Barbra Streisand Costumes and Clothing For Sale

I came across a fun website called Antique and Vintage Dress Gallery that sells costumes from celebrities, such as Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Liza Minnelli. For instance, Barbra's iconic sailor evening outfit is available for order for $25,000.  Other famous Streisand gowns are also listed from "On a Clear Day" and other projects. Other items have already sold and the selling price is listed. I had quite a good time going through the items and walking down memory lane.

You can check it out at: http://www.antiquedress.com/galleryspecialSTREISAND.htm

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Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20

To learn more about the Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

"Like" our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

 

Barbra and Jay Leno

In honor of Jay Leno's last week hosting, "The Tonight Show", I thought I'd take us back to 1993, when Jay had Richard Simmons "reporting" on location of Barbra in concert. The footage is available of this funny bit in this YouTube clip.

To learn more about the Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

 

For updates, information and contests from Barbra Streisand Tribute Artist Joni Lambert, "like" our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsBarbra

Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20

Like This Barbra Strreisand Tribute Fan Page

As a performing artist I look for ways to let people know what I'm up to. Being a Barbra Streisand tribute artist/impersonator is an unusual way to make a living and people find it interesting and are curious about it. Starting a fan page on Facebook seemed like a good way to accomplish this. It also makes it easy for you to communicate with me and ask questions or make comments. I also will be having contests, such as "Pin it to Win it", starting very soon.

If you're at all interested in the zany doings of this "Barbra", please like my Facebook fan page by clicking here. Feel free to tell your friends, too!

To learn more about Joni Lambert's Barbra Streisand tribute show visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20
 

You Can Own One of Barbra's Outfits

In past posts I've told you about sales and auctions of items once owned by Barbra Streisand. Most of them were expensive items, such as costumes, that would realistically be out of the financial reach of the average fan. Today I have information on an auction for an outfit once owned and worn by Barbra that is affordable. Additionally, because this outfit isn't a costume or "blinged out", it could be worn by the average person without seeming over the top.

This two-piece lavender set is up for auction on eBay. Click here to check it out.

The auction is scheduled to end on January 26, 2014. Bidding will start at $39.95 - rather a bargain for someone wishing to own an outfit designed for and worn by Barbra.

For information on Streisand artist Joni Lambert or for booking information visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

UPDATE: This outfit sold for $39.95. Someone got a nice deal!

Shop for Barbra products at the Barbra Shop http://astore.amazon.com/barbstretrib-20

"Wig Lady" to the "Stars"

Janet Balla of Jrenee's Star Creations

Janet Balla of Jrenee's Star Creations is considered the go-to person for hair and wig designs for many tribute artists and celebrity impersonators. She got connected to the impersonator industry when several years ago she was contacted by a tribute artist who asked if she could create a wig resembling the hair of the character she portrayed. Utilizing her skill, artistry and years of experience as a hair and wig specialist, she delivered an impressive product. It wasn't long before word got out about "The Wig Lady", as she is affectionately known, in the tribute artist community. Greg and Jackie Thompson, organizers of the Sunburst Convention for tribute artists and impersonators saw the wig. Impressed by her work and seeing the asset she could be to the community, they extended an invitation to her to come to the convention. She has been a fixture there ever since.

I first connected with Janet on Facebook. Last year, when she read that I would be attending my very first Sunburst Convention she reached out to me, graciously offering to introduce me to people and help me find my way around. I was also very pleased to have her work on two wigs I use for my Barbra Streisand show. They looked like two completely different wigs when she was done and it took my costume to another level. I couldn't imagine buying a wig from any other vendor now and, in fact, I have already ordered an additional wig from her.

Balla has been a licensed cosmetologist for 35 years and started working with wigs 15 years ago. She spent part of her career working with Disney, doing wigs and make-up for their shows. She also provides hair and makeup services for weddings.

"I love what I do, whether it is creating looks for the tribute artists or doing hair and make-up for a bride", says Balla. "It's a very creative job and I get to meet so many wonderfully talented people."

To contact "The Wig Lady" visit. www.JRSTARCREATIONS.COM.  

For more information on Joni Lambert's Streisand tribute show visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Barbra Still Topping Charts

Photo from http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/barbra-streisand-back-to-brooklyn#slide=2

According to Columbia Records, Barbra Streisand's "Back To Brooklyn" concert DVD has hit number one on the Billboard Top DVD Music Videos chart.

After six decades in the entertainment industry, Streisand proves that she's still, "the greatest star", having topped the DVD charts five times now. Additionally, kudos to Barbra for having earned nine gold, six platinum and three multi-platinum DVDs.

While it's impressive enough to still be tops in her industry for sixty years, nobody will argue that she looks considerably younger than her 70 plus years of age.  Barbra fans everywhere are still buzzing on how amazing Barbra looks in the daring, red "Back To Brooklyn" gown. As a Streisand tribute artist I have many replicas of some of her famous costumes and may have to put this one on my wish list.

For more information about the Streisand Tribute Show, "My Name is Barbra" visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Sunburst Convention Brings Tribute Artists Together

Attendees for the Sunburst Convention 2013. Photo by Michael Cairns 

Toward the end of last year the world of tribute artists was buzzing with excitement as many of us prepared to attend the annual convention for celebrity impersonators known as Sunburst in Orlando, Florida. This year was my first time attending, so I've decided to dedicate a few blog posts to my experience at this event and about some of the wonderful people I met there.

One of the first things that struck me was the feeling of fraternity and sorority among tribute artists. Although I was there for the first time and had met no one prior, except for a few Facebook encounters, I felt immediately accepted. Folks were happy to share their experiences.

It was interesting to walk into a room filled with "celebrities". A person not knowing what the event really was would have been immediately star struck. Had they seen the performance showcases they would have been convinced that they somehow lucked out and wandered into a Hollywood Gala.

As a tribute artist himself often performing as Austin Powers, Sunburst organizer Greg Thompson knows how to best put the event together in a way that benefits the community. He arranges for booking agents and vendors to attend the event to meet and mingle with the performers - a win-win for everyone.

While the convention is only for a few days and I went in knowing nobody, I left feeling that I'd connected with a new group of friends that I expect to be part of my life for many years to come.

(Note: the next few blog posts will discuss some of the people I met at Sunburst.)

For more information about the Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra" visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Interesting Barbra Streisand Auction Results

One of the many items auctioned by Julie's Auction House in 2004
http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2004/Streisand/catalog/catalogsale1.html

In 2004 Julie's Auction House, a company known for auctions of property having once belonged to celebrities, held a large auction of items once owned by Barbra Streisand. These items included famous costumes, wigs, and props from shows and movies. It also featured many personal items once owned by Streisand. To check it out and see what some of your favorite Barbra costumes and items went for visit http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2004/Streisand/catalog/catalogsale1.html.

To learn more about the Barbra Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra" or to get booking information visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Barbra and Samantha

Photo from http://www.yeepet.com/blogs/Barbra-Streisand%2527s-Dog-2169

Famous for her love of animals, Barbra Streisand once answered a fan's question of what she'd have named a girl if she'd had one by saying, "I have a girl and her name is Samantha". 

Samantha, or Sammie, as Streisand affectionately calls her, is a celebrity in her own right. She was even once featured in a story with her famous mommy on the Celebrity Dog Watcher blog. There are mixed reports of Sammie's breed, some saying she is a Bichon Frisé, others calling her a Coton De Tulear.

Whatever the breed, Samantha isn't the first little, white, adorable canine child Barbra has had.  Samantha's predecessor was a male named Sammy. When Sammy died, Barbra dedicated the song, "Smile" to him on stage, while also holding Samantha, who was a new addition to her family at that time in 2006.  Streisand was pictured on the cover of her album, "Songbird" with one of her little darlings.

Clearly, any pup adopted by Barbra Streisand is a lucky dog.

For more information about the Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Streisand Impersonator Pays Tribute to Donna Summer

Streisand and Summer image from Advocate.com

Music legend Donna Summer passed away in 2012 after a battle with lung cancer. I remember hearing the news on the television and simply looking on in shock. While I hadn't seen her in many years, my mind instantly flashed back to that time in a small church in New England.

I was part of the worship band and our tradition after finishing the music set was to go to the back row of the church and sit together for the sermon. Shortly after the preacher started the sound man nudged me whispering, "Hey, isn't that lady over there Donna Summer?" 

I looked and whispered that I couldn't see her face. I tapped the guitarist sitting on my other side and asked him, being sure to maintain my hushed tone while the pastor preached. He saw a resemblance, but wasn't sure. He gently nudged the drummer on his other side and asked if he could tell.

The dear, young percussionist took a look and forgetting himself exclaimed for all around to hear, "That ain't no Donna Summer!" 

Much to our embarrassment, we watched as the woman turned her head toward us, looked straight at us, and smiled a big, unmistakable smile. She was, in fact, Donna Summer. Most of us tried to hide our faces discreetly, but were well aware of the fact that we'd all just moments earlier been playing at the front of the church for her to clearly see.

Donna never held the incident against us. In fact, she seemed slightly amused. While she and I never became what I'd call close friends, she was always gracious and encouraging to me as a musician. This was many years before I began my career as a Barbra Streisand tribute artist and I was young and green as a musician. Even so, I had the pleasure of being one of her backup singers a few times at Christian functions in the region.

One day she was looking for me and couldn't remember my name. As she fumbled to ask my whereabouts she came out with, "Where's that...that...little white girl?"

Barbra Streisand released a statement when Donna died saying, "I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. It's so sad."

More recently in concert Streisand sang a short version of "Enough is Enough (No More Tears)", saying that she wished Donna was here to sing it with her. I now use that in my Streisand tribute show. For me, it's not just paying tribute to Barbra, but to our mutual friend, Donna.

