Vonda Shepard Plays Feinstein's at the Nikko This Weekend

By: Mar. 21, 2014
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Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein are proud to welcome world-renowned artist, Vonda Shepard, to Feinstein's at the Nikko for two performances only - tonight, March 21 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, March 22 (7 p.m.). Making her Feinstein's at the Nikko debut, Shepard, on the acoustic piano, will be accompanied by her all-star players - James Ralston on guitar (Tina Turner for 22 years) and Jim Hanson on bass (Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen). Featuring intimate versions of Vonda's songs - as well as some of their favorite covers, including The Sweet Inspirations' "Sweet Inspiration" - this show is guaranteed to get audiences on their feet! Shepard encourages song requests for her show via her Facebook page...or you can yell out your request from the audience, so don't be shy! Tickets for Vonda Shepard range in price from $40-$55 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein's at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting. There is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person inside the showroom which guests can use towards cocktails as well as a variety of small plates crafted exclusively for Feinstein's at the Nikko by Executive Chef Philippe Striffeler, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.

With over 12 million album sales to her name, two Golden Globes, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actor's Guild Awards as well as the Billboard prize for selling the most television soundtrack records in history for the hit TV series "Ally McBeal," Vonda is a world-renowned artist who continues to delight audiences with her magnanimous live performances. She dedicates songs, tells stories, and at the same time, projects dynamic charisma and intimacy with her audience.

Just as Vonda's songs reflect an independent woman with profound and self-reflective insights on relationships, her approach to running her career in today's ever-changing music scene is based on that same strength and sense of purpose. She is a consummate artist and businesswoman with her own label, Hotele´ Records. "I love the idea of making and releasing my own records exactly the way I envision them, then going on the road, getting the music out there and having a blast doing it all. I have a tremendous amount of energy for music and life."

Born in New York City, Vonda's family moved to Los Angeles when she was a child, and by age 14 she was performing original material at small L.A. clubs. She played keyboards and sang with Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, and Jackson Browne, eventually opening for Browne in the U.S. and Asia. She has also performed with the Indigo Girls and The Funk Brothers (a highlight of her life), and she has shared the stage at music festivals with Sting, The Eurythmics, Santana, and Matchbox 20.

"Can't We Try," her duet with Dan Hill, hit #6 in 1987. In that same year, Vonda secured her first solo deal with Reprise Records and two years later her eponymous album was released. The Top 10 AC Radio and VH1 hit single "Don't Cry Ilene" brought her outstanding and unmistakably bluesy voice to a wide audience and caught the attention of the critics. In 1992, her follow-up album, "The Radical Light" was released.

Vonda has always taken a unique approach to her career, attracting everyone from established music artists to television producers to rally behind her. In 1995, no longer with Reprise, Vonda borrowed money (and Jackson Browne's studio) to make her third recording, "It's Good, Eve," and released it independently. It was this album that caught David E. Kelley's ear right at the moment he was searching for a voice for his new TV show "Ally McBeal." Throughout the show's five year run, Vonda performed on each episode and produced the show's music, recording almost 500 songs featuring artists including Gladys Knight, Sting, Barry Manilow, Al Green, Chubby Checker and Jon Bon Jovi.

Most recently, in addition to opening for Sugarland's summer 2010, 2011 and 2012 tours, Vonda has been performing at her own international and domestic concerts, plus numerous private and fund-raising events. Vonda has also been in the studio recording her next album.

All seating at Feinstein's at the Nikko is cabaret style and available on a first-come, first-served basis within the section purchased. Guests who purchase the prix-fixe dinner at Restaurant Anzu will receive a complimentary section upgrade (subject to availability) and get to choose their exact seat locations within the upgraded section.

Guests of Feinstein's at the Nikko can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options before performances. Kanpai Lounge, located in Hotel Nikko's lobby, offers light cuisine, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Restaurant Anzu, Hotel Nikko's intimate restaurant located on the second floor, serves sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors. Restaurant Anzu will also offer Feinstein's at the Nikko guests a special three-course prix-fixe dinner ($45 per person) prior to all performances. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 394-1100.



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