Heistek & Plato | Patti Powell

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$ Small Change For Big Change $

All proceeds after expenses from this concert will go to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports grandmothers ("Gogos" in Zulu) raising a generation of children orphaned by the AIDS pandemic in 15 African countries. Grandmothers in Africa have risen above their grief to put their grandchildren through school while leading the way by rebuilding communities and advocating for change in their societies. Canadians have raised more than $27 million for the campaign, which supports community-based organizations that provide necessities such as school fees and uniforms, counselling for grandmothers and orphaned children, and micro-credit loans. The East Van Gogos is one of more than 250 such groups across Canada. The Grandmothers Campaign movement, founded in 2006, is growing, with groups now in Australia, Great Britain and the U.S. For more information, please email eastvangogos@gmail.com.

Join the East Van Gogos for this musical event in partnership with the Rogue Folk Club. Come ready to parlay your “small change” into big change by participating in the Legendary Bucket Auction, where amazing local treats and finds could be yours for less than the price of a cup of coffee!

This event is even more meaningful given the life-threatening situation with the sudden withdrawal of USAID funding to the 14 sub-Saharan countries that we support.  The Stephen Lewis Foundation does not receive U.S. funds, but many SLF partners do, so their work and communities are directly affected. The foundation has launched an Emergency Appeal to help meet the immediate needs of SLF partners and the community members they serve, including with access to life-saving HIV medications and services, as they navigate the impacts of this funding withdrawal. Your support of our "Small Change For Big Change" concert will add to the funds that are being raised in this time of urgent need.

Heistek & Plato

Canadian vocal jazz treasure Karin Plato, and Guido Heistek, renowned Vancouver ukulele (and guitar) maestro, perform duo arrangements of songs from the jazz, pop, and folk repertoire. Heistek and Plato radiate a rare chemistry and charm which has garnered them a loyal Vancouver following. The baritone and concert ukes intertwine to create a delicate yet utterly satisfying support for two voices that complement each other so very well. You may find yourself smiling or laughing at this duo's mercurial banter, or swept away by their irresistible groove, and vocal harmonies.

Karin has toured Canada extensively and has recorded a highly acclaimed catalogue of albums featuring jazz standards as well as originals. She is a Juno nominee and has three times been nominated Canadian Jazz Vocalist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards. "Plato's confident, tuneful and hip articulation stands out as she weaves a musical spell.” - Edmonton Journal

Guido has performed in the US, Japan, Canada and Europe, and is the creator of Ukulele in the Dark, a website with an international following of thousands. His CD, Solo Ukulele, was described as “unrelentingly lovely” by Mike Usinger of The Georgia Straight.

Patti Powell

A graduate of the Community Choir Leadership Training Program in Victoria, Patti has been bringing the joy of singing to many ordinary folks through her four community choirs since 2006.  Her charisma, natural high energy leadership skills and warm personality bring an atmosphere of cheerful community spirit to the choirs. She also sings, solos, and assistant directs in the popular City Soul Choir.

Patti grew up with a significant stutter, which made speaking up in public a difficult experience. However, there was no difficulty in singing - a liberating revelation. This liberation brings joy and belonging with it, and she believes everyone has a right to this, as part of being human. If you have a pulse, and breathe (even only occasionally!), she believes singing is for YOU.

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. Find out more here, or simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.