Beth Wood and Ara Lee are both phenomenal artists at the top of their game. They will be treating islanders to many of their manifestations over the weekend of June 7-9 on Orcas Island. The opening night is Friday, June 7, at Darvill’s Book Store from 6-7:30 p.m. Poet and musician Beth Wood will be featuring her award-winning poetry book “Ladder to the Light,” winner of the 2019 Oregon Book Awards’ Reader’s Choice award. Local songwriter Mandy Troxel will open for the evening. This event is free.
On Saturday, June 8, Wood and Lee will perform as the duo Stand and Sway at the Orcas Island Grange. Individually they have garnered rave reviews from audiences and media: “Ara Lee is the best singer I’ve ever heard. Period. But what she does is more than that. To hear her live is gut-wrenching, heart soaring – it’s a spiritual awakening,” says Sue Svendsen of the Peninsula Arts Center.
Of Beth Wood, the Washington Post writes: “Beth Wood is a musical triple-threat – a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice.”
“Together, these two powerhouse musicians will fill hearts, souls and the rafters with virtuoso guitar, dynamic harmonies and a-Capella singing,” say organizers.
Doors open at 7 p.m., music is at 7:30 p.m. There will be nonalcoholic beverages and treats. There is a $15 suggested contribution of either cash at the door or in advance via credit card to reserve your seat: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/424539.
To close out the weekend, Wood and Lee are offering “Play More!” – a creativity/song/writing workshop. In their own words: “Trying something new, creative, and personal can be some of the bravest work you’ll ever do. We don’t teach people how to sing. Or write. Or perform. We help people remember how to play. Come to a workshop where we’ll play together.”
The cost is $65, which includes a salad buffet lunch, treats and beverages. Attendance is limited to 12 participants; register at houseconcertsandsuch@gmail.com.
Information for all of these events can be found at www.houseconcertsandsuch.com.
