So last night, I'm hosting a fundraiser for YES (Youth Employment Services; catchy acronym, ain't it?) and the headliner is a Montreal-based South African songstress named Lorraine Klaasen (that's her at left). The daughter of legendary singer Tandie Klaasen, Lorraine's paths and mine have crossed for years, but hadn't seen her perform in over a decade.
Big-time Pow! moment
Omigod, she was sensational! While her voice painted new soundscapes with some jazz and pop classics, it was a thing of marvel when singing in Swahili and Zulu (uh, I think that's what it was, as my fluency in those two tongues is kinda rusty these days). Tighter-than-tight band. Rhythmic dancers, too. And her effervescent personality was irresistible. World-class magic.
So hopefully, this blog post will serve two purposes:
1) To introduce you FOPS to Lorraine. She is a world-class talent who deserves to be heard and seen--and booked--by a much wider audience. You won't be disappointed. Check her out at www.lorraineklaasen.com.
2) To realize that sometimes, the greatest Surprises come not from the brand new, but from the brand you THOUGHT you knew. Things and people change. Keep your minds open and their slates clean.