Just came back from a Pink Martini concert at Boston's Opera House.
WOW!
This was an awesome Christmas present from a friend who knows I'm a fan. Thank you, Steven.
I knew it would be fun, but when I opened the program, I couldn't believe my eyes: Ari Shapiro!
Being a daily listener of NPR, I have a secret crush on Ari. He is the NPR White House correspondent, and a real looker.
I had always liked his style on the radio; he enunciates so well. But, I had never seen him until this past election, when he was a commentator on PBS. Incredble eyes, and dimples, he just oozes confidence.
So, one night, whilst surfing youtube for Pink Martini clips, I saw one with him, and thought WTF? He can sing too??!!
I learned he was an occasional guest vocalist for the band. But, I never thought he would show up in Boston. I mean, I just heard him on the radio yesterday.
He started with a sweet Mexican ballad "Yo te quiero siempre" (I wiill love you always) which showed off his lovely tenor. Next, he did a first for the band--a Bollywood song! After intermission, he did an up tempo number called "But Now I'm Back" followed by a Pink Martini favorite, "La Soledad", much sweeter than the version on the album. Later, he asked all the Greeks in the audience to come onstage to join him in singing "Never on a Sunday" in Greek.
It seems he can do anything.
As an encore, lead singer China Forbes announced they would sing a song first done in 1964 with Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. And guess who is playing Judy? Ari minced a little, and they launched into the fab duet "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again".I was in heaven.
Alas, he is married. To some guy. Oh well.