You can’t beat good music and tasty chili

Who doesn’t like Chili? I love chili, probably one of my favorite foods.

The only way chili gets better for me is when it’s accompanied by local music! If you like chili like I do, then you should show up at 6 p.m. Saturday at Valley Performing Arts, when Cantora Arctica will perform to fight breast cancer.

Janet Stotts, a name synonymous with choral music in Alaska, will direct the women’s singing group for this special concert. The group will perform medleys of some famous songs, along with selected solo performances from musicals like “The Sound of Music” and “Oklahoma.” Combine that with chili and desserts and you’re in for a pleasant evening of entertainment — and you’ll be helping make a difference for people who suffer from breast cancer.

Also, there will be a silent auction to help raise money for the cause. The group will perform while the audience enjoys tasty foods and peruses the possible possessions.

Sounds like a great way to spend time and money.

It’s interesting to me that music is always so close to people’s hearts when they are dealing with major issues, like breast cancer, or other worthy causes. It shows the community not only that local musicians care about local people, but that local people expect a certain level of social responsibility from their local musicians.

This is an interesting validation of local music, putting a spotlight on local musicians as a powerful force that contributes to the community. It’s beautiful, and a noble endeavor, using music in an almost sacred way.

When music pleases the listener, that’s a good thing. When music helps the sick, that’s a great thing.

Be sure to check out this event happening Saturday at VPA. Chili is served at 6 p.m., along with desserts, and the performance starts shortly thereafter.

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.