Three-Penny Cabaret features Maggie Laird

Wisconsin native and long-time Island songstress Maggie Laird brings a favorite musical collection, Kurt Weill cabaret songs, to stage for VAA’s New Works Series 2012 finale Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 pm.

Laird will be joined by Michael Gotz, guitar, Steve Kim, bass, Todd Zimberg, drums and surprise guests.

Laird, who also performs with Island Jazz Quintet and Portage Fill, performed the 20th Century German songwriter’s music in both Philadelphia and Seattle, and now debuts the work on Vashon. Tunes will include songs like "Mack the Knife" (originally written for The Threepenny Opera), "September Song" and "The Alabama Song," written in 1927 and made famous by The Doors and David Bowie.

In a rave review on Laird’s Philadelphia show a critic said, "…Her impeccable musical abilities and uniquely quirky presence fills the stage with humor, drama and magic."

After Weill left Germany, he wrote prolifically for Broadway and Hollywood, working with Langston Hughes, George Gershwin and Ogden Nash among others. "Some of the pieces are very theatrical," Laird says. "I want to create a real German Cabaret vibe; some of the songs will be true torch songs while others will be more rockin’."

Tickets, $12/$15, are available at VAA, Heron’s Nest, Vashon Bookshop and VashonAlliedArts.org