Musician Jim Scott brings a musical celebration of the Earth to Orcas

Acclaimed acoustic guitarist Jim Scott will perform an evening of his songs of peace and the environment on Sunday, Oct.18 at 7 p.m. at the Orcas Grange. With insight and more than a little humor, Scott makes his case for harmony in the world with a jazz/world folk music styling and some great guitar technique in accompaniment. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

Known to many as the voice on the Winter Consort’s “Common Ground,” Scott’s musical output runs from lyrical songs, and instrumentals, to choral compositions. He has performed in the company of luminaries of the jazz and folk worlds. Pete Seeger said of Jim’s guitar virtuosity, “(Jim is) some kind of a magician.” Paul Winter said of his long time collaborator, “His music sings of the life spirit.” With the consort, Scott was co-composer of the Missa Gaia/Earth Mass. Susan Osborn sang in the premier performance and recording of this work. Scott’s most recent project has been to compile “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” an anthology of songs of earth and peace. The songbook will be available at the concert.

“Folk follows a long tradition of social commentary,” Scott said. “It’s the voice of the people. That’s what I like to think I’m representing. My messages are of ecology and social conscience, but also of optimism. I believe in the power of song and self-expression for change.”

This event is sponsored by the Orcas Island Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, which meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month at the West Sound Community Club. For more information, go to www.orcasislanduu.org.

For more information about the concert, call Margot Shaw at 376-3441.