Bonhoff, Souther shine in concert

Karla Bonhoff and John David Souther brought a sold-out crowd to its feet on the opening night of the second annual Sisters Starry Nights concert series.

The Sisters High School auditorium was filled Saturday, February 21, for the benefit for the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Bonhoff returned to Sisters for a second year accompanied by musician and songwriter J.D. Souther. Joining Bonhoff and Souther were Kenny Edwards, also a Starry Nights veteran, and Rob Meurer of Christopher Cross fame.

The John Congdon-Scott Foxx Trio opened the evening with Congdon on vocals and guitar, Foxx on fiddle, and Bobby Aukerman on bass.

After a brief intermission, headliners Bonhoff and Souther kicked off their set with "Simple Dreams" featuring Kenny Edwards on mandolin.

Souther, a newcomer to Sisters, captured the audience with his warm, charismatic style.

"We're asked to do lots of (benefits) but most are for things people are already doing benefits for," Souther told the attentive crowd. "Arts programs in schools enrich the community and give kids a chance to achieve - a sense of accomplishment - and this is tremendously important. I am grateful to be here."

Bonhoff and Souther shared a vocal duet on an old Everly Brothers tune, followed by Souther's "White Rhythm and Blues" off his solo album "You're Only Lonely."

Bonhoff opened the next tune on grand piano, singing a song of her own crafting, "If I'd Only Known it Then." She endeared the Sisters crowd, filling the auditorium with her crisp and melodious voice.

Again featuring Edwards on mandolin, the quartet lightened things up with Souther's "Holiday in Mexico." Edwards then donned his avocado-colored 1960 Gretsch guitar on Souther's "Out to Sea," followed by Bonhoff composition, "Can't Say Good-bye."

Souther entertained the audience with his thanks for artwork created by Sisters School District children. Students donated watercolors, pottery, and sketches to the musicians to thank them for their efforts to benefit the schools.

The group continued their ensemble playing, closing their set with Souther's "You're Only Lonely."

As the four musicians left the stage, the audience demanded an encore with a standing ovation. And they weren't disappointed. Bonhoff opened the closing set on grand piano with "All My Life."

Closing the evening in the true spirit of Starry Nights, the musicians were joined on stage by four student vocalists from Sisters High School.

Juniors Mike Mills and Matt Poynor and seniors Sami Moss and Heidi Shultz sang background vocals on Eagles mega-hit "Best of my Love." Written by Souther, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, "Best of My Love" was released in 1975 and became the Eagles' first number-one hit single.

The Sisters Starry Nights series will continue on March 14 with Kim Carnes, Greg Barnhill and Brad Tisdel. In the series finale Saturday, April 18, Gary Morris will be joined by Tumalo resident Rhonda Hart-Oakes, who is currently up for a Grammy.

For more information on the Sisters Starry Nights concert series, call the Sisters Schools Foundation at 549-8521.