The Extraordinary Joan Beckow -- Composer, Songwriter, Pianist

You're in for a treat with Back Lane Studios' Extraordinary Woman event on Sunday, May 17, 12:30 pm at the Revue Cinema.

You'll learn about the talented Joan Beckow, singer, songwriter and pianist. And you will hear her music performed live by four musicians, Wendy Bross Stuart on piano, and singers Jessica Stuart, Juno-nominated Alex Samaras and Whitney Ross-Barris.

Beckow (1933-2021) left behind a body of work that has been likened to the musical theatre compositions of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. But her work had never been recorded until Wendy Bross Stuart, Beckow's long-time collaborator and arranger, and her daughter, singer Jessica Stuart, undertook the Joan Beckow Legacy Project.

They have recorded 22 of Beckow's songs and have produced a 25-minute documentary Unsung: The Joan Beckow Story. Their project was supported by the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council.

At the Revue Cinema on Sunday, May 17, 12:30 pm, we will see the documentary, hear a selection of her songs performed live and have a Q&A with the directors about Beckow's life and her work. The tickets are a $20 suggested donation on Eventbrite or $25 at the door.

Born in 1933 in the United States, Beckow demonstrated her musical talent at an early age. After studying music at UCLA, she moved to New York City with friend and collaborator Carol Burnett (shown in the photo below). After marrying, Beckow moved to Vancouver where she focused her talents on family and community. She worked and composed for Canadian theatre groups, and mounted a number of her own musicals in Vancouver. She also trained as a music therapist and taught at Capilano College.

Watch the trailer.

Wendy Bross Stuart: Ethnomusicologist, choral and instrumental music arranger, music director, vocal coach and collaborative pianist, living in Vancouver. Wendy studied traditional Japanese music in Japan and has written two books on Salish and Haida music. She collaborated with Joan Beckow for 40 years and became the keeper of Joan's archive of unpublished songs and music, which made the Joan Beckow Legacy Project possible.

Jessica Stuart: Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist , vocalist known world-wide for her genre-bending and award-winning songwriting. Jessica is a rare pro female guitarist with credits ranging from from Mirvish Productions’ SIX to WizTheMC to Idioteque and beyond. She was dismayed when she learned that none of Joan Beckow's work had ever been recorded. She had auditioned using one of Joan's songs, which sparked great interest and enthusiasm, but found the music was not available.The result: the Joan Beckow Legacy Project became her mission.

Alex Samaras: Juno-nominated vocalist, composer, arranger and teacher. Alex's output as a performer and recording artist spans every genre and style. An active member in Toronto's theatre and dance community, he has premiered new operas and created roles in new musicals.. He has taught at U of T, Humber College, Jazz Works Music Camp and National Music Camp. He founded the PAL Chorale, a community choir for seniors at the Performing Artists Lodge in Toronto. He lives in Roncesvalles.

Whitney Ross-Barris: Toronto-based singer, songwriter and actor. Whitney has been featured as a solo jazz artist in festivals across the province. She has appeared recurrently on JAZZ.FM91 and performs regularly in clubs, restaurants and concert halls. Her recordings can be heard on JAZZ.FM91 and CBC radio.

Tickets are by a suggested donation of $20 on Eventbrite or $25 at the door. Please note that when you buy tickets by donation on Eventbrite, you can only purchaase one ticket at a time! Ticket fees are included in your donation and will not appear as an extra charge.

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