DC Gypsy Jazz Starlet Mary Alouette to Bring Django Flair to Strathmore

Mary Alouette Photograph by Stephanie Potter Corwin

By Punch Pep Correspondent Elizabeth Fischer

The title is a mouthful – a Gypsy Jazz Starlet to bring Django Flair – and sounds exotic yet wholesome and comforting at the same time.  I do not pretend to know much about music – (I did take piano lessons and can still read music and play but my sister had real talent – she could play just about any tune after hearing it) – except I like almost any kind – there are exceptions.  So just hearing the title is enough intrigue for me to make plans to check this new artist out on the 25^th at Strathmore.  For those curious minds, here are some key words – Paris, Belgium and Django Reinhardt – the father of jazz with Gypsy flair – it aptly describes his history and the sound that emanated from his guitar.  I anticipate Wednesday to be a real indulgence.

Information about the artist and upcoming event:

Mary Alouette is one of this year’s Strathmore Artists in Residence and a local Django darling.  She will perform tracks from her debut album, Midas, in a salon-style mansion concert on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  Alouette pairs Gypsy jazz vocals with dangerous rhythms, Gypsy jazz guitar and a 1920s flair epitomized by her flapper’s bob and bold red lipstick—musically and aesthetically, she absolutely inhabits the Gypsy jazz genre.

She studied classical vocal performance at McGill University in Canada.  She began performing Gypsy jazz after being inspired by The Hot Club of DC.  A fascination with cutting-edge digital equipment and vintage instruments has allowed Alouette’s musical interests to converge.  She combines Gypsy jazz, electronic music and classical elements to create new adventures in her music.  Mary Alouette competed in the Night at the Apollo Theater’s National Tour and has sung the national anthem for the Baltimore Orioles, the Washington Nationals, DC United and Washington Freedom Soccer numerous times before stadium crowds.  She sang with the Choral Arts Society of Washington at both Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

About the Artist’s in Residence Program:

Strathmore’s AIR program cultivates local musical talent in the Washington, D.C. area. Emerging talents hone their craft through mentorship with established performers and build professionals networks.  Artists in Residence build their business acumen through professional development workshops, create school outreach programs, perfect their stage presence and expand their audiences during live performances.  The AIR experience culminates in the premiere of a new work commissioned by Strathmore, reflecting each musician’s growth during the program.  AIR graduates include Grammy nominated hip hop artist Christylez Bacon, celebrity jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet, Saddle Creek recording artist Laura Burhenn and her band, the mynabirds, and ukulele chanteuse Victoria Vox.

I promise this will be worthwhile.  Through blogging I have uncovered many local treasures and Strathmore is one such treat.  Strathmore is the Indy of Music! It is easy to get to by car or metro.  So try something new and join us on the 25^th.

Tickets: $12 (Stars Price $10.80) | Mansion at Strathmore | 10701 Rockville Pike | North Bethesda, MD