Storm Large and Le Bonheur live in Tucson
Fox Theatre
Tucson, AZ
February 17, 2022
By Mary Andrews
Storm Large is no stranger to Tucson. Her first appearance was fronting Pink Martini as the lead singer subbing for China Forbes. Large and Le Bonheur performed at the 2017 Tucson Jazz Festival. This appearance was postponed until now.
To say Large is a vocal superstar is putting it mildly. The well-seasoned singer has a wonderful grasp of the American songbook, rock anthems, Broadway classics, and her original songs that has something for everyone during her shows. The woman can deliver and deliver she does. Large has performed all over the world and sings in multiple languages. She is perhaps best known from her appearance on CBS’s Rockstar: Supernova reality show in 2006 and her recent appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2021.
Large grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City before moving to San Francisco and finally to Portland, Oregon. She made a living performing multi genre cover songs. In one interview she stated that she only covers songs that aren’t perfect covers from the start. Tonight’s cover songs included The Faces Stay with Me,” Cyndi Lauper’s “She Bop,” Alanis Morrissette’s “Uninvited,” Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” and Paul Simon’s “Bridge Under Troubled Water.” One secret to Large’s success is that she does not attempt to imitate the previous versions of the songs but instead makes each song her own.
It was obvious from the start of the show that the energetic fans were ready to rock with Storm. She took the stage in a slinky black dress. She mentioned that she and the band had not gotten much rest due to travel problems coming from their last gig. One would have never guessed that that was the case.
The performance was nothing less than tour-de-force with a lot of stand-up comedy sprinkled in between the songs. She started with “Crazy Train and “Call Me Crazy” that seemed to introduce the audience to her personality. The night was filled with her raw emotions along with her typical light vulgarity which may have shocked some while the majority were delighted at Storm’s honest appraisal of life. The presence of her godmother did not dissuade any of Large’s dialogue.
“The Opposite of Me” was one of our favorites of Large’s self-penned songs and even though the fans were not familiar with the song. Large had the crowd singing the song along with her.
During a short break, Large donned a flowing red gown. This leg of the show had her performing many of her self-penned songs along with more covers. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” seems to have become Large’s biggest hit song and it brought people to their feet, applauding as soon as the first few bars were played.
The Portland based siren describes herself as a ‘super-mega ham.’ The intimate atmosphere of the Fox Theatre lends to the feeling that Large is an endearing friend rather than being a ‘ham.’ Storm Large is a force to be reckoned with rather than a ‘ham.’ We will welcome her anytime she wants to grace the stage in Tucson.
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