The Hot Mammas

Dynamic, contemporary jazz vocal trio The Hot Mammas make magical music brimming with crystal-clear harmonies, rollicking rhythms and saucy, sweltering sound. The group is ignited by the larger-than-life personalities and synergy of seasoned entertainers and long-time friends Georgina Arntzen, Julie Brown and Mary Ella Young. Together, they channel divine, infectious joy into fearless live performances that feature glamorous outfits and the same intricate arrangements of favorite standards and original tunes that make their recordings shine. Often accompanied on stage by a band fully stocked with Vancouver’s most talented instrumentalists, the trio’s members use their songs to share their personal experiences as mothers, wives, sisters and lovers keen on celebrating the story of strong women in all their glory through song. Inspired by the energy and artistry of trailblazing ladies like The Boswell Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald and The Andrews Sisters; The Hot Mammas are the whole shebang – a delicious, all-you-can-eat feast for the eyes and ears.

Julie and Georgina laid the foundation for The Hot Mammas while singing in a Vancouver gospel choir in 2004. Hell-bent on developing a project together that would mingle their love of jazz with their sassy sensibilities, they began tossing around ideas for a vocal harmony group. Georgina asked the question, “Who wants to hear a bunch of old ladies sing?” Julie was adamant: “We’re not old ladies … we’re Hot Mammas!” Hoping to meet their perfect third, the pair joined a local Broadway choir, where they found experienced musical theater mamma, Mary Ella. The three clicked personally and professionally, bonded by their love of life and their individual entertainment career trajectories. Their creative chemistry quickly gave birth to a full repertoire of arrangements of “Mammafied” classic tunes and new songs.

All three Mammas come from an extensive performing arts background that has spanned decades. Originally from Montreal, Julie began her career as an entertainer at age 11 on a children’s show, then later enjoyed a 21-year run as a radio broadcaster, singer and actress throughout Canada. Georgina is from Regina, Saskatchewan and has performed regularly throughout venues in Vancouver, New York City, Las Vegas and throughout North America. She has also appeared on CBC, CTV and as part of a national HBO special, along with touring with the Canadian Armed Forces. Born in Arkansas, Mary Ella has a BFA in musical theater from Stephens College and also worked in Los Angeles as a professional singer and actress, performing in many musicals, films and television productions. Their ability to glow as individuals in the spotlight in their own skin makes their collective light bright as they continue to evolve with The Hot Mammas as artists and women.

The Hot Mammas are known for dazzling and electric interpretations of jazz standards and traditional pop goodies, like Sincerely, Lollipop and Mr. Sandman. The group also collaborates on original songs, such as Fish Hut and their theme, The Hot Mammas Song, which tells their collective tale. The ensemble has released two full-length albums, The Hot Mammas; Hot Mammas, Yeah! as well as a special Christmas album, A Smokin’ Hot Christmas with The Hot Mammas & Friends. While their flawless, innovative harmonies take shape during rehearsal, they often work with accomplished jazz pianist and arranger Miles Black, who generously offers up technical support and additional musical ideas.

The Mammas perform regularly with the best musicians in Vancouver, including musical director Tom Arntzen, who shines on feature songs and provides expert accompaniment to the group. The trio has appeared at a wide range of Vancouver spots, including downtown’s Robson Square, Frankie’s Jazz Club and at jazz vespers throughout the lower mainland. The Hot Mammas also have an on-going engagement at The Sylvia Hotel, an iconic landmark in Vancouver’s West End, which draws a sizable crowd and gives them an on-going opportunity to experiment with new repertoire.

Verifiable renaissance women; Julie, Georgina and Mary Ella dreamed up the fun-filled live revue shows, On The Air: A Musical Revue and its holiday version, Christmas On The Air: A Musical Revue, the latter of which provided the material for the Hot Mammas’ Christmas album. The revue has been around for seven years, touring theatres throughout the lower mainland, and was created, written and directed by the three ladies. The cast includes The Hot Mammas and some of Vancouver’s finest talent; as well as Canada’s Music Hall of Famer DJ Red Robinson and and CBC’s morning man Rick Cluff. Performers dance and sing their way from the 20s through the 60s with a historic flare.

The Hot Mammas will continue to bring a spirit of gratitude, positivity and deep love for music to everything they do.

Bios

When the idea was first presented to form a vocal trio, one of us asked the others, “Who would want to watch a bunch of old ladies singing?” Well, not only does it seem like there are many folks who are interested in listening and watching a mature group of women, but it has become much more than that. Creating harmonies is as much about relationship as it is about music. We are full of gratitude to have this in our lives!

