Bonoff returns

for Sisters concert

A relatively young tradition came full circle as past performers Karla Bonoff, Kenny Edwards and Wayne Cotter performed to a packed venue at Friday evening's conclusion to the 2002 Starry Nights Series.

Laughter met tears and smiles as Bonoff shared the stories and songs of an illustrious career. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has earned recognition through her own career, and for such songs as "Tell Me Why," the title track from Wynona Judd's second album, and "All My Life," a song for which Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville won a Grammy.

"The Water is Wide," a traditional English folk ballad, was performed with students, Sarah Douglass, Shannon Hanson and Cassidy Hornbeck from Sisters Middle School and Michael Kurtz from Sisters High School.

The song struck a familiar chord with the audience, for it was used in a similar way when Bonoff headlined the inaugural concert of the series in 1997.

Since that February evening five years ago, the series has raised over $350,000 for the Sisters School Foundation. This year's total alone came to around $90,000.

Edwards, who shared the stage with Bonoff in 1997, said that he enjoys performing in Sisters as a way to "get out of the city."

He has noticed a change for the better in the schools' programs since his last appearance in 1997.

"It's great to put our time and energy into the school," said Edwards.

Bonoff and Edwards share duty in the band Bryndle, a songwriter group that has worked on several projects for the past thirty years. The pair performed several selections from Bryndle, most notably "Like a Compass," a lovely ballad from Bryndle's long awaited album, "House of Silence."

Comedian Wayne Cotter warmed up the evening, filling the halls of Sisters High School with laughter. Having made dozens of appearances on Jay Leno and David Letterman, the former electrical engineer is otherwise known for hosting "Comic Strip Live" on FOX and The Learning Channel's "Amazing America."

He seems to like it here.

"I'm coming back whether you like it or not," said Cotter after the show.