‘Diva Nation’ comes to NoVA

By Sarah Cough

November 18, 2009

Courtesy of Terry Jordan

From a lament for the “boob fairy” that never came, to a tale about a truck carrying Viagra that overturned into a town’s drinking supply, their songs take a humorous look at contemporary American life. The Four Bitchin’ Babes have been touring the country and producing albums for almost 20 years. On Dec. 4 and 5 they return to The Birchmere, showcasing their eighth album, “Diva Nation … where music, laughter and girlfriends reign.”

Falls Church resident Debi Smith, 55, has been a member of the group since 1993. She says all group members were successful soloists before joining and became close girlfriends along the way. She says the group is, “like a traveling pajama party, the musical version of ‘Sex and the City.’” It is the combination of their talents and personalities that makes for a funny and poignant show, Smith says.

Smith says she likes performing in Northern Virginia because of its unique audience. “Here in Northern Virginia, as a suburb of D.C., we are more aware of what is going on in the world then other geographic areas are,” Smith says. “NoVA is going to get our jokes, even the most subtle of our jokes, even when in some other places they may miss something.” She says that the Babes put on an intelligent show, and “it takes an intelligent audience to fully enjoy it.”

The Babes were started in 1990 by folk artist Christine Lavin, who wanted to do a humorous tour with her girlfriends. What started as a one-time tour has become a multi-decade act that has endured many changes in membership as various Babes returned to their solo careers and were replaced by other artists. Beside Smith, current members Sally Fingerett, Deirdre Flint and Nancy Moran hail from Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia, Pa., and Nashville, Tenn., respectively. “The show changes all the time because of the way the world changes,” Smith says, adding that their success is grounded partially in the audience knowing that, “we will not be rehashing the same old tunes all the time, because the world has changed, and we are not the same.”

That doesn’t mean that the Babes will not perform any old favorites. “We have a new album out, so we will be singing a lot of the songs from that album,” Smith says. “But we always like to throw in old ones as well.” The format of the show has changed over time, as well. “It’s evolved into a more theatrical type of show,” Smith says, adding that their brand of comedy is unique. “It’s not the same as a Capitol Steps humor on current events or politics. It’s more about perspective. We help people find the humor in our lives.”

The Babes have performed at the Birchmere many times since they recorded their first album there in 1990. Birchmere promoter Michael Jaworek says the Babes are “one of the club’s favorite performers.” His enthusiasm is reciprocated by Smith. “When you get up on stage it just feels like the audience has their arms around you,” she says. “It’s a love fest. We play at a lot of bigger venues, and The Birchmere is a chance to be closer to the audience, to have a closer connection to them.”

Smith says that before she became a Babe she was a fan, attending Four Bitchin’ Babes shows. “I always came out feeling very creatively charged,” she says. “I hope that is how we make people feel. … We sing songs that make you feel good. Even if you’re crying, you are crying a good way. It’s a lighter look at life.”

Smith says concerts often give the audience more than a few laughs. “The main thing about doing a Babes show is we have wonderful audiences,” she says. “They make us feel like they have been in a good therapy session when they come out … like we’ve really contributed to their lives.”

Four Bitchin’ Babes performs Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere in Alexandria. Tickets are $35.