Marin Jazz & The Lark Present

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers with Special Guest, Danny Armstrong

The sultry chanteuse Lavay Smith evokes a sensuous era of Jazz queens and sexy pinups and adds a modern, feminist twist. Lavay Smith is internationally recognized as one of the top bands in the world performing classic American jazz, swing, blues, R&B and New Orleans music from the mid-twentieth century. 

Singing from the Count Basie, Dinah Washington, Bessie Smith, Little Esther Phillips Song Book of classics, Lavay’s group is universally respected for it’s world-class musicianship, and includes some of the top musicians on the scene today.

Her bandmembers have played with Ray 
Charles, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Santana, Wynton Marsalis, Big Mama Thornton, Taj Mahal, Van Morrison, Tito Puente, Steve Miller, Ramsey Lewis, Johnny Otis, Sy Oliver, Vince Guaraldi, Rufus Thomas, Rosemary Clooney, Anita O’Day and many other giants of American music. 

Authentic Jazz & Blues: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet are often called upon to present historical programs of music at world-class venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center and the SF Jazz Center/SF Jazz Festival (where they are the most-booked act in the organizations history).

Jonathan Poretz and his NYE Big Band Swing Black Tie Ball
Some say he was born with a microphone in his hand. That would explain why Pacific Coast Jazz artist Jonathan Poretz is so comfortable performing his brand of great American jazz standards to audiences large and small. Whether appearing in an intimate club or a large outdoor venue, Jonathan brings an electric energy to any stage he’s on, a talent he’s been cultivating since his early teens, when he sang professionally in bands that featured jazz greats including Charlie Shavers, Snooky Young, Chuck Wayne and Joe Puma in his home town of New York City.

Awarded “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area” vocalist Kim Nalley is already being called “legendary” and a San Francisco institution. Nalley was discovered by Michael Tilson Thomas who recorded her singing live with no amplification and invited her to sing with the San Francisco Symphony. She has since graced concert halls from Moscow to Lincoln Center and festivals around the world.

San Francisco-based vocalist Kim Nalley who brings an air of pure romance to the Lark Theater with her tender ballads and blistering scat solos. Through her incredible vocal range and ability to channel raw emotion, guests will experience a performance of jazz’s greatest love songs in a way that is both timeless and profoundly moving.

Asked what Valentine’s Day means to her personally, she said, “Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and so of course I bring songs for the heart. Every year it’s my aim to leave the audience inspired and uplifted. As those in attendance bring their own histories of love — my job is made easier. I can sense when I touch on something that stirs the listener; I love looking into the audience’s eyes and see the smiles. These shows are special for me, too!”

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