PHOEBE LEGERE
There are performers, entertainers, artists, composers, producers, models and multi-instrumentalists. There is flamboyant, sexy, gutsy, glamorous and confident.
And then there is the incomparable Phoebe Legere, who encompasses all of the aforementioned qualities, and more, in abundance.
Legere has graced stages all around the globe, including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall; has been in movies such as the cult classic “Toxic Avenger”; has appeared on every major television network; has invented an alternative fuel vehicle; has released 17 albums, and has self-produced and self-directed her music videos.
One of the videos was for her song “Marilyn Monroe” (watch below), which happened to catch the eye of David Bowie; Bowie was so taken by it that he asked her to open for him on his 1990 Sound + Vision Tour.
“My phone rang and this guy on the other end asks to speak with Phoebe Legere,” she said with her infectious laugh. “I said, ‘This is she,’ and he replied, ‘This is David Bowie,’ and I was sure that he wasn’t and I nearly hung up. But it was him, and he asked me to open for his tour.
“I learned so much from watching him night after night; David was a true professional in every sense of the word. He was the sort of man who would come into the holding areas before each show and offer encouragement, or have a drink once the show was over.
“Just a very nice man, and I enjoyed my time with him.”
PHOEBE LEGERE
Jan. 11 at 8 p.m., Union Transfer in Philadelphia hosts “A Night of Stardust.” This event is the grand finale of Philly Loves Bowie Week and will be packed with 25 of Bowie’s best songs, covering the legendary artist’s material from “Space Oddity” to “Lazarus.”
“I’m very excited to be part of this,” said Legere as she prepares to take the stage with a cast that includes Ava Cherry (who sang on Bowie’s Young Americans album in the ’70s and also toured with him), Jeffrey Gaines, Ari Rubin and Michael Baker. On display will be not only Legere’s incredible four-octave vocal range but her abilities as a multi-instrumentalist, as well.
When not touring, painting or writing new material, Legere is a community activist and involved in multiple charities, one of which is her own Foundation for New American Art, whose mission is to “bring art and music to under-served children.”
“I’m doing shows every Saturday beginning in March with the Lower East Side Children’s Chorus. There is dancing and singing and I’ll be trying to give these children joy through music. I am the conductor and music director and just love it.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. at Union Transfer, which is located at 1026 Spring Garden St. Tickets are $20, plus fees. Visit utphilly.com.
For more about Legere, visit phoebelegere.com.
