Deb Zep and Beezy Douglas are musicians and storytellers hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. They will be joining forces with some fellow legends at Wandering Aesthetics’ “Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” on Saturday, November 17.
Describe your legend: In the far future, what will people say about you?
BZ: Sorry, I’m too humble to answer this question. Fame, much less achieving “legendary” status, is terrifyingly unappealing to me. I just want people to remember me as a decent and supportive person who always had the perfect GIF for any occasion.
DZ: That’s such a weird question. Most respectable known legends were just doing what they do. Others determine what’s legendary about them. I guess I’m passionate, ridiculous, and give a shit about the Earth and the people on it. Hopefully others will remember some details of these elements of myself that affected their lives in a positive way.
Deb Zep and Beezy Douglas performing at the #Epcooker. (Photo: John Aylward Photography)
Who/ are the legends that influence(d) you as a performer?
BZ: Tom Petty, Charley Crockett, and Curtis Eller. The last two aren’t legends yet, and I’m going to be very disappointed if the world doesn’t rectify that.
DZ: Young Elvis was a huge influence on me as a kid. I loved his passion for music and he seemed to be having so much fun. I listened endlessly to my parents’ records. I love watching all the performances from Woodstock: Janis, Joe Cocker, Richie Havens, etc. I’m influenced by so many blues musicians. Big Mama Thornton is a fav of mine. I’ve surrounded myself with music and shows my whole life. There’s too much to list.
What is your artistic origin story?
[Note: Deb was called away from the interview, but returned to answer the final question.]
BZ: My current incarnation as a musician was inspired by fellow future legend, Charley Crockett. I met him at an open mic in NYC and, shortly after, he ended up subletting a room in my apartment for a month. Not only did he inspire me to start writing and performing music, but he also bestowed me with the nickname “Beezy”.
Describe your superhero costume.
BZ: A steampunk twist on Wild Bill Hickok.
Who is your arch nemesis?
BZ: Any sitting president of the United States.
Describe your musical style -or- what emotions would you like you songs to invoke?
BZ: Someone once describe my stuff as “Boozy blues with a shot of weed”. Some of my songs require me to channel my rage and frustration, others channel my love and sorrow. As long as someone walks away from one of my sets feeling something deeply, I’m happy. I try to keep my lyrics pretty open to interpretation. No matter what a song is about to me, I want anyone to be able to have their own relationship to the words and music.
What musician(s) from history would you like to perform with?
BZ: Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen, and Curtis Eller. Curtis isn’t dead, and everyone should look him up and celebrate him while he’s still around.
DZ: I’d love to run around a stage with Freddy Mercury.
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Join Wandering Aesthetics for another rendition of Bigger Than A Breadbox, Akron’s rousing variety show.
“Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow”, the third #AkronBreadbox production, features a diverse array of artistic talent as they explore legends in Akron, from past to present.
This live vaudeville performance explores Akron’s cultural heritage and celebrates those artists who work to preserve it.
Featuring music, comedy, poetry, art (and a few surprises), this variety show has something for everyone!
“Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” takes place on Saturday, November 17 at Bricco Prime (4315 Manchester Road, Akron) in Portage Lakes. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for two and are available at https://www.watheatre.com/boxoffice.
