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Pink Martini

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"Amado Mio" from Pink Martini's "Sympathique"

It’s a damn shame that 12-piece jazz-lounge combo Pink Martini didn’t choose to make its Buffalo debut last Tuesday (Valentine’s Day). The group’s music is so naturally romantic and genuinely sweet that a pair of tickets to the show would have easily made for the perfect gift for any music-loving couple. Of course, these days, holidays have a way of extending themselves so there’s no reason that you can’t include the group’s upcoming performance as part of your elongated holiday celebrations. Fronted by the sultry tones of lead vocalist China Forbes and led by classically trained pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale, this group boasts an expansive line-up that includes plenty of percussion and brass instruments. As evidenced on the band’s independently released CD, Hang On Little Tomato (Heinz Records), the group’s sound incorporates elements of swing, calypso and French vocal jazz allowing it to fill the gap in the modern-lounge left vacant by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Combustible Edison and the late great Juan Garcia Esquivel. If nothing else, the band’s moniker proves apt as Pink Martini’s music can easily create a warm bubbly feeling, encourage a spontaneous fit of dancing and produce the occasional bedspin. Drink up!

Saturday, February 18 at 8pm. Rockwell Hall/Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

(878-3005). $28 general, $25 seniors.