Michael Holmes’ Purple Room is pleased to announce that Jazz Great Dianne Schuur will open its 2017/18 Season with two special shows over Labor Day Weekend. “We are really excited to be bringing Dianne Schuur back to the Purple Room,” said Purple Room Owner Michael Holmes. “The intimate setting of the Purple Room provides an ideal venue to showcase Dianne’s amazing vocal talent.”
Shuur’s new show, I Remember You: The Music of Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, and other Schuur Catalog Gems! will feature many of the songs from her 2014 album, I Remember You (With Love To Stan and Frank), but it will also include some of her most popular renditions of traditional jazz favorites as well as an eclectic collection of songs ranging from swing to pop, and even Broadway. Diane Schuur has frequently been described as one of the greatest living jazz vocalists in the world – a “harmonic chameleon that can sing anything and is able to deliver unique and incredibly memorable performances each and every time.” Such descriptions are not surprising. Her vocal range covers three and a half octaves, and, when performing, she moves between them effortlessly, with a vocal style that is at once romantic and mischievous, radiating warmth and soulful passion. Schuur is also an accomplished pianist, accompanying herself onstage, as well as on many of her recording projects.
The Purple Room has seen more than its share of great entertainers since opening its doors in 1960, both onstage and off. Long a favorite hang out for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., it also regularly attracted the likes of Steve McQueen, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. “The stars were on the stage, but they were also in the crowd.” Holmes continued. “It wasn’t just a place to perform. It really was their favorite hang out. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz actually stayed at Club Trinidad with the kids once while their home was being remodeled.”
Since purchasing the Purple Room, Michael Holmes has focused on showcasing top local entertainers during the week, and booking marquee name entertainers on weekends – people and acts more commonly seen in much larger venues. Last year, he worked with Producer Dick Taylor to bring veteran performer and Tony® Award winner Tommy Tune to the Purple Room as the season opener. Tune performed three sold out shows over Labor Day weekend, and enjoyed it so much, he returned again in February for a repeat performance (and birthday celebration). Other stars who graced the stage this year included Marilyn Maye, Carole Cook, Jo Anne Worley, Charles Busch, and Donna McKechnie, a number of whom were also produced by Taylor.