On Saturday, Oct. 18, Orcas Center will present a rich and vivid evening of music with two acclaimed artists: Orcas’ own Carolyn Cruso, and jazz composer and pianist Jessica Williams.

Dave Brubeck calls Jessica Williams “One of the greatest jazz pianists I have ever heard” and Rolling Stone Magazine has said that she is “a vibrant force on the contemporary music scene.” In a long, accolade-winning career, Williams has worked with countless renowned musicians. She has released over 65 cds and written over 300 compositions which have earned her two Grammy nominations. In her performances, Williams aims to “make people feel deeply, to make people happy, and to create a healing space in which we all grow and change, together.”

Carolyn Cruso is an island musical treasure, says Barbara Courtney, Executive Director for the Center. When she is not touring nationally and internationally, Cruso may be heard frequently playing her hammered dulcimer at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, or performing on one Orcas stage or another. A multi-talented musician and singer-songwriter, Cruso also plays various flutes, whistle and guitar. About Cruso’s music, Victory Review writes: “Elegant melodies… painting vivid pictures with a sensual pallette of poetic images… hypnotic and alluring.”

Williams and Cruso will share the Oct. 18 performance and deliver an evening of spirited and diverse instrumentation and tunes. The performance begins at 7:30 pm, and tickets are $20, $16 (Orcas Center members), $10 (students). For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.orcascenter.org or call or 360/376-2281 ext 1 or visit Orcas Center during box office hours, Thursday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.