Katherine Byrnes, a Tucson-based jazz vocalist, and pianist Khris Dodge will be weaving together holiday favorites and tracks from Carole King’s seminal 1971 album “Tapestry” when they perform for the Sedona International Film Festival’s 30th anniversary gala. The festivities, which will include a live auction and raffle, will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, at Enchantment Resort. Evening attire is encouraged.
“Each and every song on [‘Tapestry’] is a hit not only for herself, but many of them also for multiple other artists,” Byrnes said. “That album speaks volumes not only to her as a performer but to her as a songwriter. To have an album that has ‘I Feel the Earth Move,’ ‘Natural Woman’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend.’ All these hits that are associated with her, but you think of ‘Natural Woman,’ the first thing you think of is Aretha Franklin. That album, it’s a spiderweb, it reaches out and it pulls other artists in. It touches people that aren’t necessarily diehard King fans, but came to her in a roundabout way from other artists, and they still feel a connection to ‘Tapestry.’”
“I’ve had the great fortune of working with many talented singers throughout my career from opera to world tours,” Dodge said. “Katherine, by far, is my favorite singer I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Her talent is limitless. Her range is beyond comparison to anybody. The effortlessness in which she creates music is spellbinding. For me as a musician, as an accompanist, she makes my job super easy. It’s an absolute joy to accompany.”
The evening will begin with a wine-tasting reception featuring numerous offerings from the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, followed by a plated three course dinner.
“[People] should come out to support our incredible film festival and our education program and our filmmakers and equally, or more importantly, come out for a good time,” SIFF Executive Director Patrick Schweiss said. “It’s an elegant, beautiful holiday affair, celebrating both the festival and the music of Carole King and the holidays.”
The gala also serves as the kickoff for SIFF’s 30th anniversary season, with the proceeds going towards the organization’s “scholarship program” that helps bring filmmakers to Sedona for the nine-day festival. This year’s festival will run from Saturday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, March 3; ticket packages for the festival are now available for purchase.
“For three decades we have brought together filmmakers and audiences to view and share the independent filmmaking experience to rave reviews and incredible memories,” Schweiss said. “Our 30th anniversary will enhance, expand and explore our tradition of honoring those who are motivated by passion for the art and driven by a love for making timely, moving and important films.”
The proceeds will also support the festival’s workshops on screenwriting, producing, documentary filmmaking, music and film editing.
“It’s going to be not only a glorious night of winter fun in Sedona, but it’s also going to be lovely music that isn’t just stereotypical of what you see at your normal holiday party … but still feeling the festive closeness,” Byrnes said.
Tickets for the gala are $175 per person or $165 for film festival members. SIFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tables for 10 are also available. SIFF will be offering a shuttle service for gala attendees from the Mary D. Fisher Theatre to Enchantment Resort; however, dropoff and pickup at places of residence will not be an option. To make a reservation for the shuttle, or for questions about the gala, call SIFF’s office at (928) 282-1177.
To purchase gala tickets and tickets to the 2024 festival, visit sedonafilmfestival.org.
