Tabard Theatre announces The Music is the Magic a free live music Cabaret to benefit The Tabard Theatre Company, September 24 at 8pm. This magical evening will feature the song stylings of Le Perez, Letitia Burton, James Creer, Bobby Singer, Bendik Kleveland and Scotty Wright. The night’s band will be led by Le’s longtime collaborator and friend, pianist Rick Ferguson.

This fun night of music will be available both to attend in-person and to livestream from home. The high-quality multi-camera recording will be available On-Demand for 30 days following the show. There is no charge to reserve a General Admission seat, or patrons can reserve a Cabaret seat with a donation of $50 or more. Proof of vaccination is required for in-person patrons. Vaccine cards will be checked at the door. Masking is encouraged but not required.

Ticket income for The Tabard Theatre Company accounts for less than half of its annual budget, and the company must rely on government grants, business underwriting and individual contributions from patrons to make up the rest. Donations from individuals help Tabard to provide enlightening theatre experiences, new works, music concerts and innovative arts discovery for our community. The Tabard Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

San Jose vocalist LE PEREZ found her inspiration in gospel, blues and Motown growing up and now delights jazz audiences with her commanding voice and impressive range. Le has headlined at Angelicas, Savanna Jazz, Society Cabaret, Piano Fight, and festivals in the Bay Area, and won the JazzSearch West competition in 2017.  A retired marriage and family therapist, she appears often with Rick Ferguson and band, and is also featured singer with SeaScape Sounds. Her CD “The Lovely Le Perez” was released in May of 2021.

RICK FERGUSON (piano) loves invention and delight. Rick has played venues from Chicago to Sedona to Melbourne to Kauai and the Bay Area, has two songs featured in a 2013 movie soundtrack, and recently played for the President of Ireland. He has accompanied such jazz vocalists as Kimberly Gordon and Joe Williams in Chicago and Sarah Marie Young, winner of the 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival Young Vocalist Competition. A regular at Angelicas, the Filoli Mansion, and the Los Altos Bistro/Long Bar, Rick works with established and emerging vocalists in the Bay Area.

Tabard Theatre (formerly Theatre on San Pedro Square) — San Jose’s “Hidden Gem” venue for the performing arts—  is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose amid a bustling restaurant district.  This intimate and unique venue brings a touch of Manhattan to the South Bay with its rustic yet edgy feel. Old brick walls, plush leather seats, antique wood plank floors, sweeping red velvet drapes and a 35-foot mahogany bar create a casual cabaret atmosphere. The three-quarter round cabaret stage— described by artists as “a room that feels big and small at the same time” — is the perfect setting for live music, theatre and comedy.

 The Tabard Theatre Company was founded in 2001 by Cathy Spielberger Cassetta. Tabard’s mission is to provide live entertainment experiences that are enlightening, appropriate and affordable for audiences of all ages. They champion new works, innovative interpretations, and unique plays rarely staged. Tabard is an inclusive environment where the community can participate in every aspect of the plays, musicals, educational programs and music concerts they produce. With altruistic attention to the underserved, Tabard reaches out to communities such as the visually impaired and children in low-income areas. The Tabard Theatre Company is grateful for support provided by grants from The City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Silicon Valley Creates.

For Calendar Editors

What: The Music is the Magic A Benefit Cabaret featuring Le Perez, Rick Ferguson and Friends

When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022,  Doors 7pm, Show 8pm PT

Who: All ages. Tabard is an all-vaccinated venue. Cards will be checked at the door.  Face masks are encouraged.