TransVocalizers: Meet Martha Graham Cracker

Martha Graham Cracker has been something of an institution in Philadelphia for the past several years. Her show, The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret, has been a regular feature in Philadelphia and she has also performed in New York. Plans are in the works to take the show to Texas in the near future.

Martha, a.k.a. Dito Van Reigersberg, is known as the world’s tallest (6’8″ in heels) and hairiest drag queen. Martha sometimes draws upon her failing to become the totally glamorous diva she knows she can be as part of the show. Van Reigersberg has said in an interview with another publication that the whole process is something of a gamble at times, but that’s part of the appeal for the audience.

She performs mostly with a band, but has on occasion worked instead with just a small combo. And all of it, no matter with what number of musicians are present, is totally live and sort of in-your-face with the audience. So, it’s with pleasure that Transvocalizers/TGForum has the opportunity to introduce this talented and unique entertainer to our readers.

TGForum: I really could find all that much background information on you. Are you from Philadelphia originally?

Martha/Dito: Originally, I”m from the DC area, but I did my college years here in Philly at Swarthmore Collage and then moved back in 197 after two-plus years in acting school in NYC.

TGF: I know that you attended the Martha Graham School of Dance in NYC. Any other formal training, musically or theatrically?

MD: Yes I went to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre. It’s a two year acting program, Meisner technique, with dance, voice, and other supplementals. I took my first Graham class there and then I got hooked and ran over to the Graham school to take class. Man, I had endless energy!

TGF: Obviously, the Martha Graham School was the inspiration for your drag/performance name, correct?

MD: Well, definitely. I was mildly obsessed with the strange diva-ness of Martha Graham and the way her life blended genius, cruelty, loneliness, and passion. She invented an entire technique by herself, basically, and influenced so many important choreographers. But she almost became a parody of herself later on. There’s something so brave and pathetic about her story, that feels right for my inner lady.

TGF: What came first, theatrical influences or musical influences?

MD: Ooo, I dunno. I sang constantly as a kid, and I took signing lessons starting in high school. And my introverted self blossomed into an extrovert when I discovered drama class in 9th grade. In the basically conservative world of my high school, where I thrived academically but felt out of place socially, the “drama queers” or DQ’s (we actually called ourselves this, even the straight ones!) were my group and my shelter and my sense of belonging.

TGF: Musically, what were your influences growing? And, what do you listen to now?

MD: I listened to Aretha obsessivley. My first5 albums (on LP) were Tina Turner’s Private Dancer, and Princes’s Around The World In A Day. Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, The Beatles, Brand New Heavies.

TGF: In your live show, you seem to draw on several different musical genres, everything from hard rock to techo and ’80s bands. What is the criteria for including a tune in the show? And, is there anything you won’t use or do?

MD: There’s nothing I won’t do. I like the feeling of reaching out my wide spanned arms and grabbing everything, musically. Mainly, I like covering songs in ways you might not recognize at first, to make you hear them anew. I think I just don’t like doing a song to do it, if it feels empty. I think I have to connect to the lyrics somehow (some people don’t even hear lyrics, ever, but I do.)

TGF: Do you always perform with your four piece band? How long has the band been together? Also, how often do you perform and at what kind of venues?

MD: Usually we all perform together, though I have performed small sets with just piano, just bass, just guitar. We have been together for quite a while, the cabaret turns nine years old this August. It started with just Victor on keys and myself, but soon we filled out into a full band. Other than the L’Etage gig every month, we have performed at Joe’s Pub in New York, and the PMA, PAFA, the Trocadero, and at City Hall.

TGF: Any recording plans?

MD: None yet, but there are certain songs which feel ready to be recorded. I hope we make a little album someday soon.

TGF: The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret has a monthly gig in Philadelphis, corrrect? Does the Cabaret show differ from other gigs?

MD: The format is basically the same no matter where we are. A lot of interaction with the audience, “penetrating the room,” a reliance on Martha’s ever hopeful flirting abilities. Always turning accidents into opportunities.

TGF: What advice would you offer to any young performer just starting out?

MD: I guess this is obvious, but maybe not. Instead of figuring out how you fit into the mold, figure out what only you can do, and do that fully and with lots of pleasure.

