Pink Martini

How do you explain the phenomenon that is Pink Martini? They are hard to describe - their songs span a range of different sounds, cultures and languages (we once counted 11 different languages before we stopped). It's alternatively world music, easy listening, a wonderful blend of classical, pop, big band and swing all bundled up into one gigantic package of awesome and tied with a multi-coloured bow of happiness.

All the band members are insanely talented, and all are showcased at different times as they run through their repertoire - Thomas Lauderdale on piano, China Forbes on vocals (we've also seen them with Storm Large singing as China was recovering from surgery, and she's no slouch in the vocal department either), the brass section, the percussionists, the string section - all the ingredients for a big band, and a big sound.

The best part is that they are, simply, one of the most fun bands you will ever see. Expect the unexpected! Have you ever seen a conga line weaving through the (usually) sedate Royal Albert Hall, or for the audience to be invited on stage to dance away as they play (as the band gets told off by security for this clearly unplanned event)? Balloons, confetti, streamers, with everyone on their feet dancing away, complete and utter chaos, but what a fantastic feeling!

Pink Martini are friendly and welcoming, and the best thing is that they seem to have such a good time performing, and are so relaxed and natural on stage, that you cannot help but be swept along on a wave of happiness. You will want to be their friend, and be a part of their happy, crazy, colourful, musical world. You know that feeling as you walk out of a great concert where you are still humming under your breath, have a little skip in your step and a big smile on your face? That's how you know you've been to a Pink Martini concert.