Sarah Turns 100

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Following the success of their most recent shows (‘Blamey Street Swings The Beatles’ and ‘Disney Swung by Blamey Street’) the Blamey Street Big Band now turns to the music of Sarah Vaughan to celebrate her 100th year anniversary.

Nicknamed “Sassy” and “The Divine One”, Sarah Vaughan was born in March 1924 and, with her rich, controlled tone, vibrato, and bebop orientated phrasing, produced astounding performances of jazz standards. Along with Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah helped popularise the art of jazz singing, influencing generations of vocalists who followed her. During her career she was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning two awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leisa Keen, who has previously fascinated audiences with her interpretation of Ella Fitzgerald’s hits, will again front the Blamey Street Big Band to bring to life the bebop style and exact scat solos for which Sarah was so renowned. From ‘Tenderly’, ‘Perdido’, ‘Whatever Lola Wants’, ‘Misty’, ‘Lullaby of Birdland, ‘That Old Black Magic’ and many more Leisa will lead the audience on a fascinating journey into both the music and life of this amazing artist.

The band, conducted by Ian McLean, will also play tunes originally performed by the big bands with whom Sarah worked – Billy Eckstine, Count Basie, Benny Carter and Quincy Jones.