Archive for the ‘On Stage’ Category
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
My vocal jazz group Turnstyle had our debut performance (since revamping the band) on Saturday night at Pearson Park Amphitheatre in Anaheim. The 2000-seat venue near Disneyland was full of jazz and music lovers who received us with a VERY warm and enthusiastic attitude! We did some old jazz favorites like Gershwin’s “Summertime” and “But Not For Me” and rounded out our set with two ecclectic a cappella arrangements of pop and R&B hits by Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel. Here’s a photo of the group performing on stage.
Ken Malouf, Martin Schloemer, Melissa Pontanilla, Kathi Funston (Photo by Patrick Ortman)
Tags: Music, Turnstyle, vocal jazz
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Sunday, October 24th, 2010
I sang with In Transit, my a cappella vocal jazz group, this weekend at Malibu Wines in the beautiful canyons of Malibu, California. It was a great day at an amazing venue, the perfect setting for an intimate afternoon of jazz. Even though it was misty outside, people came. We had two birthday parties, a bachelorette party, and plenty of wine lovers come through during the afternoon to enjoy the wine and music. All in all, I think about 400 people heard us play. Not bad for a cloudy California day!
In addition to our a cappella vocal jazz, we did a couple of acoustic sets with Patrick and Martin accompanying us on guitar. I loved seeing the audience sing along, and we even got some folks up and dancing to our Mamas and Papas covers and our closing number ”Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel. So much fun! The winery asked us back for another afternoon of jazz on Valentine’s Day weekend! More about that later.
Thanks to Malibu Wines for having us. We had a great time and can’t wait to come back!
Covering a classic Kenny Loggins tune
Singing a jazz number with the group
Tags: In Transit, Music, vocal jazz
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Sunday, May 10th, 2009
I returned to my old stomping grounds last weekend to sing with the University of North Texas Jazz Singers in a concert honoring our musical director (also an amazing arranger, all-around musician, and general cool cat), Paris Rutherford. Paris is retiring this spring, and of course, he wanted to go out with a bang. So, he invited all of the Jazz Singers alumni to sing in a couple of numbers, including his incredible a cappella arrangement of “My Funny Valentine.” All I can say is WOWEE! The whole weekend was a whirlwind of rehearsals and get-togethers with friends both new and old. The sheer chops these fellow musicians have, what an amazing thing to be around again! We had a great time, and took a lot of good photos and videos (more to come).
To top it all off, Paris invited me to sing on a small group number called “Splanky” and I don’t mind saying, we swung the hell out of that chart! Not only was the rhythm section smokin’, but the group was made up of some of the top singers from UNT, including my former bandmates Brandon Pedigo and Cathy Jensen-Hole. And as if that weren’t enough, Paris also gave me the honor of letting loose like a trumpet player who ate some bad meat. Here’s a picture of me getting down during the concert on May 2. What a night! It was so much fun and a slap-in-the-face reminder of why I love jazz music so much! I will never stop singing. Thank you for that, Paris.
Kathi Funston performs with the UNT Jazz Singers on May 2, 2009
Tags: Music, Paris Rutherford, singer, University of North Texas, UNT, vocal jazz, vocals
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Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Tonight my group performed at Java Joe’s in Yorba Linda as part of their a cappella night known as Javapella. We were invited as special guests to sing with two local Orange County groups. It was an hour-long trek to the OC from LA, but the good music and appreciative crowd made it worthwhile!
Tags: In Transit, Javapella, vocal jazz
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Monday, November 26th, 2007
In Transit, my a cappella vocal jazz group, is appearing live at the Classic Choir Annual Christmas Concert at St. Augustine’s in Culver City on Saturday, December 1, 2007 @ 7:30 PM.
Here’s a pic of me with Melissa Pontanilla, our awesome alto, after the concert.
Tags: christmas carols, holiday music, In Transit, vocal jazz
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007
What a busy year it’s been so far! I’m rehearsing with former Taffeta co-stars in preparation for my upcoming show, The Chantillys. We’re rehesarsing 6 days a week, and I have to admit, my back is starting to feel the pain from all the dancing! Throw in the singing on top of that, and my lung capacity is increasing exponentially!!
I’ve also been busy doing vocal sessions around town. I recently worked with Chantillys musical director Paul Taylor, and television composer Dick DeBenedictis, who scored groovy TV shows from the 70s like Matlock, Columbo, Perry Mason, and Hawaii Five-O.
Most recently, I did a session with composer Brian Woodbury where I recorded lead vocals as surfer chick Marina in his original show Killa Vanilla.
Tags: Chantillys, musical, session singer, Taffetas, theater, vocals, West Valley Playhouse
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2007
Reherasals are underway for The Chantillys, opening March 16th at the West Valley Playhouse. I play Peggy, one of four fabulous singing sisters in search of a new vocal sound. Join us as we sing and dance our way through some of the greatest hits from the 40s all the way through today’s pop music!
Show runs March 16th through April 22nd @
The West Valley Playhouse
Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm
Sundays at 2:30pm
(No show April 8th)
Tickets on sale now! Call (818) 884-1907.
Tags: Chantillys, musical, Taffetas, theater, West Valley Playhouse
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Monday, November 20th, 2006
I just finished another vocal session with film composer Steven Stern and Grammy Award-winning producer and mixing engineer Ted Greenberg.
I’m also gigging around town with The Four Belles, a four-part girl group singing hits from the 50s and 60s.
Tags: film composer, session singer, Taffetas, vocals
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Tuesday, September 5th, 2006
We got a rave review, and the public has spoken. Back by popular demand, The Taffetas run has been extended through September 17th. Come and see Peggy, Kaye, Donna, and Cheryl in their fabulous dresses and hairstyles LIVE on stage at the West Valley Playhouse. Call (818) 884-1907 for tickets and showtimes.
Tags: musical, Taffetas, theater, West Valley Playhouse
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Friday, August 18th, 2006
The Los Angeles Times gives a thumbs up “recommended” review to The Taffetas.
“Kathi Funston gives enthusiastic Peggy straight-faced humor and potent chops…When the charming stars…tackle their vocals and director-choreographer Noel Britton’s frisky moves in crisp harmony, the limits of the chiffon-thin concept dissolve.”
Tags: LA Times, Los Angeles Times, musical, Taffetas, theater
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