Island singers come a-caroling for good causes

By Elizabeth Shepherd • December 5, 2018 1:30 am
Allison Shirk will sing and serve as the emcee for “Will Sing for Vashon,” a fundraising concert featuring dozens of island performers and music acts. Proceeds from the concert will benefit local nonprofits (Pete Welch Photo.)
Allison Shirk will sing and serve as the emcee for “Will Sing for Vashon,” a fundraising concert featuring dozens of island performers and music acts. Proceeds from the concert will benefit local nonprofits (Pete Welch Photo.)

On Friday, dozens of talented islanders will give the gift of song in a special concert aimed at raising lots of money for local nonprofits.

The benefit, “Will Sing for Vashon,” is produced by Pete Welch and Allison Shirk, of Vashon Events, and will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Shirk will emcee the evening, welcoming musicians and acts, including Sarah Christine, Gregg Curry, The Famous Filson Sisters, Camille Reeves, Jason Staczek, Joe Farmer, Rebekah Bevilacqua, the Tab Tabscott Trio and many more to the stage to perform Christmas and other holiday-themed songs. At least 15 representatives of island nonprofits will also be on hand to welcome the audience and give short pitches for their organizations.

Concert-goers will be handed envelopes at the beginning of the show that list more than 20 participating nonprofits, with a place to write in the name of others. Donations of any size, to any organization, can be made by slipping checks or cash into the envelope.

According to Welch, the festive night for charity will offer a wide range of music.

“Each act is vastly different, with songs that are uplifting and hymnal to silly and fun,” he said.

It’s the sixth year for “Will Sing for Vashon,” but the first time it will be presented at the Katherine L White Hall of VCA — an expansive and comfortable venue Welch said is perfect for the show.

“It’s a night of song and community, and all for a good cause,” he said.

Admission to the event is $5; tickets can be purchased in advance at vashonevents.org.