Pink Martini

What are you hungry for? Italian? Japanese? French? How about Croatian? Whatever your taste in international fare, the twelve-piece ensemble known as Pink Martini will be sure to satiate your desires and leave you longing for more of its multilingual musical alchemy. Founded in 1994 in Portland, Oregon, by the classically trained pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale, Pink Martini was originally created to play politically and environmentally minded fundraisers. In 1997, the group wooed fans with the debut album Sympathique, an intoxicating collection of covers. Fall 2004 marked the release of the group’s second album, Hang On Little Tomato — another dazzling trip around the world, although this time many of the tunes were originals scribed by members of the band. From festive cafe tunes and sexy sambas to rousing rumbas and steamy jazz numbers, this mini-orchestra and its enchanting chanteuse, China Forbes, concoct tempting aural cocktails for enthusiastic audiences worldwide. If you’re lucky enough to fall under the sultry sway of Pink Martini’s passionate live performance, bon appétit.