AN ENTIRELY A CAPPELLA EVENING IN A TACOMA CHURCH >>>
Perhaps when you think of a cappella you think of Sweet Adelines and old men wearing bashers.
This is not the case when it comes to BARE Tacoma - Holiday, an a cappella performance Friday night at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Instead, you will hear 12 performers ranging from Tacoma School of Arts students to Northwest indie favorites such as Shenandoah Davis, Noah Gunderson, Sean Nelson (of Harvey Danger), Luke Stevens, Goldfinch, Colin Reynolds, Elk & Boar, Hannalee, Eternal Fair and others. Each artist will bust out a holiday song or two, as well as share their own songs and covers.
"There's a whole different set of nerves when you use only your voice and no instruments," says Aaron Stevens, programming manager at the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, the organization producing the musical event.
Stevens is also the lead singer and songwriter in the band Goldfinch. He's also performed in the original BARE series at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center in Seattle.
"These shows always sell out in Seattle," says Stevens, who borrowed the concept from developers Kevin Barrans and Fremont Abbey.
"I've been to all the BARE shows at Fremont Abbey and I love seeing what the artists do with their songs without instruments," says Kenny Coble, marketing manager for the event. "It is beautiful, vulnerable and special. And this show will include holiday songs, which I love."
You won't see a microphone or instrument on Immanuel's stage. The ambiance of the show will be heightened by the church's glorious acoustics and the glow of candles.
"I'm trying to bring different and unique ideas to Tacoma," says Stevens. "I thought it would be a really interesting show."
Stevens and band mate Emily Ann Peterson will be performing a Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet. But, Stevens won't disclose which song.
"It's a secret," says Stevens, a smile in his voice.
Stevens says he's also looking forward to Noah Gunderson. "He's one of the most phenomenal performers in the Northwest right now.
"I'm also looking forward to Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger. I saw him perform a cappella once before," Stevens grasps to find words, then continues. "I was startled by his performance. I didn't know what to expect - but he's an amazing performer."
Stevens goes on to say that each performance has a completely different kind of feel and style, there may be groups of three or four, or they may be solo and the final song will be an entire group performance.
Tickets cost $16 and are available on the Broadway Center's ticket hub.
IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BARE TACOMA - HOLIDAY, FRIDAY, DEC. 7, 8 P.M., DOOR AT 7:30 P.M., $16, 901 N. J ST., TACOMA, 253.591.5894
LINK: BARE Facebook event page
LINK: Meet Aaron Stevens