(I think Odum’s idea of promoting some of Julie’s best writings to the front page is exactly the right way to say “goodbye.” First I chose “Messages from the Future” because I loved the irreverent humor, and I thought the title sort of says what a writer’s (or an artist’s) legacy should be. But I settled on this one, because it features a rare glimpse of Julie and her friends making music. She was an amazing musician.
We love you Julie, and we’ll miss you…but we have your words, your pictures and your music. They won’t fade away. – promoted by Sue Prent)
Earlier this month, a small group of musicians banded together to perform a benefit show for the Greater Falls Warming Shelter, an overnight shelter in Bellows Falls, VT.
We were, of course, thwarted. Not only was there an ice storm that night, but there was actually thundersleet going on. The last year, we had a large audience and raised over $700. This year, we had about 15 people, but still managed to raise $350. So we decided to give it another try. We’re doing the show again, this time on April 16th.
Our featured musicians are Jesse Peters, Julie Waters and Ali Chambliss. Here is video of the piece we used to close the show last time:
Here’s one of the solo pieces I performed:
If you would like to donate but are unable to attend the show, please send your donations to:
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)
91 Buck Drive
Westminster, VT 05158
Please mention that the donation is for the Greater Falls Warming Shelter and please reference the benefit concert
Other relevant info:
Full press release:
BENEFIT CONCERT TO BENEFIT GREATER FALLS WARMING SHELTER
When: Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m
Where: Immanuel Episcopal Church (the Stone Church) in Bellows Falls, VT
Contact: Greater Falls Warming Shelter (bfwarmingshelter@yahoo.com / 802.463.2567)
or
Julie Waters (julie@riverartsproject.com / 802.451.1947)BELLOWS FALLS, VT. – They tried it once, and now they’re trying it again.
In February of 2011, Julie Waters, Jesse Peters and Ali Chambliss attempted a benefit show, braving bad weather which included not only icy roads but a surprise appearance of thundersleet. The concert was wonderful, but sparsely attended. Despite the audience of a mere 15 people, they were able to raise $350. So, they figured, it was worth trying again, hoping to get a much larger audience in better climate.
Julie Waters took on the task of wrangling a new date for the show. “It didn’t take too long,” she explains, “but I wanted to make sure everything was in perfect order before publicizing the show.” She had to get the go-ahead from the warming shelter’s board, the other two musicians and the venue. “I was especially hoping to be able to get the Church again,” she continues. “The acoustics in that building are amazing. I think of the venue itself as the fourth member of our group.”
The Greater Falls Warming Shelter is a valuable resource in Bellows Falls. According to the Brattleboro Commons, “in its first year, the center served 44 individuals for 371 bed nights during the 93 nights it was open. More than 75 volunteers stayed overnight at the shelter or provided some kind of support such as laundering, cleaning, donating furniture, providing supplies or helping with the fundraising concert. Monetary contributions to the shelter may be sent to the shelter’s fiscal agent, Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), at 91 Buck Dr., Westminster, VT 05158.
In addition to Waters, Jesse Peters and Ali Chambliss will be headlining the show.
Julie Waters is a folk artist in the truest tradition, weaving stories, motion and rhythm, creating lyrical poetry through the strings of her guitar. More than simply a creative approach to music, her performances turn on a dime, first evoking ancient modal melodies, and then suddenly sliding into a rock and roll beat that morphs straight into the 21st century. According to Folk Singer Peter Mulvey, “Julie’s playing is kinetic and moving, and memorable a season after you hear it.”
Jesse Peters is flexible enough to play instrumental dinner music one day and jazz-rock with his trio the next. His writing style is similarly broad, with modern groove numbers interspersed with more traditional finger-picked tunes and a few rockers thrown in for good measure. “Jesse’s amazing,” explains Julie Waters. “I’ve played with a lot of guitar players in my time. Jesse is among the best. Playing with him pushes me to be a better musician.”
Ali Chambliss is one woman, with a guitar, an array of songs and a tremendous voice. Her original songs are crafted from a well of emotion deep and challenging as it is beautiful and poignant.
Suggested donation is $10.
The Greater Falls Warming Shelter opened November 22nd at 83 Westminster Street (behind Athens Pizza) to provide a temporary spot for an overnight stay. It will remain open until April and is staffed seven nights a week by volunteers who serve in two shifts from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. New volunteers are urged to contact the shelter at bfwarmingshelter@yahoo.com or leave a message at (802) 463-2567 to learn about the shelter and the on-going training provided. Members of the shelter steering committee will also be at the concert to provide information.
“Thunder-sleet:” add another unlikely word to the Vermont weather vocabulary.