TGF: How political are you? Do you follow and/or participate in LGBT politics?

MD: I do follow LGBT politics and I wish I were more actively involved.

TGF: Overall, how are drag acts and artists being accepted by the public? By the media?

MD: We are living in the era of RuPaul. Drag seems like sports, with people rooting for their fave drag queen as if she’s a football team. It’s wild. But now drag’s transgressive powers aren’t automatic, drag can become tired and formulaic. I hope that drag can still keep people awake, that drag queens can be a kind of conscience and not just a reminder of how bitchy people can be.

TGF: Anything that you’d like to say to the broader LGBT community as a whole?

MD: I am so amazed and honored to be a part of us, a visible group, in a world that is slowlly changing for the better, or so I hope.

TGF: In closing, anything you’d really like to say that I might not have asked?

MD: Thanks for the opportunity to reflect.

Martha is only on Facebook at the moment, but there is a wealth of material there, so please check out her page.

ALSO THIS MONTH

David de Alba

David waits in the lobby for you.

David de Alba is gearing up for his June 22nd appearance at the legendary Onyx Theatre in Las Vegas. Last year’s performance there earned him a standing ovation for his Judy Garland Tribute, entitled Dorothy The Later Years. With that sold out show, theatre management of course had to re-book him again this year. This year’s show again feature’s his Judy Garland Tribute and is entitled A Lonely Stage. (For more information and tickets visit the theater’s website.

Storm Miguel Florez

Storm Florez has announced that he’s starting work on his next album project. Until it’s finished and finally released, he offers this supercut video of the old Stray Cats song, Stray Cat Strut. (This is the actual Stray Cats song and not a new version.) Shot entirely with live cats, none of which were harmed during the filming. No word as to whether or not any of the cats were under the influence of cat nip, but obviously a splendid time was had by all. Actually, though, Storm admits that he’s allergic to cats and is not much of a cat fancier, but he’s a definite fan of his mother-in-law, who is an avid cat person. He made this cat video as a present for her. So there you have it.

[youtube]Nfkt56Ty8Ic[/youtube]

NEW MUSIC

Settle by Disclosure

Disclosure is a duo made up of two brothers, Guy and Howard Lawrenceare that has been making some very impressive waves recently. Their debut album, Settle, is pure techno dance material. The deluxe edition contains a second 5 song EP disc.

As I said, the entire project, with only a couple of exceptions, is pure techno dance material over that ubiquitous 4/4 beat. The noted exceptions are Second Chance, which is the only somewhat laid back tune; Help Me Lose My Mind, also partially laid back; and the very odd sounding Confess, which is kind of hard to categorize.

On the second disc of the set, the 5 song EP, the one outstanding track is Together, featuring not only Lawrenceare brothers, but also Sam Smith, Nile Rodgers, and Jimmy Napes. It’s the most musical tune on the entire project, with excellent vocal harmonies.

There is also a remix of the tune F For You from the first disc. This version features Mary J. Blige. While there is ample credit given to all the various guest singers that appear throughout the project, no further credits — musician, writers, producer — were available. Visit the band website. They’re also on Facebook and Twitter.)

Life You Imagine by Matt Coss

Matt Goss works in an entirely different genré than I usually feature here. By different, I mean think in terms of The Rat Pack (you know, Frank and Dean), and more contemporary singers such as Harry Connick Jr. This will give you an idea of what Matt Goss sounds like.

Goss became well known as part of the pop band Bros. For the last five years, he’s been in residency at Caesar’s Palace. Back in February, Goss released a 5 song EP entitled I Do. The newly released full length album, Life You Imagine, contains the aptness from the previous release.

Produced by Ron Fair, the new project features Goss with an orchestra consisting of a 16 piece brass section and 32 string players. It’s definitely a throwback to the big band/swing era, and Goss definitely feels comfortable there.

While this genré might not appeal to everyone, song such as Strong and The Day We Met are certain standouts that leave an impression. This is a very strong first album by an excellent vocalist, working in genré that’s always been strong and is making a comeback. Find more info on his website and also on Facebook.)

Tags: David de Alba, drag, featured, Martha Graham Cracker, music, Musician, Storm Florez

Category: Drag Queen, Music, Transgender Fun & Entertainment