Photos courtesy of Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts
The dynamic ensemble Pink Martini is set to light up the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts with their holiday spirit. Part of their 12-city “Tons of Tinsel” tour, the performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Known as the “little orchestra,” Pink Martini features over a dozen musicians under the baton of pianist Thomas Lauderdale. The group is renowned for its eclectic blend of classical, jazz, Latin, and old-fashioned pop. Audiences can expect a musical journey that includes classic Christmas carols such as “We Three Kings” and “White Christmas,” as well as international melodies like “Talj, Talj” (translating to “Snow, Snow”).
The ensemble boasts the compelling vocals of China Forbes, accompanied by artists on trumpet, violin, bass, and percussion. This concert will be further enlivened by guest vocalists Edna Vazquez, winner of the Most Influential Latina Award 2019, and Jimmie Herrod, who earned a Golden Ticket on “America’s Got Talent” in 2021.
Pink Martini’s performances are characterized by their timeless melodies and multicultural holiday songs, seamlessly blending different musical genres. Lauderdale describes the group as “a rollicking around-the-world musical adventure…If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully, we’d be that band.”
The band, hailing from Portland, Oregon, has a strong following and has sold out their last three performances at the Webb Center.
Stephanie Fornoff, director of Marketing and Box Office Operations for the theater, says she is excited to welcome the group back for another spirited performance. “The music they make is so joyous and festive; it gets everyone tapping their toes and swaying to the rhythm. You just can’t beat that type of cheerful energy especially right before Christmas.”
The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1090 S. Vulture Mine Rd., in Surprise. Tickets for the Pink Martini concert start at $70 for adults, with a special price of $5 for attendees 18 and under.
Tickets are available by calling the Webb Center Box Office at 928-684-6624 or visiting dewpac.org.
