In 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale was working in local politics when he saw the need for most engaging and inspiring music at political fundraisers. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world–crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop–and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. One year later, Lauderdale called China Forbes, a Harvard classmate who was living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini. Their first song writing collaboration was “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)”which became an overnight sensation in France, was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards, and is still the band’s number one song. In 2024 the band is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary!