Fuel me once: Betsy Propane supercharges the New Orleans performer scene
A Night In The Life: Betsy Propane
Hi, Betsy Propane! Thanks for talking to us! Just as a quick intro, which shows do you currently produce/perform in regularly?
I produce Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret every Monday at 8pm at The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret. I also perform in The Van Ella Bordella 1-4 times a month
Where did you grow up and how did you get to New Orleans?
I grew up in New York, Long Island to be exact. As soon as I graduated High School I moved to the Big Apple, and never looked back! New Orleans is what Brooklyn, to me, used to feel like. Catering to supporting artists, community, and creativity. It was the clear choice, and a friend said give it a try!
What was your formative performative inspiration?
Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, Carol Channing, Etta James, Divine….there are so many famous people I could credit. It was, however, Shelly Watson; the Singing Siren, an opera singing Burlesque host & performer that I saw in 2012 that made me want to give it a try.
Are there any specific acts that made you think “Hey, I wanna do that!”?
I attended the New York Burlesque Festival at BB Kings in Times Square in 2010. Each performance was so decadent and beautiful. I also watched Dirty Martini for ages. Her beautiful costumes & curvy body inspired me to have faith I would have a chance in gaining confidence in/through performing!
Tell us about your first forays into the New Orleans performer scene.
The first show I saw was The Opulence Hour at The Maison. Bella Blue was the host, among many other heavy hitter Burlesque members in town. Lefty Lucy’s Burlesque Bingo was my first ever show I performed in down here. I moved here a month before we went into lockdown for COVID-19, so any shows I had booked coming to town got windshield washed into the next 3 years. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, my show Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret was born! It is about to celebrate it’s one year anniversary here in New Orleans in September!
Which are your favorite venues/shows and why?
Hands down The Allways Lounge & Cabaret. It is like home to me, and so many of us.
Which local performers do you find the most inspirational?
So many!! First off, Ariana Amore. She is graceful & lovely. I admire Lola Van Ella, Bella Blue, Trixie Minx, GoGo McGregor. Just to name a few. I think I admire a lot of my peers. New Orleans has so many talented people!
Where do you like to hang out around town when you’re not performing?
I enjoy spending time on Frenchman Street listening to music sometimes. I like to bike ride, I like to garden. I do lots of at home arts and crafts. I enjoy going to coffee shops, parks, and swimming at our local pools.
Favorite food/cocktail/cultural spots?
I LOVE going to sit in Armstrong Park, Audubon Park. The tree of life is a spot I go to meditate and recharge.
I like to eat at Rosalita’s Tacos, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Justine’s in the French Quarter, Café Amelie, Mojo Coffee & High Hat café on Freret. I can just about enjoy a mocktail anywhere, but one of my favorite spots to sit and listen to Jazz music is Mahogany Jazz Hall. I recently went to see the Louis Prima exhibit at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. I can’t name them all! This is a chock filled place to enjoy and take in culture, life, and music!
Who would be on the line up in your dream show and where would it be?
Living performers: Dirty Martini, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jeez Loueez, Roxy D’lite, Alotta Boutee, just to name a few…oh, and I get to be a part of the show as well! I would’ve KILLED to see Tura Santana perform. I really want to try and bring a Legend to New Orleans to do a show!
Any advice for people thinking about dipping their toe into performance for the first time?
1. Not everything needs to be rhinestone to be an act. 2. Pay attention to your facial expressions. 3. Trust the process. Just because you aren’t booked and busy out of the gates, doesn’t mean there isn’t a show in the future made for you to be in! 4. Have faith and don’t be afraid to ask questions. ABOUT ANYTHING! Pay, costuming, etc. 4. Be Accessible. Send your music ON TIME, with your name & act typed in the description of the MP3!
Any big plans for the future?
Smoke Show Cabaret is coming back weekly to Allways in September! I am debuting a (hopeful) monthly NEW SHOW called Betsy Propane’s Smokin’ Jazz Revue at One Eyed Jacks 8 pm on Sunday September 18th. Woohoo!
What’s on the horizon in an ideal world for you?
Performing in Europe, teaching producer & stage managing workshops. My own Barber Shop/Venue in town & beyond!
