With a voice described as “champagne & chocolate,” Kristen Toedtman plays music with its roots in many pots: pop, jazz, Latin, soul, rock, R&B. The singer/songwriter’s new 2-disc set reflects her roots in two places she calls home: Baltimore and Los Angeles. Kristen enlisted bandleader Chris Pumphrey (Baltimore Afrobeat Society, Financial Group) to capture the R&B and soul elements of her new songs with some of the best musicians in Baltimore. Side One: Baltimore was recorded live with a choir of horns and voices added later. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Kristen continues to work with Al Sgro (Joe Purdy, Gary Jules), mixing the Baltimore tracks and creating Side Two: Los Angeles.

The Baltimore band tours the east coast in support of the record this June with a record release party and concert, including horns, back-up singers, and more at the Patterson. Hometown darling Mike Smith emcees and the night will include sets and appearances of many Special Guests. Kristen’s dear friend, equally talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Abby Mott, opens. Got your drop dead gorgeous, sublime singing, smart writing gals on stage tonite! 8pm | $15, $12 mbrs.

Kristen Toedtman is equally at home on a rock stage as she is in the concert hall, and in the recording studio. In Los Angeles, she is a regular at the Hotel Cafe and Room 5 (solo & with band/choir) at Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl (with the Los Angeles Master Chorale), and in various studios (background vocals and major motion picture scores). Kristen is a founding member of the Baltimore Afrobeat Society and regularly returns to collaborate with Baltimore musicians. In 2004, she drove Route 40 to LA with friend and frequent collaborator Brendan Hines, and is featured on both of his releases. She has begun recording music for her 2nd release, a double EP (Balto / LA) scheduled for release this spring.