About this Event
*ALL BLUES* features vocalists Roberta Donnay, Kay Kostopoulos, and Valeriana Quevedo. They will be joined by The Back Room’s very own “Hurricane Sam” Rudin for an evening of Blues-inspired music to liven up your Sunday evening. Songs will include selections from Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Annie Ross, and many more! Come with us on a soulful journey that is sure to please!
Roberta Donnay
Award-winning jazz/blues recording artist Roberta Donnay’s interest in roots music started at a young age, listening and studying jazz and blues, led her to record with legendary jazz producer Orrin Keepnews, and touring 10+ years as a member of “Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks.” As a performer, Ms. Donnay has opened for or performed with Dr. John, John Hammond, Dave Ellis, Bob Dorough, David Grisman, Huey Lewis, Christian McBride, Leon Russell, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Booker T., Lenny Williams and more. Donnay's music spans multiple genres, her voice and compositions can be heard on film and television.
"With her singularly enticing sound, few contemporary vocalists are as well suited to dustily vintage material as jazz-blues stylist Roberta Donnay." - JazzTimes
"[Roberta Donnay's] engagement with the lyrics, her supple sense of time and her soulful, little-girl timbre remind you of Billie Holiday." - Mike Zwerin, International Herald Tribune
"She is an endangered species.” – Dr. Herb Wong
Kay Kostopoulos
A prolific recording artist, fresh from her show at The Back Room with George Brooks, Kay Kostopoulos draws from her acting background and Mediterranean heritage to establish a unique sound in Jazz. Kay has performed for The Napa Valley, Vallejo and Sonoma Jazz Societies, as well as The Venetian Room, Fillmore Jazz Festival, Union Street and Sausalito Art Festivals. Kay also regularly appears in festivals and clubs in New York City including Bryant Park, Pangea, Mezzrow, and the iconic 54 Below.
"The lovely Ms. Kostopoulos, whose ageless Mediterranean beauty perfectly complements a show incorporating Greek goddesses, set the mood with an excellent rendition of Dizzy Gillespie’s 'A Night in Tunisia.' The star makes extensive use of sensuality in her performance, often with the aid of Turkish finger cymbals, called zills. Kay Kostopolous is a fine performer who will leave you enchanted and informed. New York is lucky to have her.” -Andrew Poretz, Theater Pizzazz , NY
Valeriana Quevedo:
Born and raised in San Francisco to show biz parents, Valeriana started out as a folk singer. She's a professional dancer skilled in ballet, tap, jazz, and partner dancing as well as being a percussionist. In her early 20's she started performing with big bands in various venues across California and Nevada and performing in Asia and Europe. Her passion is musical theatre playing such roles as Maria and Anita in West Side Story, and Morales in A Chorus Line. For twelve years she sang and danced in the longest running show in SF, Beach Blanket Babylon, where she was also assistant choreographer. Valeriana has her own dance company called Hot Energy and continues to choreograph for corporate and private parties. She presently sings with her band, The Swingin' Gatos, and plays locally. She's had the pleasure of opening for Jay Leno, Little Richard and Maria Muldaur.
"There are some pretty spicy numbers and one of my favorites, 'Martini Glass,' which features Valeriana Quevedo sitting on a bigger-than-life martini glass obviously inebriated, singing an old Frank Sinatra tune, 'I Get A Kick Out of You.' "- S.F. Progress
"Valeriana Quevedo is skilled and shines as Anita in Woodminster's West Side Story." - Harriet Swift/Tribune theater critic
Tickets are $20 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
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Thank you for your support!
Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, United States
USD 22.09
