Remembering Hahle is an event that will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, at Roberts Creek Hall in honour of the popular vocalist and songwriter Hahle Gerow who died suddenly on Oct. 31 at the age of 62.
Her friends and fans will honour her with music, reflecting her professional career that dates back to the 1970s in Vancouver when she was part of a hot band called Out of the Blue. Musician Blaine Dunaway remembers the band and that Gerow was also involved with making a recording of her original songs for CBC along with a few jazz greats. Years later, he had a chance to make her acquaintance in Roberts Creek after she had returned to her home on the Coast, and the two frequently played together, mostly at private parties.
"She was an exceptional lyricist and songwriter," he says. "I've been a jazz musician so I didn't listen to lyrics. She changed my whole perspective. I'd put her up there beside Joni Mitchell."
Friend and colleague Luci Herder would agree.
"Her songwriting was second to none," Herder said.
Herder also praises Gerow's rich alto voice. It was distinctive, she says. Gerow often performed with pianist Herder at her regular gig at Leo's Restaurant in Gibsons and the two had planned to play together the week of Gerow's death.
"Nobody can fill that place," says Herder, who feels the loss of the singer as a friend as well as a musician.
Gerow was one of the original "goddesses," a title conferred on those women who performed in a series of concerts in the Creek from 1995 to 1998. Her husky, vibrant voice was an anchor for some of the other singers, and she was noted for always helping others to learn more about their craft. "She didn't teach formally, but many vocalists learned back up singing from her," says Dunaway.
Gerow has also performed with Valdy, Bob Carpenter and many local musicians: Ken Dalgleish, Pamela Mess-ner, Clay Hepburn, Jenica Vaneli, Laura Hogan and others.
She was also a regular at the Powell River Folk Music Festival where she sung songs of love and clean sheets - the subject of one of her better known and light hearted compositions.
Remembering Hahle starts at 1 p.m. at the Roberts Creek Hall this Sunday. A DVD made by her sister on the occasion of her 60th birthday will be shown. From 3 p.m. until the evening, guests are invited to share potluck dishes and music.
