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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 23, 2016)
10 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016 Pink Martini leaves audience shaken and stirred with excitement Take a lexicon of languages, a plethora of percussion instru- ments, a vivacious vocalist, a prodigious pianist and mix well with an excited audience. What do you get? Pink Martini! Pink Martini was presented by SEAcoast Entertainment Association on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Florence Events Center. Thomas Lauderdale, Bandleader and pianist, describes his little orchestra this way, “Pink Martini is a rol- licking around-the-world musi- cal adventure... if the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band.” In 1994, in his hometown of Portland, Ore., Lauderdale was working in politics, thinking he would run for mayor. Like other eager politicians-in-train- ing, he went to every political fundraiser. He was dismayed to find the music at these events lackluster, loud and un-neigh- borly. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world and crossing genres of classi- cal, jazz and old-fashioned pop while hoping to appeal to con- The prodigious pianist was more than that. Lauderdale owned that piano. He could tickle the ivories lightly or bang out a bawdy tune. He was in control of the band and of the keyboard. It was a love affair with both. As for the “lexicon of lan- guages,” songs were sung in French, German, Armenian, Arabic, Chinese and English. The last song, “Pata Pata,” was a particular favorite. It is a South African folk song that encourages dancing. After a standing ovation, the band played two more songs, “Una Notte a Napoli” and “Bitty Boppy Betty.” Lauderdale encouraged an energetic conga line to snake through the hall for this tune. Every member of the audience left the FEC with a bounce in their step and a smile on their face. Don’t miss SEA’s next con- cert, the witty, charming and tremendously entertaining Joe Trio on Saturday, Jan. 21. For tickets, call the FEC box office at 541-997-1994 or order online at www.eventcenter .org. AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT FOR YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE WHO HAS EVERYTHING….. S ’ K R I D 5 201 - F BEST O F LO E N C R Best Burger! We serve Breakfast and Lunch! Donuts • Bagels Biscuits and Gravy • Breakfast Burritos Deli Sandwiches and so much more! Open 7 Days a week! Eat in or call for take out! HIT THAT LIKE BUTTON! F ACEBOOK . COM /S IUSLAW N EWS While talking to a couple of dancers after the show, audi- ence members emphatically exclaimed they weren’t long time fans of Pink Martini. Still they couldn’t stay in their seats during this tune that exuded unparalleled energy. The sound system was per- fect for this show. Every instrument could be heard equally well. Gavin Bondy was the trum- peter par excellence. Every note was strong and true. There were two songs that were sung back to back that provided dif- ferent views of the same love story: “And Then You Were Gone” Forbes’ lament about her errant boyfriend, and “But Now I’m Back,” Timothy Nishimoto’s explanation of “boys will be boys.” E B Y V ICKIE K ENNEDY Blake Morrow on the vibra- phone Friday night and Nic Wilkinson on trumpet Saturday night were selected as best fit- ting the Pink Martini sound. The band was excited to involve SHS’s best and bright- est young instrumental musi- cians on stage. The hope is that this will encourage the students to pursue music beyond high school. The students weren’t the only people to be encouraged to “live” the music. The vivacious vocalist, China Forbes, owned the stage and invited the audience to par- ticipate in the music through clapping and dancing. Spontaneous dancing on the stage and in the aisles was encouraged during “Song of the Pine Squirrel.” - Pink Martini Review servatives and liberals alike, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini. Pink Martini provided more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, pub- lic broadcasting, education and parks. On Nov. 18 and 19, Pink Martini came to Florence not only to make music but to change lives by including com- munity members in its produc- tion. One gentleman, who had a chance to talk to Lauderdale prior to the concert, was invited to join the band during “Dosvedanya Mio Bambino,” playing a mean triangle and ending the piece with a cymbal crash. Pink Martini has achieved worldwide acclaim, but the musicians haven’t forgotten their musical beginnings. The band members are always eager to help young musicians. There was a coordinated stu- dent outreach with Chris Rowbotham, Siuslaw High School’s Band director, to choose two students to perform “Hang On Little Tomato” with Pink Martini. All band students were encouraged to learn the music and create a video audition. These videos were reviewed by Lauderdale. The selection deci- sion was not an easy one. 1136 Hwy. 101 • Florence •541-997-8630 "" !" PORT HOLE PUBLISHING 179 Laurel Street, Suite D FLORENCE LET US PUBLISH YOUR BOOK PORT HOLE BOOKS 77567 Hwy. 101 • GARDINER GYPSY 10% Off WIND NEW-USED-RARE! WE HAVE IT ALL! Best-Selling Author, Ellen Traylor, Owner/Publisher 541-999-5725 Anything in our gift shop! CLOTHING CO. Sotheby’s, eBay Master Dealer and Appraiser for Discovery.com portholebooks.com • portholepublications.com Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Blow Out Sale!!! TARNISHED THREADS features unique handmade gifts, vintage Santas and a variety of handmade candles, soaps, and jewelry! Rodger Bennett Photographer 790 North Bayshore Drive Coos Bay, OR 97420 541-297-1928 entire store!! (Except Shawls) Old Town Florence CCB# 55030 Legacy Portraiture 16th Annual ʻTree of Givingʼ ready November 28th. 40% OFF (541) 991-0777 1/2 block off Bay Street behind Bridgewater Restaurant rodger97439@msn.com Stop by for coffee & cookies and pick up an ornament to help a local High School teen in need of necessities. 1780 Kingwood St. 541-997-8526 DONATE NOW! Maximize your donation by donating to Cars for a Cause by Dec. 31st. We accept cars, trucks, RVs, boats & motorcycles CALL NOW! •Helps those in need in Lane County • Charitable donation •We do all the paperwork St. Vincent de Paul 2315 Hwy. 101 • Florence • 541-997-8460 Christmas Gift List Toys • Books Clothing Houseware Furniture Gift Certifi cates St. Vincent DePaul’s 2315 Hwy 101 541-997-8460 Open Daily Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Gift Certificates for the Florence Events Center To purchase – simply drop by the box office Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM 715 Quince St * Florence, OR * 541-997-1994 Gift Certificates are good for redeption for any ticketed show at the FEC for one year from purchase. Always the perfect gift!
