Portland’s Pink Martini will spend the most romantic night of the year in Eugene when it performs at the Hult Center on Valentine’s Day.
The internationally influenced band blends classical chamber music with hypnotic sounds of percussion, strings and brass.
Freshman Catherine Kim plans to buy tickets, which on Wednesday were about two-thirds sold-out, with plenty of seating still available in the upper balcony.”I am thrilled to go see Pink Martini. I love their calm yet exciting musical style,” Kim said. “It is perfect for Valentines Day.”
Lead vocalist China Forbes likes the music too. “Our music is beautiful, soaring, old-fashioned pop with worldwide influences,” she said.
The 10-member band’s musical influences are mainly from the traditions of jazz, classical and Latin. For this reason, considerable numbers of their songs are in French and some are in Spanish.
Forbes said she enjoys a variety of pop music but has been greatly influenced by the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Donna Summers, The Beatles and Judy Garland.
“I am obsessed with the new Sade album Lover’s Rock. Whenever it comes on it pleases me so much because it is soothing and gorgeous and familiar,” she said.
Forbes said Aimee Mann, PJ Harvey and Madonna are in her CD player, but admits to one questionable musical selection: “When I drive, my guilty pleasure is JLo by Jennifer Lopez, which I got as a joke.”
Forbes said she enjoys playing at Portland venues such as Berbati’s Pan and Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The band has made appearances in Europe and major U.S. cities. Pink Martini’s live performances have included special guest vocal appearances by Queen Latifah, Kim Coles and Gus Van Sant.
The band released its debut album, Sympathique, on its own label Heinz Records, in the Northwest in November of 1997, and nationwide in April of 1998. With the release of this album, many of the band’s songs were featured in various television programs and films such as “Nurse Betty,” “Rosetta,” “The West Wing,” and “The Sopranos.”
The band’s manager, John Brodie, said the it has recently found new forums to display its musical talent.
“Having the group’s music appear in TV and film is simply another way to have new people hear the music and hopefully be intrigued enough to search it out,” Brodie said.
The band has many plans for the future including a variety of live performances in Europe and the United States and will release a new album.
“We will record two or three songs in French for consideration for the next album which will hopefully be released by Christmas 2001, maybe the Spring of 2002,” Forbes said.
The Hult Center concert begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are available at the Hult Center Box office or the EMU ticket outlet with prices ranging from $24 to $30.
“I’ve heard that the concert hall is beautiful,” Forbes said. “I am looking forward to the performance, especially as many of our friends from Eugene will be attending.”
For more information call the Hult Center at (541) 682-5000, or visit Pink Martini’s web site at http://www.pinkmartini.com.