PORT TOWNSEND — “You will be totally inspired by this awesome group of young singers,” said library choir director Phina Pipia.
“These musicians bring a unique magic to their performance that will enchant audiences of all ages.”
At 2 p.m. Saturday, a diverse selection of songs will be performed by the Port Townsend Public Library Children’s Choir. The concert will be at First Baptist Church, 1202 Lawrence St. Admission is free.
The choir’s eclectic tunes range from doo-wop to funk, rock to pop and traditional folk.
Repertoire will include favorite pieces that have been performed by luminaries such as Paul Simon, The Wailin’ Jennys, The Marcels and Rebirth Brass Band.
“I’ve been floored by the enthusiasm and skill of this group,” Pipia said.
“These young singers have the rare ability to pick up the subtle artistry in a Paul Simon piece, sing counterpoint on doo-wop numbers, and then pull out all the stops for a rock song … it’s not everyday you get to work with a group of young musicians who can do that.”
The choir is made up of 16 young singers, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, who have been rehearsing for the past eight weeks in preparation for the performance, organizers said.
The group is accompanied by pianist Jenny Pipia and will be joined by special guests the Unexpected Brass Band.
The Library Children’s Choir is a long-held Port Townsend tradition founded by Dahti Blanchard in the early 1990s.
Pipia revived the group in 2015 as a free musical resource for local youth. The program is made possible by the Friends of the Port Townsend Library.
“The Children’s Choir is so relevant to today’s libraries,” said Hilary Verheggen, library youth services manager.
“The kids in the group are learning literacy skills beyond reading, such as listening, speaking and socialization. Watching the children engage with song lyrics, musical instruments and their community is such a joy.”
Singers include Lila Anderson, Tia York, Zoe Peterson, Micah Katz, Jessalyn Northey, Hazel Smith, Kestrel Campbell, Fern French, Cedar French, Nuri Sade-Griffin, Ember Parson, Luella Seamans, Natalia Duran, Reid Sigmond, Vincent Hebert, Rose Eisenman, Vance Wilkinson, Malachi Wray and Silas Kane.
For information, call 360-774-2965 or email phinapipia@gmail.com.
