Liz Vice captured ears and hearts a couple of years ago with the release of her gospel album There's a Light, written after she first started singing. Vice has a special way of connecting with people; she leaves audiences feeling inspired and uplifted, lulled by her warm alto and easygoing demeanor. Last year she played one of the more memorable sets at Pickathon, kicking off nighttime festivities at the Treeline Stage as the sun set. She's continued touring nationally and internationally, but is finally returning to Oregon stages to play a series of shows with McMenamins' "Great Northwest Music Tour," which kicks off at the Kennedy School this week. JENI WREN STOTTRUP