About This Show

The Lavender Blues features an array of music and stories from Tin Pan Alley, the Weimar Republic, the Harlem Renaissance and more. Some of the most formative, groundbreaking musical artists of the early 20th century were “in the life” – meaning gay, bisexual or transgender – and they sang about this too, in a variety of genres such as blues, early jazz, ballads, and pop. Modern cabaret performer Sarah Kilborne introduces us to a little-known, yet revolutionary moment in music history when pioneering artists sang out and proud about their sexuality and identity, something daring even for today – and as deliciously fun and inspiring as ever.