‘Follow the Red Lips:‘ Former Resident’s One-Woman Show in Bristol

TOM NETHERLAND | SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER
Published: October 2, 2008

BRISTOL, Tenn. – About six years or so ago, Candace Bellamy was doing just fine as a physician.
Then, came voice lessons. Simple, right? Only thing, the buoyant Bellamy discovered her talent. That led to a roll in Theatre Bristol’s production of “Hello Dolly!”
“I fell in love with theater and music and singing,” Bellamy said on Tuesday morning. “When we were on the Paramount stage, I was like, I don’t want to leave.”
Bellamy now lives in Austin, Texas. However, she is in Bristol for a two-night benefit for Theatre Bristol on Oct. 3-4 with the debut of “Follow the Red Lips.”
More concert than theater, the autobiographical performance will feature Bellamy singing songs from Broadway to jazz to rhythm and blues.
“It’s stories of my life, the ups and downs, not only about my music but also my life in medicine,” Bellamy said with a megawatt smile. “It’s about living life as passionately as you can.”
After her run in Theatre Bristol’s “Hello Dolly!”, the stage-smitten Bellamy thirsted for more. She subsequently landed roles in such shows as Theatre Bristol’s “The Odd Couple.”
Then, she fronted a fiery hot local rock and blues band, Dr. B. and the Blues Rockers. That led her to Austin.
“About three years ago, a friend of mine said if you’re serious about music you need to move to Austin,” Bellamy said as she leaned forward in her chair. “I sold my house and moved to Austin. I wanted to try.”
The Knoxville native and graduate of Tusculum College with a medical degree from East Tennessee State University found an altogether different education in Austin.
“I grew here [in the Tri-Cities], but then when I fronted my first band in Austin, I sang about 40 songs a night,” Bellamy said. “I realized, oh my gosh. I got out there and started singing and talking with the audience, and they wanted that connection. You’re pouring out part of you.”
Bellamy wanted more – New York City. Her first foray into the Big Apple came in January with a showcase at the renowned Waldorf. Showcases are shows created for an audience largely composed of music industry dream-makers, such as talent buyers and record company executives.
“I will be back in New York in January,” Bellamy said, “and I will be meeting with a Broadway producer.”
She will perform her show “Follow the Red Lips” in New York City for what could prove monumental in her climb within the entertainment industry. But get this. Bristol gets the first shot at her show.
“The audience in Bristol will be filled with people I know,” Bellamy said. “For me, this is a little more pressure than performing for complete strangers in New York. They don’t know me.”
Know this. Bellamy could quit performing, and she said remain perfectly happy practicing medicine. However, a dream beams bright in her sky.
“If I had listened to people, I would never have become a physician,” Bellamy said, laughing, “and I never would have been on stage.”
So those who may doubt those who dream big, move aside.
“I think this show is the beginning of my voyage,” Bellamy said.

IF YOU GO
Who: Candace Bellamy’s “Follow the Red Lips”
When: Oct. 3-4, 8 p.m.
Where: Theatre Bristol, 512 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $20
Info: (423) 968-4977
Web: http://www.followtheredlips.com
And: http://www.theatrebristol.org

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .