SOUTH SURREY — The last time the Beach House Theatre Society needed to raise money, they held a benefit concert featuring some of the peninsula’s best jazz, gospel and folk musicians.
“We thought we would try something a little different that would give musicians – some of them up and coming, some very well known – an opportunity to be involved in a concert that was supporting the arts in their community,†said society president Marion Dyck.
The show proved to be such a success, they decided to do it again with another Evening of Music, set for Thursday, May 7, at Earl Marriott Secondary’s Wheelhouse Theatre. Money raised from the show will help fund the society’s summer theatre productions of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trivial comedy The Importance of Being Earnest and the kid-friendly Munsch Upon a Time at Crescent Beach this summer.
“We feel that it’s very connected with the whole concept of Beach House Theatre, which is promoting the arts in our community,†said Dyck.
Headlining the concert is Vancouver jazz man Cory Weeds and his quartet – pianist Miles Black, bassist Adam Thomas and drummer Julian MacDonough. Weeds is a saxophonist, record label owner, impresario and former owner of the Cellar Jazz Club in Kitsilano.
Not far down on the bill is Doug Johnson, a founding member of ’80s classic-rock band Loverboy and a solo artist in his own right. The Juno Award-winning multi-instrumentalist – keyboards, sax, vocals and harmonica – will be tickling the ivories, perhaps showcasing some original classical compositions off his latest album, 2014’s Notes to Self.
The May 7 show also marks the Beach House Theatre return of acoustic duo Glenda Rae and Brett Wade, who performed at last fall’s Evening of Music. With two voices and a guitar, they’re known for astounding interpretations of popular songs, as well as soul-tickling original material.
Rounding out the show are two local chanteuses: Folk songstress Lydia Hol and White Rock indie darling Danielle Howell. Hol made the top 20 of the 2013 PEAK Performance Project while Howell has released a four-song EP, titled Hurt/Heart, via Bandcamp last year.
The Evening of Music starts at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ($26, plus fees) available at the door or online at Beachhousetheatre.org.
Additionally, charitable donations to the society worth more than $20 will receive a tax receipt. The society’s charitable registration number 85246 8107 RR0001.