Pianist Thomas Lauderdale is the founder of the 12-member rock band Pink Martini. Formed in 1994, the band essays easy-to-listen music spanning multiple genres and catering to diverse tastes and moods. A former mayoral aspirant from Oregon, Lauderdale noticed the absence of good music at political fundraisers and decided to produce good eclectic music for such events, for better education, the environment and other social causes. Albums Sympathique and Hey Eugene and more have brought him fame at home and overseas.