Jazz concert to benefit mental health group

PORT TOWNSEND — Val James and Friends will be the featured performers at 7 p.m. Thursday, a “make-up” performance for a snowed-out Candlelight Concert.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Taylor St. Admission is a $10 donation.

The concert is a benefit for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and their family members and friends.

Val James and her Friends will perform an array of jazz favorites from 1930s, ’40s and ’50s era films, including “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea” by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, “The Lady Is a Tramp” by Rogers & Hart and a Jobim selection, “Meditation.”

“I just can’t get those beautiful songs out of my head,” James said in a news release.

“Some of my favorite tunes will include ‘Our Love is Here to Stay,’ ‘Girl From Ipanema,’ ‘Shadow of Your Smile,’ ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘But Not For Me,’ ” she said.

“Songs that will be performed at the Thursday concert will include, ‘I’ve Grown Accustom to His Face,’ and ‘Takin’ a Chance on Love.’ ”

James’ Friends who provide musical accompaniment for her jazz concert include Mark Schecter on piano, Bruce Cannavaro on bass, Tim Sheffel on drums, Rex Rice on trombone and Jack Lambton on guitar.

For information, call 360-774-1644 or email rdanpurnell@msn.com.

More in Entertainment

Leslie Saxon West and her husband Alan explore on a Zodiac in Greenland. (Leslie Saxon West)
Youth to present Shakespearean play in Port Townsend

A youth-presented Shakespearean play, an amateur comedy night and an English-style concertina… Continue reading

Squeezebox Rebellion, from left, Rolf Vegdahl, Annie Benson, Otto Smith, Jeff Hammond and Bill Wood, will host an English concertina showcase on Sunday at Finnriver Farm and Cidery in Chimacum.
English-style concertina band to perform at Finnriver

Squeezebox Rebellion will present a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday.… Continue reading

Taylor to speak during Yard and Garden series

Lisa Taylor will present “Designing for Drought: Waterwise Designs… Continue reading

Caitlin Canty will perform Wednesday at Rainshadow Recording at Fort Worden.
Rainshadow Concerts to host Caitlin Canty

Caitlin Canty will perform during Rainshadow Concerts at 7:30… Continue reading

Human trafficking prevention to be discussed at Studium Generale

Sgt. Marlies Dick will present “Awareness of Human Trafficking… Continue reading

Studio Bob to host amateur comedy night

Lara Starcevich will host Amateur Comedy Night at 7… Continue reading

Students to present Shakespearean play this weekend

Olympic Peninsula HomeConnection will present “The Two Gentlemen of… Continue reading

Ukrainian women’s folk band to play in Port Townsend

Yagódy will perform at the Palindrome at 7 p.m.… Continue reading

International Guitar Night set for Field Hall performance

The 2026 International Guitar Night will be on stage… Continue reading

Films, book sales set this weekend on Peninsula

A silent film series to benefit a high school orchestra, a garden… Continue reading

“Tides & Time” by woodworker Lacy Muhich will be part of the new Showcase 2026 exhibition at the Northwind Art gallery in Port Townsend. (Lacy Muhich)
‘Showcase 2026’ unveiled at Northwind Art in Port Townsend

Joy, color and passion is what artist Lacy Muhich… Continue reading