BY KAREN BOSSICK
Pink Martini—Portland’s incredible “little orchestra” featuring China Forbes, will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Sun Valley Pavilion and Lawn.
The Sun Valley Museum of Art still has some tickets on both the lawn and in the Pavilion.
“It’ll be an incredible evening, and we’ll serve birthday cupcakes celebrating our 50th birthday on the lawn before the concert,” said Kristine Bretall, who hopes everyone will come dressed for a party.
“We wanted to bring back a band that exemplifies our commitment to gather the community for world-class arts experiences,” added Bretall, The Museum’s director of Performing Arts. “Pink Martini first played here in 1998 at our Wine Auction picnic when they were beloved in Portland but had little reputation elsewhere. Since then, they’ve returned to Sun Valley twice after becoming a powerhouse on the national and international touring scene.”
Pink Martini is led by the dynamic and hyperenergetic Thomas Lauderdale. The group’s repertoire is inspired by music from around the world and crosses genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop. With 12 musicians onstage and songs performed in 25 languages, Pink Martini has crisscrossed the globe and has played with more than 70 orchestras.
“We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America … the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world … composed of people of every country, every language, every religion,” said Lauderdale.
“If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band.”
China Forbes and Lauderdale have co-written many of Pink Martini’s most beloved songs, including “Sympathique,” “Lilly,” “Clementine,” and “Let’s Never Stop Falling in Love.”
For tickets visit https://svmoa.org or call 208-726-9491.