One of Portland’s best-known bands is losing its lead singer, for now

For the next two years, one of Portland’s favorite bands, Pink Martini, will be without a lead singer.

China Forbes will take a two-year hiatus from touring with the band, the band said in a press release issued on Instagram on Monday.

The two most well-known members of the trio, which has been performing in Portland and other cities for 30 years, are Forbes and conductor Thomas Lauderdale.

I’ve made the decision to take a break after thirty years of touring the world with Pink Martini. Forbes stated in the press release, “I’m going to spend the next two years at home, enjoying life with my son while he finishes high school.”

For the time being, her last performances with the group will take place on Saturday, August 24, at Humphreys by the Bay in San Diego, and Friday, August 23, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

The band will continue to travel with a changing mix of longtime colleagues and guest vocalists, including Storm Large, a contestant on Portland’s version of America’s Got Talent, and Ari Shapiro of NPR fame, according to the statement.

Additionally, Forbes herself might make cameos during this break, according to the statement.

Forbes is a well-known singer throughout the world. She was recognized with the Ella Fitzgerald Award by the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2022.

According to Lauderdale’s statement, China Forbes has been the spokesperson and face of Pink Martini for thirty years. It’s hardly surprising that China is adored worldwide, given her incredible talent at singing in thirty different languages, as well as her intelligence and sense of humor (she would be hilarious on Saturday Night Live!).

He went on to say that it made perfect sense for her to take this time off. Since we have been traveling for decades, we are all a little worn out! We anticipate having her back in the fall of 2027.

Lizzy Acker writes the advice column and studies culture and life. Why, Tho?You can contact her at lacker@oregonian.com or 503-221-8052.