You’re in for a treat with Back Lane Studios’ Extraordinary Woman event on Sunday, May 17, 12:30 pm.

You’ll learn about the talented Joan Beckow, a Canadian singer, songwriter and pianist. And you will hear her music performed live by four musicians, Wendy Bross Stuart on piano, and singers Jessica Stuart, Juno-nominated Alex Samaras and Whitney Ross-Barris.

Beckow (1933-2021) left behind a body of work that has been likened to the musical theatre compositions of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. But her work had never been recorded until Wendy Bross Stuart, Beckow’s long-time collaborator and arranger, and her daughter, singer Jessica Stuart, undertook the Joan Beckow Legacy Project.

They produced a 25-minute documentary Unsung: The Joan Beckow Story and recorded 22 of her songs. The project was supported by the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council.

At the Revue Cinema on Sunday, May 17, we will see the documentary, hear a selection of her songs performed live and have a Q&A with the directors about Beckow’s life and her work. The tickets are a $20 suggested donation on Eventbrite or $25 at the door.