"Je ne veux pas travailler," sings China Forbes, the anthem of a world-weary Gen Xer who just wants work to be over so she can get a smoke. (A big hit in the US, an even bigger hit in France.) You could hear that same irony on the next album, "Hang On Little Tomato," as well. By then, Portland-based Pink Martini had become iconic: lush orchestrations, razor-sharp lyrics, tightly choreographed performances.

Harvard grad Thomas Lauderdale put the group together to play at fundraisers for progressive political causes. He hit just the right note of yearning and discipline, a Big Band for our times. This Friday, the band is the entire Seattle Symphony, directed by associate conductor Joseph Crnko.

Pink Martini performs with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall, Friday, April 16th at 8 PM. Tickets $35 to $120.