Pamela Rose – Wild Women of the 60s

Singer and bandleader Pamela Rose brings her acclaimed multimedia performance to Kuumbwa, celebrating the overlooked women songwriters who shaped the 1960s soundtrack. Her "all-gal band" weaves fascinating biographical storytelling into a high-energy show featuring classics like "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Both Sides Now," and "Think" by iconic composers such as Carole King, Laura Nyro, Valerie Simpson, Cynthia Weil, and Aretha Franklin.

Rose's theatrical approach combines live performance with projected archival photos and historical context, creating what critics call "a loving tribute" that "never feels like a lecture." Her powerful, blues-tinged voice has earned comparisons to Bette Midler, with reviewers noting her "remarkable voice which seems to get ever stronger as it goes lower" and her ability to "pull out all the stops" with both raucous numbers and heartfelt ballads. The show balances education with entertainment, revealing the "jaw-dropping" stories of these pioneering women who overcame the Depression and male-dominated industry to create timeless music.

Her phenomenal ensemble features Daria Johnson on drums, Ruth Davies on bass, Kristen Strom on saxophone, Janice Maxie Reed on keyboard, and Nancy Wenstrom on guitar — each taking star turns singing these fantastic songs. Past performances have left audiences "on their feet" and "riveted" by Rose's natural storytelling and the band's tight arrangements. The singer-songwriter has spent years researching these forgotten pioneers, gathering rare photos from living relatives and uncovering their remarkable contributions to American music.

With reviews praising the "non-stop energy" and "well-balanced entertainment mixed with heartfelt, female-centric jazz anthropology," this is Rose's opportunity to shine light on the women who gave us an unforgettable generational soundtrack. And yes, 1960s clothing is optional!