Wood River Valley resident and longtime folk singer Bruce Innes and his close friend, Jilla Web, gave a rare performance Wednesday, April 25, at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum in front of a very enthusiastic house of nexStage supporters.
Web is the daughter of Harry James Orchestra's vocalist Jilla Web. A performer and singing coach, Web has been in the music industry all her life.
As part of its continuing efforts to buy the theater from the Mott Foundation, nexStage fundraisers at the concert felt community spirit come alive with support for its cause. To date the capital campaign to purchase the theater has raised nearly $1,200,000. Given an extension by the Mott Foundation of June 30, nexStage is working to raise an additional $325,000.
"We have to remember to save community and spirit," nexStage manager Kathy Wygle said during a set break. She then announced that, "the board made the decision. There is no going back—we will buy."
The audience gave her a standing ovation, which included the addition of a barking dog.
Innes and Web impressed the audience with blues, folk and original Innes songs, in a laid back intimate setting allowing Web's vocal talent to be center stage. A humorous and talented Innes had the audience laughing as well as listening with great intent to his songs such as "Baby's Gone."
Sharing a closeness from singing together for many years, Innes and Web share a stage presence and singing heritage that came shining through in classic jazz songs such as "Ain't Misbehaving." Web explained that her mother taught her the song while they were waiting for a doctor's appointment.
In addition, Innes and Web were joined on stage by bassist Gary Carlson and Chip Booth on guitar and mandolin.
Innes amused the audience with some very funny Idaho anecdotes and acknowledged some special audience members in support of the nexStage, such as singer Peter Cetera of the band Chicago, concert pianist Susan Susan Spelius Dunning and Innes' regular singing partner Cheryl Morell.
Also during the set break, Wygle conducted an auction of Lisa Holley's original painting of Bald Mountain, which sold for $1,200, and Diana Fassino's painting of the Sun Valley Renaissance Festival, which sold for $800. The donation of a diamond necklace and matching earrings set in 22k apricot gold designed by New York jeweler and local resident, Susan Reinstein of Reinstein/Ross was won by Emmy Bleckman.
There will be more upcoming benefits at the nexStage, including an all ages concert by The Maladies on Friday, May 4, and a "Ketchum Idol" talent contest on June 28.
Jilla Web brought down the house with her soulful blues and harmonious folk singing. Photo by David N. Seelig
