Pink Martini All-Stars Bring Global Glamour and Timeless Classics to the Stage
PORTLAND, OREGON — Pink Martini is back with a fresh, vibrant show that blends old-school glamour, global sounds, and the irresistible charm of what they call their “little orchestra.” Known for mixing catchy classic pop, big band swing, and romantic Hollywood influences, the Pink Martini All-Stars unite a powerhouse trio of vocalists: Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, and Jimmie Herrod. Together, they infuse the stage with a dazzling mix of styles that span continents and generations.
Founded by bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale in 1994, Pink Martini began as a musical project for progressive political fundraisers but quickly evolved into a genre-defying ensemble that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and timeless style. Today, the band performs in over a dozen languages, blending elements from classical, jazz, and vintage pop while drawing on music traditions from around the world.
A Global Musical Journey
Pink Martini’s repertoire includes original compositions as well as reimagined classics like Ernesto Lecuona’s “Andalucía”, Amado mio” from the Rita Hayworth film Gilda, and “Kikuchiyo to mohshimasu” — a 1960s Japanese hit made famous by Mahina Stars. The band’s style recalls the glamour of 1940s–50s Hollywood musicals but with a multicultural twist.
Lauderdale describes their performances as a trip through time and space — one moment you might be in a Rio de Janeiro samba club, the next in a 1930s Neapolitan music hall. This fluid, borderless approach has made Pink Martini a favorite for audiences across the globe.
International Recognition and Orchestral Collaborations
The ensemble has performed with over 25 orchestras worldwide, including multiple engagements with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Their résumé includes prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Governor’s Ball at the 80th Annual Academy Awards.
Pink Martini’s orchestral debut came in 1998 with the Oregon Symphony under Norman Leyden’s direction, and their global tour calendar now spans Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
A Band That Embodies Diversity
The group’s lineup reflects its international ethos: musicians hail from backgrounds as varied as French and Italian heritage, Mandarin-speaking cellists, Brazilian percussionists, and African American string players trained in classical traditions. This melting pot of influences allows Pink Martini to perform authentically in multiple languages and styles, making their concerts a true celebration of cultural exchange.
Why Pink Martini Still Feels Fresh
With a career spanning three decades, Pink Martini continues to surprise and delight audiences by embracing the unexpected — whether it’s performing with symphony orchestras, collaborating with artists from Jimmy Scott to Charo, or bringing drag queens and opera singers into the mix. Their shows are a reminder that music can be a joyful, unifying force that crosses genres, generations, and borders.
Are you ready to travel the world through music without leaving your seat? Pink Martini’s All-Stars promise an evening of elegance, energy, and global soundscapes you won’t soon forget. Share your concert experience with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.