Kaye Bohler brings her full R&B orchestra to Salinas’ newest stage for New Year’s Eve.

There is no way to contain Kaye Bohler.

She strides across time, not singing but laying down songs, not dressing up but stepping out – bringing the vibe of a different era and making it resonate now. The veteran performer calls her style “Rat Pack R&B,” which she defines as “the greatest stuff the right way, with the best cats in the bay.”

For others, describing Bohler demands liberal use of conjunctions. She is “big and brassy, bold and sassy.” Her voice is “whiskey and honey.” Teamed with the cats in question – a nine-piece orchestra belting out classics and originals – Bohler is blues and soul, rock and big band, Tina Turner, Etta James, James Brown in one.

“She is such a charismatic performer,” says Michael Foley, owner of Live@Heirloom Pizza Co. in downtown Salinas, where The Kaye Bohler Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will ring in the new year on Dec. 31. “We’re super excited to have her.”

With a personality as booming as her voice, Bohler needs a considerable stage. And Live@Heirloom – the second location of the popular Heirloom Pizza – is a music venue that happens to serve pizza.

The stage is raised, the ceiling is high and, most importantly, Foley had professional sound and lighting systems installed.

“It’s an epic venue – state-of-the-art gorgeous,” Bohler observes. “It’s a place for touring acts. We can create a downtown music scene.”

That’s Bohler’s goal. A Southern California native who now lives in Prunedale and packs large venues around the world, she has not been able to bring her full ensemble – “I have a killer horn section,” Bohler points out – to Monterey County, outside of the Monterey International Blues Festival.

She sees the Live@Heirloom as a space that will not only bring big names to downtown Salinas, but also provide local bands a properly equipped stage. According to Foley, the space can comfortably accommodate 200 fans. For the New Year’s Eve show, he plans to set it up for 100 seated guests, with plenty of additional standing room.

“It’s time to wear your bling,” Bohler says. “We’re going to make Salinas bright on New Year’s night.”

THE KAYE BOHLER RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA plays 9pm-midnight Sunday, Dec. 31. Live@Heirloom Pizza Co., 344 Main St., Salinas. $20. 998-8824, heirloompizzapie.com/salinas