Pink Martini to Bring Holiday Show to Gallo Center, 12/3

The eclectic, acoustic-oriented sounds of Pink Martini have never been easy to categorize, but that hasn't prevented the band from acquiring an enthusiastic cult following, including a large number of fans in the San Joaquin Valley who have been clamoring for Gallo Center for the Arts to bring them to town.

They get their wish at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, December 3, when Pink Martini, with singer China Forbes, will present a holiday show that deftly mixes American standards including "White Christmas" and "We Three Kings" with holiday songs from such countries as Italy, Israel and the Ukraine.

Tickets for the concert are $19 to $79, and can be purchased online at www.galloarts.org, by calling (209) 338-2100, or from the Gallo Center ticket office at 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto.

The musical group was formed in 1994 by pianist Thomas Lauderdale in Portland, Oregon. Describing itself as a "little orchestra," its music crosses genres such as classical, Latin, jazz and classic pop. The group's debut album, "Sympathique," was released in 1997 and quickly became an international phenomenon. Pink Martini's seventh studio album, "Get Happy," was released in September and includes performances by Rufus Wainwright and the legendary Phyllis Diller.