Allison Crowe's Campbell River Tidings November 29, 2012

"Allison Crowe's voice is as much a manifestation of Christmas spirit today as Bing Crosby's was in 1942. It's as warm as an open fire; as gorgeous as snow-frosted evergreens; as tender as that hug you give your mother on Christmas day."

That’s some press from the final concert of Allison’s Tidings tour last year (atop Whistler Mountain, BC). In 2012, the excitement and fun continues.

Tidings stirs together Christmas carols, and not-so-traditional songs, to reflect the multi-coloured emotions of the festive season and deck us in comfort and joy whatever life’s circumstances.

Rockin’ Ron Nicolaye, the big-hearted impresario, once more organizes this holiday tradition - a Winter's celebration of music that also brings some aid to a pair of extremely dedicated groups: The Campbell River Hospice Society and Campbell River Food Bank. The Hospice Society provides a special, key, service - "compassionate support and companionship to individuals facing death, their families and friends and to those grieving a loss due to death". The Campbell River Food Bank provides nourishment to those in need year-round, and, in this season the need is greatest. The Food Bank's team of volunteers are working harder than ever. Donation of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated and will be collected on concert night.

Opening the Tidings musical program will be the voices of "Zephyr" from the Campbell River Children's Choir. The community-based CR Children's Choir provides an opportunity for youth to experience the joy of music, learn about other cultures and work with internationally acclaimed musicians at home and abroad. Over the years, the choir has performed in venues across Canada, the United States, Cuba and England. Last year the choir journeyed to New York City to be part of a choral festival in Carnegie Hall.

The members of "Zephyr" are the most experienced members of the choir who have chosen to perform more difficult music and to attend extra rehearsals. They will perform with, and under the guidance of, Director Barbara Prowse. The choir is accompanied by Judy Melny on piano.

Following intermission - with her voice, guitar and piano, Allison Crowe cooks up an organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel and soul. Favourites It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, In the Bleak Midwinter, What Child Is This, The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Holy Night are performed with rare artistry and passion alongside the modern canon of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Lennon & McCartney and original song selections (including the elegiac “Arthur”, and the epic, foot-stomping, “Disease”).

Drawing themes of faith, hope, sorrow, joy, redemption, transcendence and more from an abundant well of music delivers a show much-loved coast-to-coast. Rejoice with Allison as she melds the sacred and secular in "songs of the season" and spirit.

"Allison Crowe is a stunningly talented performer. Her voice celebrates the music with a bluesy rock-gospel intensity; her controlled vibrato, silken rasp, and powerful projection rivet your attention. This is no casual background music... be prepared to be amazed." ~ ChristmasReviews.com

http://music.allisoncrowe.com/album/tidings

Peace on Earth ~ goodwill toward all.

Featuring: The Campbell River Childrens Choir’s “Zephyr” w. Director Barbara Prowse ~ to aid Campbell River Hospice Society & CR Food Bank

Donation of non-perishable foods greatly appreciated!

St. Peter's Anglican Church, 228 S Dogwood, Campbell River, B.C., Canada V9W 6Y7

Music 7:00 pm (Doors 6 pm)

Tickets now @: IRIS (in Discovery Harbour); The Music Plant; St. Peter's Anglican Church; and c/o Ron Nicolaye 250-923-6972 + online in Allison's Box Office @ http://www.allisoncrowe.com/shoptickets.html

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