The Grand Rapids violinist and tunesmith who’s added parts for The War & Treaty’s upcoming album will close out Saturday’s fundraiser at Hudsonville’s Pinnacle Center.
Multi-Talented: Singer-songwriter and musician Cameron Blake also recently arranged strings for The War and Treaty. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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When Grand Rapids singer-songwriter, violinist and guitarist Cameron Blake takes the stage Saturday with a full band and choir for the final Music to Benefit Music concert at Hudsonville’s Pinnacle Center, he’ll do so with an enthusiasm that extends far beyond the usual concert performance.
“The concert is a benefit to raise money for instruments and music education in schools and this couldn’t be nearer to my heart,” Blake said.
“Growing up a die-hard classical music kid who played the violin in a school district without an orchestra, I was well aware of how the offerings of a music program can affect a student’s relationship to the arts.”
Blake: Joining an impressive roster of artists who’ve played Pinnacle Center. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
Indeed, the longstanding benefits and auctions hosted by Pinnacle Center owner Bill Worst have raised upwards of $500,000 to purchase instruments and music education supplies for many West Michigan schools.
But after more than two decades, Worst plans to take a hiatus, making Saturday’s 6 p.m. affair the last Music to Benefit Music event – with a dinner, auctions for sumptuous goodies and a concert starring the much-praised Blake.
“I don’t want to wear my audience out,” Worst said. “Time for a break, sail into the sunset.”
The benefit series aims to go out with a big splash.
“The concert will feature a full band plus Debra Perry & Majestic Praise and their passion-filled vocal energy,” said Blake, known for dynamic performances that incorporate folk, jazz, classical, gospel and world music influences. “Our set will be a mix of intimate solo performances, storytelling, songs from my latest EP, ‘Mercy for the Gentle Kind,’ as well as my theatrical favorites.”
For Blake, it’s just the latest chapter in a career full of milestones that started after receiving his master’s degree from Baltimore’s Peabody Institute of Music. He’s since released several critically acclaimed studio albums, toured the globe and served as a church music director. He also curates Grand Rapids’ Music in the Heights concert series.
HELPING ELEVATE THE WAR & TREATY’S ‘DEEPLY MOVING’ SONGS
His work has gotten the attention of Michael and Tanya Trotter from fast-rising, soulful Americana group The War & Treaty. The award-winning duo, who got their start in Albion, asked him to write string parts for one of their songs and later to create string arrangements for their next album.
“It started out with one song, then they added four more and flew me to the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala., to direct the string players in the session. The whole experience simply felt historic and I came home feeling elated,” said Blake, who first met the Trotters during a Local Spins Live session at Grand Rapids’ River City Studios.
At Local Legend: Blake (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
“A couple weeks later, they checked to see if I could write one more arrangement and record the strings in Grand Rapids on short notice. I pulled together an octet of friends – most of whom were Grand Rapids Symphony players – and we recorded the parts at Local Legend Recording.
“It was a whirlwind project and a true honor to be a part of. The new songs are deeply moving and Michael Trotter is a force of nature in the producer’s chair. The strings simply elevate the power of what they’ve already pulled together and I can’t wait for the release.”
Beyond that, Blake also has written the first movement of a new symphony, something he described as “both a thrilling and arduous learning curve.” He also plans to work on a new record this summer, something that’s “more musically free with a unique-sounding sextet.”
The singer-songwriter will join an impressive roster of artists who’ve graced the Pinnacle Center stage over the years, starting with Worst’s one-time concert series at the event center and continuing with his Music to Benefit Music fundraisers:
Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, John Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Joe Bonamassa, John Gorka, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, John Hammond, Little Feat, Taj Mahal, Eddie From Ohio, Gaelic Storm, Roger McGuinn, David Lindley & Wally Ingram, Richard Thompson, Ralston Bowles, Bruce Cockburn, Iris DeMent, Marcia Ball, Dar Williams, Mac McAnally, Phil Keaggy, George Winston, Paul Thorn, Steve Azar, Windham Hill Winter Solstice with Will Ackerman, Liz Story & Samate, Joan Osborne, Jake Kershaw, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Caroline Jones, Jim Lauderdale, Joan Armatrading, Richie Havens, Sue Foley & Peter Karp, Will Hoge and John Fullbright.
Tickets for the dinner (including drinks), auction and concert are $62.50 and available by calling 616-662-3330. The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Dr., Hudsonville.
VIDEO: Cameron Blake, “Henny Penny” (Live w/ Debra Perry & Majestic Praise)
PHOTO GALLERY: Cameron Blake and String Section at Local Legend Recording
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker
