All photos and videos Otway Chalkley
Princess Farhana of Hollywood
School's almost out! We felt that a sweet year of classes deserves a hell of a cherry on top, so we present to you the delicious-est of the lovely, Princess Farhana!
Join us at Gallery 5 for a end of the school year show like none other! Starring Princess Farhana, hosted by Headmistress Horski, featuring performances by Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman and local bellydance and burlesque students and professionals: Johara, Alexandra Dance Company, Moxie Labouche, Lottie Ellington, Gaia, Morgana Perizada, Cherrie Canary, Liza, Twisted Sands, and Lorelei Leisure!
Tickets on sale at gallery5arts.org
$10 advance/ $15 door
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman are really looking forward to this show. Princess Farhana has been in show biz for decades, that's what keeps her young. And her mother used to perform with Donald O'Connor on the Vaudeville circuit. Here's a link to her website. http://www.princessfarhana.com/
The Professor and the Madwomans Awesome Radio Adventure
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.
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: Otway Chalkley
photo: Kari Lee
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| photo: Charles Sugg |
poster: Barry Bless
video: Otway Chalkley
photo: Kari Lee
poster: Chris Bopst
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