Jazz singer + band + storyteller = harmony

There is nothing quite like hearing a good jazz singer belt out a few from the great American songbook. Even better when it’s topped off by a well-spun yarn or two.

Islanders will have that chance tonight at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts when jazz artist Nancy Nolan takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for the Local Artist Series.

This purely entertaining evening will include Nolan “in consort” with a stellar quartet of Northwest jazz artists. Joining her are Karin Kajita, piano; Jim Knodle, trumpet and flugelhorn; Dan O’Brien, bass; and Don Berman, drums and percussion.

“These are all monster players,” Nolan said. “Seasoned, devoted, outstanding in their field and I was very fortunate to be able to get them all in one place. It never ceases to amaze me what sublime music happens in the right conditions. And under WICA’s roof, are the right conditions.”

In a special twist for the evening, storyteller David Ossman, of Firesign Theater fame, will also be bringing a knowing wink of be-bop fables to the stage.

Nolan is looking forward to consorting.

“I’ll be singing some of my favorites from the Great American Songbook, vintage and contemporary standards, selections from my recent cabaret shows at Seattle’s ACT Theatre, and some hand-picked gems just for my islands friends,” Nolan said.

The concert will be recorded for a “live” CD from WICA, so tonight’s audience will get to be layed down on digital, along with the performers, in perpetuity.

In the spirit of local artists helping local artists, all proceeds from CD sales will be donated to Susan O’Brien’s Medical Fund.

Tickets cost $15. Call 221-8268 for more info or click here.

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