Russell Arben Fox sent Wendy my way, and after reading about how she describes herself and her music, I had to do an AMV Q&A. Here is Wendy’s bio and details on her upcoming shows; the Q&A follows:

Wendy Lane Bailey is known to be a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and a little bit Meshugeh (that’s crazy, y’all). Born in Louisiana, the tall redhead’s performances combine pop, country, standards, emerging composers, folk, classic jazz, and even a bit of musical theatre, all seasoned with her quick wit, and her eye for the absurd. She has appeared in a wide variety of venues across the country including New York City’s Town Hall, Symphony Space, Washington, DC’s famed Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, Odette’s in New Hope, PA, and the Blue Room at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans. She has also lent her voice in the studio to support other artists including pop legend Lesley Gore, Broadway’s Susan Egan, and on demos for several up and coming song writers.

Bailey will be performing at New York City’s Metropolitan Room at 9:30 p.m. on May 23 and June 6. She will be joined by Rick Jensen on piano, and Lisa Poulos on back up vocals. There is a $20 cover and a two drink minimum, the Metropolitan room is at 34 West 22nd St. New York, NY. Reservations may be made by calling (212) 206-0440. For more information visit www.wendylanebailey.com

Could you elaborate a little bit on your style of music?

I like to call it pop music for grown ups, smart compelling tunes seasoned with a little bit of country and a lot of humor. I mix new material from songwriters that haven’t yet reached the mainstream, with some older things done in new ways.

You describe your background as “quirky Southern Jewish Baptist Mormon” — what is up with that and how does it inform you as a performer?

Well, it’s made finding a therapist impossible!!! Other than that…My mother was born into a Southern Baptist family in Hot Coffee Mississippi. My father’s mother’s parents were observant Russian/Polish Jews who somehow found their way to Yazoo City, MS. When she married my very protestant Grandfather (and eventually converted to Christianity) it was quite the scandal! When my parents divorced my mother, sister and I converted to Mormonism. Having been exposed to such a mix of traditions and cultures was wonderful for me, it helped me to appreciate there were many different ways to see the world. I think it has also given me a real curiosity about what makes people who they are, and that has a direct effect on how I chose songs. I am always looking for songs that tell stories and give insight into someone’s life. It has given me an endless well of material to draw from, they may be nuts but they’re never boring!

How have audiences responded to your mix of backgrounds?

The audience response has been terrific! People always approach me after the show, and tell me all sorts of stories from THEIR families.

There is a two drink minimum at the Metropolitan Room. Do you have any suggestions for any Mormons who attend? Shirley Temples? Diet Cokes?

The club has several options for non-drinkers, Coke, Diet Coke, ginger ale, bottled water, herbal tea, PLUS they bring in an assortment of pies and cakes from The Little Pie Company and they are wonderful!!! I highly recommend the Golden Cake.

Finally, how cool is Russell Arben Fox?

Russell Arben Fox ROCKS!!!! He and Melissa are the absolute best!!!

Thanks, Wendy.

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