Pink Martini wows at Golden State Theatre in Monterey.

Pink Martini’s tight musicianship and electrifying range of genres, both in composition and performance, make them an essential band for exuberant music lovers with eclectic tastes.

Thomas Lauderdale, founder of Pink Martini, was underwhelmed by the blasé fundraisers he attended. Wine, cheese and schmoozing provided the main courses, but Lauderdale saw an opportunity for a fresh dish. The pianist founded Pink Martini, a “little orchestra” with joie de vivre as chic and refreshing as its name suggests, and the band went from supporting element to headliner, with smokey-voiced chanteuse China Forbes and her classical, jazz, lounge and world music versatility at the fore. Proceeds from Dec. 8’s show fund renovations at Henry Miller Memorial Library.

Since their formation in 1994, the band has released seven studio albums, performed to enthused audiences in Europe, Australia and Asia and South America. Their 1997 French language single “Sympathique” met overwhelmingly positive reception internationally, charting in France, Greece and Japan.

They have also collaborated with artists ranging from Good Will Hunting director Gus Van Sant to Portland hipster Courtney Taylor-Taylor.

In 2011, Forbes took a hiatus from Pink Martini to have surgery on her vocal chords. Singer Storm Large stepped in as lead vocalist. Forbes made a full recovery and both now perform with the band, though only Large performs Tuesday.

Pink Martini’s most recently released single “Hey Eugene (You Better Watch Your Back)” is a haunting, stripped version of their 2007 song “Hey Eugene,” which was an up-tempo pop song that Forbes delivers in a higher register than she does in popular earlier releases like the French “Sympthathique.”

The instrumentation of the original “Hey Eugene” relies on the upright bass, which gives it a Motown accent. The lyrics have a dark bite. Forbes sings about an encounter at a party that ended badly.

“And when we had finished making out we noticed that your skinhead friend was gone/ Long gone/ And you looked into my bloodshot eyes and said ‘Is it too soon if I call you Sunday.’”

In the original version, Forbes’ intonations are mocking. She wants Eugene to know he’s a loser. The 2015 release sounds more sinister. Accompanied by only Lauderdale’s piano and the quiet, persistent beat of a single drum, she sings almost at a whisper. Now Eugene is a man who might fear for his life.

Pink Martini 7:30pm Dec. 8. The Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $40-$80 donation. 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com.