Sunday 05 May 2024.

Sunday 05 May 2024. PINK MARTINI live at The Royal Albert Hall. Pink Martini is an American band founded in 1994 by pianist Thomas Lauderdale in Portland, Oregon. Group members call it a little orchestra that crosses several styles, such as classical, latin, traditional pop, and jazz. They have released over a dozen albums since 1997. Pink Martini has sold over 3 million albums worldwide on their own independent label Heinz Records. Music fashions come and go, but Pink Martini tick along nicely just doing their own thing. --------- The venue is an impressive 95% sold tonight. As expected , it was a smartly dressed older crowd. They perform a long show of 2 hours 15 mins, over two sets of 60 mins and 75 mins. Around a dozen musicians on stage tonight. The Pink Martini show was truly all about Pink Martini, with founder and versatile and charismatic bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale, the band’s first lead singer China Forbes and longtime guest vocalists Storm Large, Ari Shapiro, Edna Vasquez and Jimmie Herrod sensually sashaying and romping through some of their best known and most colorful tunes, sung infectiously and emotionally in an exotic kaleidoscope of multiple languages. Their repertoire is wildly diverse. At one moment, you feel like you're in the middle of a samba parade in Rio de Janeiro, and in the next moment, you're in a French music hall of the 1930s or in a Palazzo in Napoli. It's a bit like an urban musical travelogue. The crowd got up to dance for a few songs,that included a full on conga , for the last song. At the start of the second set , a couple of male fans were invited on stage for some hilarious audience participation . Their big track from 2007 ' Hey Eugene!' was performed near the end of this enjoyable show. ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Saturday 04 May 2024....7pm to 10.30pm... UBA at The Hart Hotel - press visit - 61-67 Great Eastern Street , London EC2. The team behind Soho’s Sucre and the recently opened CLAP London, is bringing a new Pan-Asian dining concept to Shoreditch. The 275 sqm space is located on Great Eastern Street and forms part of the Hart Shoreditch Hotel. It features a 105-cover restaurant plus a private dining room seating 12. Interiors by architecture and interior studio, Verhaal, take inspiration from the culture and mythology of Asia with a palette featuring the traditionally auspicious colours of red and gold. A statement marble bar, offering counter dining for up to 14, takes centre stage. Furniture includes red velvet banquettes and lava stone tabletops with antique mirrors, decorative lighting, illustrative artwork and Asian ceramics completing the vibrant picture. At UBA, they embark on a sensory journey through the vibrant streets of Asia, seamlessly blending East London’s dynamic spirit with the exotic allure of Pan-Asian flavours. Immerse yourself in an experience where plush interiors, innovative cocktails, and Pan-Asian street food creates a playground for the senses. Inspired by the rich heritage of Shoreditch, UBA is a celebration of authentic culture, where every dish and design detail tells a captivating story of craft. With their playful yet sophisticated ambiance and a commitment to inclusive luxury, UBA invites you to belong— to indulge, to connect, and to discover the art of contemporary Asian dining. -------- The DJ is spinning tracks in the foyer of this cool hotel.....we are given a perfect window table. We are shown around their private dining spaces. STARTERS The starters were six small sharing plates , including Korean Crispy Fried Chicken Rock Shrimp Style Tempura Angus Beef Cyoza MAINS were also shared... Yakinuku Beef Ribeye Imperial Miso Black Cod Ramen - Sea Bass Taco - Artichoke and Avocado DESSERT Matcha Tiramisu DRINKS We had a bottle of sparking water and three cocktails each .... Toki Whisky and Ginger Ale Mango Infused Haku Vodka Tarry Lapsang Souchong Infused Tequila The service and presentation was top notch. An excellent five star evening. www.ubarrstaurant.com - Visit their website here. -----------------------

Posted 5th May 2024