Downtown Julie Brown

(Downtown) JULIE BROWN was born in Montreal. Julie’s first TV singing appearance at age 11 on a kids show called “Small Fry Frolics”, inspired her to continue performing.

Those future performances included a 21 yr. career as a radio broadcaster, singer, and actress in Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, where she currently lives with husband, Tom, and son, Jared.

She has interviewed such luminaries as Leonard Cohen, Bob Hope, Anne Murray, the Bare Naked Ladies, Gene Hackman, Johnny Depp, and many more.

Born in Arkansas, MARY ELLA YOUNG comes from a musical theatre background. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephens College, and has worked as a professional actress and singer in the United States, Canada, and Europe, performing in various musicals, films, and TV productions.’Marian, the Librarian’ in Music Man, is still one of her favourite roles.

The very diverse and talented Mary Ella lived and worked as an actress in L.A. for twelve years before heading to Vancouver where she is Mom to 2 kids and a dog. She proudly took the oath as a Canadian Citizen in 2004, making her a dual taxpayer on both sides of the border.

GEORGINA ARNTZEN hails from Regina, Saskatchewan. Performing in venues throughout North America, including New York City and Las Vegas.

With numerous TV appearances on CBC, CTV and a national H.B.O. Special, Georgina also cuts a mean “Klondike Kate” in Western Canada. In 1993, she toured with the Canadian Armed Forces to Asia.

Miz Arntzen resides in Vancouver with her husband and her very talented dog Sylvie.

Media Bio

The Hot Mammas are the whole shebang – a delicious, all-you-can-eat feast for the eyes and ears. Seasoned entertainers Georgina Arntzen, Julie Brown and Mary Ella Young channel sizzling chemistry and infectious joy into live performances that feature cascading harmonies delivered as one voice.

Their interpretations of jazz standards, traditional pop goodies and original compositions will make you smile.

These ladies come from an extensive performing arts background that has spanned decades and includes professional work in radio, television, theatre and film.

The Hot Mammas bring a spirit of gratitude, positivity and deep love for music to everything they do, delighting audiences from 2 to 102!

Testimonials

The Hot Mammas are a very entertaining group of singers and musicians. Beautiful voices, with wonderful harmonies combined with talented musicianship. The ladies are always a favourite with our guests.
Curtis, Manager at the Sylvia Hotel
If you love 3 part harmony that can take you from The Boswell Sisters to the Andrew Sisters and then shoot you squarely into the 60’s with Motown and beyond, then The Hot Mammas is for you!
Martin Hillier, Connoisseur of Jazz, Stylist to the stylish at The Lounge Hair Studio

This seasoned musical trio offers a fusion of great standards with a contemporary vibe. They propel you back to the future!

Arlene Overland, formerly of The Strangers
The Hot Mammas are on fire when they sing their three part harmonies; and when these women get on stage together they evoke good times! This group represents true passion for their art form. One of the highlights of our Guest Artist Series.
Lynn Van Dursen, Artistic Director of the Langham Theatre Concert Series in Kaslo
Classy to the max, harmonies heavenly and memories unforgettable…not to mention sexy and HOT!!
Fred Latremouille, Broadcast legend
Ah, to describe The Hot Mammas, using only the English Language???
The Hot Mammas are a fun-loving, eclectic and energetic trio. It’s been a joy to perform with them over the years!
Mr. Miles Black, Musician Extraordinaire

Venues

Since becoming The Hot Mammas in 2010, they’ve had the pleasure of singing at some really hip joints:

  • James Cowan Theatre
  • The Pal Theatre
  • The Zoomers Convention
  • The Polish Jazz Festival
  • White Rock Jazz Society
  • The Chilliwack Cultural Centre
  • The Commodore Ballroom
  • Granville Island Stage
  • Cory Weed’s Jazz Cellar
  • The Arts Club Theatre
  • Robson Square
  • The Sylvia Hotel
  • The Kay Meek Theatre
  • The Doorman’s Dinner at The Hotel Vancouver
  • Jazz Vespers in the Valley
  • The Columbia Theatre in New Westminster
  • The Silk Purse
  • The Dundarave Festival of Lights
  • Vocal Variety (in Harmony) Sechelt, BC
  • Silver Harbour Senior Centre
  • Hollyburn House West Vancouver
  • St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (with the Marcus Mosely Chorale)
  • Whistler Music Arts Festival
  • and more…