The music, obsessions and passions of Janis Joplin told and sung with biting spirit by Liza Ohlback.
On 4th October 1970, Janis Joplin was found dead from a heroin overdose. Aged just 27, lonely, sad and on the inevitable path of self-destruction of a junkie, Janis was ironically also headed for far greater personal and musical success with her critically acclaimed album ‘Pearl’. Released after her death and embraced by the world then and today as a triumphant album that fuses, rock, jazz and blues with a gritty flavour that marked an era of change and freedom.
To her intimate friends she was known as ‘Pearl’, to her enthralled public she was Janis Joplin, the greatest female singer in the history of rock and roll. Pearl – The Janis Joplin Story delivers in words and music her tumultuous outlook on life, love and being the first lady of rock who got a little dirty!
Liza Ohlback is one of Australia’s premier soul and blues singers. She delivers the songs Janis is renowned for like a knock-out punch as well as renditions of some the greats that also moved an era and were Janis’s greatest influences. Jeremy Edwards, musical producer/director, singer songwriter and guitarist, provides a tight musical backdrop and vocal support that will lay the foundation for this definitive collection of material. Rick Melick, soul and blues specialist, back in Australia after touring with Joe Bonamassa completes the cast on keys.
‘Pearl’ is a production that will take the audience on a ‘trip’ Janis would have been proud of! The production includes hits such as ‘Cry Baby’, ‘Move Over’, ‘Piece of My Heart’, and ‘Bobby McGee’. It also features songs from Janis’ greatest influences such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
‘Pearl’ transports the audience into a smoky, jazz and blues club feel… mixed with a good dose of pure acid bohemian vintage rock! This production has an intimate, theatre vibe with a story that is interwoven between the songs, pulling it all together.
There are more dates being added (check here), however the dates so far include:
- Friday 13 March 2015: Lizottes Dee Why
- Thursday 7 May 2015: Peninsular Theatre Woy Woy
- Saturday 16 May 2015: Lizottes Newcastle
- Friday 22 May 2015: The Vanguard Newtown
- Saturday 6 June 2015: Brass Monkey Cronulla
- Saturday 27 June 2015: The Arts Centre Gold Coast
- Saturday 26 September 2015: Sutherland Entertainment Centre
For more information, visit www.pearljanisjoplin.com.au.
