BESSIE * BILLIE * DINAH

Songs & Stories of ‘BESSIE SMITH’, ‘BILLIE HOLIDAY’ & ‘DINAH WASHINGTON’

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BESSIE * BILLIE * DINAH
Songs & Stories of
Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday & Dinah Washington
{4pc Show}

***BESSIE * BILLIE * DINAH***

EMPRESS, LADY & QUEEN OF THE BLUES

Join us in resurrecting the stories, lives and music of these three Musical Giants of the early 20^th Century.

One, was a the highest paid performer of her era in the world
One, was awarded four posthumous Grammy’s
One, had nine husbands!

They all sang from their souls, touched the hearts of millions and died before their 45th birthday’s!

Leading such high profile lives for their time, these three iconic singers influenced each other whilst blazing the trail for many of those who followed, even the late Amy Winehouse. Performing and recording with the biggest bands and orchestras of the day including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton & Quincy Jones whilst pouring their heartaches & happiness into these unforgettable songs like AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, MAKIN’ WHOOPEE, ST. LOUIS BLUES & more. You may even find yourself singing along to songs like SEND ME TO THE ELECTRIC CHAIR!!

“The show is confident, classy and contains some great songs, stories and musicianship”

The Clothesline, Adrian Miller 2020. 4 STAR REVIEW Adelaide Fringe 2020

Quinton Dunne, Richard Coates,
Bonnie Lee Galea & Josh Chenoweth

Relive the stories & masterpieces of song of these three pioneering, black female vocalists through interpretations by

South Australian Quartet, JAZZ in CHEEK featuring:-

BONNIE LEE GALEA on voice (Blonde Bombshells of Jazz)

QUINTON DUNNE on Double Bass/Voice (The Beggars),

RICHARD COATES on Keys (The Huckleberry Swedes) &

JOSH CHENOWETH on trumpet (The Hot Sardines)

ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017, Audience Testamonials

“We all thoroughly enjoyed the show. The unknown back stories on Bessie, Billie and Dinah were particularly enlightening-sad, funny and tragic.” Kathy Bergland, SA, March 2017

Loved the show … Bonnie and her band’s tribute to these 3 blues legends was brilliant!! Anne Mitchell, SA, March 2017

Bonnie Galea’s ‘Bessie, Billie and Dinah’ Show was well executed, brilliantly played by Quinton Dunne, Richard Coates, Josh Chenoweth and sung to perfection by Bonnie. Debra Thorsen, Event Organiser ‘The Port Rocks’ & ‘Semaphore Music Festival’ [SA] 2017

Showreel ~ 3min 29sec

Billie Holiday

Bessie Smith

Dinah Washington

Quinton Dunne & Bonnie Lee Galea

Richard Coates & Josh Chenoweth

WEEKENDNOTES: Editorial Piece by Haydn Radford

ADELAIDE FRINGE REVIEWS 2016/2017

Each of the eponymous singers is given half a dozen songs, with chat about their life. Bessie’s darkly funny Send Me to the ‘Lectric Chair, which Galea got the audience singing along to. Moving onto Billie Holliday, we were treated to God Bless the Child, Gloomy Sunday and Loverman, Finally, Dinah Washington’s Ain’t Misbehavin’, Teach Me Tonight and Makin’ Whoopee, finishing with her big hit What a Difference a Day Makes. Galea is a fine singer with beautiful tone and pitch. Adelaide Fringe 2017 Review, GLAM ADELAIDE SA

“Bonnie is to be applauded for reminding us about this largely forgotten singer Dinah Washington.” “The connection between them is living tormented lives, and dying tragically at an early age.” “Meanwhile, sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy some of the great songs this show has to offer.” Adelaide Fringe 2016 Review, CLOTHESLINE Magazine SA

PHOTO:- Kathleen Morris

TARGET MARKET :- Seniors & 40 + & Fans of music from the early 20th Century.

TECH :- Basic Lighting, Data Projector for Stills, 3-4 piece band, Tech LINK BELOW, upright or grand piano if available but not compulsory.