FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Kevin Kopjak | Charles Zukow Associates | 415.296.0677 | [email protected]
INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED JAZZ AND BLUES SINGER KIM NALLEY RETURNS TO FEINSTEIN’S AT THE NIKKO FOR TWO-WEEK ENGAGEMENT
Special guest includes legendary jazz tenor saxophonist Houston Person
AUGUST 2–12, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO (May 21, 2018) – Internationally-acclaimed jazz and blues singer, Kim Nalley, returns to Feinstein’s at the Nikko for a limited two-week engagement August 2–12, 2018. Joined by her band—Tammy Hall (piano), Michael Zisman (bass) and Kent Bryston (drums)—plus special guest, legendary jazz tenor saxophonist Houston Person, Nalley will present a memorable evening of jazz and blues standards. Tickets for Kim Nalley range in price from $30–$60 and are available now by calling 866-663-1063 or visiting www.ticketfly.com.
The performance schedule for Kim Nalley is as follows:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 5 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9* FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 5 p.m.
On Thursday, August 9, Kim Nalley and Houston Person will be joined on-stage by acclaimed jazz and blues vocalist Denise Perrier for a special performance of Ladies Sing the Blues, a multi-faceted show about the blues. Ladies Sing the Blues was a sold-out smash success at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco, Yoshi's in Oakland, Pete Escovedo’s in San Jose and was named as one of the “Year’s Best Concerts” by the Mercury News. This tour-de-force showcase pays tribute to the female singing legends of the Blues, including Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Esther Phillips, Nina Simone and illustrates the progression of blues through history.
Known for her ability to turn a chattering cocktail-sipping crowd into a rapt audience of lifelong fans in minutes with a beguiling combination of sass, soul and smarts, no trip to San Francisco is complete without hearing Kim Nalley perform. In looks and presence, Nalley is often compared to Billie Holiday, but vocally she packs a three-and-a-half-octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime, projection that can whisper a ballad yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd’s interest or the intense swing. Her singing is most reminiscent of the former Basie Singers Helen Humes & Joe Williams with a dash of Dinah Washington and occasional nods to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone. In 2017 Downbeat Critics Poll nominated Kim Nalley in the "Rising Star" category, her 2017 top 20 jazz charting album Blues People was given rave reviews on Downbeat, San Francisco Chronicle and NPR. A true Renaissance woman, Kim Nalley has also been a featured writer for JazzWest and San Francisco Chronicle’s City Brights, shortlisted for a Grammy nomination, a produced playwright, a former jazz club owner, an accomplished stage actress, a Ph.D. candidate in history at UC Berkeley, and an avid lindy hop & blues dancer. Her many philanthropic endeavors include founding the Kim Nalley Black Youth Jazz Scholarship.
Described as “jazz’s working-class hero, a true man of the people,” Houston Person came to national attention with a series of soulful albums recorded for Prestige in the 1960s. Person’s fame grew even greater with his successful 30- year musical partnership with vocalist Etta Jones. He was received numerous Grammy Nominations and a 1982 Eubie Blake Jazz ward. Countless recording artists, including Lena Horne, Lou Rawls and Horace Silver, have also called on Person to perform on their albums. Person's music is often sampled by the younger generation as well, including MacArthur recipient Kendrick Lamar's "Mortal Man." A passionate tenor saxophonist, alternately tough and tender, Person is recognized as one of today’s leading instrumentalists.
Remember the sultry voice that came on the late San Francisco radio station KJAZ every fifteen minutes or so saying, "Ooo, KJAZ"? That voice belongs to song stylist Denise Perrier. The effect of a Denise Perrier show is sheer magic. She draws the audience into her world without ever being brassy, loud or overbearing. This woman is pure class. But let's not paint the picture of a cool saint! Denise is a Scorpio woman born and raised in New Orleans she knows how to make sure both she and the audience have a good time. Her theatre credits include the lead role in the Life & Times of Bessie Smith.
Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein’s at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting. There is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person inside the showroom which guests can use towards cocktails as well as a variety of small plates crafted exclusively for Feinstein’s at the Nikko, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.
Guests of Feinstein’s at the Nikko can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options before performances. Kanpai Lounge, located in Hotel Nikko’s lobby, offers light cuisine, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Restaurant Anzu, Hotel Nikko’s intimate restaurant located on the second floor, serves sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors.
For additional information on Feinstein’s at the Nikko, visit: www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com.
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ABOUT MICHAEL FEINSTEIN The two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated Michael Feinstein is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace. More than simply a performer, Feinstein has received national recognition for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular songbook and preserving its legacy for the next generation.
ABOUT THE MICHAEL FEINSTEIN GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK FOUNDATION Founded in 2007, The Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Foundation is dedicated to increasing the appreciation for the Great American Songbook and preserving it through educational programs, Master Classes, and the annual High School Vocal Academy and Competition, which awards scholarships and prizes to students across the country.
For interview or photo requests, please contact: Kevin Kopjak | Charles Zukow Associates | [email protected] | 415.296.0677