“Pink Martini is a rollicking around-the-world musical adventure… if the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band.” –says Thomas Lauderdale, bandleader and pianist for this “little orchestra”. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop, their sound draws from myriad influences, spanning the globe, cultures, genres and time. Now in its 23rd year, the Portland-based band is Oregon’s “musical ambassadors to the world,” performing a multilingual repertoire on concert stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to Royal Albert Hall, and with more than 50 symphony orchestras. Don’t miss this big “little orchestra” - they will be a glamorous and sensational finish to an epic season!
Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite singer-songwriters for three decades. Known almost as much for her gay rights and cancer advocacy, she continues to rock the world with music, hope and good deeds. She won an Academy Award for Best Song in 2007 and rocked “Piece of my Heart” at the 2005 Grammys. We are thrilled to present this exuberant performer, fabulous guitarist, the singer of hits which include “I Want to Come Over,” “Come to My Window,” and “I’m the Only One” in her first-ever time in Alaska. Here’s your chance to see her in an intimate venue! Just kickin’ off our 70th season with a performance you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Known for their warmth, innovative programming and engaging performances Cantus’ eight-part harmonies will leave you feeling exulted, connected and at one with the world. If you heard them in 2009 you’ll understand how this internationally acclaimed group transcends genres with a performance that spans the Renaissance to contemporary music. Working without a conductor the singers operate as chamber musicians in a collaborative process. While here they will work with some local artists ultimately achieving a performance you won’t want to miss. It will leave you uplifted, inspired and would make a great package with Sweet Honey and Ladysmith.
FCA was born 70 years ago with its first performance on October 19, 1947! How perfect then, that we get to celebrate with one of our most popular artists from recent years, pianist Scott Bradlee and his ever-changing ensemble known as Postmodern Jukebox! PMJ have become a viral sensation, with over 600 million views. Taking current hits and rediscovering them in a variety of vintage styles, Postmodern Jukebox is a genre-busting, time-traveling musical experience which will transport you back in time while celebrating all that is new – just like FCA itself! Fan of Gorillaz? You’ll love them… Fan of Ella Fitzgerald? You’ll love them!! Bring your sweetheart, bring your grandma, bring your love of a million years, come celebrate with us!
The party continues when Storm plays the Palace! Simply one of the best entertainers we’ve ever seen, Storm is a supernova, a hurricane combining late-night chanteuse, comedian and tour de force of nature!
While some know her as Pink Martini’s alternate singer, others know her for her irreverent and very personal stage banter. Her cult following went mainstream after she turned “Hopelessly Devoted to You” into a feminist ballad and released her original song “Stand Up for Me,” an anthem for marriage equality. Beware! Storm’s language isn’t for the faint of heart. So we’ve created this very special opportunity: An intimate show in the cozy setting of the Palace with lots and lots of added value… as if she needed anything but her band! Even with two shows this will be gone before single events go on sale… better get it cause she’s hot!
Note: The first show will have strong language, the second show will be Storm unleashed and unbound! Get your babysitters now, this will be a grownup night!
Vibrant La Santa Cecilia, Grammy winners for Best Latin Rock Album have collaborated with Elvis Costello and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, contributed to soundtracks for The Book of Life and Entourage, and captivated festival crowds at SXSW and Bonnaroo. Named for the patron saint of music, they started as a group of kids serenading passersby on Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street. Fronted by the charismatic Marisol Hernandez, “La Marisoul” sings of love, loss, and everyday struggles. They have become the voice of a new bicultural generation. They might make you think, they’ll definitely make you wanna dance!
Even if you’ve never heard of Sweet Honey in the Rock they’ve probably had an impact on you. Defining the very music they perform, they are the reason gospel has grown beyond the church, the reason we embrace world music today. Since their inception in 1973 they have remained vibrant, versatile and relevant, founded on the triumvirate missions of empowerment, education and entertainment. Kinetic, cultured and connected, this internationally renowned female a cappella vocal quartet have created positive, loving, and socially conscious music and consistently taken an activist stance toward making this planet a better place for all in which to live. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season, fill your heart with joy and connect to those around you.
If Sweet Honey is one reason to love the sound of the human voice, then 4 time Grammy winners LBM is the other. The South African group has toured worldwide for more than 50 years to spread a message of peace. Introduced to many Americans on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland, the a cappella ensemble is best known for uplifting and rhythmic vocal harmonies. Ladysmith Black Mambazo carries a message of Peace, Love and Harmony as they travel the world year after year. They bring this message, in song and dance, to every theater they perform in. We’re so glad they are coming to ours.
It was about 20 years ago when NPR’s Morning Edition said: “It’s not easy to categorize the music of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, except that it’s hot.” We say think of the fun and funky side of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and you’re getting there… OK… hot, funky and fun. Quirky, nine-piece band Squirrel Nut Zippers celebrated their 20th anniversary last year. A vintage mashup of Delta blues, pop/rock, and jazz, but unpredictable. Their core is rock instrumentation plus horns and piano, with violin, banjo, saw, and more. OK, fun, funky, hot blues, with a side of jazz. Yea… that’s it. Oh come see for yourself!
Founded in 2000 in L.A. by a group of young, emerging taiko drummers, this premiere drumming ensemble has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and John Legend and performed at the Academy Awards and the Grammys. Their performances blend in electronic instruments, hip-hop, storytelling, and film. Taiko is extraordinarily visual, requires an intense physicality and precise choreography. The result is passionate, fluid, and fiery, a highly rhythmic thrill you’ll feel with every beat. TaikoProject may not be purists, but they are the first American taiko group to win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest.
One of the biggest names in Celtic music internationally, Dervish is renowned for live performances which combine dazzling sets of tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs. The band, fronted by one of Ireland’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan, has recorded and toured together for more than 25 years, blending the iconic sounds of fiddle, whistle, bouzouki drum, accordion, bones, and bodhran. Join us and we think you’ll agree: Dervish are simply brilliant!
The Wailin' Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse - three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound. With their varying backgrounds, each of the Jennys is unique in their individual expression. Together they forge a unified folk-pop sound — all delivered with the irresistible vocal power of three. The Wailin’ Jennys create some of the most exciting music on the folk-roots scene, stepping up their musical game with each critically lauded recording and thrilling audiences with their renowned live performances.
