Allison Crowe's Victoria Tidings Concert: w. Lena Birtwistle December 8, 2007

“Music for the season and all time.” Allison Crowe brings Tidings to Victoria with a concert in the Conservatory of Music’s acoustic gem, Wood Hall (907 Pandora). On Saturday, December 8, at 8 p.m., the exciting vocalist and pianist, together with special guest, Lena Birtwistle, makes music to warm body and soul. Tidings will also bring aid to Artemis Place, a provider of life skills and academics for girls.

Tidings stirs together traditional Christmas carols and holiday favourites with Crowe's organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, gospel and soul. “The Yuletide find of the year," says The Record. “Be prepared to be amazed," says Christmasreviews.com. "Allison Crowe is a stunningly talented performer.”

The 26-year-old musician has just returned to Canada from the UK where she was a sensation at the John Lennon Northern Lights Festival. In Scotland, at the three-day event recently crowned the UK's "Best New Festival", her audience included members of John Lennon’s family alongside the Queen’s Master of Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The Scotsman reports: “Canadian angel Allison Crowe gave one of the weekend's most magical moments". Earning a standing ovation, “Her rendition of Lennon’s ‘In My Life’ (almost literally) brought the house down.”

Festival Director Mike Merritt describes Allison Crowe’s performance as "awesome" and "spine-tingling", adding: "Allison has put Canada well and truly on the map here!"

Learning from the paths of Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco and Loreena McKennitt, Allison Crowe puts her own stamp of freedom on artistic and commercial success. She’s grateful, too, that her concerts can help support worthy causes. From her December 8th show, $5 of each concert ticket and each CD sold goes to Artemis Place.

Artemis Place, at home in downtown Victoria, provides integrated life skills and academics for girls age 14 to 19 who have not been successful in a traditional school setting. Artemis Place is a non-profit and registered charity that allow girls to complete their high school education in an all-girl setting. This comfortable setting provides individual counselling, life skills and an academic coach to help each girl.

"We appreciate so much Allison's generosity and support for the work we are doing at Artemis Place to help the girls in our program make positive changes in their lives and overcome the barriers that have been holding them back from achieving their goals," said Artemis Place Executive Director, Jennifer Walton.

This is the third Christmas benefit, and, fifth, overall, fundraising concert that Allison has put on for Artemis Place. "Last year's concert was very successful and I'm predicting that this year's concert will be even more successful," said Jennifer. "I invite everyone who enjoys great music, and wants to help make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people in our community, to make this concert a must-attend event this Christmas season."

The singer-songwriter who opens the Tidings concert at Wood Hall is passionate in pursuing her goals. Ladysmith-based musician, Lena Birtwistle has committed to the Leadership BC program for 9 months - at the end of which her team gives birth to a community project. "Laugh, Cry... Live for it!" is Lena’s motto. A love for entertaining is revealed through her exuberant acoustic balladry. Creating folk-rock, tinged with hues of country - and humour, she cites such inspirations as Eva Cassidy, Fleetwood Mac, The Dixie Chicks, Steve Poltz, and The Barenaked Ladies.

Tidings concert tickets are on sale at: Ivy's Book Shop (2188 Oak Bay), Lyle's Place (770 Yates), & The Patch (719 Yates) Advance: $20 general/$15 students and seniors. (Door: $22/$17)

For more info: www.allisoncrowe.com

Official Website: http://www.allisoncrowe.com/tour.html