CryBaby! The Janis Joplin Experience
CryBaby! The Janis Joplin Experience
Saturday, April 11, 2026 @ 8pm
CryBaby! The Janis Joplin Experience, fronted by powerhouse vocalist Lisa Polizzi, is recognized for its authentic and detailed portrayal of one of rock’s most influential artists. This production moves beyond simple imitation to offer a deep dive into the musical and emotional landscape that defined Joplin’s brief but brilliant career.
Polizzi has mastered the distinctive vocal texture and impressive range required to inhabit Joplin’s songs, channeling the unmistakable blend of blues-soaked vulnerability and volcanic power. The show is anchored by a full-on re-creation of Joplin’s legendary 1969 Woodstock performance, capturing the raw, electric moment she solidified her status as a genuine force in rock ‘n’ roll.
The accompanying band features seasoned professionals dedicated to accurately recreating the sound of Joplin’s backing groups—from the Texas grit and San Francisco psychedelia of Big Brother and the Holding Company to the soul-searing arrangements of the Kozmic Blues Band and the polished fire of the Full Tilt Boogie Band. The performance draws from Janis’s entire catalog, featuring seminal tracks that showcased her emotional depth and rebellious spirit, including “Piece of My Heart,” “Ball & Chain,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Cry Baby,” and “Mercedes Benz.”
Since its inception in 2017, CryBaby! has built a loyal following through festival appearances and sold-out theater runs, earning acclaim for a tribute that treats Joplin’s music not just as songs, but as profound expressions of a life lived “just a little bit harder.”
