Looking for something to do this weekend?
Some of the most talented performers at Eastern Oregon University
will be on stage at McKenzie Theatre both Saturday and Sunday.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sam Vore will perform songs of his own
composition in "Quarter-life Crisis," accompanied in part by Todd
Tschida.
Vore will play all the favorites like "Meet the Burro" and
"Charlie Brown," and his recordings will be on sale for the first
time.
Peter Wordelman, EOU Chamber Choir director, says of Vore: "He is
one of the few students I have ever had who told me during his
freshman year that what he really wanted to do in life is be an
entertainer. His music is very funny and reflective.
"Last year, the EOU Chamber Choir returned to Portland's Westview
High School, which is Sam's alma mater. He performed for the
students there, and I have never seen a more captivated audience.
From making them laugh with his "Bear Song" to making them cry with
"I'm A Real Life Charlie Brown," the students' every day feelings
and observations were reflected in Sam and his music."
The second concert will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday, also in McKenzie,
and will feature two terrific singers and an explosive pianist.
Harold Poeling has been singing in church and on stage for many
years. He loves to present some of the older hymns such as "How
Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace."
This is a performer who wants to communicate with the audience.
Meegan Andersen has been singing in front of audiences since age
3. She enjoys all styles, but gospel is dominant.
Wordelman says of Poeling and Andersen: "Harold and Meegan are
two of the finest and most experienced church singers in the region,
and hearing them together will be a pleasure beyond words."
Robert Power-Drutis is a young pianist who recently moved to La
Grande. He plays all styles of music, but accompanying and
improvisation really inspire his playing. While in La Grande this
past fall he accompanied the EOU Chamber Choir, played in the EOU
Jazz Ensemble, played for numerous performances around La Grande and
continues to search for the next opportunity to make music.
Both events are benefit concerts for the EOU Chamber Choir tour
to Ecuador.