Step back into history at the Dakota Jazz Club (named “Best Jazz Club 2009” by City Pages) this weekend for a performance by Jewish singer songwriter Lesley Gore, the most successful solo artist of the “Girl Group” era. Gore will be singing her heart out at 7:00pm and 9:30pm on both Sunday, January 11th and Monday, January 12th. [Free tickets no longer available]
This Friday at 5:00pm, we’re drawing two names for free pairs of tickets to Lesley’s performance at the Dakota on Monday at 7:00pm. The rest of you get a special discount: 20% off of either of her 9:30pm shows. Call it a really early mother’s day gift and bring your parents for dinner and a show.
Gore is most famous for writing and singing those songs – like “It’s My Party,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” “You Don’t Own Me” and ‘The Look of Love” – that you listened to over and over on your parents’ records (yeah, remember those?) growing up.
She also graced stage and screen, performing on television as Catwoman’s sidekick in the 1960s Batman series, and on Broadway as a cast member of Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Those of you who – like me – watched the movie “Fame” hundreds of times, memorizing the songs and dance steps, will appreciate (nay – freak out) that Lesley Gore and her brother Michael wrote and received an Oscar nomination for that musical’s touching song “Out Here on My Own.”
In 2005, Lesley released her first new album since 1976, entitled Ever Since
How Can I Win one of the Pair of Tickets?
Easy. Before Friday at 5:00 PM, tell us in the comments to this post which one of Lesley’s songs (full discography here) has struck a cord for you (pun intended) and why. We’ll use The Hat to randomly pick a winner.
How Do I Purchase Discounted Tickets?
Discounted tickets must be purchased using the promotional code “TC Jewfolk” by calling over the phone. Call the Dakota Jazz Club Box Office (hours M-F 10am-6pm, Sat Noon-4pm) at (612) 332-JAZZ to get your tickets. Tickets to the show range from $25- $45 before the discount.
Here’s a video of Lesley Gore singing “Judy’s Turn to Cry” in the 1960s. It’s pretty amazing stuff. Sort of takes you back before . . . well, waaay, waaay back.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvPO2gJU4aI
Here’s Lesley Gore singing the song “Better Angels”from her 2005 album, “Ever Since.” The angel pics are a nice touch.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4_IUODdvpU
Good luck winning these tickets! Let’s hear your stories!
(By the way, if you want to know my answer to the raffle question – obviously I can’t win – it would be “Out Here On My Own” hands down. I sang that song with my sister on the piano in the Saint Paul JCC’s performance of Fame – I was Coco – and then in front of 3,000 people at Roy Wilkins auditorium at my high school graduation. Props to anyone I grew up with who remembers hearing me sing it and says that’s why it’s their favorite song. . . . But the raffle is still anonymous and not content-based, so don’t try to suck up.)
It’s definitely “It’s my Party” because of the old KTel commercials!
I have to agree – Out Here on My Own is an awesome song! I was the student director for the musicial my senior year in high school and love it, so that would have to be my favorite!
It would have to be Sunshine, lollipops and Rainbows because it is to cheerful and uplifting. It has a great beat and I would give it a ten.
“Its My Party” — Pieces of the song periodically pop into my mind unbidden even after all these years, kind of like Bubblegum background music. The lyrics work so well with the rythm — uh oh, I’m doin’ a head bob to it as I write this.
Obvs, “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To.” Loved it. Parodied it twice.
All of her songs were such a strong part of my youth, as I am of that generation. But, I never knew she was Jewish! The song that I think of first,though, is “It’s My Party”. It gives one permission to feel their feelings, and as I am a Therapist, I think that’s a pretty important message.
“Its My Party”
My mom always teased me that “Its My Party and I’ll cry if I want to” was my theme song. Kindergarten through high school I’d get so worked up around my birthday parties. I ended up crying at almost every single one of my birthday parties for various reasons. She was concerned that she wanted me to go to a doctor to get something to help me “relax” for my wedding. Luckily I bucked the trend and didn’t shed a tear at my wedding. It was a beautiful day. Still, I agree with my mom. “It’s My Party” will always be my theme song.
It is Sunshine and lollipops because both my kids and I can sing, dance, and relate to it.
Congratulations Joanna! You won the pair of free tickets to see Lesley Gore on Monday night! Everyone else, use the discount and go see the show anyway!