Catch Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret every Monday at 8pm at The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret
Hi, Betsy Propane! Thanks for talking to us! Just as a quick intro, which shows do you currently produce/perform in regularly?
I produce Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret every Monday at 8pm at The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret. I also perform in The Van Ella Bordella 1-4 times a month
Where did you grow up and how did you get to New Orleans?
I grew up in New York, Long Island to be exact. As soon as I graduated High School I moved to the Big Apple, and never looked back! New Orleans is what Brooklyn, to me, used to feel like. Catering to supporting artists, community, and creativity. It was the clear choice, and a friend said give it a try!
What was your formative performative inspiration?
Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, Carol Channing, Etta James, Divine….there are so many famous people I could credit. It was, however, Shelly Watson; the Singing Siren, an opera singing Burlesque host & performer that I saw in 2012 that made me want to give it a try.
Are there any specific acts that made you think “Hey, I wanna do that!”?
I attended the New York Burlesque Festival at BB Kings in Times Square in 2010. Each performance was so decadent and beautiful. I also watched Dirty Martini for ages. Her beautiful costumes & curvy body inspired me to have faith I would have a chance in gaining confidence in/through performing!
Tell us about your first forays into the New Orleans performer scene.
The first show I saw was The Opulence Hour at The Maison. Bella Blue was the host, among many other heavy hitter Burlesque members in town. Lefty Lucy’s Burlesque Bingo was my first ever show I performed in down here. I moved here a month before we went into lockdown for COVID-19, so any shows I had booked coming to town got windshield washed into the next 3 years. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, my show Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret was born! It is about to celebrate it’s one year anniversary here in New Orleans in September!
Which are your favorite venues/shows and why?
Hands down The Allways Lounge & Cabaret. It is like home to me, and so many of us.
Which local performers do you find the most inspirational?
So many!! First off, Ariana Amore. She is graceful & lovely. I admire Lola Van Ella, Bella Blue, Trixie Minx, GoGo McGregor. Just to name a few. I think I admire a lot of my peers. New Orleans has so many talented people!
Where do you like to hang out around town when you’re not performing?
I enjoy spending time on Frenchman Street listening to music sometimes. I like to bike ride, I like to garden. I do lots of at home arts and crafts. I enjoy going to coffee shops, parks, and swimming at our local pools.
Favorite food/cocktail/cultural spots?
I LOVE going to sit in Armstrong Park, Audubon Park. The tree of life is a spot I go to meditate and recharge.
I like to eat at Rosalita’s Tacos, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Justine’s in the French Quarter, Café Amelie, Mojo Coffee & High Hat café on Freret. I can just about enjoy a mocktail anywhere, but one of my favorite spots to sit and listen to Jazz music is Mahogany Jazz Hall. I recently went to see the Louis Prima exhibit at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. I can’t name them all! This is a chock filled place to enjoy and take in culture, life, and music!
Who would be on the line up in your dream show and where would it be?
Living performers: Dirty Martini, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Jeez Loueez, Roxy D’lite, Alotta Boutee, just to name a few…oh, and I get to be a part of the show as well! I would’ve KILLED to see Tura Santana perform. I really want to try and bring a Legend to New Orleans to do a show!
Any advice for people thinking about dipping their toe into performance for the first time?
1. Not everything needs to be rhinestone to be an act. 2. Pay attention to your facial expressions. 3. Trust the process. Just because you aren’t booked and busy out of the gates, doesn’t mean there isn’t a show in the future made for you to be in! 4. Have faith and don’t be afraid to ask questions. ABOUT ANYTHING! Pay, costuming, etc. 4. Be Accessible. Send your music ON TIME, with your name & act typed in the description of the MP3!
Any big plans for the future?
Smoke Show Cabaret is coming back weekly to Allways in September! I am debuting a (hopeful) monthly NEW SHOW called Betsy Propane’s Smokin’ Jazz Revue at One Eyed Jacks 8 pm on Sunday September 18th. Woohoo!
What’s on the horizon in an ideal world for you?
Performing in Europe, teaching producer & stage managing workshops. My own Barber Shop/Venue in town & beyond!
Catch Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show Cabaret every Monday at 8pm at The AllWays Lounge and Cabaret