Niki Luparelli Brings Comedy and Cabaret To Worcester
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Niki Luparelli is a unique, humorous and talented performer. Photo courtesy of John Soares
A written description of Worcester singer Niki Luparelli will most likely not be sufficient to explain the pleasantly strange and exceptionally unique approach she takes to her music. But, to put it as simply as possible, she is a jazz cabaret singer who loves (or is obsessed with) comedy, booze, David Bowie and James Bond.
A glimpse at her website or Facebook page let's you know immediately that she loves humor and a good time, but do not mistake this for a lack of seriousness about her craft. One listen to a wide selection of her music will show you an incredible talent with a powerful, natural and refined voice, and she certainly knows how to put on a great show to back it up. Her personal influences include Marilyn Monroe, Bette Midler, Julie London, Dean Martin and Ruth Wallis, in addition to Bowie and Bond, but her range can go far wider than this, often tapping into the sounds of many different time periods, as she explains.
"The 20s, the 30s, the 40s, the 50s, and sometimes the 80s if you ask nicely," remarks the singer.
But she is mostly in the business of pleasing those fortunate enough to be at her shows, and will go to great lengths to do so, perhaps for the sheer thrill of seeing the reactions of people enjoying her music or maybe just for the free drinks that are inevitably sent over as a reward for an enjoyable performance. Either way, you are sure to have a good time and so will she.
"I'll sing whatever the audience is into, as long as I know the song," she says.
The Gold Diggers
She is currently the front-woman for the self-described "Baddest Old Hollywood Jazz Cabarat Band around", The Gold Diggers, featuring, in addition to Luparelli, "Dapper" Dan Burke, "Legs and Eggs" Greg, Johnny English and various other special guests.
You can find them anywhere in the area that's "moody, atmospheric and retro" according to Luparelli. They will often be putting on burlesque-inspired shows that honor their love of vintage Bond films and art rock pioneer David Bowie, in both sound and dress, where which they certainly welcome audience participation.
Their next big all Bowie show is August 17th at Johnny D's in Somerville.
"I'm obsessed with David Bowie and want to be his backup singer. This seemed like the most direct route," jokes the performer.
In addition, you can also find her at various locales expertly impersonating Marilyn Monroe.
But they also have their originals. Their recently released new single, a catchy vaudevillian little number called "Young Man", can be found here.
Why the Act and Why the Music?
You may ask, then, why she does it? What makes her tick? Not only why the singing, per say, but why the outrageous act with it? Well, it's simple, really. Besides her love of Bowie, she remarks,
"I didn't want to get a real job." Also, it's about the "little things," she says jokingly, as she introduces a rather interesting story. "Yesterday I was doing a Marilyn gig at a nursing home and a 95 year-old man tried to slip me the tongue. Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile."
You can see how she takes it all in stride. Her goals for the future are quite simple, and can be summed up simply, keep it young and keep it fun.
"I hope to stay in my 27s forever," says Niki.
But if she is ever to gain a great amount of national fame, she does have a few other ideas in mind.
"I'd really like to be one of the sassy commentators on TruTv's World's Dumbest."
I'm sure everyone in the Worcester area will be rooting for her to reach such great heights.
For more information on Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers please visit her website or find them on Facebook.
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