Award-winning musicians join locals

In 2005, Lopez resident JC Marean received an interesting package. It was from his long-time friend and singing partner Bill Bliss, and contained only a blank CD. As Marean was used to Bliss sending him musical samples, he assumed it would be another collection of songs. It was a sample CD, but it was also a blast from the past.

October 3, 2010 1:55 am
From left: JD Martin and Jan Garrett. The duo will perform with other local talent on Oct. 14 and 15 at Lopez Center.
From left: JD Martin and Jan Garrett. The duo will perform with other local talent on Oct. 14 and 15 at Lopez Center.

In 2005, Lopez resident JC Marean received an interesting package. It was from his long-time friend and singing partner Bill Bliss, and contained only a blank CD. As Marean was used to Bliss sending him musical samples, he assumed it would be another collection of songs. It was a sample CD, but it was also a blast from the past.

“I thought, ‘god that voice sounds familiar,’” Marean said. The mysterious singer turned out to be Jan Garrett, an award-winning musician. She sounded familiar to Marean because he grew up with her in Loveland Colo. when she was still Jan Camp. The two had sung together as young people but had lost tough in adulthood.

Now, Marean is bringing his old friend to Lopez, in a concert designed to uplift and inspire. “I’m bringing a life long friend to share with my friends on Lopez.”

The performance, entitled “Seasons of Love,” will include the popular, local a capella group Lopez Sound, Hawk Arps and local vocalists Aimee Nassoiy and Cori Hoffman. Plus, of course, what Marean refers to as “the big gun,”Jan Garrett and her performance partner JD Martin. “Thats what this concert is about, to give Lopez a chance to hear Jan and JD,” Marean said.

Garrett and Martin are independent singer-songwriters based in Colorado. As a musical duo they have won multiple awards and have been finalists for five consecutive years in the National Positive Music Songwriting awards.

The sound they will bring to the island has, according to Marean, a soulful mesage woven into a tapestry of exciting music and wonderful harmony.” Their website, garrett-martin.com, describes their performance as “deeply inspiring, fiery and funny, a compelling blend of luscious vocals, good humor, and masterful lyrics inspired from a broad spiritual perspective. This is soulful feel-good music with depth and integrity.”

The event will be held Oct. 14 and 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Lopez Community Center. Tickets are available online at www.lopezcenter.com or at Islehaven Books, Paper, Scissors on the Rock, and Blossom Grocery. Tickets cost $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $6 for children and students.