PianoFest Northwest Returns This Weekend at WICA

Piano, piano, and more piano.

Now in its third year, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents PianoFest Northwest 2015 with four days of piano concerts from today, April 22 through Sunday, April 26 in Langley.

The shows feature a variety of musical styles and talent that welcomes both local artists and those from farther afield.

Kicking off the concerts on Wednesday, April 22 with an evening of both "Classical and Contemporary" music is local favorite Sheila Weidendorf at the piano with classical duets contemporary originals by both local and regional composers. Islanders who will join Weidendorf at the keys will include Diane Vars, Kathy Fox, Mark Findlay, Peter Morton, James Hinkley, Angelique Poteat, and Cynthia Morrow.

The following evening on Thursday, April 23, Louis Landon introduces a concert of the great "American Songbook" featuring American standards we all know and love, along with some Frank Sinatra favorites.

Seattle favorites Randy Halberstadt and the soulful and sultry singer Gail Pettis take the stage on Friday, April 24 with "Jazz," an unforgettable evening of great jazz standards.

On Saturday, April 25 Claudio Mendez of Buenos Aires heats up the stage with hot "Latin American Tango," along with his guest artist Bertram Levy of Tangoheart on the bandoneon.

Finally, Marc Seales brings down the house for a rip-roaring afternoon of "Gospel Blues" and American pop standards for the Sunday, April 26 matinee.

Guests are welcome to enjoy a cocktail each night at 6:30 pm and during intermission in Zech Hall's PianoBar, featuring local piano students and aficionados alike.

Here's a quick look at the schedule for PianoFest Northwest 2015:

Locals Night
Headliner Sheila Weidendorf and friends playing "Classical and Contemporary"
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22; $20 adults, $14 youths

Standards Night
Headliner Louis Landon plays the "American Songbook" and Frank Sinatra
7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23; $20 adults, $14 youths

Jazz Night
Headliner Randy Halberstadt with jazz singer Gail Pettis play a set of jazz greats
7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24; $25 adults, $14 youths

Latin Night
Headliner Claudio Mendez plays "Hot Tango" with Bertram Levy
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25; $25 adults, $14 youths

Afternoon of Gospel & Blues
Headliner Marc Seales plays "Gospel & Blues" along with American pop standards
2 p.m. Sunday, April 26; $20 adults, $14 youths

Festival PASSES are available; $85 for adults, $60 for youths. To find out more about PianoFest NW 2015, visit WICAonline.org or get tickets online here. Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is located at 565 Camano Avenue in Langley. The box office is open from 1 to 6 p.m. daily or two hours before a show. Call (360) 221.8268 for more information.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving the community of South Whidbey Island and beyond. Founded in 1996 by Island Arts Council, WICA's mission is to inspire, nourish, and enhance the artistic, social, and economic well-being of the community.

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