Bits of island life….

Little flakes last week, more predicted for this week. Take it easy on the roads....

Hope your weekend went well…let’s see what’s happening around here:

• This weekend it’s the Winter Solstice Masquerade Ball at Dance Workshop II across from the Courthouse. Kels tells me it’s an all ages solstice celebration and dance party for the islands community. Get dressed up, bring the whole family, kids are free! Featuring original music by Kels Boreen Project, with special guest Ian Cooper

It’s $10 at the door, and $5 if you wear a mask or costume. Fresh brewed chai provided, please bring a cup! This is on Saturday, December 19, 2009, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm.

Aaron & Adam

• That was Adam (right) and Aaron at Pazzo Vivo last week listening to music…there is more music planned for the weekend before Christmas…see ya downtown!

Mike

• Yep, it’s today: Mike Cohen turns 80, making him one of the youngest folksingers to reach that age that I know of. He has just as much energy as ever, as he continues with his Project Nature Connect and singing…he’s not just an island treasure, but a treasure to those hoping to heal the planet, and its people. He’ll be at the Mullis Center tonight at 7pm – drop by & see him!

• It’s in the water: What’s causing the killer algal blooms in the ocean? My friend Doris sent me this writeup from the Seattle Times.

An eye-opener.

• Make your plans now for next weekend’s show of Island Stage Left’s Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol….it’s the last weekend, heading into Christmas week (when there are shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Don’t miss it!

Corinne

• It’s a rare chance to hear Corinne Stevens this week – she’s singing tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5:30pm at St. David’s – here’s more from her note that tells what she’s been up to:
Happy holidays to all my dear friends and fellow opera lovers! I hope the season finds your days merry and bright and that all is well with you and yours.

I have the pleasure of announcing that I’ve received the Seattle Opera Guild Training Grant for Young Singers! I will be returning to the Northwest to sing in a concert for the Guild before Christmas to thank them for this honor.

In addition, I will be returning to Friday Harbor perform in a concert this TUESDAY, December 18th at 5:30PM at St. David’s Church!! I am thrilled to sing for my island friends again and hope you can make it to this fun program I will be performing with my collaborative pianist Jonathan Murphy, himself a graduate of the Knoxville Opera young artist studio and an incredible musician. We will be presenting a collection of opera arias, classical songs and Christmas favorites to get you in the spirit of the holidays!

This fall has been very busy for me: I made the move to Knoxville, Tennessee last August and have been an active member of the Knoxville Opera young artist studio while also pursuing my masters degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. The semester has been filled with performing opportunities galore, including my debut role of Elizabeth Proctor in Robert Ward’s Pulitzer Prize winning opera, THE CRUCIBLE. His incredible neo-Romantic score was a joy to discover and the complex role of Elizabeth still haunts me.

I have been very happy with the program here in Knoxville in many ways, not the least of which being the immense talent I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with here in the form of professors, coaches and fellow singers. I learn more every day and couldn’t ask for a more supportive environment in which to hone my craft.

Coming up are even more exciting challenges: In February, I will be singing the role of Alisa in Donizetti’s LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR with Knoxville Opera. In March, it’s time to sail the seven seas as Ruth in Gilbert and Sullivan’s PIRATES OF PENZANCE, also with Knoxville Opera at the historic Tennessee Theatre.

There is much to be thankful for during this holiday season – here’s wishing you all the best and maybe even a little snow to bring out the Christmas cheer!

Warmly,

Corinne Stevens

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