Allison Crowe's Victoria Tidings Concert w. Billie Woods December 1, 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.

Along with sharing musical tidings of comfort and joy, Tidings help raise awareness and funds for a pair of hard-working Victoria non-profits - Artemis Place and HepCBC.

Artemis, for decades, has delivered an integrated counseling and educational program - a meaningful alternative to traditional school. Artemis Place is a sanctuary where girls are able to complete high school while learning critical life skills in conflict resolution, and in building self-esteem and successful relationships. Lisa Ellis, Executive Director, herself a graduate of the program, and the Artemis team are committed to tapping the potential of the most at-risk girls in our community and helping them to transform their lives. Artemis is a Tidings partner since the first concert Allison presented in the city.

HepCBC, Tidings' other dedicated partner, strives to support those who are directly and indirectly affected by Hepatitis C. This systemic disorder primarily targets the liver, but can also trigger a host of of autoimmune disorders and various other diseases. Dedicated to Hep C education and prevention for more than a decade, HepCBC, a non-profit society, does all it can to ensure that the public is aware of the existence and transmission methods of Hepatitis C and people know how and where to get tested.

Hailing from Salt Spring Island, BC - Billie Woods opens the Tidings musical program this year with songs inspired by life in Canada's Pacific northwestern coastal forest, and infused with the warmth and vitality of the sambas, bossa novas and other cultural rhythms of Brazil. Woods will showcase tracks off her album/CD, "Only So Far", along with her latest originals and covers.

Billie Woods’ influences include classical guitarist Jose Gonzales and indie duo from Mexico Rodrigo y Gabriella. Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Woods’ family moved to beautiful Salt Spring Island, BC when she was five. There she has created an amazing life of music and photography. She first started playing guitar when she was 12 and has studied music in Canada, Prague and Brazil. She began touring with Allison Crowe in 2005 as her opening act and also has her photographer. Billie Woods is just about to record a new four-song EP.

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: guest artist Billie Woods ~ to aid Artemis Place, (girls' educational and life-skills), and HepCBC

Fairfield United Church, 1303 Fairfield Road, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8S 1E3

Music 8:00 pm (Doors 7:00 pm)

Tickets @: Ivy’s Bookshop (2188 Oak Bay Ave.); Larsen Music (1833 Cook Street) Lyle’s Place (770 Yates); + online in Allison's Box Office @ http://www.allisoncrowe.com/shoptickets.html

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