Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

In 1994 in his hometown of Portland, OR, Thomas Lauderdale was working in local politics when he saw the need for engaging and inspiring music at political fundraisers. Drawing inspiration from music all over the world crossing genres of classical, jazz and old fashioned pop and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, he founded the little orchestra Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive music for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. One year later, Lauderdale called China Forbes, a Harvard classmate who was living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini. Their first song writing collaboration was Sympathique Je ne veux pas travailler which was an overnight sensation in France, was nominated for Song of the Year at Frances Victoires de la Musique Awards, and is still the bands number one song. In 2024 the band is celebrating its 30th anniversary!