China Forbes, the glamorous voice of Portland’s own world-famous “little orchestra” Pink Martini, is celebrating the release of her brand-new solo album “The Road” with a solo concert at the Elsinore Theatre!

Scheduled for global release on May 17, 2024, “The Road” features 11 new original songs by Forbes, including the singles “Full Circle” (heard often in concert with Pink Martini) and “Rise.”

China Forbes has toured the globe for over 25 years with Pink Martini, performing on the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and many more. 

Forbes began her musical career as a singer-songwriter, influenced and inspired by Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Suzanne Vega, and she has written numerous songs, including the beloved title track to Pink Martini’s third album “Hey Eugene.” Along with Pink Martini bandleader Thomas Lauderdale, Forbes also co-wrote many other notable hits for the band, including “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)” and “Hang on Little Tomato.” Her new album “The Road” finds her returning to her singer-songwriter roots, sharing a journey of personal, autobiographical songs that tell the story of her life so far. 

Forbes is the 2022 recipient of the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Previous winners include Diana Ross, Etta James, Liza Minelli, Diana Krall and Aretha Franklin.

“Ms. Forbes is an unpretentious, pitch-perfect chanteuse who can be breathy and girlish or sultry … she tempers heartbreak with savoir-faire.” –The New York Times