Arts briefs: Nov. 19

A night of the Rolling Stones

The music of The Rolling Stones will be the theme of “Start Me Up,” a benefit for Vashon’s politically progressive Backbone Campaign.

The benefit, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi, will feature performances by more than 40 Island musicians covering Stones classics.

Tickets are $15. Proceeds will help defray the costs of the Campaign’s trip to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of Barack Obama and will also be used to organize a spring tour of the campaign’s exhibit and performance, “Procession for the Future,” to college campuses throughout the nation.

Musicians who are interested in performing should e-mail vashonmusic@gmail.com.

Vashon Island Chorale sings

Vashon Island Chorale’s annual holiday concert, “A Celebration of Carols,” is scheduled to take place this year at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Bethel Evangelical Church.

The 85-voice choir, joined by a 15-piece chamber orchestra, will perform works including “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and “A Christmas Garland” by San Francisco composer Conrad Susa. Gary Cannon will conduct. Tickets are $12.50 or $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased in advance at Island bookstores.

A weekend of music at Luna

Two free evenings of music are coming up at Café Luna.

Singer Ben Ekstedt will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, with a set of acoustic soul and pop music.

Ekstedt, who fronted the Christian contemporary band Threefold, has now focused his attention on breaking into the secular market. His first solo CD will be released soon.

To sample his music, visit www.myspace.com/benekstedt.

Green is for Go, a two-man rock, bluegrass and comedy team, will appear at the café at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

The duo (Matt Barnhart and Jeff Masterson) plays guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin, ukelele, washboard and foot drums.

To sample their music, visit www.myspace.com/greenis4go.

The Pharmacy fêtes a friend

The Pharmacy, a renowned band whose members grew up on Vashon, will play a show dedicated to Ross Krinsky at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28.

Krinsky, a 22-year-old Islander, was instrumental in organizing Island youth activities including the Youth Council and The Crux. For the past several years, Krinsky has battled brain cancer and related health problems.

The evening, meant as a tribute to Krinsky’s resilience, courage and grace in the face of his illness, will begin at 9 p.m, with an opening set of songs by Bob Krinsky (Ross’ father), Danny McClean, Kevin Moe and Ron Hook.

The Pharmacy will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. for a one-hour set.

The evening will wrap up with a jam led by Bob Krinsky.

There is a $4 cover charge for the event, which will be an all-ages event until 11 p.m.

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