You know that summer has begun when school is out, and local musical guru Martin Lund gears up for his “One World Music Festival,” which happens Friday and Saturday night, June 20 and 21, at the Orcas Center.
Now in its sixth year, One World is an island tradition, and is always a sold out hit. Sponsored in part by KeyBank, the proceeds from the shows benefit The Funhouse. This year’s theme: “The Power Of Music.”
“Through music we ‘see’ things that we never heard before,” says Lund. “Music can move mountains and this concert will be no exception to that fact.”
As usual, Martin Lund has put together an exciting musical variety show with local and off-island talent.
From the mainland Lund is bringing his Jazz band featuring drummer Brian Kirk, and Dean Schmidt on bass.
Lund is also bringing his daughter, Jaz Lund, a returning “One World” favorite, up from Seattle with her associate rap/vocal artist Raven.
Martin will also introduce Orcas to soul and R&B vocalist Peter Kirkland. Kirkland is a well-known vocalist from the Seattle area. He has been performing around the globe for over 30 years. “The first time I heard Mr. Kirkland, I immediately knew that he had to come sing to us. Peter has a charisma about him that moves people,” said Lund.
Local talent will include the incredible Gene Nery, Carolyn Cruso, Miel Bredouw and the star of the recent hit Orcas Center production of “Beauty and the Beast,” Grace McCune. Also in the show are “Beast” cast members Stephen Oles and Beth Baker.
Acclaimed jazz singer and Orcas Island resident Lorraine Feather will perform from her newly released, top-selling CD, “Language.”
Adding more excitement to the performances is local jazz legend Willie Thomas who will perform, after a long spell of not performing on Orcas. Thomas played with many of the biggest names in jazz during the heyday of the form in the 1960s. He went on to develop a nationally successful jazz education program.
“Willy has decided to no longer be ‘exclusive’ and will mingle with us masses and blow great horn, yeah!” says Lund. Willie will be performing with another great local trumpet player, Steve Alboucq.
Also performing will be Devorah from San Juan Island. “I can’t wait for people to see and hear the ‘Firecracker from Friday Harbor’, says Lund. “All four foot-eleven of her. All you can do is shake your head!”
“It’s going to be another amazing show,” says Pete Moe Funhouse director. “We are all indebted to Martin for putting on these shows.”
“The Funhouse is a gift to not only our children but to all of us,” says Lund. “We all have gifts and this is my way of giving to something that gives to each and every one of us on this island.”
