In Chicago, May 1 means it’s Protomayia!, the Erotic Love and Springtime Fest at Katerina’s cozy jazz and World Music club. In its eleventh edition, the packed-to-the-rafters crowd was psyched to celebrate the Rites of Spring with poetry and music in a United Nations of languages and cultures. Suzanne Petri represented Chicago’s cabaret community well with a saucy, sexy delivery of “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” and a selection from her popular Marlene Muzik show celebrating the legendary Marlene Deitrich. Yours truly was happy to participate as the burlesque contributor, pleased that the crowd laughed heartily at “I Think About Sex” written by Ray Jessel and “Can’t Stop Using That Hand of Mine,” a disrespectful homage to a classic from the Great American Songbook. Yoko Noge offered Japanese jazz. Robin Pleur offered a beautifully-sung mini-set in French featuring he Piaf classics “Padam Padam” and “La vie en rose.” Part of what makes Protomayia! joyful is hostess Katerina herself. She cheers the performers (showering them with flower petals throughout the night), hugs guests and creates a warm party atmosphere. In the wee hours, Katerina joins her Greek Music Ensemble on vocals along with musicians Steve Gibons, on violin, Juliano Milo, on accordion, Alfonso Ponticelli on guitar, and Jamie Gallagher on percussion. Jazz pianist Brian O’Hearn accompanies vocal guests with flair in a spontaneous setting. Katerina’s yummy sour cherry martinis make springtime even better. OOOooopah!

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
May 1, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org