By Marcia Blondin***All the magic of Puerto Vallarta descended on Nacho Daddy with an oversold house gathered to mark three firsts. One, Effie Passero premiered a full show; she’s sung at Nacho Daddy on occasion but only at Open Mic. Second, after living here for six years, this show is the first collaboration between Passero and pianist,Maestro Mark Hartman. And third, it was a rehearsal for her upcoming June 14th debut at 54 Below. We in the audience were so ready!
The song choices were a
ambitious and extremely well received, with ”The Girl in 14G” creating a couple of stumbles, only for Passero to laugh and get right back on track. Hey—this was a preview! From her opening number, ”Journey to the Past” from Anastasia, through Adele, Bonnie Raitt, and a couple of originals, to the finale, ”You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel, Passero was in her element, surrounded by dear friends made here in this city.
In the past eight years since she appeared on American Idol, Passero has been swept up by Postmodern Jukebox, has been to Egypt, Europe, and all over the United States, and appeared at the Sydney Opera House and Covent Garden within monthsof each other—extraordinary experiences she spoke of with reverence and immense gratitude. She also made a recent debut at Carnegie Hall, which prompted many from Vallarta to fly to New York to witness her singing with her friends and colleagues, Branden James and James Clark, combined as CelloVoci.
A serendipitous moment occurred several years ago in Nashville, when she ended her show with Leonard Cohen’s”Hallelujah” (her Vallarta encore). A man with tears still pouring down his face, met her after the show, and wondered aloud why the world had not heard her spectacular voice. One thing led to another, and this man arranged her first recording session, working with the band members from Journey.
But then again, when Effie (born Francesca Bavaro) was five, her parents were sure she was a prodigy and enrolled her in voice and piano lessons. Within a year, she was flying back and forth from California to New York to audition for Broadway musicals. She never quite fit the bill and eventually chose a different path that included Mohawk hairdos and tattoos covering much of her body, which effectively put her in a category all her own. But one thing is sure: no matter the name or the look, as per the American Idol producers, she has this VOICE that is hers alone, and glorious. Effie Passaro is coming to 54 Below, but be advised: you may borrow her from time to time, but remember that the Voice lives in Puerto Vallarta.
Click here to check out Effie Passaro at 54 Below on Sunday, June 14 at 9:30 PM—and reserve your seats!
