MELBA'S KITCHEN

MELBA’S KITCHEN - the all-women big band celebrating Black women musical geniuses Melba Liston and Mary Lou Williams, and their friends - makes a swinging return to YOSHI’s. MELBA’S KITCHEN creates a signature atmosphere of kindness, joy, political action, and fun - essential for these times!

MELBA’S KITCHEN is a “talent-packed ensemble” (Andy Gilbert), “so astonishing - so swinging” (Dr. Dee Spencer), that delivers “a marvelous night and good vibes all around.” (Rebeca Mauleon) Their performance includes a mix of concert pieces showcasing Liston and Williams, with a healthy menu of dance tunes, plus a taste of the band’s originals. A musical journey you’ll never forget!

MELBA’S KITCHEN honors the under-recognized jazz great MELBA LISTON and her formidable contributions to jazz. Liston toured with and wrote for Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Gerald Wilson, and collaborated for decades - in the Ellington/ Strayhorn mode - with piano titan Randy Weston. Liston had a great big beautiful sound on the trombone, and was a pioneer as a woman in jazz. She arranged for many, including Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Marvin Gaye, Clark Terry, and Ruth Brown. Liston also arranged for her dear friend and inspiration, MARY LOU WILLIAMS, who was an activist for jazz, a virtuosic and inspired pianist, composer, and arranger. MELBA’S KITCHEN intends to bring Liston’s and Williams’ names into your musical household.

Don’t miss what audiences at the Freight and Salvage, San Francisco’s de Young Museum, SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium, the National Women’s Music Festival, and the Healdsburg Festival have experienced - a most exuberant step into the Summer!

contact: Pat Mullan 510-295-7681