Trinity Backstage Closes Out ’08 with Benefit Show

The holidays traditionally are a time for giving. And while Trinity Backstage gives to the community every month by presenting some of the finest singers/songwriters on the folk scene, December’s annual holiday show promises to reach out just a little bit further. In Saturday’s locals-only installment, Peter Gallway and Rebecca Troon will join series presenters and S.B. musical stalwarts Kate Wallace and Doug Clegg in a show to benefit the Community Kitchen. And while the night’s financial earnings are destined for a worthy cause, the artistic proceeds will benefit everyone in attendance.

“Most of the time we present artists from out of town because Trinity Backstage is all about bringing in people who nobody knows who are all really, really good,” explained series coproducer Wallace. “But this is the one where we feature local artists, and this year we have Peter Gallway. We are so lucky to have him here in Santa Barbara, as he is an incredible singer/songwriter who is as good as anybody. And everybody in the world has been flogging me to get Rebecca Troon :”

Part of the joy of Trinity’s holiday show is the opportunity to catch a performance by the series’ producers. Both Wallace and Clegg have impressive musical legacies themselves. For more than 20 years, Wallace was a permanent fixture within the songwriting circles of Nashville and Los Angeles, while Clegg is a seasoned instrumentalist who has worked with the likes of Patty Larkin and has released six albums of his own. For Wallace, the show also provides an all-too-rare chance to reconnect with her past life on the road.

“I did it for so long and I really loved it when it was my time,” offered Wallace. “I’m probably writing better stuff today than I did 20 years ago, but it’s just that I really didn’t like the business of music. I’m happy playing a few gigs locally and a couple around the country that I really enjoy doing still. I selfishly want to bring other really good musicians to town and share the music here. There’s so much great music out there that people just don’t know about. And that’s where Trinity Backstage fits in.” Trinity’s holiday show will be held Saturday, December 13, at 8 p.m. at the Trinity Backstage Coffeehouse (1500 State St.). For tickets and info, visit trinitybackstage.com.