Nearly 35 years in the making, Joanna Schwarz and Carol Grolman, Squamish musicians, piano teachers and composers, have finally put together a show of their own compositions.

The pair became friends three and a half decades ago, first as guitar players and singers in the Squamish folk song circle then later as part of Howe Sound Performing Arts. "At that time we were so busy," Schwarz remembers. "We each had two children. We kind of grew into (our friendship) over time. But whenever there was a musical event we were there together."

For their Oct. 28 show, called Inspired, which will include "a very eclectic mix of music" from sacred songs to sing-alongs, the pair recruited a group of over 20 musician friends to help out. "It is so difficult to get so many people together at the same time," Grolman said. "That's been a challenge."

Another bump in the road: "Last night we went down to the United Church to get the band together and all of a sudden there was crackling and popping and noises coming out of our beautiful Yamaha keyboard. At least it's come a week ahead of the event," she added.

While the concert will feature each of their separate — and stylistically very different — pieces, there is a strong collaborative element.

"We're individual writers," Grolman explains. "We don't write together, but we bounce ideas off of each other. We'll play it for the other one or sing it."

Entry to the event, taking place at the Squamish United Church at 7 p.m. on Sunday, is by donation with proceeds going to the church's music ministry.

Source: The Pique Newsmagazine
http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/dynamic-duo/Content?oid=2365867