HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ETTA JAMES?
About the Program | Program Repertoire | Digital Exhibit | Digital Program| About the Artists | Our Sponsors
The complex life and powerful voice of Los Angeles native Etta James, whose musical journey through gospel and blues turned her into a rock ‘n’ roll innovator.
Etta James’s commanding voice, iconic bleached blonde up-do, and timeless records have cemented her as a true legend.
But to look past the mythology is to realize that much of Etta’s career required tenacity and transformation. When mounting one of her many comebacks, Etta called small clubs pretending to be her own management and asked, “Have you ever heard of Etta James?”
MUSE/IQUE celebrates the legacy of the woman who reinvented herself time and time again, and blended grit and beauty like no one else. With songs that showcase her mastery of genre, from “This Little Light of Mine” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” to her opus “At Last,” you’ll leave the show with a triumphant story, determined to be your best, most authentic self.
Have You Ever Heard of Etta James?
Program Repertoire
Amen / This Little Light of Mine - Jester Hairston / Traditional, arr. Michael Valerio
Vanessa Bryan, LaVance Colley, Gaby Moreno, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
God Bless the Child - Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr., arr. Alan Steinberger
Gaby Moreno and Alan Steinberger
The Man I Love - George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, arr. Michael Valerio
Vanessa Bryan, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Lucille - Richard Penniman, Albert Collins, arr. Jamey Tate
LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
At Last - Harry Warren, Mack Gordon, arr. Jamey Tate
Vanessa Bryan, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
If I Can’t Have You - Harvey Fuqua, Etta James, arr. Rob Schaer
LaVance Colley, Gaby Moreno, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Something’s Got a Hold on Me - Etta James, Leroy Kirkland, Pearl Woods, arr. Jamey Tate
LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
I’d Rather Go Blind - Billy Foster, Etta James, Ellington Jordan, arr. Jamey Tate
Vanessa Bryan, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
You Can Leave Your Hat On - Randy Newman, arr. Michael Valerio
Gaby Moreno, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Ball and Chain - Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, arr. Rob Schaer
Gaby Moreno, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Rock N’ Roll Music - Chuck Berry, arr. Rob Schaer
Vanessa Bryan, LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
When the Saints Go Marching In - Traditional, arr. Rob Schaer
Vanessa Bryan, LaVance Colley, Gaby Moreno, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
MUSE/IQUE
Pop-Up Exhibit
Have You Ever of Etta James?
Program
Have You Ever Heard of Etta James?
Featured Artists
Vanessa Bryan (vocals)
Vanessa Bryan has emerged as one of Los Angeles’ most commanding and versatile vocalists. Vanessa has shared the stage at Madison Square Garden and completed two world tours with Broadway icon Idina Menzel, electrified crowds at Coachella alongside RAYE, and headlined the legendary Glastonbury Festival with The Killers.
Gaby Moreno (vocals)
Gaby Moreno is an award-winning singer-songwriter and producer. Since moving to Los Angeles from her native Guatemala, Gaby has released nine albums, won a GRAMMY and earned GRAMMY nominations for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album and Best Latin Pop Album. She won two Latin GRAMMY Awards for Best New Artist and Best Traditional Tropical Album.
LaVance Colley (vocals)
LaVance Colley fuses the range and fervor of a gospel singer with the versatility of jazz and the heart of R&B to develop a style all his own. His credits include working with legends like Beyoncé, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, and Diana Ross. LaVance is known for his role as lead vocalist and emcee on tour with Postmodern Jukebox.
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DC6 SINGERS COLLECTIVE, VOCALS
DC6 Singers Collective (vocals) are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra. They frequently collaborate with longtime partners like MUSE/IQUE and local arts organizations that amplify the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
This special group works closely with MUSE/IQUE to develop and produce arrangements, advise on repertoire, and help bring the music to life.
Principal Arranger and Special Advisor to the Music Director Michael Valerio and resident arrangers Rob Schaer and Jamey Tate.
MUSE/IQUE orchestra
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
Saxophone
Brandon Fields, Pat Posey
Trumpet
Rob Schaer, Joe Harris
Trombone
Ryan Dragon
Percussion
Mona Tavakoli
Keyboard, Hammond B3 Organ
Alan Steinberger
Guitar
Errol Cooney
Bass
Michael Valerio
Drums
Jamey Tate
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager.
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager. Caroline Boyce, Librarian.
This season is presented by LeeAnn and Ron Havner / JCS Family Foundation.
Additional Sponsors:
Anonymous (2), Avery and Andrew Barth, Michael Casey, Susan Chandler, Ellen and Harvey Knell, The Jerry and Terri Kohl Family Foundation, Mike Stoller & Corky Hale, Ambassador Robert Kohorst and Shelley Allen, Debbie and Rick Powell, and Alyce de Roulet Williamson.