Marlena Shaw Plays Feinstein's at the Nikko This Weekend

Legendary jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw will make her debut at Feinstein's at the Nikko for two performances only - tonight, October 11 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, October 12 (7 p.m.) Backed by the Marlena Shaw Quartet, Shaw will feature an evening of her greatest hits from throughout her 40-plus year career. Tickets for Marlena Shaw range in price from $35 - $50 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

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 by Executive Chef Philippe Striffeler, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.

While everyone agrees that Marlena Shaw is a national treasure, it's difficult to categorize her. Both Downbeat and Record World have named her "Best Female Singer," and many have compared her range, class and swing that of to eternal jazz lights like Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, and Nancy Wilson. She's also been called a "soul legend." The critics use words like "astonishing," "peerless," "radiant" and "powerful," and marvel at her "soaring sensuality."

Given her 40-year plus boundary-busting career, such labeling confusion is inevitable. It's easier and more descriptive to think of Marlena as a natural element: like water. Marlena's music is unmistakable. Whether she's singing jazz, R&B, pop, rock, soul, blues or gospel, her originality makes such distinctions irrelevant, and each song becomes intimate and new.

Marlena is universally admired for her warm, supple voice and relaxed charm; a natural storyteller, her spoken words before, during, and between songs is often hilarious. Marlena's smiling; spontaneous interplay with both her band and her audience invites the listener in like a valued friend.

Using the experience she received with the Count Basie Band, Marlena has become a favorite singer for big bands. Witness her work with Frank Foster at Lincoln Center and with Diva. But despite her long experience, there's no slickness or pretense in Marlena's style. Communicating directly from her heart and soul to yours, her undiminished creative vitality has no artificial ingredients. Like water - or a welcome breath of fresh air - Marlena is an all-natural element.

All seating at Feinstein's at the Nikko is cabaret style and available on a first-come, first-served basis within the section purchased. Guests who purchase the prix-fixe dinner at Restaurant Anzu will receive a complimentary section upgrade (subject to availability) and get to choose their exact seat locations within the upgraded section.

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. Restaurant Anzu will also offer Feinstein's at the Nikko guests a special three-course prix-fixe dinner ($45 per person) prior to all performances. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 394-1100.

To post a comment, you must register and login.