February 3, 2013
02/04/13 Here’s a chance to treat your Valentine to a special evening. After the phenomenal success of Encore Performing Arts’ “Dinner and Music” for the last three years, this ‘encore’ performance will kick off the 2013 series. On Thursday, February 14, they will host an exceptional opportunity to hear Margaret Murphy-Webb, a world class jazz vocalist.
The venue at Christos’ Banquet Center is limited to 70 guests at a cost of $50 per person. Diners have three entrée choices: pan fried chicken breast with raspberry chipotle sauce; stuffed portabella mushroom ravioli with marinara sauce; and broiled tilapia with a light sauce or salsa. All are served with a salad graced with strawberries and candied walnuts, Key West blend vegetables and wild rice. An open bar and opportunity to socialize begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 followed by the performance at 7:45 with dessert and coffee.
From her website at www.margaretcmurphy.com, Margaret, based in Chicago and affectionately known as ‘M & M’ to her musical family, has been singing professionally throughout the United States and Europe for over 25 years. She developed her unique vocal style and showmanship under the tutelage of world-renowned tenor saxophonist Von Freeman with whom she shared the stage at the Taste of Chicago, The Chicago Jazz Festival, Andy’s, Pete Miller’s, Pops, The Jazz Showcase, and many other venues.
Michael Horton of Universal Records said of her, “I promise you I am not exaggerating when I say that she is every bit the equal of the Cassandra Wilsons and Diana Kralls of the world. We don’t hear a lot of female jazz vocalists singing in Ms. Murphy’s register these days, and it brings back the aching allure of chanteuses like Peggy Lee and Julie London with something extra – an emotional letting-go that takes her skills to the limit but never beyond. Pipes like these deserve a national audience”.
As vocalist with the Charlie Johnson Quartet, Margaret produced their debut CD, ‘Moment’s Notice’. Her latest effort, produced by husband, bassist Chuck Webb, is entitled ‘In Full Bloom’. His band, Jazz Cats, was featured at the ‘Music in the Park’ series last summer. Webb’s combination of straight ahead and smooth jazz favorites by Dizzy Gillespie, Al Jarreau, Sade, Bette Midler and others has been added to the playlists of independent radio stations throughout the United States, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and Macedonia. Margaret was awarded a Grindie, (independent radio’s Grammy) for “Best Jazz Vocals” on her cover of the Sade song ‘Pearls’. She is recognized as a RadioIndy Gold Artist for outstanding vocals and production on a jazz CD. In March, 2012, Margaret joined vocalist Joan Collaso’s production company of ‘Eleven Divas’. The show features eleven of the finest vocalists in the Chicago area and has performed in sellout shows at DuSable Museum, The African Festival of the Arts and PUSH Headquarters in Chicago.
To learn more about Margaret and listen to samples from her album, log on to her website at www.margaretcmurphy.com. A breast cancer survivor, Margaret donates time and a portion of her proceeds from CD sales to the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research.
All reservations with dinner preferences need to be made by February 7 by calling the Encore office at 574-935-4987 or at the Encore office, 1305 W. Harrison Street, Plymouth 46563. No tickets will be issued and payment can be made at the door.
Lyn Ward CorrespondentEncore