Valerie Wellington took the Chicago blues scene by surprise in 1982, perhaps not forgoing her classical training as an opera singer as much as using it to enhance her work in the blues. As a blueswoman she fit right in, not only becoming a regular in the blues clubs but also compiling an impressive theatrical resume for her portrayals of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith -- women who, like opera singers, learned to project their voices without microphones.
These are photos from concerts where Valerie Wellington played, so they may be of other bands that played the concert as well.
Bumbershoot 1989 Sep 2 - 4, 1989 Seattle, Washington, United States Uploaded by Wave
