KPLU Evening Jazz host Abe Beeson was honored to introduce the amazing "little orchestra" from Portland, OR, Pink Martini to a joyous crowd at the Orpheum Theatre for this year's TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Before the show, Abe had a chance to talk with the band's leader, pianist, songwriter and founder, Thomas Lauderdale about how Pee Wee Herman helped inspire the band, their unique and international sense of musical style, the numerous and diverse list of collaborators and the intersection of music and politics. We began the interview talking about how his upbringing in Indiana set the stage for Pink Martini's success:
