Judy Sky! Singer of the Month

I think we met when we lived at 56 Walker Street, up the steps from Brad Will and a gaggle of radical film-makers, world music distributors, and just...   it was a cruise-ship of the self-invented and into this Judy walked with a show.  Judy Sky, her last name being everything that is UP and that she, as you can see in the photograph, everything that she embraces.  Clearly from our first moments, here was a diva of no-nonsense proportions.  Been Everywhere Know Everyone Done It All But It Aint Done Yet was assumed and she was our host at Burning Man in 2003 if anyone was. The respect accorded Lady Sky by the senior municipal officials of Black Rock City was not lost on us, but by that time we ourselves were aware of Judy's high steady sail through life.  Her negotiation with the flamboyant cannot just be summed up with her hair, or head-dress... we have been the recipient of an extra dramatic peacock effect rising from her head -  for years of shows now.  When she's late for rehearsal, she has a story.  My favorite:  "Look, can you believe, a cop's horse kicked my watch!"  There are so many double-takes with Judy she needs a shrink on the order of Ernst Lubitsch.  She's from the screwball comedies, en route to some hindu vaudeville nirvana by way of a specially arranged backdoor route she dog-walks through and then emerges on a fashion runway rising into a wise giggle of the universe called life itself, aint it grand!  ...and we are all her students.

What can one say about Judy Sky? No really. What can one say about Judy Sky!? I got a million of ‘em. We have toured together, sung together, shared the same RV on the desert at Burning Man, and survived many concerts and actions with the Reverend Billy Project. She has a unique voice and can belt anything from disco to gospel. She is a renaissance woman who uses her body to create amazing art pieces. Yes, she is a walking work of art and a dear passionate spirit. And if you want a culinary delight that will make you smack your great aunt Betty just sample some of Judy’s ribs. Uhm! Uhm! Good! Lick-a-lujah! Congratulations on wearing the crown of Singer of the Month. You can fashion one out of golden threads. You deserve good.

Peace and love, Mother Benn

judy! judy!!! before i joined the choir i always noticed you. your hair of course because everyone was robed in green. and then i met you at the mermaid parade '08 and you had that amy winehouse wig with that awesome sign about how luxury condos suck (and they do). i was so in awe of you and i still am! a risk taker, i often wonder kind of hair judy will wear to rehearsal or which outfits :) ...but underneath these artful creations is a true human being and i've been grateful to connect to her. :)

...and yes please tell me when you're doing the next judy-sky-clothing-swap!

xox

When will she get her solo show at Carnegie?  Judy Sky's lively character and wardrobe is an inspiration.  Sometimes I show up to rehearsal just to see what she's wearing.

My other Mother!  What can I say...we embarked on the Shopocolypse tour together while the rest of NY was in transit strike mode.  You have always been a true friend, a great listener, a wonderful cook (those ribs! AND Passover!), an iconic style maven, a good roomate on our trips and a good stage buddy, mostly next to me in the soprano section.  You are a true original!  Congratulations to "my other mother!"  Love you Judy Sky!!!  xxx

judy is pure fabulous-ness. her saucy-sassy style sends me spinning! she's full of light and humor and color and sooooo intelligent to boot. her stories are fierce and she possesses a peculiar perfection that is delicious to be around.

In this city full of the most hip, fashionable, wild and daring characters, you stand out like a beacon, one of the most extraordinary. I remember once when you, Quilty and I were sitting on Fifth Ave after an action at the Disney store. We were talking about your son, and Quilty mentioned what a good mother you are. As I hold Quilty’s judgment as the highest standard I did not take this lightly, and imagine that you are the most kind, and patient of mothers. Your bold sartorial sense is forever an inspiration to me; you are a queen. Let's hear it for Judy Sky!!!!! Congratulations on being the next singer of the month!!!!

You are an inspiration to all of us, especially to me, you are bold, irreverent and a walking work of art. You rock!! You are the ultimate eccentric queen!

Judy is a woman to look up to.  A creative force that woman young and old aspire to embody.  We all wait with baited breath for her next cloths give away!

Judy sky is so fabulous that I can hardly imagine being on stage without her, She brings such a native New York energy and look that is a joy to be around her. I have so admired her jolly take on life and fashion and singing in the choir. She is a trooper on the road and will do whatever it takes to bring a smile to the crowd we are performing for.I love the Photos she takes of me. Keep on truckin darlin, I'll do my best to keep up. I'll even tell you of my newest thrift shop finds. Love, Donald

your bold sartorial sense is an inspiration. you are extraordinary!

 Judy Sky is just there -- rehearsing, performing, marching, posing, baking, designing...  When I first met Judy, I thought they called her "Judy Sky" because her hair was sky-blue.  Not long ago, when the choir was performing in San Francisco, a local composer/musician played for me a demo tape Judy recorded some 15 years ago.  The sound was an airy, melodic soprano weaving in and out of a dance/house mix.  Was that really Judy Sky I was listening to?  Of course!  The same woman sang a jazzy version of "Come Happy!" with the choir at St. Mark's Church.  Judy mixes voice with fashion, perhaps best exemplified when Rev. Billy announced his candidacy for mayor in Union Square Park.  I don't remember much of that day, but I can recall quite vividly the hat Judy Sky was wearing!  Work of art, really.

She Sings!  She Dances!   She's a friend of the four legged furry types!!   She is the best dresser EVER!    THE LADY IS A TRAMP!!   oooops, no, no, I was possessed by Frank Sinatra!

Judy Sky, you belt out those songs like you should be singing in a dusky bar in New Orleans, wearing a red skin tight dress and being adored by lots of hottie guys!  Come to think of it....WASN'T THAT YOU????

Enjoy your month, you deserve it!

Miss Barbikat adores you.

Oh Judy, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey, Judy!

Love you lots!