Omega House Benefit Recital to feature "True Colors" Easy Listening Songs July 24

Ruth Robertson, left -- musician, vocalist, and coordinator of the Omega House Benefit Recital -- leads the audience in applause during the curtain call at the end of the 2011 Recital in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock. This year's recital, "True Colors," will be Tuesday, July 24. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HANCOCK -- Omega House will sponsor its 6th Annual Benefit Recital at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Quincy St. in Hancock. The theme of this year's recital is "True Colors."

Over twenty local musicians will present some 30 Easy Listening Songs that feature various colors, (or at least mention) one or two colors in the song. Styles include jazz, folk, classical, Broadway, and pop.

Perhaps the most noted local artist appearing is jazz guitar wunderkind Steve Jones, who is graciously performing his own set, including "Autumn Leaves." Another solo instrumentalist is Paul Keranen, whose soulful saxophone tones have pleased Omega House benefit recitals for several years running.

The audience will be invited to participate in the recital by singing along with David Owens as he walks us through some Golden Oldies.

Other returning artists include vocalists Ann Campbell, Courtney Clisch, Jeff Massey, and Lara Neves. New singers this year are Cheyenne Kaufman, Emilie Krznarich, Marika Seigel and singer/guitarist Chuck Young. 

Several sing not only as soloists but also with the Maple Sugar Folk: Barbara Lide, Barry Pegg, Ruth Robertson and Karin B. Schlenker. They join Amanda Binoniemi, Marcia Goodrich, Jan Wieber in singing three French Canadian songs with David Bezotte, director/accordionist. The audience can practice their French on one song by echoing the oft-repeated phrase, "Belle Rose du printemps."

Maple Sugar Folk sing favorite French tunes during the 2011 Omega House Benefit Recital. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Show your “true colors” by attending and supporting Omega House, where people come for gentle, loving care near the end of their lives. A suggested donation for the recital is $5. Attendees may feel good about donating to Omega House, a compassionate care facility in Houghton, serving the community since 2005. Several local businesses have already participated by donating. Their names will appear in the program.

Light refreshments will be served after the recital.  

For more information call event coordinators Lara Neves at 906- 370-7739 or Ruth Robertson at 573-230-1280. If you cannot attend but would like to have your donation count in the total raised at this event, please send a check to Omega House 2211, Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI  49931 and write "Benefit Recital" on the memo line. You will receive a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.