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Event
Marti Mendenhall
Jazz singer Marti Mendenhall takes the stage in a benefit concert for Friends of the Children. Her solo performance of classic and Halloween Jazz tunes begins at 7:30 pm on October 29th, 2011 at the First Unitarian Church. Sponsored by Chuck's Produce and Street Market and Zipfizz Healthy Energy Mix.
Marti's silky vocals seamlessly weave together in jazz, standards, be-bop, vocal improvisation and swing styles. She is joined on stage by renowned jazz musicians George Mitchell, who tours with Diana Ross, Scott Steed who plays for Diane Schuur, Todd Strait who has performed with Karrin Allyson and the New York Voices and Aliyih Bristol on back up vocals who has sung with Naomi LaViolette and the Oregon Repertory Singers. The audience will feel the rhythmic spontaneity of Ella Fitzgerald, the deep warmth of Nat King Cole and the twilight swing of Mel Tormé through Marti's rich vocals.
As a former teacher, Miss Mendenhall values local, community based organizations that benefit school children. To raise funds and awareness of Friends of the Children, a portion of each ticket sold goes directly to the Portland Chapter. Learn more about FOTC by visiting www.friendsofthechildren.org/portland
The First Unitarian Church of Portland will be converted into an intimate theatrical space with stage lights and a state-of-the-art concert sound system tuned specifically to highlight jazz music.
Advance purchase recommended.
Prior to the concert, Marti will conduct a Vocal Jazz Improv Workshop beginning at 10:00 am. Space is limited so register early. Please call 503-573-5494 for more info and registration.
Biographies:
Marti Mendenhall: Marti's captivating vocals have entertained and delighted audiences through out the world. As a Jazz vocalist, Marti has opened for The Four Freshman, New York Voices, The Bobs, The Ritz and Take 6. She has soloed with the Seattle Jazz Repertory Orchestra, Belle Voci Women's Ensemble, Naomi LaViolette, and the jazz quintet, After Hours. She has taught Vocal Jazz to students at Oregon Episcopal School from 1998 - 2003 and also acted as the Interim Director of Vocal Jazz at Clackamas Community College. She has had five vocal jazz arrangements published through UNC Jazz Press. Her original tune, "Brazilia", co-written with Joey Herbert, is still performed throughout the US at concerts and jazz festivals. When not singing with Oregon Repertory Singers, Marti conducts workshops to professional, church and student choirs, and anyone interested in developing their vocal expression.
George Mitchell: George has been pop superstar Diana Ross' first-call pianist for more than two decades. Since 1980, he has accompanied her musical ensemble performing all over the world. He has appeared on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, NBC's Today Show and Oprah. George has played with jazz legends such as Sonny Stitt, Philly Jo Jones, Richie Cole, Eddie Harris, Jon Hendricks and Kirk Whalum. In 1997, Mitchell released his first CD, "Perspectives". In 2003 he released "Play Zone" then "Ballads" in 2005. When he's not performing and composing, he is a highly sought-after studio musician and jazz piano instructor. georgemitchellmusic.com
Scott Steed: Scott has been playing bass professionally since he was only 12! A native of Michigan who moved to San Francisco in his early twenties, Steed has been a firstcall bassist on the west coast for such jazz luminaries as Horace Silver, Joe Williams and Joe Henderson; he's particularly supported numerous vocalists including the great Mark Murphy (with whom he recorded the Grammy nominated "September Ballads"), Karrin Allyson, Rebecca Parrish, Rebecca Kilgore Nancy King, Sara Gazarek, and Diane Schuur, for whom he serves as Musical Director for the last ten years. He has also toured with Laura Caviani for Concord records.
Todd Strait: Todd is an established drummer having participated in three Grammy nominated albums. He has toured with Kevin Mahogany, Karrin Allyson and Eldar. Todd currently lives in Portland, Oregon and enjoys being off the road and just playing with local greats such as PDXV, Greg Goebel's Trio, Warren Rand, Dan Balmer, and Randy Porter. When Todd is not drumming, he serves as a faculty member for several summer jazz camps and is an adjunct drumset instructor at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. Todd's next tour with Eldar is in September to Moscow, Russia, for a performance with the National Russian Symphony Orchestra. You can learn more about Todd on his website: toddstraitdrums.com
Aliyih Bristol Aliyih is a lyric soprano known for her rich tone and graceful musicality. When performing renaissance, baroque and early classical, her voice illuminates an individual authenticity. However, she is not limited and easily embraces the lively textures of contemporary music--ranging from 40s swing, indie folk, and blue grass. As an academic, she performed title operatic roles such as Cherubino in Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro, Hansel in Humperdink's Hansel and Gretel, and Donna Ribalda in PDQ Bach's The Stoned Guest. In 1995, performed with the San Francisco Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and the San Francisco Early Music Society and studied under acclaimed mezzo and recording artist, Karen Clark. Since her return to Oregon, Aliyih's experience and range of vocals has provided opportunities to perform with The Oregon Repertory Singers, The Naomi LaViolette Trio, and Christian a cappella with the Westside Praise, with whom she has recorded two full CDs.
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LocationFirst Unitarian Church
1211 SW Main St
Portland, OR 97205
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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