PORT TOWNSEND — Val James & Friends will perform an array of jazz standards from the 1930s and 1940s at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The February Candlelight Concert performance will be at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Taylor St.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; admission is by a suggested $10 donation (children admitted free). Refreshments will be served following the performance.
Tunes will be by a multitude of composers such as Gershwin, Cole Porter and Antônio Carlos Jobim, along with songs made famous by such singers as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Tormé.
Although James sang folk music during the 1960s, she didn’t start singing jazz until about 25 years ago.
Her mother sang with Bing Crosby on the radio in the late 1930s, early ’40s, and was a “ghost singer” for the movies.
“I just can’t get those beautiful songs out of my head,” James said.
“Some of my favorite tunes include ‘Our Love is Here to Stay,’ ‘Girl From Ipanema,’ ‘Shadow of Your Smile,’ ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘But Not For Me.’ ”
Songs that will be performed at the Thursday concert will include “I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face,” “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” and “Takin’ a Chance on Love.”
James’ “Friends” who provide musical accompaniment for her jazz concert include George Radebaugh on piano, Bruce Cannavaro on bass, Tim Sheffel on drums, Rex Rice on trombone and Jack Lambton on guitar.
Proceeds of the Candlelight Concert of Jazz Favorites will benefit the Jefferson County National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
