Pink Martini
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The Pink Martini Story

Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in Portland, Oregon, in 1994 with a unique mission: to create more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers. Working in politics with hopes of one day running for mayor, Lauderdale grew tired of the underwhelming music at events and decided to form his own “little orchestra.” Drawing inspiration from music across the globe—jazz, old-fashioned pop, classical, Latin, and more—he assembled a group of phenomenally talented musicians.

Lauderdale called his Harvard classmate China Forbes, who was living in New York City, and invited her to join the fledgling band. Together they began composing music that would become Pink Martini’s signature sound. Their first single, “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)”, became an overnight sensation in France and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2000 Victoires de la Musique—the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Forbes, despite being monolingual, sings in 15 different languages.

The name “Pink Martini” came from Lauderdale’s love of the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the mid-century cocktail aesthetic of Henry Mancini’s music. He thought the words “pink” and “martini” simply sounded good together—and a phenomenon was born.

Pink Martini Discography Highlights

• Sympathique (1997) – Debut album; charted in Belgium, France, and Switzerland; certified gold in Greece
• Hang on Little Tomato (2004) – #25 on U.S. Billboard 200; 2x platinum in France; gold in Canada, Germany, and Greece
• Hey Eugene! (2007) – Third studio album featuring the title track written by China Forbes
• Splendor in the Grass (2009) – Features Ari Shapiro’s Pink Martini debut
• A Retrospective (2011) – 21-track career compilation; #7 on U.S. Billboard Top Jazz Albums
• Get Happy (2013) – Features collaborations with multiple guest vocalists
• Je dis oui! (2016) – Studio album continuing their multilingual traditions
• Bella ciao EP (2025) – Latest release featuring Storm Large on the anti-fascist title track

All releases are on the band’s own Heinz Records label, named after Thomas Lauderdale’s mixed-breed dog.

Featured Vocalists & Musicians

• Thomas Lauderdale – Founder, pianist, bandleader, and the creative force behind Pink Martini
• China Forbes – Co-founder and iconic lead vocalist (currently on sabbatical); co-writer of Pink Martini’s biggest hits
• Storm Large – Powerhouse vocalist who joined the band in 2011; rock star energy meets jazz sophistication
• Ari Shapiro – Former NPR All Things Considered host; has performed with the band since 2009; now touring more extensively
• Edna Vazquez – Multilingual guest vocalist bringing Latin flair to the ensemble
• Jimmie Herrod – Stunning vocalist and America’s Got Talent finalist
• Timothy Nishimoto – Longtime percussionist and vocalist; a Pink Martini staple
• Maureen Love – Harpist adding ethereal textures to the orchestra’s sound

The full band typically features 12 or more musicians including strings, brass, percussion, and more.

Symphony Collaborations in 2026

Pink Martini is renowned for their spectacular orchestral collaborations. In 2026, catch them performing with:

• Tucson Symphony Orchestra – January 17-18 at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
• Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra – January 24-25 at Numerica Performing Arts Center
• Colorado Symphony – February 13-14 (Valentine’s weekend!) at Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver
• Detroit Symphony Orchestra – June 19-21 at Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall

Since their orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998, Pink Martini has performed with more than 75 orchestras internationally, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, National Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Martini

What kind of music does Pink Martini play?

Pink Martini blends jazz, classical, vintage pop, Latin, cabaret, and world music into a unique, cosmopolitan sound. Often described as a "little orchestra," they perform songs in over 25 languages and draw from musical traditions around the globe. Their style evokes mid-century Hollywood glamour while remaining fresh and accessible to modern audiences.

Where is Pink Martini from?

Pink Martini was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1994 by pianist Thomas Lauderdale. The band remains based in Portland and frequently performs hometown shows at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, where their annual New Year's Eve celebrations have become legendary.

Who founded Pink Martini?

Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in 1994. He created the band to provide more sophisticated musical entertainment for political fundraisers and events supporting causes he cared about, including affordable housing, civil rights, education, and public libraries. He recruited his Harvard classmate China Forbes to join as lead vocalist and co-songwriter.

