The Professor and the Madwomans Awesome Radio Adventure

 photo:Will Snyder

We were interviewed and recorded by Will Snyder for his show on WRIR "Open Source". It is broadcast 10 - 11 AM on Fridays. Our interview was aired April 27 and then available on podcast. He was a pleasure to talk with and we shared our vast, and questionable, knowledge about Richmond's performing arts scene; Belly Dance, Burlesque, and Cabaret. We made up a whole buncha stuff that might be true.

Here's the link to podcast,
 http://richmondpublicradio.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/os_cabaret_04272012.mp3

The Madwoman Muses...

The Madwoman (Khalima) was recently interviewed by RVA magazine. Here is the link to full interview, which is well worth reading; http://rvamag.com/articles/full/14793/defying-the-metaphorical-death-of-winter-an-interview-with-khalima

Below is the part of her interview about Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman.



Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman
You are a notorious collaborator with various other artists in Richmond and surrounding areas. What are some projects that you are currently work on?
Right now I am putting a lot of energy into Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman, my collaboration with accordionist Barry Bless, who many know from the Ululating Mummies, Happy Lucky Combo, The Indigenous Gourd Orchestra, and other projects. Barry and I bring together song and dance into theatrical vignettes. Barry has composed many songs on accordion which we use; we also pull music from popular culture of older eras and the world. I have also returned to playing music after a long break, have started singing, and am adding a drag bit as well. We are working on a portable stage that will allow us to take our show directly to the people, on the street! This project is so exciting to me, and it is a joy to work with Barry, who is full of creativity and is an amazing musician and family man. There are no holds barred. Working with a musician with so much discipline and heart is a real backbone to me, and I thoroughly enjoy what we do. Together, we have been hosting a monthly Cabaret Brunch at Balliceaux where Richmond has been able to get a taste of the pieces we have been working on, and also an open format for other creative performers and bellydancers to try out their pieces.

Titanic Edition; Belly Dance Brunch Cabaret

photo: Charles Sugg
photo: Charles Sugg

photo: Otway Chalkley


photo: Kari Lee

photo: Charles Sugg

photo: Charles Sugg
photo: Charles Sugg
poster: Barry Bless


photo: Charles Sugg

photo: Charles Sugg


video: Otway Chalkley

photo: Charles Sugg

photo: Kari Lee



poster: Chris Bopst