Two Nights of Pink Martini at Town Hall
December 13th, 2011
Back in mid-’90s Portland, Ore., pianist Tom Lauderdale was working in politics. Many before him had become disillusioned with this field, but what bothered him most was perhaps a bit different. You see, he found the music at political fund-raisers to be lacking. So he put together what he called a “little orchestra,” 13 members strong including him, called Pink Martini. Immediately, Lauderdale knew who should become the group’s voice, China Forbes, whom he had met while at Harvard. The two began writing songs, and their first tune became the title of Pink Martini’s debut album, Sympathique, which came out in 1997. The group’s music has a wide variety of influences and their songs are in multiple languages, which gives them a worldwide following. But you don’t have to go too far to follow them this week because Pink Martini (above, doing “Hey Eugene” on Late Show with David Letterman) plays Town Hall tonight and tomorrow. And while Forbes recovers from throat surgery, Pink Martini’s lyrics will be voiced by the talented Storm Large.
Photo courtesy of Mina K
