What do you get when you join in song an eclectic, multi-talented singer-songwriter, a seasoned, soulful jazz chanteuse and a Juilliard-trained, outrageous operatic diva?
Magic.
“I had Melina on my right in the professional world and Tanya on my left in the singer/songwriter world so I thought, ‘Oh let’s just make some wonderful Neapolitan ice cream action,’” said Judy Rose, one-third of the Dharma Dolls. “We have a group that has three distinct flavours but all together is nothing but sumptuous delicious and fun.”
The Vernon-based vocal trio of the Dharma Dolls have discovered an untapped musical niche and will be performing at the Dream Café on May 18 an intimate venue that has legendary status in Rose’s mind, even though she admits to never have actually been there.
“We are so excited to perform there because we know of the magic that happens there and the intimacy factor there and it works so well with what we do. I had told myself I would not attend the Dream Café until I got to perform there,” said Rose. “In the musical community you always hear of the legend of the Dream Café. I am definitely happy to say it finally has come true.”
Singer-songwriter Tanya Lipscomb attributes her musical success to her deep passion for the craft. Rose calls her the most creative making up songs on the spot with a loop pedal. She has opened for the likes of Tom Cochrane, Wide Mouth Mason, Mama Guroove and more.
Argentine-born coloratura soprano Melina Moore graduated from the prestigious Julliard School with a degree in opera performance. Moore has dozens of operatic and musical theatre roles under her belt, performs regularly with symphonies and orchestras across the province, has been a featured artist on CBC Radio and is the headlining performer at Swarovski’s Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort.
The third part of this ensemble is Rose whose performed in New York, Chicago and Austin with Judy Rose and the Pretty Boys. Her original French compositions have been broadcast on CBC Radio Canada and she has played feature roles in Cabaret and The Vagina Monologues. She collaborates with Lipscomb in the acoustic duo Lili & Rose and will be featured in the band The Killer B’s at the Vernon Jazz Society in October.
“It’s an education coming to see us perform. You might not be a fan of opera, you might not be a fan of jazz but I promise you will not be disappointed. You will be entertained and we will leave you wanting more. We are cheeky and surprising and we are grateful for the Dream Café to invite us,” said Rose.
The trio is accompanied by pianist and organist Jim Leonard.
The Dharma Dolls will seamlessly combine their musical styles to sing their way through the worlds of opera, jazz, folk and original compositions for one unforgettable display of song, surprises and sass.
“It’s nothing but surprising. You know when you are eating ice cream and you have a little intense bite of cherry or a nut and how delightful it is, we are kind of like that,” said Rose with a laugh.
Contact the Dream Café for reservations at 250-490-9012 or visit www.thedreamcafe.ca.