Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st Century » Alberta Hunter http://www.riehlife.com Creating connections through the arts and across cultures Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:35:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Miss Fannie Belle Lebby’s Women of Tears and Laughter: An Evening with Alberta Hunter and Jackie “Moms” Mabley http://www.riehlife.com/2009/04/02/miss-fannie-belle-lebbys-women-of-tears-and-laughter-an-evening-with-alberta-hunter-and-jackie-%e2%80%9cmoms%e2%80%9d-mabley/ http://www.riehlife.com/2009/04/02/miss-fannie-belle-lebbys-women-of-tears-and-laughter-an-evening-with-alberta-hunter-and-jackie-%e2%80%9cmoms%e2%80%9d-mabley/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:10:41 +0000 riehlife http://www.riehlife.com/?p=2160 On Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 PM in Abbott Auditorium, at Southern Illinois University, the Women's Studies Department presented a special event as part of Women’s History Month 2009. Fanny's cousin Lavelle Wilkins-Chin drove us over to the Edwardsville Campus in the pouring rain. The two of us laughed, clapped and sang along to yet another of Miss Fanny's memorable performances.

Yes'm it was all that was promised: an interactive, sizzling stage extravaganza with humorous anecdotes, stories, political commentary, and music that is comic and replete with sexual innuendos. This show celebrates the lives and work of courageous African-American entertainers who challenged gender and racial discrimination.

Miss Fannie Belle Lebby--actress-director-storyteller-Community Arts Educator--turned in two marvelous performances of two African American legends: Jackie “Moms” Mabley, a politically conscious comedienne; and Alberta Hunter, a blues singer and songwriter.

Then, the prize of the evening. Miss Fannie nvited us over to her loft where her dynamic husband Dennis had a celebratory cake waiting for us. This is what I've dreamed of doing: being part of a creative community here in St. Louis...informally visiting and sharing views and quips together.

]]> http://www.riehlife.com/2009/04/02/miss-fannie-belle-lebbys-women-of-tears-and-laughter-an-evening-with-alberta-hunter-and-jackie-%e2%80%9cmoms%e2%80%9d-mabley/feed/ 1 Fannie Belle Lebby’s Sizzling One Woman Show “Ladies of the Blues” lit up The Space http://www.riehlife.com/2008/04/04/fannie-belle-lebbys-sizzling-one-woman-show-ladies-of-the-blues-lit-up-the-space/ http://www.riehlife.com/2008/04/04/fannie-belle-lebbys-sizzling-one-woman-show-ladies-of-the-blues-lit-up-the-space/#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:23:21 +0000 riehlife http://www.riehlife.com/2008/04/04/fannie-belle-lebbys-sizzling-one-woman-show-ladies-of-the-blues-lit-up-the-space/ Woodie Award nominee Miss Fannie Belle Lebby performed her one woman show, "Ladies of the Blues", including portrayals of blues artist/jazz singer Alberta Hunter and comedienne Moms Mabley at The Space. Fannie Belle Lebby has merged her active performing career with activist work such as Jobs for Justice. Miss Freida Wheaton's Salon 53 sponsored the evening's performance. Freida's own poems added mightily to the evening.

NOTE ON THE VENUE: The Space is a modern 2,000 square foot "living" art and performance studio that is home to JPEK Productions, founded by playwright/actor, Joel King (a most charming impressario whose hosting made us feel right at home) and business partner Christiaan Cofield. Located at Vandeventer and Lindell (off Grand) The Space sits in the midst of St. Louis University and is walking distance from Grand Center. Learn more about The Space by clicking here.

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