Barbra Tribute Artist Shows Her Streisand Costumes

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"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.

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.