Virgo Rising is a folk group of four British Columbia women who take as their motto "So many songs, so little time." They present an eclectic mix of material from the Celtic to Caribbean to Country. The members of Virgo Rising are Karen Gillmore, Sharon Hazelwood, Sue Postans, and Tracy Summers.

Karen Gillmore lists Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic influences on her music, as well as Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Steeleye Span, and Judy Collins. Sharon Hazelwood lists as her early influences family singalongs, Ian & Sylvia, Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio, Phil Ochs and Pete Seeger. Sue Postans, who is a music teacher, performs in operetta as well as folk and traditional music. Tracy Summers, the newest member of the group, is a promoter and organizer as well as an innovative bass player. All four members of the group perform solo and with other groups.

Having performed together for several years, Virgo Rising has released its first CD with Voices Entwined: Virgo Rising in Concert. Delightfully eclectic, the material ranges from traditional songs to songs by contemporary songwriters such as James Keelaghan, Jeanne Ritchie and Louden Wainwright III. What the recording occasionally lacks in polish it makes up for in enthusiasm. The songs are fun--you wish that Virgo Rising was in your living room giving a house concert. By mixing a cappella material with songs with instrumental backing, they avoid creating a too-predictable sound. Each track sounds fresh. Virgo Rising is definitely a group to catch if they appear at a club near you.

Voices Entwined: Virgo Rising in Concert
1997 Virgin Crab (CDVR01)

Honey in the Rock; Silken Dreams; Three Fishers; Whale Song; Departure Bay; Valparaiso in a Rowboat; Run Come See Jerusalem; Now is the Cool of the Day; Where the Coho Flash Silver; Work o' the Weavers; Weaving and Quilting; Swimming Song; It's a Rosebud in June; Sister; Bessie; Save a Place 58:22