Islanders sing holiday songs to benefit local nonprofits

December 20, 2016 1:30 am
Decked out in Santa outfits, island trio The S Curves perform at the Red Bike during last year’s Will Sing For Food benefit (Pete Welch Photo)
Decked out in Santa outfits, island trio The S Curves perform at the Red Bike during last year’s Will Sing For Food benefit (Pete Welch Photo)

Vashon Events’ fourth annual “Will Sing for Vashon” holiday fundraiser will begin at 8 p.m. Friday at the Red Bike.

Produced by Vashon Events co-founders Pete Welch and Allison Shirk, and in partnership with the Red Bike, the event is a coming together of musicians and community members for a festive evening of holiday songs and an entertaining way to raise funds for island nonprofits.

Unlike previous years, where the proceeds went to a single island organization, this year, audience members can choose which island nonprofit they would like to benefit. Participants can write the name of the nonprofit on envelopes that will be distributed at the event.

“This way, all the nonprofits on the island can join in the fun and benefit from the extraordinary night of song and community,” Welch wrote in a recent email. “It’s a really fun show. Many people come out and sing who don’t normally step into the spotlight, so it’s extra special in that way. We’ve got several people that are new to the stage this year, so we’re excited about that.”

The event is an open call for Vashon musicians and singers to perform a holiday song. In previous shows, over 25 acts have participated.

This year, with Shirk acting as emcee and performing, the musicians will include: Jessika Satori, Kristin Chambers, Kevin Pottinger, Gus and Camille Reeves, Adrienne Selvy Mildon, Amy Cole, Daryl Redeker, Scott Carness, Wes Peterson, Jamie Riley, Chuck and Jess van Norman, John Van Amerongen, Dona Munday, Michael Shapiro, Mary Litchfield Tuel, Chuck Roehm, Lauri Hennessey, Christine Goering, Kat Eggleston, Rebekah Kuzma, Joseph Panzetta, Kevin Joyce, Ainslie MacLeod, Christine Love-MacLeod, Michael Whitmore, Barry Cooper, Bob Krinsky, Loren Sinner, Kiki Means, Martin Feveyear, Sarah Howard, Harmonie Chapman, Jenn Schmidt, Jason Dean, Maya Battisti and others.

Welch said “Will Sing for Vashon” is part of a series of “specially-themed shows” that will be produced by Vashon Events in the coming year. As for this event, Welch said “it’s fun and festive and for a great cause.”

The show is open to all ages until 11 p.m., then ages 21 and older only.

Donations to island nonprofits will be accepted in lieu of a cover charge.