Local musicians More Joy! in concert at Ladera Community Church

Combining Prairie Home Companion style, Silicon Valley story telling, and eclectic musical performances, More Joy! performs Saturday, August 22, 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Ladera Community Church in Portola Valley.  Suggested donation is $10, which benefits Ladera Community Church youth programs and Portola Valley Dining for Women, funding programs benefiting women and children.

This is the second Bluebird of Happiness Concert staged by Portola Valley residents Iris Harrell and Ann Benson. “Each concert includes a variety of music— from old standards to folk music, interspersed with commentary on a theme to ponder and revel in,” said Iris. “This event is meant to be inspiring, uplifting, humorous and helpful in building a sense of community. Above all, the two hours we spend performing is guaranteed to bring the audience More Joy!”

While music is front and center, each concert involves a few people who have stories and music to share. “We may have a successful business owner or venture capitalist talk for a few minutes about success and failure,” Iris continued. “We even have our very own “therapist to the stars” who will provide a moment’s reflection on how to ask for help to be more successful.”

More Joy! artists include local musicians Ginger Walmsley, Menlo Park (keyboard & percussion), Spike Connor, Redwood City (electric bass & vocals), Paula Filseth, Santa Cruz (violin & fiddle), Ann Benson, Portola Valley (acoustic guitar & vocals), and Iris Harrell, Portola Valley (vocals & yodeler). Ciro Giammona, singer, songwriter, and member of E-Ticket Band, Redwood City, will be a guest performer as well.

“Our last performance in April sold out, so people should arrive by 7:00 pm to be assured of getting a seat! It is going to be uplifting and fun,” Iris concluded.

Pictured, left to right: Paula Filseth, Ann Benson, Spike Connor, Iris Harrell,  and Ginger Walmsley