The Onlies headlining a Benefit Performance for RISK

Have you heard The Onlies play? If you have, you are likely as excited as we are to have them visit Vashon! If you haven’t, yet, here’s a bit of praise from the Seattle Weekly:

“Original and traditional Irish fiddle and string-based music from a highly talented trio of Garfield High freshmen. Samantha Braman, Riley Calcagno, and Leo Shannon keep you hanging on every note as they put their banjos, fiddles, guitars, mandolins, and even piano to toe-tapping good use, combining elements of Cajun zydeco, Celtic country dance, and other American folk traditions.”  
                                                                   -
RISK – the Rock Island String Kollective - is one of few string orchestras for fiddle music, folk and rock in a cozy, coffee house setting here on the Island. RISK welcomes a range of string instruments including Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo and Harp. This chamber ENSEMBLE brings a new flavor to Irish music, Klezmer, the Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.

RISK Jr. provide high quality music learning in a group setting to ANY child (ages 3rd--5th grade) who is interested in learning a stringed instrument.   Our repertoire includes a range of music styles, from American roots music to celtic, klezmer, classical, rock, and blues.  RISK JR. students learn the fundamentals of playing stringed instruments using this wide variety of music. RISK Jr. classes are low-cost and available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

This Benefit Performance will feature RISK and RISK Jr. opening the show. Over 25 Vashon kids and adults will take the stage to perform. Then, The Onlies will bring their amazing music and spirit, with a concert and dance sure to bring smiles to every face and a spring to every step. Larry Muir will call the dance portion of the afternoon.

The Onlies play original and traditional fiddle-driven music, with Celtic, old-time American, and Canadian roots. Members Leo Shannon, Riley Calcagno, and Samantha Braman are Garfield High School (Seattle) sophomores who’ve literally played together since they were two years old. Singing and playing fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano, they have developed a strong fan base throughout the Pacific Northwest, performing concerts, dances, restaurants, and pubs from Port Townsend to Palo Alto, CA. The Onlies have just finished their first full-length album, “Setting Out to Sea.” The CD features six original songs and tunes, plus traditional and contemporary selections

Proceeds from the event will go towards the RISK Scholarship Fund, which supports music lessons and instrument rentals for low-income kids.

The RISK Benefit will take place at Open Space for Arts & Community, located at 18870 103rd Ave SW, Vashon, on Sunday March 9. Concert begins at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for Individuals and $15 for families with children (up to 4). NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS! For more information, call visit www.openspacevashon.com