by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

Jazz-pop-swing band Pink Martini has announced a summer performance at Marymoor Park, currently the site of Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna. The Portland-based ensemble, led by openly Gay musician Thomas Lauderdale and featuring vocalist China Forbes, will play the Redmond outdoor venue on August 4. Tickets are now on sale at AXS.com.

THE SEARCH IS OVER
If you followed the film awards circuit, which climaxed with the Oscars last weekend, then you probably know that Searching for Sugar Man swept most of the documentary accolades the past two months, including the Academy Award. The biopic is based on veteran musician Rodriguez (no relation), who is set to perform April 25 at The Neptune. The talented artist, who still keeps a low profile and has long struggled to find a mainstream audience, is credited for releasing the cult classic album Cold Fact. Tickets, priced at $25, are currently on sale via www.stgpresents.org.

A WOODIE FOR MACKLEMORE?
Congratulations, again, goes out to Seattle act Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The pair own the #1 single in the country, 'Thrift Shop,' for the seventh week in a row and will perform at this month's mtvU Woodie Awards, which take place during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin. They're also nominated for the Breaking Woodie Award, competing against Jack White, Deadmau5, Avicii, The xx, Amanda Palmer, and Dan Deacon.

NEEDY NEED MORE NOISE
Want some exposure for your band? Noise for the Needy, a local nonprofit music festival, is looking for live acts to perform at this summer's event, set for June 20-22 in well-known Ballard venues such as the Tractor Tavern and Conor Byrne. Interested performers should contact booking@noisefortheneedy.org for information on how to apply.

MAMMA MIA! CHECK THIS OUT
If you haven't already purchased tickets, do so now for the Seattle Men's Chorus' upcoming performances of Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA with special guest, Emmy-winning actor Leslie Jordan. The show plays back-to-back nights at McCaw Hall on April 6 and 7. It's going to be insanely fun! Go to www.flyinghouse.org for ticket information.

DREAMING OF THE '90s
Finally, in the coming weeks look for interviews with singer-songwriters Joan Osborne and Shawn Colvin. I'm working on confirming dates for each, and I'll post this information on SGN's official Facebook page, facebook.com/seattlegaynews. 'Like' us for breaking music news and interview announcements.

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