Big Freedia Brings Most Refined, Heartfelt Show to Date to Voodoo 2014
One of the most compelling parts of Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce Season 2 was Big Freedia's continuous struggle to upgrade her live show. The efforts came with tough decisions—including letting go of longtime backup dancer Steph—but all the hard work seemed to pay off at Voodoo Music Fest 2014, with a set that may stand as the New Orleans diva's most polished, not to mention heartfelt, show to date.
Before the queen even hit the stage, DJ Juan warned the crowd, "This ain't no regular sh*t." Then an electric violinist stepped into the spotlight for a stirring solo performance as Freedia's dancers strolled onto stage in Victorian era-inspired costumes: The guys donned powdered wigs; the ladies rocked poofy dresses. Of course, they were not to be outdone by the queen diva herself, as Big Freedia walked out in a huge, feathered headdress, humongous fan and a flashy suit adorned with regal purple and yellow sequins.
It was a dramatic, elaborate opening. But like the DJ said, "This ain't no regular sh*t."
That sentiment continued to hold true throughout the concert, as festivalgoers watched Freedia reign over a refined troupe that clearly danced as a very-rehearsed, collective unit. Together, they seamlessly moved, twerked and shook through cuts from the singer's full-length LP Just Be Free (including set highlights "Explode," "Dangerous" and the title track), plus longtime classics ("Azz Everywhere" saw a huge group of volunteers come up onstage to twerk what their mamas gave them).
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