It has become a local music tradition, and a fun way for people to start off the new year.
The vocal trio Voices Three will perform their annual January fundraising concert for the Comox Valley Hospice Society (CVHS) on Jan. 8 at the Mex Pub in Courtenay.
Voices Three, which is comprised of local songwriters Helen Austin, Sue Pyper and Judy Wing, will perform their concert as the featured guests of the 1st Tuesday Fundraisers, an ongoing monthly concert series that raises money for local charities. (As the first Tuesday in January fell on New Year’s Day, the event has been moved to Jan. 8.)
The evening’s entertainment will begin at 7:30 with an opening set by John Enns, known in many local musical circles as White Hat John.
Enns is one of the Comox Valley’s musical treasures. The combination of his rich baritone voice, confident finger-picking guitar style, and wonderful repertoire make him a popular addition to many local open mics.
With songs that range from familiar favourites by Eric Clapton, Stan Rogers, Leonard Cohen, or Joni Mitchell to the blues styling of Ken Hamm or Joe Cocker, White Hat John will provide the perfect ambience to start the evening’s entertainment.
Voices Three is well known for performances that deliver spine-tingling harmonies, musical diversity, and banter that brings ripples of comedy relief. Their sold-out shows have introduced audiences to musical soundscapes that visit life experiences common to most, expressed in songs about searching and finding, moments of self-discovery, insecurities, and relational ambivalence.
Adding to the evening’s diversity will be violinist Blaine Dunaway, percussionist Jim Stepan and bassist Bruce Wing. The trio will perform some of their recently written material as well as some of their comedic favourites from previous concerts.
There are no advance tickets required for the show and admission is by donation, which can be either cash for CVHS or non-perishable food items for the Comox Valley Food Bank Society. Tax receipts for cash donations will be available.
The Comox Valley Hospice is a local organization comprised largely of trained volunteers who provide emotional support and resources for the terminally ill, their families and caregivers, as well as the bereaved. Their efforts bring comfort and compassion to families in times when it is most needed.
The 1st Tuesday event on Jan. 8 will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the work of the Comox Valley Hospice Society, show community support, and enjoy some great musical entertainment.
For more information about Voices Three, please visit www.voicesthree.com.
— Voices Three
