PORT TOWNSEND — There’s about to be a Harmonic Convergence.
Of the musical kind.
Simon Lynge, a Greenlandic pop singer-songwriter who lives here; jazz songbird Robin Bessier and Sam Amazyan, a Russian-born guitarist, are just three of the artists to converge on the Masonic Lodge, 1338 Jefferson St.
The Harmonic Convergence, a showcase of Port Townsend’s musical diversity from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m Sunday, is presented by Unity of Port Townsend (www.UnityPT.org) as a fundraiser for its future home, to be called the Spiritual Enrichment Center.
Admission is a suggested $15 donation.
It was Amazyan who broached the idea. Impressed with the variety of musical talent in and around Port Townsend, he imagined an event that would bring a cross-section of artists together for a local cause. Then, in a brainstorming session, Bessier, music director at Unity, came up with the Harmonic Convergence name.
It hearkens back to the Harmonic Convergence of August 1987 when thousands of people, believing the sun and several planets were coming into alignment, meditated simultaneously.
As for Bessier, she’s looking forward to aligning with pianist George Radebaugh and bassist Russ Clark on Sunday. They plan on stirring up swing, Latin jazz and originals: Bessier’s song “Whisper” and “Other Side of Forever,” the title song from her forthcoming CD. It was written by well-known producer, pianist and former Port Townsend mayor Barney McClure.
Then there are her favorite covers: Bobby McFerrin’s “Jubilee,” Herbie Hancock’s “Harvest Time,” and another new song, “Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You.” This one was inspired by an uncertain moment in a woman’s life — and about the people who let her know she was not alone.
The Harmonic Convergence lineup also brings cellist Brandon Smith, boogie-woogie pianist Chris Montgomery, singer and harmonica player Don Clark, and J.J. and Hammerin’ Hank, an R & B duo, to the Masonic Lodge.
Ash Devine, a Port Townsend singer-songwriter who has traveled the world with Dr. Patch Adams’ Gesundheit Institute, will bring her folk music.
“This is just the first of many more concerts we hope to offer to the larger community on a regular basis,” said Pamela Douglas-Smith, Port Townsend Unity’s minister.
Sunday’s event will be family-friendly, she added, with food and drink available during intermission. Concert-goers will also have a chance to meet the artists and purchase their CDs.
Bessier, who has begun a full-time musical career after raising a family, said she is filled with gratitude for the chance to sing this Sunday.
“Music is such a magical thing,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to share that with people.”
Unity of Port Townsend, which meets at the Masonic Lodge each Sunday at 11 a.m., is described on its website as a Christian community that “honors the universal truths in all religions.” For more information about the Harmonic Convergence concert and Unity of Port Townsend, phone 360-385-6519 or email Douglas-Smith at RevPam@UnityPT.org.
