Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

On Friday, December 8, Canadian vocalist/pianist Allison Crowe completes her annual migration and alights at Victoria's Metro Studio Theatre (411 Quadra, at Johnson) bringing with her a collection of songs for the season and all time.

The internationally acclaimed songbird brings her Tidings concert to
Victoria, sponsored by Monday Magazine, as a fundraiser for Artemis
Place ( www.artemisplace.org ) ~ an alternative education program for
girls operated by The Victoria Society for Educational Alternatives.
VSEA has been working with girls for over 30 years (through the Girls
Alternative Program - GAP, Options for Pregnant/Parenting Teens and
Options Daycare).

The mission of Artemis is "to provide: a holistic, compassionate and
nurturing community where girls can enjoy success, develop resiliency,
and get help with social/emotional issues while continuing with their
schooling." With experience and compassion, and a new location downtown, the folks behind Artemis Place are ready to carry on their service - but
they need funding help to survive. Thanks to the invitation of 'Gapper'
Carlye Burton, and VSEA Executive Director Peggy Palmer and her team,
Allison Crowe is anxious to lend a hand in her own way - and build on a
musical tradition.

In 2003, Tidings was created as an one-hour television special, which
airs each December across Canada on CHUM's A-Channel network and
affiliates. In its holiday CD round-up, in 2004, The Toronto Sun gave
four stars to only two releases - The Christmas Collection from Frank
Sinatra and Tidings from Allison Crowe. In 2005, BBC Radio listeners
cited Tidings among the greatest cover albums of all time.

Tidings is a seasonal celebration in song, featuring the talents of
vocalist, pianist and songwriter Allison Crowe. At the Metro Studio
Theatre, the evening's concert repertoire will bring together
some traditional Christmas carols and holiday favourites with an equal
measure of Crowe's uniquely original blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel
and soul. It's a passionate and joyous sound that one music critic
describes as "Elton John meets Edith Piaf".

"Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter
scene today," says Bob Muller, long-time administrator of cover songs on
the official Joni Mitchell Discussion List (JMDL). Allison Crowe's
just-hatched album, This Little Bird, contains her take on Joni's "A
Case of You". The JMDL's Muller, in reviewing this new album, says:
"Allison really comes into her own on this CD - her wonderful songs,
supported by her emotive vocals, strong and confident, navigates them
with feeling and strength. I mean, it takes a lot of self-confidence to
tackle Aretha's version of 'I Never Loved a Man...' but Allison does and
nails it just as good as the Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is
equally exquisite."

On a just-completed tour of Ireland, Ireland and Scotland, London's hip
music blog, The Face of Today, comments: "With tones reminiscent of Ani
DiFranco and Joni Mitchell, her neatly crafted songs of personal joy and
torment came from the heart and filled the room with her whole soul."
U.S. music blogger Muruch declares: "I can honestly and without
hesitation say that This Little Bird is my favourite album of 2006." UK
music journal Record of the Day, says, simply: "Allison Crowe has a
voice to fall in love with."

Special guest artist for this Tidings benefit concert is Ladysmith-based
singer-songwriter, Lena Birtwistle. Lena's thoughtful blend of acoustic
balladry and folk-rock is tinged with hues of country. Her musical roots
spread wide and deep, and she cites influences as diverse as Martina
McBride, Tina Turner, Eminem, Eva Cassidy and U2.

Crowe's band on the bill features a pair of top-flight rhythm-makers
also heard on her This Little Bird album: Dave Baird on acoustic and
electric bass, and percussionist Laurent Boucher.

Advance tickets for the December 8 "Tidings" benefit concert can be
obtained at Lyle's Place and Ivy's Bookshop.

Tickets are: General: $20 Seniors and Students: $15

For more word on Allison Crowe and her Tidings concert to aid Artemis
Place please visit www.allisoncrowe.com