After fours years in the Creston Valley, Leah Jones and Bob Anderson are saying goodbye in the best way they can — through an evening of mostly musical entertainment, Leah and Friends: A Musical Farewell.
Now preparing to move to Bella Coola, the couple left their mark on Creston’s music community, which they jumped into by joining the Blossom Valley Singers and Positive Productions’ The First Christmas, just after Jones found work as choir director at Trinity United Church.
“I really went nuts here,” said Jones. “I put myself out there. It wasn’t something I was used to doing. Creston inspired me to be me.”
In 2008, Jones formed the Creston Percussion Chorus, which evolved into Creston Community Drum Circle in 2009, performing at a Rwanda fundraiser in February.
“That was fun,” she said. “That went on for over a year.”
She and Anderson soon formed a madrigal group that performed at Shakespeare in the Park (or Something Like It) III. In the fall, Jones created the Creston Sacred Choir, which enjoyed a successful Easter 2009 performance.
When she held auditions for the sacred choir later in the year, no men showed up, leading to the creation of Key of She, which now has eight members, and will be a big part of Jones and Anderson’s farewell concerts at Redeemer Lutheran Church on April 29 and Trinity United Church on May 1.
In addition, members of the Carpe Diem theatre troupe will be presenting skits, with a heavy emphasis on Monty Python. Instrumentalists won’t be left out, with music by cello, violin, bagpipe and flute being thrown into the mix. Well-known Bonners Ferry choir director Victoria Thompson and her husband, Jim, will also take part.
Drums won’t be left out, either, with a percussion-based song being performed.
“It’s all drums and a little bit of electric guitar with Peter Bodley,” said Jones.
In all of her Creston endeavours, Jones, a vocal instructor, always helps members to expand their singing skills. The process of helping others discover their musical potential helped Jones learn something about herself.
“I believe in people. I like people to shine with me,” she said. “I believe in myself so much more now. They came along for the ride.”
Performances are 7 p.m. April 29 and 2 p.m. May 1. Tickets are $10 at Black Bear Books, Kingfisher Used Books or at the door.