Hosted by Maureen Girard

Longtime piano jazz teacher and performer Girard invites some of her most talented friends to join her at the piano in the style of the National Public Radio program, Piano Jazz with the late Marian McPartland.

Girard said the idea is to present a show that’s entertaining and fun and includes the audience.  The centerpiece, of course, is great music, but the discussion will center particularly on improvisation.

“I will open the show with a solo performance, then introduce our guest artist,’ Girard said of the format. “We will perform a few pieces together on two pianos followed by some conversation about the music and careers. We’ll invite the audience to ask questions, as well.

Girard welcomes Seattle-based pianist Karin Kajita. Kajita is an accomplished pianist who has been a part of the Seattle jazz scene for many years, including as the leader of the Karin Kajita Jazz Quintet. She also performs regularly with Emily McIntosh, the David George 10 Tet Big Band, Blues Street Voices and Mairin & Friends, and has played several North American cities, as well as having toured several times in Japan and through Europe on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

The second set of the evening will open with a performance by one of Girard’s adult students, Masami Saiku, who has studied classical piano for several years and has learned to improvise through her lessons with Girard. Kajita will also take the stage with Masami.

Girard is a pro at this small concert setting. She draws on her experience with her own popular House Concert Series, which she hosted and presented for 10 years at her 88 Keys Piano Studio in Langley. That series hosted a steady stream of Girard’s talented friends, including Jessica Williams, David Lanz, Claudio Mendez, Karin Kajita and a list of noted pianists from the Seattle area and around of the world. But this time, she said, she can finally see her audience enjoy a glass of wine at the show.

“I am so happy for them to be able to have that now, and to not have my husband Johnny out in the front yard with a flashlight helping everyone park their cars!” 

Please join us for this exciting new series in an intimate setting for great piano music with solo performances, duets on two pianos, conversation, plus fine wine and small plates. The show is recommended for all ages (except very young children).

Zech Hall
Saturday, January 24, 2015
7:30 to 9:30 PM 

Tickets are $20.

PURCHASING TICKETS

Click Here for Online Purchases
Via Phone: Please Call the Box Office at 
800.638.7631 or 360.221.8268
In Person: Visit the Box Office at 
565 Camano Ave, Langley, WA 98260

**Online Tickets Purchases are available until 12-Noon the day of the show.**

BOX OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday through Saturday
1pm - 6pm
and 2 hours before every show

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Or questions regarding your ticket order please call or visit the WICA Box Office.

Whidbey Island journalist Patricia Duff began Patricia Duff Writing Services in 2013. Patricia was the Island Life Editor and arts and entertainment reporter for the South Whidbey Record for six years, followed by almost two years as the start-up editor for the online arts publication, Whidbey Life Magazine.  She has been writing about the island community and its artists for about 9 years. Patricia Duff Writing Services creates effective copy for anyone who needs it, including profiles, features, ads, brochures, press releases and web content.