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| Russ Lorenson Celebrates Eight Years of "Christmas in San Francisco" For the eighth year, singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson comes home for the holidays with his annual show, "Christmas in San Francisco, " for two performances only at 7:30pm on December 13 & 14 at Pa'ina Lounge & Restaurant, 1865 Post Street in San Francisco. The guest artists for this year's show are San Francisco jazz legends Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Veronica Klaus. About Russ Lorenson Heard each year on "The Bay Area's Official Christmas Station - 96.5 KOIT-FM" with his recording of "Christmas in San Francisco, " Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's leading interpreters of jazz standards, with a sound and approach that place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop – the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Jazz Review says that "Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick; he is his own man." Nominated for a 2007 MAC Award by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, Russ Lorenson's passion for the stage started as a youngster, with a performing career that began at age seven in his home town of Philadelphia. As an actor he has appeared in award-winning musical productions with theatre companies throughout the US. As a vocalist he has toured the US, UK and Europe, appearing in concert with such luminaries as Broadway stars Teri Ralston ("Company", "A Little Night Music", "The Baker's Wife"), Karen Mason ("Hairspray", "Mamma Mia", "Sunset Boulevard") and Dale Kristien ("Phantom of the Opera"), "Queen of Cabaret" Andrea Marcovicci, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt. Lorenson is best known for his critically-acclaimed tributes to two American musical icons, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin. His one-man celebrations of the lives and music of these two greats have played to sold-out audiences across the US. His two CDs have received extensive radio airplay in major markets across the US and both CDs were included on the Nominating Ballot for the 2006 Grammy Awards in the category of "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" alongside such artists as Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, and John Pizzarelli. About Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill Named a San Francisco "indoor landmark" by the San Francisco Chronicle, Wesla Whitfield inhabits that indeterminate zone where jazz and cabaret meet. Trained in classical music and opera, Whitfield has toiled for more than three decades to become one of the most gifted performers breathing life into that exquisite body of Broadway tunes, movie songs and Hit Parade numbers known collectively as the Great American Songbook. Though based in the Bay Area where she held court for 27 seasons at the famed Plush Room, Whitfield has spent much of her time in New York, working such noted rooms as the Algonquin Oak Room, Le Jazz Au Bar, The Metropolitan Room and Joe's Pub at New York's Public Theater. She has also appeared in concert at NY Town Hall, Avery Fisher and Carnegie Hall. With her deft sense of time and uncanny ability to connect with the emotional truth in a lyric, the jazz world has had no qualms about embracing her as one of its own. Working with pianist/arranger Mike Greensill, the two have released 25 acclaimed recordings, including their most recent, "The Best Things In Life, " recorded live in San Francisco. Well known in his role as musical director to his wife, Mike Greensill is also resident piano player and side-kick on Sedge Thomson's weekly Public Radio show to the world, West Coast Live. He can also be caught playing jazz and singing in many a San Francisco saloon, including The Washington Square Bar and Grill in North Beach on Sundays. As an arranger, Mike has had the opportunity to write for big bands and symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops and the San Francisco Symphony. Mike has also had the pleasure of accompanying such diverse vocal talents as Rita Moreno, Margaret Whiting, Broadway stars Lillias White and Franc D'Ambrosio, and jazz singers Madeline Eastman, Ann Hampton Callaway and Opie Bellas. About Veronica Klaus Veronica Klaus is a critically-acclaimed chanteuse who evokes the glamour and mystique of studio-era leading ladies with a bit of cool June Christy style, a glimmer of fiery blues inflections, and a voice that is purely her own. She is a San Francisco cabaret icon well known for her soulful renditions of jazz, blues and cabaret classics, which she showcases beautifully on her latest CD, "Something Cool." She garnered lavish praise with her critically-acclaimed autobiographical show "Family Jewels - The Making of Veronica Klaus" at Theatre Rhinoceros. Voted Best Chanteuse by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, the San Francisco Chronicle lauds her as "A beautifully expressive and tuneful song stylist..who is brassy and confident onstage." She has performed at Slims, Cafe Du Nord, The Great American Music Hall, The Empire Plush Room, Jazz at Pearl's, The Venetian Room, and The Rrazz Room. Back by popular demand, this is Veronica's third appearance as a guest in Christmas In San Francisco. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |