Jazz-pop outfit Pink Martini is out on the road for their much-anticipated 30th Anniversary Tour, which comes to Canada this week with stops at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre on October 10th and Ottawa’s Southam Hall on October 11th. The Portland-based group is celebrating three decades of musical innovation and collaboration. They’ve got longtime vocalist China Forbes on the road with them, along with very special guests on select dates. Bandleader Thomas Lauderdale joins us to discuss the beginnings of Pink Martini, their commitment to uniting diverse audiences through music, and the excitement surrounding their new track “I Told Ya I Love Ya, Now Get Out!” featuring the iconic Mamie Van Doren.
JG: As you celebrate 30 years as a band, what are some of the most memorable moments or milestones that stand out to you during this journey?
Thomas Lauderdale: Pink Martini came out of the political work I was doing back in 1994. There was a nasty attempt to amend the Oregon Constitution to declare homosexuality illegal, and I was out campaigning against it. I had just seen Pee-wee Herman’s Christmas special, which featured every guest star imaginable and the Del Rubio Triplets. Do you know the Del Rubio Triplets? I brought them to Portland to perform in nursing homes and, at the end of their set, they would sweetly say, “Please vote no on Amendment 13.” Then, I needed an opening act for a public concert, so I threw on a Betsey Johnson cocktail dress and that’s how Pink Martini started. It’s funny to think that if it weren’t for Pee-wee Herman and that anti-gay-rights initiative, the band might not exist.
Another unforgettable moment and probably the ultimate highlight of Pink Martini was backing Myrlie Evers-Williams for her debut performance at Carnegie Hall. Her husband Medgar Evers was a civil rights leader and headed up the NAACP in Mississippi. He was assassinated for his work in 1963. Myrlie was almost 80 when we performed with her and being part of that was just profound.
JG: Picking up on the political leanings of Pink Martini, I’ve seen you mention wanting to represent a more beautiful, inclusive America through your music. How do you hope the audience will engage with this message during the tour?
Thomas Lauderdale: I used to shout a lot of political messages from the stage, but I’ve moved away from that. Now, just being who we are—diverse and inclusive—is a political statement in itself. It’s funny; a good third of our audience probably voted for Donald Trump! These are people I wouldn’t normally associate with, but they come out to our shows and enjoy the music alongside everyone else. It’s all about finding common ground through uplifting music.
JG: What do you think it is about your music that resonates across different ages, cultures, and backgrounds?
Thomas Lauderdale: Our performances attract a wonderfully diverse crowd. We don’t swear on stage, the energy is fun, and we don’t hit anyone over the head with political preaching. Everyone can come, relax, and have a good time. That openness allows people from all walks of life to enjoy the music together.
JG: Pink Martini is known for its unique blend of jazz, classical, and pop. How has your sound evolved over the years, and what do you think has influenced that evolution?
Thomas Lauderdale: Our sound has been influenced by so many eclectic sources—George Gershwin, Old Hollywood, Fellini films, and of course, Pee-wee Herman and cartoons. Our travels play a huge role too. We love learning to sing in the languages of the places we visit. I don’t do the singing, but singing only in English can be a bit boring! It’s exciting to delve into French, Farsi, and other exotic languages. And getting to work with performers from these countries enriches our music and connects us more deeply to different cultures. We’ve worked with everyone from Phyllis Diller to Rufus and Martha Wainright to the Iranian singer Googoosh. Plus, the audience gets a kick out of seeing China Forbes singing in Farsi!
JG: You have a new song out “I Told Ya I Love Ya, Now Get Out!” featuring Mamie Van Doren. Can you tell us about that?
Thomas Lauderdale: Ah, Mamie Van Doren! Have you heard the new song yet? She recorded her vocals at 90 years old in 2021! Collaborating with her is right up there for me. She’s such a star, and you know, I don’t think she’s had any work done. Maybe her being from South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore, has something to do with it! It’s an honor to work with someone of her caliber at this stage in her career. She’s in her 90s and still getting around. You know, she lives with a menagerie of animals and her much younger stud husband. Maybe that’s her secret? I’m 54 and I’m not getting around like Mamie.
JG: As you celebrate this anniversary, what are your hopes and aspirations for Pink Martini in the next decade? Are you envisioning Pink Martini’s 40th or 50th anniversary tours?
Thomas Lauderdale: Honestly, I’m not someone who has a five or ten-year plan. I probably don’t even have a one-year plan for Pink Martini! That’s just not how we operate. I tend to make lists of personal goals that I never finish. We like to live in the moment, and right now, I’m just so excited to be playing in Canada again. You all exist up there in the North, and we can’t wait to share our music with you.
Pink Martini comes to Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre this Thursday, October 10th. Get tickets here.
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