You may have caught a Jilli Martini show at a number of Comox Valley venues over the past few years.Now’s your chance to catch them again as featured performers of the 1st Tuesday Fundraiser event at the Mex Pub on Feb. 7.Admission is by donation, in support of Comox Valley Suicide Awareness, a group initiated by young people dedicated to raising awareness around the devastating topic of teen suicide. Donations of food items for the food bank are also appreciated.Jilli Martini (aka Jillian Gathright) is well-known as host of the acoustic jam at the “late” Pier Pub in Comox, and for her ability to perform a broad range of styles and genres. Her versatility as a vocalist, and the natural way she engages with her audiences has made her an appreciated part of the local music scene.From sultry jazz lounge standards and bluesy easy listening all the way to the energy of a full-on rock dance band, Jill’s music is suited for a wide range of venues, and pretty much anywhere people want to have a good time: the Jazz Club at the Elks, local pubs, clubs, cafes, as well as charitable events, festivals, fairs, and private functions.The Jilli Martini Band is an impressive merging of accomplished Comox Valley musicians. Jill is accompanied by vocalist Peter Cloud Panjoyah of Hornby Island, guitarist Doug Biggs, Andre Forgues on bass and Blair Bentley on drums.While the Jilli Martini Band is primarily a dance band, they have put together acoustic arrangements of some of their favourite songs for this concert style setting. The show offers something for everyone with brilliant renditions of hits from the Rolling Stones,10cc, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac , the Pretenders, No Doubt and Gladys Knight.As with all 1st Tuesday Fundraiser events, admission for the event is by donation, with the featured act choosing a local charity to receive the cash donations. For Jill, choosing a local charity was an easy choice. “I immediately thought of Comox Valley Suicide Awareness,” she explains. “I was so moved by what I read about the new group in the paper, I knew it was something I wanted to support.”Being a mother myself, I know how difficult it can be to parent teens, just wanting your kids to be safe, healthy and happy in a world that just seems to be the opposite. Trying to get close to them can seem almost impossible at times and very frustrating. I feel, immense compassion and empathy for the families that these tragedies happen to, and I can’t imagine the life long pain these parents experience.“Suicide can touch even the most ‘normal’ and loving families, and it does,” Jill continues. “These kids go to good schools in good communities, in a society where we would consider our resources to be bountiful.”We’d like to think that people would have options, places to turn to before considering the fateful decision to end their life. Apparently, and unfortunately, some young people feel that suicide is their only option. This needs to be addressed, and I’m so glad that this group has been formed to at least create a forum for discussion.”The Comox Valley Suicide Awareness initiative was started by a group of teens who want to remove what they describe as the “taboo nature” of the subject of suicide. They created a Facebook page, which has over 1,400 members and is used by all ages as a way of reaching out and offering support to teens in our community and their families.The group would like the discussion of suicide to become more widespread and is inviting the public to post any ideas they might have on ways to build awareness. The money collected will help to fund some of these ideas, such as a yellow ribbon campaign.“I find it very moving to see young people wanting to inspire acts of kindness to help prevent these devastating and unnecessary acts of sadness,” says Gathright. Event organizer Judy Wing is hoping for a good turnout.“The 1st Tuesday events have given us the opportunity to work with some awesome musicians and meet the people who work behind the scenes in our local charities,” she says. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to show our support and help to empower the young people in our community who want to make a difference.”The Jilli Martini Band invites you to join them for an evening that promises to be musically satisfying as well as entertaining. Jill and Peter take turns leading the tunes, keeping the evening’s music selections diverse and exciting. Peter brings a candid, fresh and endless energy to the stage, as well as harmonies to add a rich, full sound.Veteran players Andre and Blair will have you tapping along with their super solid rhythm section, while guitarist Doug Biggs will add his tasteful style, as well as a little “raunch” as needed. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information about 1st Tuesday events, visit www.judyandbruce.com.— Judy and Bruce Wing

Comox Valley Record