Is China Forbes still with Pink Martini?

China Forbes remains a core member of Pink Martini but announced in 2025 that she would be taking a two-year sabbatical from touring to spend time with her son before he heads to college. While she may make rare appearances at shows near her Portland home, the band continues touring with its roster of talented vocalists including Storm Large, Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, and Jimmie Herrod.

Who sings with Pink Martini now?

Pink Martini features multiple vocalists including Storm Large, former NPR host Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, Jimmie Herrod, and longtime member Timothy Nishimoto. The band has always embraced collaboration, and their current tours showcase this diverse vocal talent while China Forbes is on sabbatical.

Why is Ari Shapiro in Pink Martini?

Ari Shapiro has been performing with Pink Martini since 2009 when he made his debut at the Hollywood Bowl. He grew up in Portland as a fan of the band since high school and became friends with founder Thomas Lauderdale. After leaving his role as host of NPR's All Things Considered in September 2025, Shapiro has been touring more extensively with the band while continuing his journalism and cabaret work.

What is Pink Martini's most famous song?

Pink Martini's most famous song is "Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)," their debut single that became a sensation in France and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2000 Victoires de la Musique awards. Other beloved songs include "Hang on Little Tomato," "Hey Eugene," "Amado Mio," "Una Notte a Napoli," "Let's Never Stop Falling in Love," and "Que Sera Sera."

Does Pink Martini perform with orchestras?

Yes, Pink Martini is renowned for their symphony orchestra collaborations. Since their orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998, they have performed with more than 75 orchestras internationally, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Cleveland Orchestra, and BBC Concert Orchestra. Their 2026 tour includes collaborations with the Tucson Symphony, Colorado Symphony, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

How many languages does Pink Martini sing in?

Pink Martini performs songs in over 25 languages including French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Croatian, Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, Mandarin, and many more. This multilingual approach reflects founder Thomas Lauderdale's vision of music as a universal language that brings people together across cultures.

What is the name of Pink Martini's record label?

Pink Martini releases music on their own label called Heinz Records, named after Thomas Lauderdale's mixed-breed dog. The band has released over a dozen albums and EPs on the label since their 1997 debut, maintaining creative control over their unique musical vision.

What is Pink Martini's latest album?

Pink Martini released the EP "Bella ciao" in Spring 2025, featuring the powerful anti-fascist title track sung by Storm Large. The band has announced plans for a full-length collaborative release with legendary Iranian singer Googoosh in early 2026, plus a new studio album by the end of 2026.

Who is Storm Large?

Storm Large is a rock vocalist and performer who joined Pink Martini in 2011. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, she has become a fan favorite and frequently performs lead vocal duties with the band. She was a finalist on the CBS show Rock Star: Supernova and brings rock-star energy to Pink Martini's sophisticated sound.

How many musicians are in Pink Martini?

Pink Martini typically features 12 or more musicians on stage, including piano, strings, brass, harp, percussion, and multiple vocalists. The exact lineup varies by tour and venue, and expands significantly when performing with symphony orchestras.

What should I expect at a Pink Martini concert?

Expect a joyful, energetic show featuring songs in multiple languages, stunning vocal performances, and audience participation including a legendary conga line. Pink Martini concerts blend sophisticated musicianship with humor and warmth, often featuring dance competitions, audience sing-alongs, and surprise guest performers. The band creates an inclusive atmosphere that feels like a celebration.

Are Pink Martini tickets guaranteed authentic?

Yes, all tickets sold through our marketplace are guaranteed 100% authentic. We work exclusively with verified sellers and provide full buyer protection on every transaction. If any issue arises with your tickets, our customer service team will resolve it or provide a full refund.

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Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Pink Martini live! From the first notes of Thomas Lauderdale’s piano to the final conga line through the aisles, a Pink Martini concert is pure joy. Browse available tickets above and join the party—because as the band says, if you love music, you’ll love Pink Martini!