The return of live music to Richmond in the post-pandemic era brings us the return of New Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia, who’ll take Richmond’s Pride Month celebration to the next level this Friday at Richmond Music Hall at Capital Ale House.

Just in time to kick it up a notch for Pride Month, Big Freedia is bringing her famous New Orleans bounce to town this Friday at the Richmond Music Hall at downtown Capital Ale House. Broadberry Entertainment is back and getting shows rolling in town, and they’re starting things off right with a return by Richmond fave Big Freedia. We could not be more stoked to twerk it out with friends for her always bumpin’ party.

Big Freedia (pronounced “FREE-da”), known as the Queen of Bounce, is at the forefront of the Bounce rap movement (a subgenre of hip-hop born out of New Orleans and known for its call and response style and lightning-speed booty-shaking dance). Performing five out of seven nights in any given week with dancers she calls The Divas, Big Freedia’s show is nothing short of dazzling. She tours every city in America from New York to San Francisco and is always a favorite at festivals such as Electric Forest, Hangout Fest, FunFunFun Fest, SXSW, and Bonnaroo, among many others. Gay and proud, Big Freedia asserts that her (Freedia identifies as a gay man but uses the feminine pronoun for her stage persona) sexuality has little to do with her music. “All types of people — gay, straight, rich, poor, black, white — come to my shows. People just wanna get out and shake their azzzz and have a good time!”

We were able to catch Big Freedia and have a quick conversation between stops on her hectic travel schedule. We leaarned a few things, and even got a sweet recipe to share with all of you. Check it out.

How did the Queen Diva Big Freedia get through COVID, and how did it affect your life and plans? 

BF: Like everyone, it was a very scary time. I was just about to go on a tour with Kesha, but that was postponed. I kept the party going though; I started a cooking show. Big Freedia’s Garden Cookout and Big Freedia’s Gospel Brunch. It was a blast! 

It’s Pride month and we are excited to have you here in Richmond to celebrate it and bounce it out. So on that note, what does Pride mean to you?

BF: Pride is a time to celebrate loudly, and that’s how I do it! 

You’ve been involved in the music industry quite a while now, and during that timeframe trans visibility and the movement for trans rights have made some real advances. Is the music industry keeping up with the progress of the movement? Is it easier to navigate now than when you were first participating in the industry as a trans person? In what ways does it still need to improve?

BF: Actually, I am not trans, I’m a gay man. But I am an ally! I think we’ve come really far of course, but there is still a lot of discrimination and violence (towards trans women of color in particular) that must be addressed. 

I was checking out your cookout streams, with your Garden Cookout and then Big Freedia’s Kitchen. Looks like you’re really into cooking, and make some amazing New Orleans originals. Tell me about the show and what you love about cooking. What’s your favorite recipe and where can we find yours?

BF: I learned how to cook from my Mom. She was always in the kitchen cookin’ up something for me and my brother and sister. My favorite is my Booty Poppin’ Potatoes. 

Tell us what makes this tour different than your other tours, and what can people look forward to seeing?  

BF: I think since we’ve all been quarantined for so long, there’s going to be an energy and release with these shows unlike any other! 

What new music collaborations or projects are on the horizon for Big Freedia?   

BF: I am on Lady Gaga’s new Born This Way Tenth Anniversary album. I covered “Judas.” I have my new EP coming out in July too — Big Diva Energy. The first single off the EP is called “Betty Bussit.” 

See Big Freedia’s Tour this Friday at 7pm at the Richmond Music Hall at Capital Ale House. Tickets are available HERE.