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

Event Description

Much-acclaimed and traveled musician Allison Crowe launches her Tidings concert tour in Campbell River this year. Crowe, and special guest Barb Elyett, perform in concert at St. Peter’s Anglican Church (228 S. Dogwood) on Friday, November 23. Music starts at 8:00 p.m.

The two islanders aim to not only make beautiful music, but also to bring some aid to the Campbell River Food Bank. Operating since 1985, the Food Bank quietly carries on filling a great need as it feeds well over 1000 people each month. Caring Administrators, Ann and George Minoski, their board and legion of dedicated volunteers, know that the holiday season can bring joy, but, it can also mean extra stresses for many in the community. Last year’s Tidings concert raised over $800 for the CR Food Bank, thanks to the generosity of local music-lovers who came together - even in the early snow.

Thanks, again, to local concert organizer Ron Nicolaye, Allison Crowe is heading our way, after creating a sensation at the "John Lennon Northern Lights Festival" in Scotland. Describing her Main Stage performance as "awesome" and "spine-tingling", Mike Merritt, Director of the event recently crowned the UK's "Best New Festival", has invited Crowe back for next year's cultural celebration, noting: "Allison has put Canada well and truly on the map here!"

Crowe, just turned 26, is also winning over global audiences online. On YouTube, over one million people have viewed her simple, honest, videos. Her rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has been viewed now more than 600,000 times, and a major Hollywood movie production has requested use of Crowe's "Tidings" album version of "Hallelujah".

The Tidings concert brings together some traditional Christmas carols and holiday favourites with an equal measure of Allison Crowe's original blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel and soul. It's a passionate and joyous sound ~ "Elton John meets Edith Piaf". Says Christmasreviews.com: "A stunningly talented performer. Be prepared to be amazed."

Opening the concert with a spirited set is Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter, Barb Elyett. Independent and inspiring, Elyett has established her own record label, Aleta Records, on which she recently released her debut CD, The Simple Side. Here’s her recipe for great entertainment: “Blend ½ a cup of 'soft rock,' with a ¼ cup of 'intelligent pop,' sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of black gospel and you’ve got the music of Barb Elyett!"

Tidings is “the Yuletide find of the year," says The Record. Tickets are available in advance at: IRIS, The Music Plant, St. Peter's Anglican Church, & c/o Ron
Nicolaye @ 250-923-6972 Advance: $20 General/$15 Students & Seniors (Door: $22/$17)

For more info: www.allisoncrowe.com + www.barbelyett.com