The multi-talented Miche Braden is more than just the star of “The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith.” She’s also the music director and she co-wrote some of the music.
Listen as Braden talks about the TOBA, which stands for Theatre Owners Booking Association, which booked black variety shows across the East & Midwest. Bessie Smith played the chitlin circuit, the tent shows and buffet flats, so-called because, like a buffet you could get a little bit of everything.
Watch this fascinating exploration of the music of Bessie Smith, as Braden sets the stage: “We are getting ready to have a ball with a woman who does not hold anything back. Nothing at all. So you’re coming to have some fun. Because Bessie’s coming in to have some fun.”
http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/main-stage/the-devils-music
2 Responses to “VIDEO: Exclusive Interview with Miche Braden in The Devil’s Music”
bob
Sounds sorta funny EVEN in 2013 to hear NON church music referenced as Devils music… maybe MY interpretation of THAT…considering the timeline referenced in THIS play wha I interpret …and poo ol Marvin G’s DAD felt same way… M.Gs. dad was a minister…guess never quite accepted His son’s music career..or the popculture stuff…and IDEA of HIM killing own son that way…woooow…a waste…and that was like 1983…fact the play is on the road concerning THAT situation…OR his Sis was doing this lecture circuit thing… JUST a sad waste wha happened….
bob
Wish best…