By Becky Bosshart (contact)

Thu, Dec 25, 2008 (12:01 a.m.)

Courtesy photo

The Pointer Sisters are Ruth Sayles, Anita Pointer and Issa Edwards-Pointer.

Tragedy has struck the Pointer Sisters several times, but they don’t stop, said Anita Pointer. The Grammy Award-winning pop and rhythm and blues group, which released its debut album in 1973, will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Silverton Casino Lodge pavilion.

Pointer’s only daughter, Jada, died of pancreatic cancer in 2003. Pointer raised her granddaughter, Roxie McKain, who is now 18.

“The holidays are hard for me and Roxie,” Pointer said from her Los Angeles home. “We try to go away so we don’t have to think about it. But this year we’ll be home. We’re doing better. For many years we couldn’t even talk about it. It still hurts me deeply. I cry almost every day. I miss her every day.”

The Pointer Sisters is composed of Pointer, her sister, Ruth Sayles, and Ruth’s daughter, Issa Edwards-Pointer, who took June Pointer’s place in 2004. June Pointer died of lung cancer in 2006.

“People need to be uplifted when they are down. It really heals your soul and makes you feel like you have your hope. We want people to leave feeling good. Entertainment and the arts really inspire you when you’re down. Go to museums. Look at nature. Listen to music. Those are the best things to do (in a recession).”

Tickets are $25. The Silverton is at 3333 Blue Diamond Road. Tickets are $25. Call 914-8557 for information.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.