Soundcheck

The Silver Belles

Dancing through the Decades

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

The Silver Belles are the most unlikely troupe of tap dancers you're likely to ever meet: five former showgirls who got their start in Harlem clubs of the 1930s and 40s, including the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club. Now the dancers are in their 80s and 90s and are performing together again. Today, meet one of the show girls and hear about a new documentary that tells The Silver Belles' story, "Been Rich All My Life." Also: the adventurous American pianist Christopher Taylor talks about playing Messiaen's monumental and mystical piano cycle "Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jesus." Finally, a look at how the Habitat for Humanity Musicians' Village in New Orleans is trying to help keep the music alive in the Big Easy.

Listen to the whole show

Habitat for Humanity

The New Orleans chapter of Habitat for Humanity is overseeing a New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village. Joining us is to explain what the project is about is its director, Jim Pate, and Katy Reckdahl, who wrote an article about the Musicians' Village for Offbeat magazine.

Been Rich All My Life

The story of the Silver Belles, a group of ex-chorus girls of the Harlem Renaissance, who are now aged 84-96, and are still performing today.
» More about Been Rich All My Life

Christopher Taylor

Pianist Christopher Taylor talks about performing Messiaen's epic, mystical cycle "Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jesus" and shares some of his upcoming recording of the piece.
» Christopher Taylor at Caramoor