Événement

SHADES OF BLUE - Lina Koutrakos

Mixing pop, standards, originals and more with Rick Jensen at the piano and on arrangements, Lina Koutrakos's bluesy-hued voice lends itself to stories, melodies and feelings in SHADES OF BLUE on Saturday, January 11, 2014, 8:00pm, at The Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63103.

*****

Lina Koutrakos was awarded by the Manhattan Association of Clubs and Cabarets - along with Billy Stritch- its BEST ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2007. The NY Times says "Her emotional strength is embedded in singing that has a defiant rock edge" and Billboard Magazine declares "This electrifying woman is the real thing!" The Village Voice states "She covers the distance from Cabaret to Rock with the amazing grace of a confident aerialist." Along with her band, Lina has repeatedly sold out the legendary Bottom Line and sang to standing room only at Manhattans B.B Kings. She was a "regular" at the Iridium Jazz club and is at present at Joe's Pub at the Joseph Papp Public Theater. Her cabaret shows have taken her back and forth to Europe, and seen her singing in most of Manhattan's premier cabaret clubs (from The Rainbow Room to The Metropolitan Room) as well. Lina was greeted with great enthusiasm when making her 54 Below debut this past January.

*****

Rick Jensen is certainly no stranger to the St. Louis cabaret scene. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, director, and producer served as music director for many local cabaret performers and has starred in several sold-out solo performances in town. Rick's compositions have become standards on the New York City Club circuit, garnering him critical praise and earning him six Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs MAC Awards including "Tonight, New York City: The Rick Jensen Songbook," written, musical directed, and hosted by Rick Jensen, directed by Lina Koutrakos at the Metropolitan Room in New York (2012).

"There's a new genius in the roomCole Porter, Peter Allen, Tom Lehrer, and Nancy Lamott must be beaming down on their collective progeny." -- The Advocate on Rick Jensen's debut CD "Spring Harvest" on which he performs his original material.