For more information on Joni Lambert's Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra" visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra's Brick-A-Brack

Perhaps I spend too much time on eBay these days, but the ceramic containers pictured above have an honored distinction. They were once owned by Barbra Streisand. The bidding on this auction starts at $1,750 with no bids as of this writing. The auction ends on January17, 2014. If you'd like to make this Barbra brick-a-brac your own you can visit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Barbra-Streisand-Ceramic-Canister-Set-/161192956936?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2587d95408

For more information on Joni Lambert's Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com.

Again? More Barbra Clothes on eBay!

A pair of shoes touted as having belonged to Barbra Streisand are being sold on eBay for a buy it now price of $1,395.00.  The heading reads, "Barbra Streisand 's Authentic Heels, Celebrity". The offering will end on February 2, 2014, so anyone interested in making Babs shoes their own should visit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Barbra-Streisand-s-Authentic-Heels-Celebrity-/281238654081?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417b214c81

 

For information on Barbra Streisand Tribute Artist Joni Lambert and her show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra Clothes on eBay?

Image from http://natedsanders.com/ItemImages/000022/42299i_lg.jpeg

I didn't actually expect to find anything, but one day not long ago I was on eBay and decided to do a search for clothes worn by Barbra Streisand. I was shocked to find that the famous leotard (pictured above) was for sale on auction. The seller was asking for $10,000 as an opening bid. There were no bids for this item. As much as I would have loved to have it, that's a bit too much for me to spend on one outfit.

 

For information on Joni Lambert's Barbra Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra's Friend Donna

Streisand Tribute Artist Joni Lambert
models a Barbra costume imitating
the famous Donna Karan gown.

It's no secret that Barbra Streisand has been a fan of designer Donna Karan's work for many years. Their relationship goes beyond that of client/vendor. The two reportedly have developed a deep and lasting friendship.

On Donna Karan's website she has a page devoted to her relationship with Streisand, specifically highlighting her charitable work raising money to support research for women's heart diseases.

Karan recalled her first encounter with Streisand during an interview published on The Huffington Post, "I was at Studio 54 smoking a cigarette, and my sweater went up in flames," After learning that the sweater was flammable, Streisand ordered one. "I was like, I can see it now: Barbra Streisand burns down."

The friendship built from there with Karan eventually designing Streisand's wedding dress for her marriage to James Brolin.

Personally, I'm glad for the friendship between these two icons. Since f I have to dress like Barbra for my Streisand tribute show, donning Donna Karan's style makes it even more of a pleasure!

For more information on Joni Lambert's Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", please visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra Rumors Never Stop

Image from Morguefile.com/typexnick

During a concert Barbra once addressed all the nasty things said about her in the press. She referred to a story that detailed how she walked into a room of musicians and in a fit of uncontrolled anger fired everyone on the left. She went on to point out that anyone who knows her would realize this couldn't be true because she would certainly have fired everyone on the right.

In my role as a Barbra Streisand Tribute Artist I am often asked if it's true that Barbra and her husband, actor James Brolin, are getting a divorce. While I'm not privy to the couple's personal life, I can tell you that I don't believe it's true. Just this past November the Washington Post reported that the couple was seen spending a romantic weekend together visiting museums.

I don't know why people embrace negative gossip so easily. I prefer the approach of assuming the best unless proven false.

For more information on Joni Lambert's Barbra Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra", visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

Barbra is a Doll - Really!

The Barbra Streisand Barbie Doll

Many Streisand fans are familiar with the Barbra Streisand Barbie doll. It's a fun piece of memorabilia taking us back to the wonderful time Barbra was on the Judy Garland show. One of my favorite Streisand moments is her singing the "Happy Days are Here Again"/"Get Happy" duet with Judy. 

 

This doll is available from a number of online retailers. I was blessed enough to get one on Amazon.com for $26 - an unheard of bargain! As a Streisand tribute artist I has a bit of extra fun with this collectible. During a recent photo shoot wearing the same outfit I had this picture taken - Barbra holding the Barbra doll. Am I easily amused? Perhaps, but it did tickle my funny bone.

 

Visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com

"Being" Barbra

I recently had a booking agent friend of mine venting about another tribute artist. Exasperated with how difficult he was to work with, she said it seemed he thought he really was the celebrity he impersonates. Let me say up front, I know that I'm not really Barbra Streisand - at least most of the time.

When I'm on stage performing my Streisand tribute show, "My Name is Barbra",  it's as if a transformation has taken place. The fact that there's a natural resemblance in appearance and sound between Barbra and myself is helpful, of course. Something magical happens when I put that costume on. Being in front of an audience wearing a gown designed to exactly resemble one worn by Barbra, then hearing the music start creates a wonderful atmosphere of joy and excitement.

The sad fact is most people will never have the pleasure of seeing Barbra Streisand in concert live. As a Barbra Tribute Artist, my goal is to bring the audience as close to having that special experience as I possibly can. 

I share a love for Streisand with my audience. I often feel that bond during a performance.

To learn more visit www.MyNameIsBarbra.com