We love the groovy, lounge-y vibe of the eclectic Pink Martini. Inspired by the music of romantic Old Hollywood, we have found Pink Martini perfect for swanky cocktail parties or whenever we’re in that retro-hip mood; pop in a Pink Martini CD, shake or stir a drink, dirty of course, and relax to the worldy chic vibe of the “little orchestra,” led by bandleader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale.

We were fortunate enough to chat with lead songstress, Storm Large, taking the stage, literally by storm, with Pink Martini. Coming soon to the Celebrity Theatre, presented by Celebrity and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Storm replaces singer China Forbes, as Forbes recovers from throat surgery. The belting beauty tell us about life on the road, preparation for Pink Martini and the inspiration of music.

DLT: Your name is so interesting. What was the inspiration for it?
Storm Large: It’s actually my birth name. My dad had a friend nicknamed Stormy and thought it was a cool name for a girl. He was kinda right, but with my last name, my big mouth and the fact I was about 6-feet tall at 14, I initially got a ton of crap for it.

Ironically, you are taking the stage ‘by storm’ with Pink Martini while China Forbes recovers from throat surgery. What has it been like?
I have had so much fun with them. I love China too … they’re all incredibly talented, as well as fun, easy-going people.

How long did you have to prepare for the tour?
Prepare? I sang four sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center with four days to learn 10 songs in five different languages. I have been playing catch-up ever since!

What’s the best part about touring with Pink Martini?
It’s a tie between the lovely Pink Martini fans and making Thomas laugh. He has the most contagious laugh!

What’s the most difficult part of performing?
Staying rested. You keep such a strange and ever-changing schedule, a different bed every night. It is really hard to get sufficient sleep. And sleep, more than anything else, is what you need to keep going on stage.

How long have you been singing?
All my life, professionally for the last 15 or 16 years.

What has been the most significant accomplishment of your career so far?
There have been soooo many! I’ve been very lucky. The most recent was getting the audience at the Royal Albert Hall to dance around in a conga line. A big, English conga line. Also getting to sing with John Doe from X … that was HUGE.

How has the tour impacted your career?
Pink Martini has a very different audience than mine, yet they have embraced me and my music as well. It has definitely expanded my audience worldwide.

There’s been an explosion of reality talent competitions on television. Why do you think people are inspired to sing?
Music is and always has been a universal language. So many things we can’t articulate get explained for us through song. Artists in general are communicators. We’re also a little bonkers, so we are compelled to throw ourselves out there and ask to be understood. Reality TV has given a whole new arena to expose and promote singers you might otherwise have never heard.

What are your plans after the Pink Martini tour?
I start my book tour then I go on vacation with my husband who will kill me if I don’t!

Pink Martini takes the stage Sunday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased here. For more information on Celebrity Theater, click here.

Celebrity Theatre | 440 N. 32nd Street | Phoenix, AZ 85008

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