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traditions….

Photos of Barbie Angell by Rodney Smith - Tempus Fugit Design © 2013

traditions. they can be serious, irritating, humorous, embarrassing and sometimes absolutely, devastatingly, wonderful.

traditions are all-encompassing right now. this time of year is more about tradition than it is anything else. think about it. the food, the shopping, the gifts, the greeting cards, the packing everyone in the car to go to the relatives in less than ideal weather. why would we spend the time and bone aching energy on all of these things, unless there was something as concrete as “tradition” involved?

i love seasonal traditions. i watch the same holiday movies every year. why? because i’ve always watched them. (and some of “their” traditions make mine seem so sedate.) my mother still hangs my homemade ornaments on her tree every year. why? (okay, maybe they were brilliantly done considering i was in 2nd grade.) it’s a tradition. i painstakingly pick out cards individually chosen for each of my relatives and address them in caligraphy. why? okay, i don’t do that, but if i did it would be for tradition. even the “rules” of christmas are all traditions. cookies and milk for santa, reading “twas the night before christmas”, hanging stockings up; everything is always the same. i think that’s why i spend so much time struggling against the rude customers, and angry drivers, and all of those people who try to ruin this season for so many of us every year. i want to overcome all of that so that i can enjoy the feelings that those traditions always bring. the feeling of security. the feeling of solidarity. the feeling that at any moment i could step back in time and remember all of those same traditions from my childhood.

my family is a little odd. our traditions were somewhat normal, but never quite the same as every one else’s. we watch george c. scott portray ebeneezer scrooge every year, but we can also quote every line in “national lampoon’s christmas vacation”. we have a turkey and mashed potatoes and the table is set beautifully, but, on a small plate in the middle is a can of cranberry “sauce” that is still in the shape of the can. we’ve always celebrated thanksgiving on a saturday and made certain that my brother’s birthday was never overshadowed by christmas. (he and jesus were apparently born on the same day.) mostly however, we celebrate these holidays like everyone else. we’re happy to see each other, eat a lot of food, exchange presents, exchange words, have the same old arguments and finally all of the men are asleep in front of the television.
traditions.
aren’t they wonderful?

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Barbie Angell

Release Date

March 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Barbie Angell Uncensored” is a dazzling fusion
of poetry, comedy and tragedy

ASHEVILLE NC – Poet, playwright and raconteur Barbie Angell performs “Barbie Angell Uncensored: An Unfiltered, Uninhibited and Unapologetic Event” at 8pm Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at LaZoom Bar & Gorilla. The 90-minute show is a melange of works spanning Angell’s career, including her poetry, excerpts from her autobiographical play “Death by Sparkle,” pieces from her children’s book “Roasting Questions,” and rarely performed mature works.

A multitalented, multi-hyphenate personality based in Asheville since 1999, the always colorful Angell is recognized around town for her work as a poet, playwright, columnist, emcee, artist and fashion designer. She has been voted “Best of WNC” poet by Mountain XPress readers for 10 consecutive years, and her skills as an emcee have made her a sought-after host for local festivals and large events such as Planned Parenthood’s Condom Couture and the Reproductive Rights Rally. 

Angell has written sketch comedy, co-authored “The Kids Show: Definitely Not for Kids,” and penned one act of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” for Montford Park Player. She is currently creating and selling upcycled clothing in her own fun and funky signature style – some of which will be available for sale at the event, along with original artwork and prints.

Equal parts stand-up comedy, poetry slam and public confession booth, “Barbie Angell Uncensored” promises to be emotional, unsettling, hilarious, and as unique as Barbie Angell herself!

Tickets are available at BarbieAngell.com for a suggested donation of $20.