Art Matters: WIWP’s Second Annual Gala, Fundraiser

Saturday, March 30, 5:30 – 8:30, Rosario Beach House

— from Michell Marshall, Woman in the Woods Productions —

Woman in the Woods Productions is excited to bring Poetry Grand Slam Champion and TEDx speaker, Alex Dang, to the Rosario Beach House for our second annual gala and fundraiser on Saturday, March 30. Also on stage that night: the extraordinary Steve Alboucq Jazz Quartet, featuring pianist Chris Morton, bassist Osama Afifi, drummer Max Holmberg, and, of course, Steve on trumpet.

Dang has performed in over 45 cities in 25 states, and his work has been viewed more than two million times on YouTube. Everywhere he goes he makes new friends and adds to his vast fan base. There’s a reason for Alex’s popularity. Using humor and an engaging, conversational style he has an exceptional ability to connect with his audiences, conveying a message that is at once intimate and universal. His poems speak to his experience as an Asian-American with immigrant parents. His keen observations about the world around him—and his place in it—enlighten and educate, even as they entertain.

If you’ve not yet met Mr. Alboucq, you’re in for a real treat. Now a resident of Orcas Island, Steve’s musical journey has ranged from symphony orchestras to big bands to small jazz combos. He’s equally at home playing Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, salsa, or R&B. And he’s assembled, specially for our event, some of the finest musicians anywhere, including drummer Holmberg who was recently nominated for three Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards.

Alex and Steve and his band personify the gala’s theme: Art Matters. You’re going to love them.

A scrumptious dinner will be provided by island treasures Mary Russell and Ron Rebman of Orcas Village Store. On the menu: roasted lamb for the carnivores and a variety of delicious vegetables for our vegan and vegetarian guests.

Seattle’s David Bestock and Orcas’s own Don Drozd will reprise their roles from last year, as auctioneer and emcee, respectively. They’ll bring mirth and wit, plus a widely appreciated efficiency to the proceedings. . . in other words, they’ll keep things moving: from silent auction to dinner service to live auction to the final musical notes of the evening.

Tickets for the 5:30 – 8:30 event are going fast, so get yours now—seriously, there’s a good chance they’ll be gone if you don’t. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Mark your calendars, pick up your tickets at The Office Cupboard, and come join us for a worthy cause and a memorable night.

See you at the Beach House.