Victoria’s Ladies of Gospel — Maria Manna, Maureen Washington and April Gislason — deliver classic soul and Motown gospel at Pat’s House of Jazz in the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton on Sunday, March 4.
Individually, these jazz divas pack a powerful punch. Together, they are dynamite on stage, playing off each other’s strengths and larger-than-life personalities and adding their own gospel interpretations.
Manna, known for her jazz, blues and Italian vocals as well as her philanthropy, says Washington and Gislason have amazing voices, rich and full, and were a natural choice when she was assembling the trio.
Washington has won the Black Canadian Award for Best Jazz and Blues Artist.
Gislason has collaborated with the likes of David Foster and Bryan Adams and her voice can be heard in thousands of advertising jingles across North America.
Gislason’s Puerto Rico/New York upbringing, Washington’s African-American roots and Manna’s own Italian heritage make a compelling musical melange.
Manna, who created the show because she “felt the calling,” says the words of gospel music bring joy and happiness to all who listen, even those who don’t go to church.”
“Many black female vocalists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Natalie Cole, got their start in a church choir,” says Manna.
Some of the songs they’ll cover include Swing Low Sweet Chariot, His Eye is on the Sparrow, Travellin’ Shoes and Down by the Riverside.
Manna will also share the history of such well-loved songs as Amazing Grace and It Is Well with my Soul.
The show is part of a regular Sunday afternoon jazz concert series at the pub, presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.
It runs every Sunday from 2 p.m. at the pub, 1534 Joan Ave. in Crofton, a stone’s throw from the Salt Spring Island ferry terminal.
Reservations are recommended. Tables will be held until 1:30 p.m.
Admission is $20. For information, phone 250-324-2245 or visit http://osbornebaypub.com.
