Imagine the sun glinting off the water in the opening bars, setting the scene for the twinkling lights around Lake Merritt.

“Necklace of Lights” is Track 3 on Joyce Whitelaw’s album “A Musical Celebration of Oakland” composed specially for the 100th anniversary gala of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. A fourteen-year resident of Oakland, she chose local writers, also Oakland residents, to create lyrics about a city they know well and love.

On Friday, May 19, 2006 the Oakland Heritage Alliance is celebrating its 25th Anniversary at the beautiful Lake Merritt Hotel. Joyce Whitelaw will present some of her original songs about Oakland in a live performance in the hotel at Madison’s, with the beautiful view of Lake Merritt as a fitting backdrop. Joyce and singers Mel Leroy, baritone, and Lisa Pan, soprano, are performing a number of the pieces from “Musical Celebration of Oakland”.

A big thanks to Joyce for allowing The Organic City to feature her wonderful music for all to hear. Stay tuned to over the next week for more posts featuring Joyce’s music.