Starry Nights kicks off 10th season

A decade ago, with Sisters schools bleeding from a thousand cuts of the budget knife, Jeri Fouts and a group of volunteers staged an innovative fund-raiser - a concert series dedicated to raising money to preserve threatened programs.

Fouts used past fund-raising connections with musicians like songwriter Kim Carnes to convince artists to donate their time to stage concerts that would not only raise money but engage students, rally the community - and provide a great show.

The series has generated some $600,000 for the Sisters Schools Foundation, while creating such a sense of community that artists return to Sisters and encourage their friends and colleagues to participate.

Event organizers anticipate that this year's series will add another $125,000 to the fund-raising total.

This year the Sisters Starry Nights Benefit Concert Series celebrates its 10th season by welcoming back country and Broadway star Gary Morris, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Greg Barnhill on Saturday, April 28, at Sisters High School.

"When we look back at Starry Nights over the years, Gary and Greg are two phenomenal artists who made a big impact here," said Fouts. "Gary possesses a voice that is absolutely gorgeous and truly inspiring. When you combine his great stage presence and sense of humor with that magnificent voice, his concerts are always an unforgettable experience. It's been nine years since he's been here, and we feel so fortunate that he's made his way back this season!

"Greg is one of our Starry Nights veterans and was an instant crowd favorite from the moment he stepped on the stage in our first season in 1997," Fouts said. "He is such a gifted singer and songwriter, and he has a wonderful ability to connect with people. It's going to be a really special evening."

Morris, whose country hits include his award-winning version of "Wind Beneath My Wings," also earned critical praise for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the Broadway Production of "Les Miserables." He will headline the Starry Nights concert with a solo performance, accompanying himself on guitar.

Barnhill will perform a collaborative opening set with Sisters High School senior and Americana Project student Travis Ehrenstrom, who is a talented singer, guitarist and songwriter. It will be the first time the two have worked together after spending several days rehearsing in the week preceding the show. Among Barnhill's credits are writing the Trisha Yearwood-Don Henley classic "Walkaway Joe," which earned Greg a Grammy nomination, and such hits as "House of Love" for Amy Grant.

A limited number of reserved general admission tickets priced at $45 are available at Leavitt's in Sisters. Lobby doors open at 5:30 p.m.

and theater doors at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.

The lobby will feature light dinner fare, raffle items, a silent auction and entertainment by Americana performers. Student emcees Thomas Arends and Lane Milroy, both SHS sophomores, will host the evening, and Sisters Elementary School students will be highlighted in a special performance with Gary Morris.

For information, contact Shirleen Cundiff at the Sisters School District at 549-8521.