Long Island performer Amber Ferrari didn’t grow up impersonating Janis Joplin in the mirror.
As recently as 2006, Ferrari didn’t have any confidence she could sound like the legendary singer-songwriter. Ferrari’s voice coach pushed her into the role for a Woodstock show at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.
And after a couple, prolonged standing ovations in the middle of her acts — she still wasn’t convinced she sounded like Janis Joplin.
In fact, she’s still not fully convinced today.
“I think it’s the way that I sing, from my heart, like Janis did. Not so much how I sound,” Ferrari said in an interview. “The audience feels that. And my rasp and the screaming, people can make that connection.”
Ferrari is getting set to take the stage this Saturday with “Joplin’s Pearl” at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. She’ll be joined by a special guitarist, Randy Jackson of the band Zebra. Comedian and MC Ike Avelli will open the evening.
Click here for additional details and tickets.
Ferrari’s popular Joplin shows have become known for their performance value, with dozens of costume changes and Ferrari even slugging from a bottle of Southern Comfort — for full Joplin effect.
Spoiler alert: It’s not really Southern Comfort.
“I’d be dead,” the East Patchogue resident said when asked what would happen if she really did slug hard liquor on stage. “I’m not a drinker. One drink and I’m buzzed.
“And I’m talking wimpy stuff, like wine.”
Amber Ferrari photos taken at the Patchogue Theatre by Rich Batler.
Check out this video below to get a taste of Ferrari as Joplin:
