Latin Jazz Heats Up One World Music Festival

Martin Lund, Orcas Jazz Man

Martin Lund is turning up the heat for the ninth edition of One World Music Festival, a Funhouse fundraiser, by showcasing some of the Northwest’s finest musicians who will explore the lush grooves and colorful richness of Latin Jazz! This year, One World will again happen at the Orcas Center, on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Lund, an accomplished musician, composer and arranger has knowledge of music that allows him to move freely through any style–from classical, to rock; from jazz to Broadway. The annual One World Music Festival allows him to give the audience an exquisite sampling of fantastic artists and music from around Orcas, and around the world.

Jovino Santos Neto at the keyboard

This year’s show has quite a line up, featuring; The Jovino Santos Neto Trio.  Mr. Santos Neto is a three-time Latin Grammy nominee, a master pianist, composer and arranger and is among the top Brazilian musicians working today. Gail Pettis is a four-time nominee and 2007 winner of Earshot Golden Ear Awards “Northwest Vocalist of the Year,” Gail’s rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as deliciously soulful like that of a young Nancy Wilson.

Paul Anastasio is an eclectic, masterful jazz violinist from Seattle who studied with Joe Venuti, the originator of jazz violin, back in the 1970s. As a touring musician he played with Asleep at the Wheel, Merle Haggard, and many other bands, he plays with great rhythmic drive and melodic invention.

Gail Pettis, vocalist for One World Music Festival, June 17 and 18 at Orcas Center

Jeffrey Cohan is a virtuoso flutist who astonishes audiences time and time again. His artistic maturity and technical perfection along with his unique interpretations are a fireworks display of brilliant effects. Jeffrey will be joined by classical guitarist Michael Partington who is one of the most engaging of the new generation of concert players. This award-winning British guitarist has performed internationally as a soloist and with ensemble to unanimous critical praise.

The evening would not be the same without some of our own talent, like the great trumpet master Willie Thomas and Steve Alboucq’s, “Orcas Horns”. This home-grown band with professional roots has its own distinctive blend of R&B, soul, jazz, rock, and blues, they will make you want to get up and shake everything you’ve got!

And since The Funhouse is all about kids, the show wouldn’t be complete with out showcasing the talent of some of Orcas’ finest young players! “The Fiddlin’ Four” will wow the audience with their showmanship and musical talent. This foursome has been trained by the great jazz trumpeter Willie Thomas who has given them the gift of Jazz!

Great music, great fun, great cause. As always, all proceeds generated from this show will go to support the Funhouse, Orcas’ own youth activity & education center.
There will be a pre-show “Fiesta” from 4 to 6 p.m. at “CHILADAS” (previously Bilbos), our newest restaurant on Orcas, where twenty percent of all Fiesta food sales will be donated to the Funhouse.
Restaurant owners Cy and Julie Fraser and Family are returning to the Orcas Island restaurant scene. They will be serving some of your old favorites along with delectable, new Latin creations. Each day will begin with Happy Hour at ‘Chiladas in the Courtyard’ from 4 p.m. to 6:00PM where they will offer Platos Pequenos, their signature, fresh squeezed lime margarita, cervezas, vino and jugos frescos. Dinner service will be from 4: to 9 p.m.

For those of you who want to increase your donation to the Funhouse and get up close with the musicians, you can donate $75 or more and can sit in “Club One World” located on stage during the performance! It’s VIP seating, for Very Important Patrons. Call The Funhouse at 376-7177 for VIP ticket sales. Regular show tickets are available from the Orcas Center Box Office, 376-ACT1 and online at www.orcascenter.org.