Allison Crowe w/ Lena Birtwistle Celebrate in Concert September 8, 2012

Last year’s “Anniversary celebration and more” was so much fun, musicians Allison Crowe and Lena Birtwistle are re-uniting for a concert at lovely Ladysmith First United Church, (232 High Street), on Saturday, September 8 – music 7:30 pm (doors 6:30 pm).

This occasion helps celebrate the 14th wedding anniversary of Ladysmith’s Sue Bonde and Guy Wolfe, whose daughters Jayse and Bryn contacted international touring artist Allison Crowe in the hopes of arranging something special for their folks. The night also marks the 11th anniversary for Crowe’s own music label, Rubenesque Records.

For more than a decade, Allison Crowe’s life has been one of constant recording and touring - cross-Canada, and, in more recent years, regularly to Europe. This year the Nanaimo-born resident of Atlantic Canada takes a different tack. Staying put in North America she’s Music Director of TNL’s “Newfoundland Vinyl,” a smash hit at this Summer’s Gros Morne Theatre Festival. As well, she’s super-busy off-stage with film and documentary projects, and on-stage with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

In May 2012 Crowe performed “Hallelujah” for the World Premiere run of “The Doorway: Scenes from Leonard Cohen” – the RWB’s thrilling, new, Cohen-inspired ballet. This November, she rejoins the RWB as the dance, choreographed by Jorden Morris (“Moulin Rouge”), delights audiences in Canada’s Maritime provinces.

For Ladysmith, Allison Crowe mixes voice, piano, and guitar – and genres from rock to folk, jazz, pop and soul – to feature original music along with select covers, including her acclaimed interpretations of Cohen and such artists as The Lovin’ Spoonful, Patty Griffin and Aretha Franklin.

Vancouver Island-based singer-songwriter, music teacher and radio-host Lena Birtwistle launches this event with her distinctive guitar and piano songs. Citing diverse inspirations - Eva Cassidy, Fleetwood Mac, Neko Case, Steve Poltz, and Barenaked Ladies - Birtwistle delivers folk/pop songs tinged with country hues and humour.

Lena Birtwistle's uniquely bright personality shines through solo work – and group projects “The Adamantines” (w. Sid Johnson), plus "Kendall Patrick and the Headless Bettys" (alongside Patrick and partner Jen Carnahan). Currently recording her next solo album – she’s posted preview tracks on MySpace @ http://www.myspace.com/lenabirtwistle

Allison Crowe and Lena Birtwistle together celebrate love, music, home – and more! Tickets: In the Beantime Café and Salamander Books in Ladysmith; and online @ http://www.allisoncrowe.com/shoptickets.html Advance: $20 General/ $15 Students & Seniors (Door: $22/$17)

Official Website: http://www.allisoncrowe.com/tour.html