The One World Music Festival heralds the beginning of summer with music of all kinds from all places. “One World is an island tradition, and is always a sold out hit,” says Pete Moe, Director of the Funhouse, beneficiary of the proceeds from One World, which is now in its sixth year.
“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.”
Sponsored in part by KeyBank, the proceeds from the shows benefit The Funhouse. This year’s theme: “The Power of Music.”
The benefit music festival features both local talent and the musical friends of “One World” producer, Martin Lund, who moved to Orcas Island six years ago. Most recently, Lund conducted the orchestra in the Orcas Center production of “Beauty and the Beast,” and Grace McCune comes from the starring role in that production to sing at “One World.” Also appearing will be “Beast” cast members Stephen Oles and Beth Baker. Other local “greats” performing will be Gene Nery, Carolyn Cruso, and Miel Bredouw.
Jazz singer Lorraine Feather, who recently moved to Orcas Island, will also perform from her top-selling CD “Language.” The singer Devorah will come from San Juan Island to perform. From the mainland Lund brings his jazz band, featuring drummer Brian Kirk, and Dean Schmidt on bass.
Jaz Lund, Martin’s daughter, will come up from Seattle with her associate rap/vocal artist Raven.
Peter Kirkland, a well-known soul and R&B vocalist from the Seattle area who has performed internationally for more than 30 years, will be joining the other musicians at One World. In addition, local jazz legend Willie Thomas will perform, after a long absence from Orcas. Thomas played with many of the biggest names in jazz during the heyday of the form in the 1960s, says Moe, and went on to develop a nationally successful jazz education program. Willie will be performing with another great local trumpet player, Steve Alboucq.
“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.”
Funhouse founder Jim Bredouw said of Lund’s contributions to the Funhouse, “While trying to figure out ways of making a living, he’s always been single-minded about contributing to the Funhouse because of his belief in it. The concert is now a mainstay of the Funhouse budget.”
Founded by generous members of the Orcas Island community in 2001, The Funhouse is a public 501c3 non-profit community center with hands-on science exhibits, an educational film library, a pitching cage, an art studio, a recording studio, a video production studio, a climbing wall and a computer lab. The Funhouse offers year-round arts and education programs for kids, teens and adults; and facilitates several important programs for at-risk youth on Orcas Island. See www.thefunhouse.org
A nightly reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Madrona Room precedes the show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 at Orcas Center. Tickets are $21, $18 for Orcas Center Members, $12 for students. Call 376-2281.
