Concerts
Week of August 20, 2022
Wild Women of Song – Women Hitmakers
Great Women of the Blues
Hear songs by Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Aretha, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt — all fierce, funny, gorgeous trailblazers in American music
Pamela Rose (vocals) is a San Francisco jazz and blues vocalist and educator who has thrilled audiences locally and internationally with her swinging, soulful style. Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages. Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz. Her “Wild Women of Song” and “Blues is a Woman” shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally. Rose recently teamed up with guitarist Terrence Brewer in a jazz duo project at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Ruth Davies (bass) is an Oakland resident who has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings. Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.
Daria “Shani”Johnson (Drums/Vocals) is a San Francisco-based drummer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area. After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend. Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.
Kristen Strom (Saxophone/Flute/Vocals) has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.
Scott Sorkin (Guitar) is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nneenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.