by Clay Parsons

Special to the Sounder

There will be a Benefit Concert starring Susan Osborn and the Orcas a Cappella Choir at the Deer Harbor Community Club on Saturday, April 23 at 4 p.m.

All of the proceeds will go to the “Helping Hands – Japan Fund,” managed by the Orcas Island Community Church and will be sent directly to the City of Sendai, Japan to help them recover and rebuild from the recent devastating Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear disasters.

A longtime resident of Orcas Island with her husband, artist and writer David Densmore, Osborn is a gifted and accomplished singer, musician, composer, and teacher. She has performed professionally for over 30 years and is known for her remarkable voice and vocal artistry. In addition to the US and Europe, she has also toured extensively in Japan and has many friends and fans in the area affected by the recent disaster. Osborn initiated this series of benefit concerts on March 20 with a very successful concert at the Orcas Island Community Church. She will also be performing several benefit concerts in California.

The Orcas a Cappella Choir is a chorus of non-professional community singers dedicated to creating an atmosphere of spiritual enrichment and unity through choral singing.  They are known for their unaccompanied vocal productions and have performed regularly here on Orcas Island. They have also toured Europe to rave reviews, and have produced two popular CD recordings. The choir is directed by Angel Michaels.

Donations will be taken at the door. Checks may be written to the OICC Helping Hands Japan Fund. Any size donation is welcome. Checks may also be sent to OICC, PO Box 205, Eastsound, WA, 98245.

For more information contact Clay Parsons at 376-1490 or Susan Osborn directly at susanosborn@susanosborn.com.