The day after the 2016 presidential election, Susan Osborn was sad and in shock.
“I thought maybe I was in my rocking chair as an artist, but I am definitely not. And that is a result of this election. It has relighted the fire,” Osborn said. “There are bridges that the arts can build that really nothing else can. It’s our small contribution to our world to keep making beauty.”
In an effort to gather people together in unity, Osborn is offering her beloved Victorian Valley Chapel Christmas concerts on Dec. 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. She will be joined by her husband David Densmore on tenor guitar, ukulele and vocals and Melody Funk on bass, vocals and piano. There might also be a few surprise guests.
This will be Osborn’s 26th concert in the Victorian Valley Chapel, which she calls “a container for silence” that is open to the public for prayer and meditation. For her event, the chapel is filled with candles, which also line the walkway.
“It’s a very intimate and festive space for people to enter,” she said. “It’s a place for everyone to gather together to celebrate what we have in common.”
Osborn will present traditional Christmas music, original work and songs from her favorite artists, including Leonard Cohen. The concerts also include audience participation.
Tickets are $15 for adults, are free for children 12 and under and are on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets online and at Siren Boutique in Eastsound. Osborn says it’s an “island myth” that the concerts sell out – they have never had to turn anyone away.
People are also invited to bring food or money for the food bank. If anyone wants to help with decorating, parking or clean-up, call Leslie Seaman at 376-2917.
Osborn is hoping to have her new CD, Makin’ the Two One, ready in time for the Christmas concerts. The album features 13 songs – that tackle subjects like gun violence, power and love – written over the past few years.
“It’s been a long process that has been aided by a lot of generosity from a lot of people – especially musician and sound engineer Kevin Colomby,” said Osborn.
