Pink Martini Celebrates 28 Years of Global Performances

The 'little orchestra' founded in 1994 by Thomas Lauderdale has sold over 3 million albums worldwide.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Pink Martini, the eclectic 'little orchestra' founded in 1994 by Thomas Lauderdale in Portland, Oregon, is celebrating its 28th year of performing globally. The band, which blends classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop music, has sold over 3 million albums worldwide on its independent label Heinz Records and has had its songs streamed over 450 million times. After a pandemic hiatus, Pink Martini is returning to the stage with a full season of international touring in 2022.

Why it matters

Pink Martini's unique sound and inclusive, collaborative spirit have made the band a beloved fixture on the global music scene for nearly three decades. The band's ability to endure and thrive, even through the disruptions of the pandemic, speaks to the timeless appeal of its eclectic musical offerings and its commitment to bringing people together through the power of music.

The details

Founded by Thomas Lauderdale in 1994 with the goal of providing more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers, Pink Martini has grown into an internationally renowned 'little orchestra' featuring more than a dozen musicians. The band's repertoire spans eight languages and multiple genres, from classical and jazz to old-fashioned pop. In 2016, Pink Martini released its ninth studio album, 'Je dis oui!', which featured collaborations with a diverse array of vocalists. During the pandemic, the band released two new digital singles, 'Let's Be Friends' and 'The Lemonade Song', the latter of which has amassed nearly 12 million streams on Spotify.

  • Pink Martini was founded in 1994 in Portland, Oregon.
  • The band made its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997.
  • In 2014, Pink Martini was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
  • In 2022, the band is celebrating its 28th year of performing with a full season of global touring.
  • Lead singer China Forbes was given the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2022.

The players

Thomas Lauderdale

The founder of Pink Martini, who started the 'little orchestra' in 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon with the goal of providing more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers.

China Forbes

A Harvard classmate of Lauderdale's who joined Pink Martini in 1995 and has co-written songs with Lauderdale, including the band's breakout hit 'Sympathique'.

Heinz Records

The independent record label founded by Lauderdale and named after his dog, on which Pink Martini has released all of its albums.

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What they’re saying

“We're very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America… the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world… composed of people of every country, every language, every religion.”

— Thomas Lauderdale

The takeaway

Pink Martini's enduring success over nearly three decades is a testament to the power of music to bring people together across borders and cultures. The band's commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and a diverse musical repertoire has allowed it to thrive and connect with audiences around the world, even in the face of disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.