Pink Martini Performs Selections From Their Upcoming Album Splendor In The Grass

Special Guest Appearances by NPR’s Ari Shapiro and Emilio Delgado (aka “Luis” form Sesame Street)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009, AT 8 PM

Pink Martini, the popular mini-orchestra, led by pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale and vocalist China Forbes, returns to the Hollywood Bowl to perform their vintage-chic 40’s and 50’s signature pop sound with special guests on Saturday, September 19 at 8 p.m. Notable journalist Ari Shapiro and Emilio Delgado (aka “Luis” from Sesame Street) join Pink Martini as special guest performers.

Pink Martini founder and pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale describes the ensemble as “musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern. One of our goals is to make music which has broad appeal to people, no matter who they are or where they come from.” In addition to including an array of talented musicians in the orchestra, Pink Martini’s sound features lead singer China Forbes, who sings with charming authenticity in 14 different languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic and English.

The Washington Post says of Pink Martini, “This is rich, hugely approachable music, utterly cosmopolitan yet utterly unpretentious. And it seems to speak to just about everybody…from grade-schoolers to grandmothers to the young and hip and beautiful.” Diverse and dynamic, Pink Martini continues to be a favorite all around the world.

Pink Martini releases its fourth album Splendor in the Grass on October 27 through the band’s label Heinz Records. The album features collaborations with guest artists including the legendary ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, Emilio Delgado, Ari Shapiro, and Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols.

The band’s previous album, Hey Eugene! debuted at #30 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on Amazon’s best sellers list.

The voice of Ari Shapiro is most recognized as the Justice Correspondent on NPR on Morning Edition and All Things Considered. On September 19, he showcases his voice by singing with Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to radio journalism, Ari Shapiro frequently appears as a news analyst on PBS’s News Hour with Jim Lehrer. His reporting has been recognized with awards from the American Bar Association and the Columbia Journalism Review, among others. He is also an avid practitioner of parkour.

Emilio Delgado joined the cast of Sesame Street in 1971 as “Luis. ” He holds the distinction of having the longest running part for a Chicano actor in a continuing television series. Emilio has been recognized numerous times by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his work on Sesame Street and recently at the Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles where he and the cast received a Lifetime Achievement Award for 40 years on the air. He continues to work in theater and television in New York City, where he lives with his wife Carol.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009, 8PM

HOLLYWOOD BOWL, 2301 N. Highland Ave. in Hollywood



PINK MARTINI



China Forbes, vocals

Thomas M. Lauderdale, piano

Timothy Nishimoto, vocals and percussion

Gavin Bondy, trumpet

Robert Taylor, trombone

Derek Rieth, congas and percussion

Martin Zarzar, drums and percussion

Brian Davis, congas and percussion

Phil Baker, upright bass

Dan Faehnle, guitar

Maureen Love, harp

Pansy Chang, cello

Nicolas Crosa, violin

Greg Ewer, violin

Joy Fabos, violin

Julie Coleman, violin

Ines Voglar, violin

Joel Belgique, viola

Jun Iwasaki, violin

Grace Fong, celesta

Jennifer Arnold, viola

Paul Crosa, cello



Ari Shapiro, special guest

Emilio Delgado, special guest

Tickets ($15-$116) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.), or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a 20% discount, subject to availability; call 323.850.2050 for further details. For general information or to request a brochure, call 323.850.2000.

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