By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how’d you end up in New Bern?
I’m originally from Miami, FL. In my early 20s I moved to Southern California. In 2004 Ross and I traveled to New Bern to visit my aunt who I hadn’t seen in 30 years. I could feel the spirit in this town right away. It was palpable all around us and I knew we needed to be here.
Do you have formal training or are you self-taught?
Little bit of both. In 1982-83 I attended Miami Dade College majoring in music but I didn’t stick around long enough to finish the program. Circumstances and life took me out west. It was unexpected but fate had a plan for me I guess. While in Los Angeles I had opportunities to work with some of the best teachers and mentors in the country. I have to admit though that the best teacher is living it. You learn pretty quickly how to handle yourself when you are in front of an audience. There are some skills that you just have to learn from experience.
Do you have a favorite genre of music to perform, or a favorite song?
I love so many musical genres but my favorite is jazz music. Not because of the complexities, the chord voicings, the complicated rhythms etc (although I do really appreciate those things) I love it so much because it’s improvisation. It’s a conversation between the players back and forth and everyone is listening intently to one another to stay with the conversation. It’s mutual respect on the bandstand. When you’re with the right players you can really feel free to create in the moment. My jazz mentor in San Diego used to say to me “Yes Yes Van Dyke! You better take your time, you will never have this recipe again”.
You are known as Madam Z, and have been a big part of the drag scene in New Bern for years. What relationship do you see between your work as Madam Z and your work as John Van Dyke?
Madame Z and I are one and the same. We both like to please an audience. More than anything else though, we both enjoy encouraging others to express themselves and to feel comfortable doing so.
Speaking of your work as Madam Z, how have you seen the New Bern drag scene, and larger music scene, change over the years?
I really like the changes that we see around us in New Bern. There is creative expansion happening everywhere and we are all playing our parts so beautifully. It’s been coming in increments since I first came here and probably long before. I could feel that spirit when I first got here. It was calling me. Right now it feels like we are on a precipice. Like something big is about to happen! I’m just so glad I’m here to enjoy it all!
Do you have any advice for new musicians or those trying to get into the music scene?
Play your music. Sing your song. Seek honesty and truth in your Art. You are a piece of something bigger than yourself. Let it flow through you always. Your path will reveal itself to you.
Is there another musician whose work you admire or inspires you?
Oh my goodness! There are so many Artists in this area who have touched me with their work. The list is too long for you to print. I admire and love them all.
Is there a performance, concert, event or award you’re particularly proud of, and why?
I am most proud when I see the expansion here in New Bern. It feels good knowing that I have played my part.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art is a truthful expression of humanity.
I know you’ll be performing at the Bank of the Arts for the At the Gallery: Cat Stevens concerts, but where else can people see you perform?
I am taking a little break from performing right now but I am directing two shows this year.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill opens at New Bern Civic Theatre on February 17th
Urinetown the Musical will open June 2nd at Rivertowne Players