Martin Lund is turning up the heat for the ninth edition of his One World Music Festival.
Every year the event highlights a different genre and this year it will feature the lush grooves of Latin jazz.
“Lund, an accomplished musician, composer and arranger, has knowledge of music that allows him to move freely through any style – from classical and rock to jazz and Broadway,” says Donna Laslo, who organized this year’s concerts. “The annual One World Music Festival allows him to give the audience a sampling of artists and music from around Orcas – and the world.”
Islanders have come to expect performances from eclectic and accomplished musicians during the concerts, which are a fundraiser for the Funhouse. Viva La Musica! is on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Orcas Center.
One of this year’s performers is the Jovino Santos Neto Trio. Santos Neto is a three-time Latin Grammy nominee, a master pianist, composer and arranger and is among the top Brazilian musicians working today.
Gail Pettis is a four-time nominee and 2007 winner of Earshot Golden Ear Awards “Northwest Vocalist of the Year.” Her rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful, like that of a young Nancy Wilson.”
Paul Anastasio is a masterful jazz violinist from Seattle who studied with Joe Venuti, the originator of jazz violin in the 1970s.
As a touring musician he played with Asleep at the Wheel, Merle Haggard, and many other bands. Jeffrey Cohan is a virtuoso flutist who astonishes audiences time and time again.
His “artistic maturity and technical perfection along with his unique interpretations are a fireworks display of brilliant effects,” says Laslo. Cohan will be joined by classical guitarist Michael Partington, who Lalso said is one of the “most engaging of the new generation of concert players.”
This award-winning British guitarist has performed internationally as a soloist and with an ensemble.
The evening will also feature master trumpeter Willie Thomas and the group Orcas Horns. This home-grown band with professional roots has its own distinctive blend of R&B, soul, jazz, rock, and blues. Orcas Island’s finest young players will also perform. “The Fiddlin’ Four” will wow the audience with their showmanship and musical talent. This foursome has been trained by Thomas.
Tickets for the One World Concerts are $28, $24 (Orcas Center members), and $15 (students).
For those of who want to increase their donation to the Funhouse and get up close with the musicians, donate $75 or more to sit in “Club One World” located on stage.
Call The Funhouse at 376-7177 for VIP ticket sales. Regular show tickets are available from the Orcas Center Box Office, 376-ACT1 and online at www.orcascenter.org.
Pre-show fiesta at Chiladas Restaurant
There will be a pre-show fiesta from 4-6 p.m. at “Chiladas” (previously Bilbos) on both concert days. Twenty percent of all fiesta food sales will be donated to the Funhouse.
Restaurant owners Cy and Julie Fraser will be serving some old favorites along with new Latin creations. The fiestas on June 17 and 18 will begin with happy hour at ‘Chiladas in the Courtyard’ where they will offer Platos Pequenos, their signature, fresh squeezed lime margaritas, cervezas, vino and jugos frescos. Dinner service will be from 4-9 p.m.
