Storm Large Cabaret Blows Into Sun Valley for 2 Shows: Fri, Sep 28!

The Center thrilled to host two upcoming cabaret performances by the incredible Storm Large — a singer/songwriter, actor, playwright and author who’s nothing short of awesome. Both performances will be held at the Sun Valley Opera House on Friday, Sept. 28, with showtimes at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

A frequent guest vocalist with Pink Martini, Storm Large’s stage presence is arresting and her voice stunning. Her punk roots have been grafted to the classic American songbook, and she weaves together a cabaret show combining titillating and, at times, tortured love songs and stories. Her interpretations are sublime and subversive, beautiful and familiar, and she leaves her audiences breathless.

Storm Large has sung in a remarkable variety of settings and with a wide variety of people, including k.d. lang, pianist Kirill Gerstein, punk rocker John Doe, singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright, funk legend George Clinton, and the BBC Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestras. Large makes wonderful records, but one must see and hear her in concert to fully appreciate her craft. Kristine Bretall, Director of Performing Arts at The Center, is a big fan. “Storm Large is simply one of the best performers I’ve ever seen,” said Bretall. “Her joy in performing is mixed with an honesty that takes audiences by surprise. I’ve seen her at least five times in concert, and she carries a crowd with her like a tidal wave. She’s sexy, powerful and takes no prisoners. She will love you, leave you and delight you with a wicked charm and stunning vocals that will have you begging for more.”

Bretall continued, “Not for the faint of heart, Storm Large brings her full 6 feet of raw energy to the stage and might just make you a little nervous, but you’ll like it. We ourselves thought, ‘Is Sun Valley ready for Storm?’ We know you are, but just to be sure, The Center will present two shows, both recommended only for those 17 and older, but the earlier one will be tamer and the late show will be Storm unleashed. Find a babysitter now — this is an event for grown-ups who want to have fun (you might even want to get dressed up), get loose and let their hair down!”

Large’s most recent album, “Le Bonheur,” runs the gamut of songwriters and styles. Songs by Cole Porter live comfortably alongside those by Tom Waits, Black Sabbath, Randy Newman and Jacques Brel, as well as a few originals. It’s a wholly delightful collection from a tattooed singer/songwriter who embraces all forms of music, from jazz to punk to classical.

“These are songs that I’ve always loved,” Large said. “These are songs that are — in my imagination — wonderful love songs, and they’re also love songs that have given me a lot of pleasure in a very lonely life. I became a musician pretty much because I was such a lonely person. And happiness is finding the thing that I can do that creates joy, not only for myself, but makes other people happy.” Le Bonheur is French for “happiness”; it is also the name of Large’s band.

Her concerts, which sell out quickly, are adult-oriented, so concertgoers should be forewarned. Whether talking to a national magazine or a community newspaper, Large holds nothing back in interviews, which may involve F-bombs and are always slyly peppered with innuendo (like her band’s name). With her magnificent singing voice, her impressive physical presence and her often very personal, funny and sometimes heart-wrenching anecdotes, her shows are a veritable tour de force.

One of Large’s many career highlights was being invited to join Pink Martini in 2011. “Singing with the National Symphony Orchestra with Pink Martini was my first gig [with them],” she said. “I had to learn 10 songs in five languages four days before singing at a sold-out Kennedy Center. I was told I did a great job, but I don’t remember, because it was literally sheer horror and panic the whole time. But they say I did well, and they kept me in the band, so I guess I did OK.”

Storm Large’s performances are generously sponsored by Linda & Bill Nicholson.

Performance Schedule
Friday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m. – Early show, rated PG-13
Friday, Sept. 28, 9 p.m. – Late show, “Storm UNLEASHED”

Ticket Information
Premium reserved seats: $75* for members of The Center / $85* for non-members
Regular reserved seats are $50* for members of The Center / $60* for non-members
*Prices listed do not include taxes or applicable ticket fees

Content Advisory

Storm Large’s cabaret performances are appropriate for an audience aged 17 and older. The shows may contain adult content and strong language (with humor).