As it approaches its third birthday, Tuned Women – a showcase event of female musicians from the Sea to Sky corridor collaborating on and performing each other’s original compositions – continues to evolve.
A visual element is being added this year. Co-founders and directors Tessa McLoughlin and Gillie Easdon are seeking contributions by female artists for visual and backdrop displays for the two-show run Feb. 18-19 at MY Millennium Place.
The program this year is moving away from the dominant Lilith fare of the past two events with a greater emphasis on a more funky, electro-jazzy sound, although fans of the genre can rest assured there will be some folk songs in the lineup.
The show has traditionally operated with a simple and spare set, but McLoughlin and Easdon are hoping women in the Whistler arts community will rally to change that.
"We are open to suggestions," McLoughlin commented in a written statement, "film on the back wall, a painted backdrop, the possibilities are only as limited as the imagination of the artist."
"We want to expand the celebration of original work, so this supplement seems pretty natural," Easdon added.
Already on board is Whistler photographer Dean Cote, who will provide portrait-style headshots and images for promo materials.
Like the musical performers, art contributors will be working for exposure and the benefits involved with creative collaboration. Tuned Women operates as a fundraising event for the Whistler Community Services Society’s women’s eating disorder group, and for MY Place.
Interested individuals can contact McLoughlin at tessaamy@telus.net or Easdon at 604-966-8585.
Tuned woman at the Crystal Lounge
An audience favourite from last February’s Tuned Women II performs at the Crystal Lounge on Thursday, Jan 13.
Pemberton-based Susan Holden was an integral part of the 2004 program, contributing and performing three original folk-rock songs and singing backup on several others with her strong lilting voice, reminiscent of Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant.
Holden performs regularly in the area as a solo artist and also as part of band Plan B, which includes Slow Nerve Action drummer Mikey Lunt, Whole Lotta Led’s Creekside Phil Richard on guitar, and Catherine Batchelor on bass.
