(Singer/songwriter Roberta Lea. Photo by AJ Elliot.)
By Jeff Maisey
Local singer/songwriter Roberta Lea, a winner of numerous Veer Music Awards, has programmed a dynamic new indoor festival in celebration of women in the arts, business, community leaders, poets, writers, and songwriters.
Named after her 2024 album, “Too Much of a Woman,” the event happens Saturday, March 7 at The American Theatre in Hampton from 10 AM to 10 PM.
I recently caught up with Roberta to learn more about her debut festival.
VEER: How did the Too Much of a Woman Festival idea/concept develop?
Roberta Lea: It all began after performing a private house concert in Suffolk, when the host Regina Brayboy and attendee, Letia Drewry, asked about supporting my journey. Letia shared her connection to The American Theatre, and the idea of hosting a festival was born. We all connected with Jody Madaras, the Artistic Director of Hampton Arts, and that’s when the planning began.
VEER: How are the panel discussions programmed throughout the day and what are the topics?
Roberta Lea: During the first portion of the day (starting at 10 a.m. and wrapping up around 2:00 p.m.) we have an incredible line up of panelists to discuss their impact and influence in their respective fields. The topics include Women in Community, Women in Business, and Women in the Arts featuring movers and shakers like Kate Powell, the Executive Director of the Tidewater Arts Outreach, Terri Best, Administrator for Newport News Public Schools, Anna Heywood Green, Chief Executive Officer of Young Audiences of Virginia, Karen Spaulding, visual artist and owner of one of our sponsors 110 Gallery, and many more. Based on this list alone, the community knows that these discussions are going to be enriching.
VEER: In terms of curating the event, are there previous events you experienced that helped in your planning?
Roberta Lea: As an independent artist, there have been numerous opportunities to curate shows that featured others, such as being the Virginia host for the Black Opry during our show at the Sandler Center. Putting on a full festival is definitely a stretch of faith, but that’s why I’m all the more grateful to Jody and The American Theatre staff for believing in this vision and putting the support behind it.
VEER: Are you performing with a full band or solo acoustic?
Roberta Lea: I’m excited to feature two different performance experiences after the panels. In the afternoon, we’ll be curating an intimate writers round style of acoustic performances. The Big Pink, one of our partners, is hosting the first round featuring the incredible Chloe Youtsey, Stacie Stephens, and duo Jackie and Resa. The second round features powerful up and coming artists Mari Cornell, The Band Monarch and Hannah Spaulding. The last acoustic round features profound RnB vocalists Denise Battle Price, Mayona (both of whom incorporate classical opera) and Nina Nicholle (who infuses Bossa Nova in a few of her original tunes).
The evening closes out on the main stage with our three headliners. Kicking us off is honky-tonk-powerhouse vocalist Rebecca Porter and her band The Rhinestone Roses coming from Harrisonburg, Va, followed by Hampton’s own and R&B queen Joselyn Best and Soulful Soundz, and I will close out the evening with my incredible band The Best Kept Secret.
We’re in for a wild ride.
VEER: How much material from your album will you perform?
Roberta Lea: With my album’s title being “Too Much of a Woman” I’m looking forward to playing some hometown favorites like the title track “Too Much of a Woman” and “Girl Trip.” I’m also hoping to incorporate some new material like “Make Up Your Mind” and “Girl Gone Missing.” As a former teacher, I like to fashion my sets like lesson plans and carry on with a theme. Please, don’t judge me.
VEER: Do your audiences enjoy storytelling aspects throughout your set?
Roberta Lea: From what I hear, my storytelling makes my performance a very unique and enjoyable experience. There will certainly be time for that, but I’m determined to wrap up at a decent hour. I take my bedtime seriously.
VEER: You have programmed an eclectic, diverse array of musicians. Is your goal to showcase the wide array of women singer/songwriters and their styles?
Roberta Lea: Absolutely. But what’s interesting is the fact that the bill simply mirrors my circles in the music community. These are people that I’ve had the privilege to connect with and bond in some capacity, and I’m proud that it naturally reflects in the line up.
VEER: What women recording artists influenced you to become the woman artist you are today?
Roberta Lea: Songwriters like Roberta Flack, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman and Shania Twain are major sources of influence when it comes to my style and interpretation. Growing up as an ’80s baby and ’90s kid gave me a rich tapestry of sounds and I’m simply a product of that. I feel like I grew up listening to the best version of music before it became over-manufactured in the industry, but that’s another conversation for another day.
VEER: Any additional thoughts to share on the event?
Roberta Lea: We’re excited to incorporate a fashion theme and give the audience an opportunity to show up and show out. This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”. So, I figured it’d be fun to run with our own theme called “A Work of Art” and invite attendees to have some fun with shapes in their wardrobe.
I truly hope this event is a blessing to the community; a source of pride for Hampton Roads, Virginia and beyond.