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01/15/2006: "SJI Song and Dance Concert January 21 and 22"

With graceful turns and stretches, and soulful tunes, the traditional "Song and Dance" concert produced by Dance Workshop II will embrace a winter festival theme. There are two performances of the program on Saturday, January 21, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m., at San Juan Community Theatre.

The concert format will feature both song and dance performers. Several popular island singers will be presented as well as students from Dance Workshop II and their special guests, the professional modern dance ensemble Dance Gallery Bellingham.

Laura Concord will sing a pair of favorite songs made popular in films and opera on the program. Abby Kitchen will contribute selections from The Marriage of Figaro, Phantom of the Opera, and a French art song. Lori Larkin with Jonathon Piff and Teddy Dean will perform a trio of jazz standards. Singer-songwriter Debbie Nash-Strasser will perform a pair of original works, including a new song she recently entered in an international songwriting competition.

Several group numbers by the Dance Workshop II students are planned, including vibrant new choreography by Anthony Manuel, Melissa Mortensen, Linda Downes and Michelle Mullen, who will perform a lyrical contemporary dance solo.

Dance Gallery Bellingham has appeared on the Song and Dance program several times. The company maintains a repertoire of choreography from local and internationally renowned artists, including choreographers Wade Madsen and Bill Evans. Their performances embrace diverse ethno-cultural genres, and range from the whimsical to the provocative.

This production is sponsored by M&W Auto and RE/MAX San Juan Island. Tickets are $16 for Adults, $8 for Student Reserved. $5 Student RUSH is available one hour before either performance. A private donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a Theatre event. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesday-Friday, 11-4, Saturdays 11-2, and one hour before any performance. Call 360-378-3210, or go to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org.