Warmth, humour and spontaneity in addition to great music

Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman will perform on Bowen Island on March 3.

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I first shared a stage with Karen Savoca and her partner Pete Heitzman at a festival on Vancouver Island in 2000. I had never heard Karen before, and, even though her reputation preceded her, I didn’t anticipate how instantly I would fall in love with her music.

Like many great artists, her appeal is not just her captivating songs, although Karen’s voice, percussion and well crafted lyrics, and Pete’s unparalleled guitar work are enough to fill concert halls. Their charm is also their disarming warmth, humour, spontaneity and authenticity, all of which are evident when they perform.

Hailing from upstate New York, Karen and Pete tour extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. They have appeared on Good Morning America, Prairie Home Companion, and pretty much every major festival including Vancouver.  They are loved wherever they go and Bowen Island is no exception.

Those who were present a few years ago when BIMA presented Karen and Pete at Cates Hill Chapel left the concert raving and will be thrilled to have another opportunity to hear them on the island.  Those who missed that concert are encouraged to visit karensavoca.com and/or Google “Karen Savoca” and watch one of the many YouTube videos of performances. They will certainly give you an idea of what my words could never adequately convey. I would also encourage the plethora of guitar players to come and experience Pete Heitzman’s mastery of the instrument. The range of colours and sounds that man can get out of six strings is jaw-dropping.

And I expect, as is the tradition launched on that festival workshop stage in 2000, I may join them on violin, mandolin and vocals for a few songs.  They will be performing at Tir-na-nOg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, and tickets are available at Phoenix (thank you Angela). Tickets are $20 (and $15 for seniors and for those for whom “cash-is-tight”).  Hope to see you there!

SHARI ULRICH

special to the Undercurrent