch.
The free show is open to all ages until 11 p.m., then only 21 and older.
Birthday concert open to all
Last fall, singer-songwriter Lance Morgan played a solo concert to a full house in honor of his mother. Morgan is back to play another show — this time to celebrate his birthday — at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Havurat Ee Shalom.
In an email, Morgan wrote that the theme for this show is “‘Because it’s my birthday,’ which is lucky because March 18 is actually my birthday. So, I’m going to be doing some things I’ve always wanted to do in concert and throwing some surprises in there.”
He asked that there be “no presents, please,” but promises that there will be cake.
As an extra bonus — a party favor perhaps? — Dalton Banks, a country songwriter making his island debut, will open the show.
Morgan, who used to play in bands off-island, writes and records songs and videos at Chautauqua Elementary school.
The show is free.
Island producer will discuss documentary
In 2005, islander Keith Schieron produced the film “We Jam Econo” about the influential punk band the Minutemen. The film, which was well received across the country, will be shown free of charge at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Vashon Theatre.
The film is a labor of love between two high school friends — Schieron and Director Tim Irwin — who shared a special affinity for the Minutemen. As high school seniors, they pledged to bring the band’s story to film, which they realized in 2005.
Both Schieron and Irwin will be at the theater to answer questions. The duo is working on a second documentary about the San Francisco band Jawbreaker.
The free showing is underwritten by Schieron’s longtime employer, TrialPay.
Musical event pays tribute
Celebrate the memory of islander Karla Hill with live music and food at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Red Bike.
Loren Sinner & The Saints will perform classic rock ‘n’ roll along with other featured guest performances by Lonesome Mike Nichols and Dominick and Madeline Wolczko.
Hill was born on March 17, 1965, and lost her battle with sarcoma 42 years later. For those who knew her well and those who only just met her, Hill left a lasting impression. Event organizers say she lives on in memories and “by coming together to laugh, love, and remember the time we had with a truly remarkable person.”
There is no cover for Karla’s celebration, but TEAM KARLA will collect donations for The Northwest Sarcoma Foundation and will continue to raise money in Karla’s memory until the annual Northwest Sarcoma Foundation’s Dragonslayer Walk on Saturday, April 23.
The show is open to all until 11 p.m., then 21 and older.
Evening dedicated to famed French singer
A tribute to French cabaret singer Edith Piaf — 100 years after her death — will be held at the Blue Heron at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Local artist and musician Azula Phillips discovered Piaf’s music while studying and performing in France in 1992. Though Phillips is not a Piaf scholar, she thinks of the singer as a friend and mentor and calls her spirit and music irrepressible.
Phillips will be accompanied by pianist Joe Baque. At age 94, Baque is a living legend. Over the course of his life, he has played with musical geniuses like Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Zoot Sims and gigs at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and The Roxy in New York City.
Tickets are sold at the Blue Heron and vashonalliedarts.org.
Estate sale of jewelry collected by art dealer
Over 165 pieces of eclectic art jewelry from the collection of the late art dealer and Artist Trust founder Mia McEldowney will be sold from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Blue Heron.
A well-known Vashon resident and force in the Seattle art scene, McEldowney’s love of art is reflected in her taste for handmade jewelry. Her collection includes pieces by Northwest jewelry artists and from her extensive global travels.
Her husband, islander Bill Mitchell, offered to sell her jewelry collection and generously will give a percentage of the proceeds to Vashon Allied Arts (VAA).
Champagne and chocolate will be served.
