When pianist-vocalist Dominik Heins and vocalist Wendy Bollard first met musically, it was inevitable the partnership would continue.
Heins' June showcase concert at Blue Frog Studios offered Bollard – artistic director of Peninsula Productions – a chance to get back to the microphone for a few enthusiastically received numbers with the boogie-woogie and jazz maestro and his bassist Sam Shoichet and drummer Alex Klassen.
The team returns this Saturday (Oct. 19) at 8 p.m. at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave. for a full concert of some 23 classic tunes from the jazz era of the '20s-'40s, showcasing Heins' keyboard and singing styles and not one but three musical personas for Bollard – flapper, country-girl and Mae West-like diva.
"It's something between a concert and a cabaret show," Heins said, noting it's an opportunity to utilize not only their musical skills and performance experience but also a similar sense of humour.
"We both have a lot of experience in how to talk to an audience, about the music, the background and the history – but it's also important that everybody have a fun time."
Developing a script has been an enjoyable challenge, Bollard said.
"He's somebody I can throw out an idea to, and he'll take the ball and run with it."
"It's new for me, but interesting," Heins said. "To become a better actor – or even an actor at all."
"I feel it's a real partnership," Bollard added. "I can do things I'm good at, and he can do things he's good at."
Tickets ($25 advance, $30 at the door) are available from Surrey Arts Centre, Tapestry Music, or through www.peninsulaproductions.org