Dietrich’s 106th B-day Celebrated By Nicki Jaine
Nnnf. No words, really. Well, except perhaps to remind readers that this is a woman who demanded that Max Factor sprinkle half an ounce of gold dust in her wigs to keep them sufficiently glittery, sucked lemon wedges between takes to keep her mouth muscles tight, and whose make-up artist once divulged that Marlene Dietrich kissed so hard, she needed a new coat of lipstick after every smooch. The tuxedoed “Queen of the World” is as commanding and stylish today as she was when Morocco was filmed in 1930.
Heads up, Pennsylvanians. Cabaret noir performer Nicki Jaine will host an evening of Dietrich’s music in honor of the singer/actress’ 106th birthday on Thursday, November 8 at the Stockton Inn.
Nicki Jaine’s velvety contralto is sure to thrill Dietrich fans to their very marrow. Talk about two great tastes that taste great together. Just like strawberries hotdogs and champagne (once said to be Marlene’s favorite meal) only decidedly less zaftig.
The one-hour performance will feature German and English renditions of Dietrich’s internationally famous material as well as some of the singer’s more obscure material. Accompanied by accordion and cello, Jaine will alternate between acoustic guitar and the musical saw – an instrument that Dietrich often played at her USO appearances during World War II.
As added incentive, vocalist Mary Bichner, of the Philadelphia band Box Five, will make a special guest appearance performing several songs sung in French by France’s greatest popular singer Edith Piaf.
Psst. Bonus clip. Nicki Jaine, Brian Viglione and friends performing an inspired cover of “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden:
[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/_1xXZSAHlG8" width="400" height="330" wmode="transparent" /]
October 30th, 2007 at 4:38 am
What a voice…clearly I’m on the wrong continent.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:38 am
Wow, I had no idea that Marlene played the musical saw! That’s so hot. Where’s My Time Machine Dammit, part 123495.
October 30th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Nicki Jaine! I met her about a year ago. I’ve seen her twice since. She’s awesome! I saw her do Smoke on the Water and Run to the Hills on musical saw. :)
October 30th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I’ve been itching for some Marlene lately and I do believe I’m going to have a marathon session of Marlene adoration.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Beautiful. Thank you.
October 31st, 2007 at 3:16 am
How about… a bonus bonus clip? I finally got around to posting this. There are no other vids of it in circulation to my knowledge.
The gang at Johnny Brenda’s covering While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAiKFQTHpE0
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
NIcki Jaine ROOOOOOLs !
May 12th, 2009 at 2:03 am
MOROCCO was one of the few movies that actually influenced the direction of my writing; I recommend it highly.