Marilyn Maye recently returned to Michael Holmes’ Purple Room for two sold out performances with a show celebrating her ninetieth birthday! Ms. Maye, who still tours and performs all over the country, has been an inspiration to many – among them the very talented and popular singer Lori Donato, who will be celebrating Maye's career with a tribute show in Saturday, April 21st.
Ms. Donato’s unique friendship with Ms. Maye spans five decades, starting at the New Inn Resort in Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Ms. Donato, who was vacationing there with her family, was asked to babysit Ms. Maye’s daughter. Over the years, Ms. Maye became Ms. Donato’s treasured friend, muse, mentor, and inspiration. Ms. Donato ultimately became a successful international performer and teacher in her own right, and for the past six years has been the West Coast representative for Ms. Maye’s Master Classes.
Lori Donato will be sharing stories and songs associated with Ms. Maye’s illustrious career and will be joined by the Rick Hils Trio and another mutual friend of Ms. Maye’s, singer Jay Winger. “ If you love Marilyn Maye, you’re going to love this show,” says Michael Holmes, owner of Michael Holmes’ Purple Room.
About Lori Donato: Lori Donato is an internationally known singer, pianist, entertainer, musician, vocal and performance coach based in Los Angeles, California. As a spirited, charming and versatile performer, she maintains a busy live music schedule in clubs, lounges, hotels, cabarets and concert venues throughout Southern California. Playing the audience as skillfully as the piano, singer/musician Lori Donato brings an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, torch, standards and popular song to the stage.
The energetic and amiable Ms. Donato creates a warm, comfortable room, with plenty of lively audience interaction. Weaving together torch songs, ballads, show tunes and plenty of fun repartee, Lori's act is must-see entertainment.