PORT ANGELES — A jazz pianist known for her musical theater productions, an African-style marimba band and the ad hoc group the Hostile Elders: They add up to Jammin’ for Justice, the fourth annual celebration of music and giving this Saturday night.
This concert, assembled to appeal to all ages, will fill Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Lopez Ave., with music at 7 p.m. Saturday, with admission a $10 donation.
That price includes fresh scones, strawberries and chocolates, as well as the opportunity to bid on auction items.
Advocacy in Action
All proceeds benefit the Advocacy in Action effort at Holy Trinity, which channels funds to three social justice-oriented groups: VIMO, aka Volunteers in Medicine in the Olympics, the free clinic in Port Angeles; Ministries Assisting Neighbors in Need with Agape, another local organization known as MANNA; and the statewide Faith Action Network.
Pianist Linda Dowdell, making her Jammin’ debut, will offer music from a jazz repertoire evolved over years as a composer, arranger and performer in New York City.
Now a Sequim resident for much of the year, she’s involved in the local music and theater scene, playing with jazz combos, serving as co-creator and pianist in the cabaret show “Tin Pan Lady” and directing shows at Port Townsend High School.
“I’ve been asked in the past, but this is first time calendars matched up,” Dowdell said of Jammin’ for Justice, adding that she’s got a seasonal set picked out.
“I’ll be improvising on various spring tunes under the general umbrella of ‘It Might As Well Be Spring,’” she promised. Dowdell is more than ready, having recently returned from work in New York City during two of the coldest, snowiest months in recent memory.
The marimba band to play Saturday is called Zaya, a Zimbabwean Shona word for “coming together.”
With their instruments — big wooden xylophone-like things — the septet brings the rhythms of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and Namibia.
The ensemble’s members are Nancy Bluestein-Johnson, Tracy Beals, Patrick Loafman, Susan Lynch-Ritchie, Bonnie Schmidt, Richard Schneider and German Pina.
Hostile Elders
Then there are the Hostile Elders.
They joined forces for the first Jammin’ for Justice concert four years ago, giving themselves a tongue-in-cheek name and specializing in jazz.
Hostile Elders founder Dick Thorson is taking a break this year, so Saturday’s lineup has George Lindamood on keyboard, Ron Newton on bass, drummer Bob Haick, saxophonist Kevin MacCartney and trumpet man Ed Donohue.
The Jammin’ for Justice festivities include a silent auction of gifts such as homemade breads, handmade note cards and ceramic, silk-screen and glass art.
The live auction ups the ante, with items such as flying lessons, a wine-tasting tour, a kayaking trip and a stay in a cabin in Alaska.
Jammin’ for Justice tickets will be available at the door, but those who want to purchase in advance can stop by Port Book and News, 104 E. First St., or the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church office.
For more details, phone Holy Trinity at 360-452-2323.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
